waiopehu oldboy
George Smith (75)
^ I can't recall seeing "defect" used before re: a player taking up an o/s contract so, yeah, it's more News shit pure & simple.
Aussie Player Exodus
- Thread starter swingpass
- Start date
Slim 293
Stirling Mortlock (74)
upthereds#!
Peter Johnson (47)
All of these 3 departures have nothing to do with the financial woes.
Ridiculous.
Ridiculous.
Quick Hands
David Wilson (68)
Players such as the three mentioned have been taking contracts at French and British clubs for many years. For some it's a chance to earn good money towards the end of a career, for others it's done because they are having trouble breaking into the extended Wallabies squad and go for the money or the lifestyle or to gain experience at NH rugby or a combination of all of these. It's a professional game, nothing to see here.
I also think it's quite likely that we'll see a greater number in the next couple of years as the amount of money available in Australia declines.
I also think it's quite likely that we'll see a greater number in the next couple of years as the amount of money available in Australia declines.
The time to be concerned will be when someone who would be in the top 10 "most wanted" for RA in terms of contracting priority takes an overseas contract.
upthereds#!
Peter Johnson (47)
Who would you say is in the RA top 10 most wanted? It would be tough balancing locking in future stars with current and necessary talent. I;d say an crosscut of positions aswell
Micheal
Nicholas Shehadie (39)
At this stage?
1 Ala'alatoa
2 Hooper
3 Rodda
4 Sio
5 Tupou
6 Slipper
7 LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto)
8 DHP
9 To'omua
10 White
Quick Hands
David Wilson (68)
I think it's more likely than not that more than one in the top ten will take an overseas contract as the money in Australia dries up. In fact it's more likely to be most of the top 30.
I'll ignore Michael Hooper, Allan Ala'alatoa, Taniela Tupou Izack Rodda, Scott Sio, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Jordan Petaia who have already signed long term contracts through to the 2023 RWC (or 2022 in the case of Sio, LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) and Petaia).
I would say players like Harry Wilson, Liam Wright, Rob Valetini, Isi Naisarani, Folau Fainga'a, Angus Bell, Isaac Lucas, Noah Lolesio, Will Harrison.
Certainly the situation is much better given that a number of longer term contracts have already been locked in. Of course the current situation could throw those into jeopardy but if those contracts have to be renegotiated because there's no money then things will fall apart regardless.
I would certainly say there are alarm bells ringing if any of that first lot are released from their contract to seek other opportunities.
When I posted I certainly hadn't considered just how many of our key players are already signed up.
Quick Hands
David Wilson (68)
Wasn't it a part of the COVID19 wages agreement that all contracted players have the option to supplement their income in either Europe/UK or Japan?
I might have misunderstood, but that's my recollection of the agreement.
I think it was only a few right at the top who have that option.
I don't see that as an issue if one of these players takes a short term contract overseas but stays on their longer RA contract in keeping with that.
Derpus
Nathan Sharpe (72)
Kerevi and Anrold yes, McMahon maybe, Coleman a strong no.
KOB1987
John Eales (66)
6 players. My guess would be AAA, Hooper, Sio, Kuridrani, To'omua and DHP. Players who they don't want to lose but can understand them chasing some dollars in the off season at this stage of their careers.
I am pretty sure Beale was on the list as one of the highest paid which is moot because this will be his last season on an Australian contract.