Rocky Elsom

[Lee Grant]

It makes one wonder why he was picked by Wallaby coaches so often.

 

[Biffo]

It makes one wonder why he was picked by Wallaby coaches so often.

and why he features so highly in players' polls

 

[Lee Grant]

Just a coincidence perhaps - or could it be merit?

 

[fatprop]

Blow for Tahs as Elsom leans towards juicy Irish offer

Greg Growden Chief Rugby Correspondent and Rupert Guinness | March 28, 2009

ROCKY ELSOM's future with the Waratahs and Wallabies is again clouded with the Test back-rower set to re-sign with the Irish province Leinster.

Leinster have made it clear they want to hold on to Elsom and, with their talented Argentinian back Felipe Contepomi due to head to Toulon, are understood to have recently increased their offer to the tireless international breakaway. It will be difficult for Elsom, who has played 40 Tests since 2005, to resist the lucrative offer, especially with Leinster eager not to lose another marquee player.

Elsom joined Leinster last September on a one-year deal, believed to be worth about ?400,000 ($775,000). This came after the ARU granted him an early release from his contract on "compassionate grounds" to join the Magners League champions.

ARU chief executive John O'Neill said at the time that he hoped to have Elsom "back in Australia" by the middle of this year. By not giving him an early release, the ARU was concerned that Elsom could have been lost to Australian rugby permanently.

Elsom is eager to continue playing with the Wallabies, and Leinster's coach, Michael Cheika - a former Randwick player who was last season linked to the Waratahs head coaching position - is sympathetic to his player's wish. There is a strong possibility that Elsom will be available for Australia's matches in June and July, and during the Wallabies end of season tour of Europe, when it does not clash with Leinster's fixtures.

It is known that the ARU wants Elsom to be available for coming Wallabies matches, even if the blindside breakaway position appears adequately covered by Hugh McMeniman and Dean Mumm. Queensland's Scott Higginbotham is also emerging as a strong Test No.6 candidate.

However Elsom's days with the Waratahs appear to be over. Although there was some belief that he would return to NSW, remaining at Leinster would end that option because of the obvious playing schedule clash.

Waratahs coach Chris Hickey said before the match against the Blues last night that he was uncertain of Elsom's situation.

"My understanding is that Rocky still wants to come back and play in Australia, and I'm still waiting to speak to him," Hickey said. "We've been missing each other's phone calls."

When Elsom left, NSWRU chief executive Jim L'Estrange said he hoped that the player who was part of last year's Super 14 final line-up would return to the Waratah colours soon. That now seems highly unlikely.

It is also known that cashed-up European clubs are looking at other Waratahs, with at least one member of last night's NSW starting line-up recently approached to head north at the end of this season.

The Waratahs are in the difficult situation of having many of their players off contract following the Super 14 season, and it appears inevitable that they will lose several well-known performers.

 

[Scarfman]

Re-reading this thread, you'd have to add Higginbatty to the list of Elsom's replacements.

He's still good, though.

 

[Lindommer]

Higginbum's emergence is one of the good news stories of Oz rugby this year. Our stocks at 6 have gone from pining over Rocky's departure to admiring Mumm's athleticism while checking MMM's medical chart for the progress of his latest recovery. If these three stay fit the Wobblies will be well served. I have a sneaking feeling Higginclacker's a Deans style of player and wouldn't be surprised if he gets a gold jumper this year. But it'd be nice to see Rocky back at the Tahs next year.

 

[Spook]

Elsom should not be anywhere near the Wallabies unless he plays for an Aussie province during the same year.

 

[naza]

Higginbum's emergence is one of the good news stories of Oz rugby this year. Our stocks at 6 have gone from pining over Rocky's departure to admiring Mumm's athleticism while checking MMM's medical chart for the progress of his latest recovery. If these three stay fit the Wobblies will be well served. I have a sneaking feeling Higginclacker's a Deans style of player and wouldn't be surprised if he gets a gold jumper this year. But it'd be nice to see Rocky back at the Tahs next year.

