Do you take all the reports in the media as fact? He never came out and said this so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. I doubt Thorn would promote him to captain if that was actually the case.
Rodda, Hockings and Lucas walked out on their team mates who were in the exact same situation as them. They chose themselves over the team. I'd love for all three to return to Australia to play and to pull on the Wallaby jersey if they deserve to but I don't think the Reds is the best fit.
This is where things get interesting. Rugby is a business, I wish it was just a sport where it was purely played for fun, but the reality is that the players are employees of a business with skills that can be used at other businesses.
I dont have an issue with an employee of any other business leaving for better conditions, or at least trying to do so. It would be hypocritical of me to have an issue with rugby players doing the same.
I hate what happened, but recognise that the players have a limited earning capacity due to lifespan of their careers and the possibility of being forced to retire at a young age due to injury.
I have no issue with any of the three coming back and would welcome them.
I did have issues with players like JOC (James O'Connor) who has done things to the detriment of the games reputation, players who get in fights at pubs, players who get charged for assault/obstruct police etc being allowed to play and have their past forgiven immediately even though their stupid decisions.