I disagree with these comments on Kurtley and JOC (James O'Connor). First of all, there seems little evidence of a drinking culture in melbourne, rather, as mentioned there seems to be a drinking culture in danny cipriani. The Melbourne drinking culture seems to be fabricated by that numbskull growden. The majority of the press on the rebels off the field last year was positive. Only with Cipriani did it turn into drinking. Melbourne isn't/wasn't the problem, Cipriani was and is. JOC (James O'Connor) and Kurtley will be affected by his bad influence if they let themselves. It will have nothing to do with them being in melbourne and at the rebels. if they are that way inclined, then they could be playing club rugby in wagga and the issue would present itself. They have both had a few off field issues in the past, but I think both are growing beyond it and recognize that it isn't the path for them. I think we'll continue to see danny pushed out of the group in the rebels and the more mature players (in attitude not necessarily age) shun his immature ways. I will not be surprised if we see him completely on the outer edge of the group this year coming up, ultimately ending up with him leaving early. Personally, I would be happy with that. I think he is a negative force within the organisation and on top of that, one nice try and one good kick aside, I don't rate him as a player.
Point being I don't see Kurtley heading down a dangerous slope. He's carrying a niggle....doesn't mean he's a boozehound and a player with Cipriani.
no one would be talking about JOC (James O'Connor) having problems if he hadn't missed that team announcement. he's done nothing else to suggest he's a wild one. a mistake was made and I am quite confident horwill laid into him. if he screws up again, I have no doubt the likes of delve, mortlock, saffy etc will pull his head in. Having stirlo tell you you're a disgrace and immature should be enough for anyone to correct their ways....unless you're cipriani...then your problems run deeper.