The Tahs have missed Rocky only in terms of depth and being able to rest and rotate players.

Higginbotham is the orthodox 6 we've been waiting for. Mumm is world class. We're laughing.

 

[disco]

Higginbotham is the orthodox 6 we've been waiting for.

Yeah he is an out & out Blindside nothing else, he has the perfect build for a 6 he will be very unlucky to miss out on a Wallaby jersey this year.

 

[Pfitzy]

Mumm, Higginfanny, Salvi, Doherty, Brown. We're not short of hard-working arse-kickers capable of playing 6, that is for sure.

Perhaps more exciting is our depth at lock appears to be its best in a few years - all concern at Vickerman's departure has dissipated as we look at guys like Jimmy Horwill, Will Caldwell, MMM, Chisholm, and even youngsters like Hockings coming through. Van Humphries wouldn't disgrace a gold jersey either.

 

[TOCC]

yeah ive become a massive fan of higgingbotham, its amazing to think that his debut match was only against the Bulls in 08, when he put that massive hit on Habana.

I remember at the time, there were a few people around the various forums saying how this guy looked awsome and that he solved out blindside flanker problems, i remember myself saying something similar like "lets not get ahead of ourselves, one tackle does not make a great player".

I hope he does get a wallaby jersey if he carries on his current form, he remind me of Richard Brown, how his style of play is almost workman like, he wasnt a instant teenage superstar as well, he made his debut at 21yrs old.

 

[PhucNgo]

Higginbum's emergence is one of the good news stories of Oz rugby this year. Our stocks at 6 have gone from pining over Rocky's departure to admiring Mumm's athleticism while checking MMM's medical chart for the progress of his latest recovery. If these three stay fit the Wobblies will be well served. I have a sneaking feeling Higginclacker's a Deans style of player and wouldn't be surprised if he gets a gold jumper this year. But it'd be nice to see Rocky back at the Tahs next year.

The Tahs have missed Rocky only in terms of depth and being able to rest and rotate players.

Higginbotham is the orthodox 6 we've been waiting for. Mumm is world class. We're laughing.

You got my vote there naza. Although world class may be a stretch at this stage, both of these guys just get better and better. I think I'm probably one of the doubters that LG was referring to earlier. My view the whole way along has been that the Tahs missed nothing (apart from depth as you point out) from Rocky's departure, and that it was unlikely that we'd see him back.

If Woodcock is a myth, then Rocky certainly isn't far behind. Popular he may be, but indispensible, I think not. Rocky is a marketer?s dream, not unlike LT. He?s big, he?s handsome, and he?s got a name like, well ... Rocky. Don?t get me wrong, he?s not a bad footballer, he?s just not as good as some would have you believe. He gives every game 110%, but he can?t tackle (in an effective sense), has a cacky running style reminiscent of kids playing cowboys and Indians and is a bit of a seagull. I watched the Leinster v Munster match earlier this year and while he was good, he wasn?t a standout. (The standout of course was Whit?s beautiful wide pass.)

He will undoubtedly be the better for his worldly experience, but his absence has opened the door to the likes of Mumm and Higginbotham. The thing it won?t fix is to be frank, his unconess i.e. he is not a naturally talented and well balanced athlete, unlike the aforesaid, who are.

 

[fatprop]

Rocky Elsom has to choose
Article from: The Daily Telegraph

By Iain Payten

April 01, 2009 12:00am

ROCKY Elsom will be denied his wish to play for the Wallabies this winter and then return to Ireland for another summer with Leinster.

Elsom yesterday signed on to play for the Barbarians against the Wallabies on June 6, but will be asked to make a decision on his future if he is to turn out for Australia a week later against Italy.

The brilliant flanker has been given a $500,000 offer to stay at Leinster for a second season, but is also in talks with the ARU about returning home.

Elsom is believed to want the best of both worlds - playing for the Wallabies in the domestic Tests and on the November tour before continuing on under Michael Cheika in Ireland.

