Australian Rugby / RA

Derpus · Jul 21, 2020

KOB1987 said:
That’s a good point, but I suspect it’s a sign that RAs financial fortunes are about to change..

You know something we don't?

Up the Guts · Jul 21, 2020

Rebels3 said:
There is a few players running around in contract from the future fund that is set up with money from silent investors. It’s there to ward off NRL because the clubs can’t even get in the ball park for remuneration. I have a feeling Harrison was the first recipient of it and Pasitoa is currently also on a deal with it.

Will Harris could also be on a deal like that, he was linked very heavily with League.

Braveheart81 · Jul 21, 2020

KOB1987 said:
McLennan’s employer is ex Kings.

Could you explain what you mean here.

KOB1987 · Jul 21, 2020

Derpus said:
You know something we don't?

No I worded that badly. ‘Financial landscape’ would have been better wording. I’m referring to third party sponsorship becoming more prevalent, and probably outside equity for teams and/or competitions. Keep our players and crank up the perception of the sport and the broadcast dollars will follow.

KOB1987 · Jul 21, 2020

Braveheart81 said:
Could you explain what you mean here.

Hamish Douglas, founder of Magellan, one of the businesses McLennan is the chair of.

Rugbynutter39 · Jul 21, 2020

KOB1987 said:
No I worded that badly. ‘Financial landscape’ would have been better wording. I’m referring to third party sponsorship becoming more prevalent, and probably outside equity for teams and/or competitions. Keep our players and crank up the perception of the sport and the broadcast dollars will follow.

Given contract freeze on something must have changed behind the scenes for this signing to happen - especially with no broadcast deal officially signed. If this signing is correct it definitely must mean something happening behind the scenes.

Derpus · Jul 21, 2020

Rugbynutter39 said:
Given contract freeze on something must have changed behind the scenes for this signing to happen - especially with no broadcast deal officially signed. If this signing is correct it definitely must mean something happening behind the scenes.

You'd hope, at least. Otherwise this does seem a bit foolish.

Rebels3 · Jul 21, 2020

Rugbynutter39 said:
Given contract freeze on something must have changed behind the scenes for this signing to happen - especially with no broadcast deal officially signed. If this signing is correct it definitely must mean something happening behind the scenes.

There must be some backing from somewhere. Even the resolve to keep 5 teams. NZ gave the perfect out to chop liabilities in the form of a team or potentially 2.

Brumby Runner · Jul 21, 2020

I sincerely hope that there is private money involved or that a better broadcasting deal is in wind. Otherwise there could soon be quite a few more Roddas looking overseas.

Up the Guts · Jul 21, 2020

RA saying no deal yet:

https://www.rugby.com.au/news/2020/07/21/joseph-Sua'ali'i-contract-rugby

Derpus · Jul 21, 2020

Brumby Runner said:
I sincerely hope that there is private money involved or that a better broadcasting deal is in wind. Otherwise there could soon be quite a few more Roddas looking overseas.

My feelings exactly. I'd rather keep a couple of good locks than sign a teenage fullback.

rugboy · Jul 21, 2020

For those suggesting he could play for the Tahs this year, I think you are being unrealistic. While I admit the kid could be something, he wasn't dominant as a 16 year old last year for the Schoolboys. To step up to Open age Super Rugby would not be fair on the kid or anyone else. A number of our impressive 20s players have yet to make their mark at this level.

qwerty51 · Jul 21, 2020

It’s not that unheard of, JOC (James O'Connor) and Petaia debuted at 17 didn’t they? He’s also 196cm 97kgs.

Up the Guts · Jul 21, 2020

qwerty51 said:
It’s not that unheard of, JOC (James O'Connor) and Persia debuted at 17 didn’t they? He’s also 196cm 97kgs.

O'Conner debuted for the Wallabies at 18. Certainly not unheard of. The money is though.

brokendown · Jul 21, 2020

alleged money!

Shaker · Jul 21, 2020

God thats alot of money to throw at a 16 year old with no guarantee he's going to be a world beater. Especially now when RA are fairly skint as it is. Be interesting to see how all the current players that have taken pay cuts will feel about this news.

Derpus · Jul 21, 2020

Shaker said:
God thats alot of money to throw at a 16 year old with no guarantee he's going to be a world beater. Especially now when RA are fairly skint as it is. Be interesting to see how all the current players that have taken pay cuts will feel about this news.

You mean all of them?

rugboy · Jul 21, 2020

Derpus said:
You mean all of them?

And the fallout from the rest of the players has apparently begun

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...r/news-story/d6d842d60ecfb002b98343716731e663

Rugbynutter39 · Jul 21, 2020

Wonder if league leaking this to kill any chance of rugby signing the kid...assume more agent bidding up the contract value but gees this stuff murky. I think we are back to nil or low chance of signing the kid...pity...next...

Up the Guts · Jul 21, 2020

rugboy said:
And the fallout from the rest of the players has apparently begun

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...r/news-story/d6d842d60ecfb002b98343716731e663

Paywalled.

Australian Rugby / RA

Nathan Sharpe (72)

Steve Williams (59)

Will Genia (78)

John Eales (66)

John Eales (66)

Michael Lynagh (62)

Nathan Sharpe (72)

Jim Lenehan (48)

Jason Little (69)

Steve Williams (59)

Nathan Sharpe (72)

Jim Clark (26)

Stirling Mortlock (74)

Steve Williams (59)

Bill McLean (32)

Ron Walden (29)

Nathan Sharpe (72)

Jim Clark (26)

Michael Lynagh (62)

Steve Williams (59)