T
TOCC
Guest
I think a superstar marquee player is a waste of time but there are plenty of decent players who could add value to a franchise and not cost a ridiculous amount. Off the top of my head I'd say...a player like Samoa's No8 Treviranus (to replace Higgers) would be a great buy for the Reds
At what cost though? By signing someone like Treviranus you utilise funds and playing time which could be directed towards someone like Shatz or Quirk, you also risk forcing younger players to other provinces by reducing their chance to play.
In my opinion, the only time a marquee player should be used either in the context of the Rebels initial entry into the competition, or filling a position where there is no local alternative that could suitably fill the role.
I think the Force obviously had to chase a marquee 5/8 to fill that void as there were no suitable alternatives available at the time, however the only issue there was that RugbyWA then proceeded to neglect the position, by not capitalizing on the chance to have a experienced(marquee) player tutor a younger(local) player.
Similar when the Reds signed Braid, at the time there was a shortage of open sides in the country, he filled that role and whilst i cant specifically remember any player he may have tutored, he was suitably replaced with Beau Robinson in the following year.