But the ARU last night confirmed it would not entertain Elsom's proposal, and would require the 26-year-old to sign on for an Australian province in the 2010 Super 14 to play Tests this winter.

Although Elsom was released from his contract on compassionate grounds last year, ARU boss John O'Neill has a firm opposition to stars playing overseas but returning soccer-style for Tests.

The ARU yesterday firmly restated its selection criteria in a release: "Elsom, while in Ireland, is ineligible for Qantas Wallabies selection."

There is a chance O'Neill, Robbie Deans or David Nucifora - who are all in London for IRB talks this week - will use the chance to meet Elsom in Dublin. The ARU are keen for the 40-cap forward to return to Australia and sign, at least, through to the 2011 World Cup.

Well done ARU

 

[Pfitzy]

Fuck! $500K and I'd stay too. Pity about the weather

 

[fatprop]

Fuck! $500K and I'd stay too. Pity about the weather

rugby roundtable suggested that Rocky's business dealings with his brother in the clothing business have not been going well, he may need the money

 

[Biffo]

Fuck! $500K and I'd stay too. Pity about the weather

rugby roundtable suggested that Rocky's business dealings with his brother in the clothing business have not been going well, he may need the money

What would a Wallaby contract be worth to Rocky? Couldn't be too far below AUD 500,000. I suspect Leinster is offering more than that.

 

[mark_s]

Fuck! $500K and I'd stay too. Pity about the weather

rugby roundtable suggested that Rocky's business dealings with his brother in the clothing business have not been going well, he may need the money

What would a Wallaby contract be worth to Rocky? Couldn't be too far below AUD 500,000. I suspect Leinster is offering more than that.

I am pretty sure the euro clubs can set it up so that Rocky gets to take most of his irish pay home. He would about half of his Aus pay to Kevin Rudd.

 

[fatprop]

Higginbum's emergence is one of the good news stories of Oz rugby this year. Our stocks at 6 have gone from pining over Rocky's departure to admiring Mumm's athleticism while checking MMM's medical chart for the progress of his latest recovery. If these three stay fit the Wobblies will be well served. I have a sneaking feeling Higginclacker's a Deans style of player and wouldn't be surprised if he gets a gold jumper this year. But it'd be nice to see Rocky back at the Tahs next year.

The Tahs have missed Rocky only in terms of depth and being able to rest and rotate players.

Higginbotham is the orthodox 6 we've been waiting for. Mumm is world class. We're laughing.

You got my vote there naza. Although world class may be a stretch at this stage, both of these guys just get better and better. I think I'm probably one of the doubters that LG was referring to earlier. My view the whole way along has been that the Tahs missed nothing (apart from depth as you point out) from Rocky's departure, and that it was unlikely that we'd see him back.

If Woodcock is a myth, then Rocky certainly isn't far behind. Popular he may be, but indispensible, I think not. Rocky is a marketer?s dream, not unlike LT. He?s big, he?s handsome, and he?s got a name like, well ... Rocky. Don?t get me wrong, he?s not a bad footballer, he?s just not as good as some would have you believe. He gives every game 110%, but he can?t tackle (in an effective sense), has a cacky running style reminiscent of kids playing cowboys and Indians and is a bit of a seagull. I watched the Leinster v Munster match earlier this year and while he was good, he wasn?t a standout. (The standout of course was Whit?s beautiful wide pass.)

He will undoubtedly be the better for his worldly experience, but his absence has opened the door to the likes of Mumm and Higginbotham. The thing it won?t fix is to be frank, his unconess i.e. he is not a naturally talented and well balanced athlete, unlike the aforesaid, who are.

I disagree, Rocky is a bloody good, intense player and leader of his team. I remember Link talking about his leadership on and off the field and he talked of Rocky as one of the natural leaders of his team who does everything right off the field (re-hydration, appointments, training etc etc the stuff that helps build a harder disciplined ethic in a side).

On his playing, he does the little things, the one percenters that are important for a team; he is a solid defender, a guy who is difficult to tackle and is an excellent lineout option.

