Gits and Drew getting ready to face the Boks...by playing 3rd div subbies.

[Rob42]

Any one see the piece about this in the telegraph. Don't ask why i was reading it...

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...prentice-plumber/story-e6frey4i-1225904090669

Like fp said, as long as they don't get injured, its just bringing publicity to Aus rugby, which is a good thing. And i don't think gits has ever actually played for Randwick... Although he is 'aligned' with them.

This article is exactly the sort of publicity rugby needs, especially whilst the Wallabies are in yet another mid-season break. Three-quarters of a page, inside back of the Tele, woking man goes up against sporting hero? Gold.

 

[mark_s]

Injuries can happen anywhere anytime, its que sera sera. I reckon its great they are having a hit out in subbies and suspect it will only be half a game each for them. I am sure they will love playing in a more relaxed and fun atmosphere and it will be beers allround after the game.

 

[Jets]

It's getting a fair bit of press so I guess that is a good thing.

I wouldn't be happy if I was playing in a team all year and we had a shot at playing finals and the other team has 2 Wallabies run out for them. The reason guys play 3rd div subbies is to play against other guys at that level, not to play against full time pro players. And how about the 2 guys who miss out on playing this weekend.
If you want to play subbies rugby that is great but don't chop and change clubs at will. They should play all their club rugby for Balmain or all for Randwick not a combination of both.

 

[DPK]

Injuries can happen anywhere anytime, its que sera sera. I reckon its great they are having a hit out in subbies and suspect it will only be half a game each for them. I am sure they will love playing in a more relaxed and fun atmosphere and it will be beers allround after the game.

Just make sure their brothers aren't playing (Digby).

 

[Camo]

yeah, and Norths play Randwick this weekend. Randwick - you know, Mitchell's and Giteau's actual club? Not their 'sponsor commitment'.

If they were playing for Randwick, as they should be, Gilbert and Blanco would have the chance to shape up against them.

From what i know, Mitchell is officially a Balmain Player and was only 'on loan' to Randwick for a few games this season as a act of good will.

Giteau is alligned to ACT Rugby and no Sydney club whatsoever so he can play for who he wishes. (and that happens to be Balmain)

It has as much to do with Randwick as the price of fish.

I think it's fantastic, look at the publicity it's causing in the papers and imagine the thrill involved for all players, in the future this is what is going to be talked about, for many of the 28 other players on the field it will be the highlight of there rugby days, not the scoreboard or who made semis. Good on em !

 

[Eyes and Ears]

From what i know, Mitchell is officially a Balmain Player and was only 'on loan' to Randwick for a few games this season as a act of good will.

Giteau is alligned to ACT Rugby and no Sydney club whatsoever so he can play for who he wishes. (and that happens to be Balmain)

It has as much to do with Randwick as the price of fish.

I think it's fantastic, look at the publicity it's causing in the papers and imagine the thrill involved for all players, in the future this is what is going to be talked about, for many of the 28 other players on the field it will be the highlight of there rugby days, not the scoreboard or who made semis. Good on em !

Spot on re Mitchell. His club is Balmain and he is on loan to Randwick.

Giteau probably hasn't played club rugby anywhere in some time. In fact, he was going to play for Easts in Sydney if the schedule allowed it but unfortunately with the wet weather around June, it did not happen.

 

[barbarian]

From what i know, Mitchell is officially a Balmain Player and was only 'on loan' to Randwick for a few games this season as a act of good will.

Giteau is alligned to ACT Rugby and no Sydney club whatsoever so he can play for who he wishes. (and that happens to be Balmain)

Don't you see the stupidity in that situation though? How can the ARU allow a national rep player to be contracted to a Subbies club at the expense of a premiership side. Its madness, not to mention Gits just going there for a laugh as well.

I love the idea of Wallabies playing subbies just as much as the next guy but there are a few issues here that need to be addressed. If the ARU are so keen to pump up the Shute Shield then why allow a Wallaby to be contracted to a park team?

 

[Grandmaster Flash]

Spot on re Mitchell. His club is Balmain and he is on loan to Randwick.

Giteau probably hasn't played club rugby anywhere in some time. In fact, he was going to play for Easts in Sydney if the schedule allowed it but unfortunately with the wet weather around June, it did not happen.

Apparently Gits hasn't played club rugby since 2006.

 

[Brumbies Guy]

Don't you see the stupidity in that situation though? How can the ARU allow a national rep player to be contracted to a Subbies club at the expense of a premiership side. Its madness, not to mention Gits just going there for a laugh as well.

I love the idea of Wallabies playing subbies just as much as the next guy but there are a few issues here that need to be addressed. If the ARU are so keen to pump up the Shute Shield then why allow a Wallaby to be contracted to a park team?

The Fainga'a's and Cooper played for Brothers a few weeks ago and no one kicked up a fuss, why should Wallabies being playing in the Shute Shield exclusively?

Mitchell and Giteau are doing this as a grass roots initiative and an alternative to the fitness and skills programs the rest of the Wallabies are on during the break. As the article says, Mitchell often runs the water for his Balmain club which he is obviously passionate for their success as a club. And how many of users here were calling for Giteau just a few weeks ago to go back to club footy to get back into the groove of things. Now that he finally is, everyone turns on him, he cant win.

I heard O'Connor went and had a kick around with one of the local touch footy teams last week too, did you want him to go and play in Shute Shield instead too?

 

[Henry]

It has as much to do with Randwick as the price of fish.

Gold.

The two guys being replaced aren't going to feel bad. I play a for a first div colts side and would love to be replaced by someone like O'Connor etc. Would be awesome just playing with them at training even.

 

[Brumbies Guy]

Apparently Gits hasn't played club rugby since 2006.

Played for Queanbeyan a few years ago, 2008 maybe. Famously dislocated his thumb.

 

[H...]

Yeah I think it's pretty cool. It's not like they're skipping Currie Cup duties to do it, the Shute Shield is a borderline 4th tier comp anyway.

As for doing it in lieu of training, I don't think there's anything Giteau could be doing that will improve his performance in South Africa at this stage that he hasn't already done.

Gotta say though, if it were me lining up opposite them I'd much prefer it be Giteau and Mitchell than Rocokoko and Nonu.

 

[Scotty]

Mitchell and Giteau are doing this as a grass roots initiative and an alternative to the fitness and skills programs the rest of the Wallabies are on during the break. As the article says, Mitchell often runs the water for his Balmain club which he is obviously passionate for their success as a club. And how many of users here were calling for Giteau just a few weeks ago to go back to club footy to get back into the groove of things. Now that he finally is, everyone turns on him, he cant win

Surely you don't see him getting back in the groove by playing 3rd div?

The issue for me is a money one. If they are doing it because of some financial deal with balmain's sponsor, then it isnt as much the good will story that it is being made out to be.

 

[Scotty]

Yeah I think it's pretty cool. It's not like they're skipping Currie Cup duties to do it, the Shute Shield is a borderline 4th tier comp anyway.

As for doing it in lieu of training, I don't think there's anything Giteau could be doing that will improve his performance in South Africa at this stage that he hasn't already done.

Gotta say though, if it were me lining up opposite them I'd much prefer it be Giteau and Mitchell than Rocokoko and Nonu.

And I'd much prefer all of those 4 than having to go up against Brad Thorn or Wycliff Palu.

 

[barbarian]

The Fainga'a's and Cooper played for Brothers a few weeks ago and no one kicked up a fuss, why should Wallabies being playing in the Shute Shield exclusively?

Mitchell and Giteau are doing this as a grass roots initiative and an alternative to the fitness and skills programs the rest of the Wallabies are on during the break. As the article says, Mitchell often runs the water for his Balmain club which he is obviously passionate for their success as a club. And how many of users here were calling for Giteau just a few weeks ago to go back to club footy to get back into the groove of things. Now that he finally is, everyone turns on him, he cant win.

I don't mind the grassroots initiative at all, just think it needs to be treated as a novel one-off rather than a serious training move. If they did it again next week I would be getting concerned. And you can't compare it with Brothers, thats a top tier club. Eastwood is to Balmain what Manchester United is to Grimsby Town. The standard is by no means terrible but is still a fair way from 1st grade.

 

[H...]

And I'd much prefer all of those 4 than having to go up against Brad Thorn or Wycliff Palu.

I was using the equivalent guys, but yeah.

 

[Brumbies Guy]

Surely you don't see him getting back in the groove by playing 3rd div?

The issue for me is a money one. If they are doing it because of some financial deal with balmain's sponsor, then it isnt as much the good will story that it is being made out to be.

Maybe not, but how often would he have the opportunity to play in a less intense and pressure enviroment to work on things in a game situation? Even Wallabies semi opposed training would be ten fold.

 

[Brumbies Guy]

I don't mind the grassroots initiative at all, just think it needs to be treated as a novel one-off rather than a serious training move. If they did it again next week I would be getting concerned. And you can't compare it with Brothers, thats a top tier club. Eastwood is to Balmain what Grimsby Town is to Manchester United. The standard is by no means terrible but is still a fair way from 1st grade.

I was comparing Brothers to the Shute Shield quality you seem to beleive to be the be all and end all of Australian rugby

 

[Ruggo]

Surely you don't see him getting back in the groove by playing 3rd div?

The issue for me is a money one. If they are doing it because of some financial deal with balmain's sponsor, then it isnt as much the good will story that it is being made out to be.

I don't agree Scotty. That is exactly where he should go to get into the groove. Participate in all the things that keep this gass roots level alive. Put his hand up to sell the meat trays down the local pub, lend a hand at junior training, get down down there early on game day and cheer your boys on in the lower grades before your game. It won't take long for him to feel the true spirit of rugby again. His form will follow.

 

[Ruggo]

I don't mind the grassroots initiative at all, just think it needs to be treated as a novel one-off rather than a serious training move. If they did it again next week I would be getting concerned. And you can't compare it with Brothers, thats a top tier club. Eastwood is to Balmain what Grimsby Town is to Manchester United. The standard is by no means terrible but is still a fair way from 1st grade.

I agree with that Barbarian. It has to be promotional but I think it can also be a big help to Gitau. Not in a elete rugby sense but it will give his attitute a kick up the bumb to reconnect with grass roots rugby. There can be some real positives out of this for the game as a whole.