Can we replace him - sure, but it would be better to have him in the Aus squad than playing in Ireland.

 

[naza]

Higginbum's emergence is one of the good news stories of Oz rugby this year. Our stocks at 6 have gone from pining over Rocky's departure to admiring Mumm's athleticism while checking MMM's medical chart for the progress of his latest recovery. If these three stay fit the Wobblies will be well served. I have a sneaking feeling Higginclacker's a Deans style of player and wouldn't be surprised if he gets a gold jumper this year. But it'd be nice to see Rocky back at the Tahs next year.

The Tahs have missed Rocky only in terms of depth and being able to rest and rotate players.

Higginbotham is the orthodox 6 we've been waiting for. Mumm is world class. We're laughing.

You got my vote there naza. Although world class may be a stretch at this stage, both of these guys just get better and better. I think I'm probably one of the doubters that LG was referring to earlier. My view the whole way along has been that the Tahs missed nothing (apart from depth as you point out) from Rocky's departure, and that it was unlikely that we'd see him back.

If Woodcock is a myth, then Rocky certainly isn't far behind. Popular he may be, but indispensible, I think not. Rocky is a marketer?s dream, not unlike LT. He?s big, he?s handsome, and he?s got a name like, well ... Rocky. Don?t get me wrong, he?s not a bad footballer, he?s just not as good as some would have you believe. He gives every game 110%, but he can?t tackle (in an effective sense), has a cacky running style reminiscent of kids playing cowboys and Indians and is a bit of a seagull. I watched the Leinster v Munster match earlier this year and while he was good, he wasn?t a standout. (The standout of course was Whit?s beautiful wide pass.)

He will undoubtedly be the better for his worldly experience, but his absence has opened the door to the likes of Mumm and Higginbotham. The thing it won?t fix is to be frank, his unconess i.e. he is not a naturally talented and well balanced athlete, unlike the aforesaid, who are.

I disagree, Rocky is a bloody good, intense player and leader of his team. I remember Link talking about his leadership on and off the field and he talked of Rocky as one of the natural leaders of his team who does everything right off the field (re-hydration, appointments, training etc etc the stuff that helps build a harder disciplined ethic in a side).

On his playing, he does the little things, the one percenters that are important for a team; he is a solid defender, a guy who is difficult to tackle and is an excellent lineout option.

Can we replace him - sure, but it would be better to have him in the Aus squad than playing in Ireland.

Another April Fools day joke ? I may have to give the whole forum a miss today.

You're the leading rugby brain on the forum, no question, so I'm surprised you fell for the hyperactive kid on red cordial act. I gotta ask, if he's so bloody great, why don't the Tahs miss him ? I liked Elsom's energy levels, talent and mobility but ultimately Elsom just wasn't all that productive (mmm, enjoying the shift to past tence).

If you want a bloke who runs around wildly like how 7 year old kids play rugby, he's your man. If you want a proper blindside, someone who grafts, nails his tackles, does the shitwork, wins the contact zones, look elsewhere. Elsom falls off tackles & seagulls like mad. Yes, he's a ball winner in the air. Big deal. Elsom is a lightweight.

 

[RugbyReg]

Higginbum's emergence is one of the good news stories of Oz rugby this year. Our stocks at 6 have gone from pining over Rocky's departure to admiring Mumm's athleticism while checking MMM's medical chart for the progress of his latest recovery. If these three stay fit the Wobblies will be well served. I have a sneaking feeling Higginclacker's a Deans style of player and wouldn't be surprised if he gets a gold jumper this year. But it'd be nice to see Rocky back at the Tahs next year.

The Tahs have missed Rocky only in terms of depth and being able to rest and rotate players.

Higginbotham is the orthodox 6 we've been waiting for. Mumm is world class. We're laughing.

You got my vote there naza. Although world class may be a stretch at this stage, both of these guys just get better and better. I think I'm probably one of the doubters that LG was referring to earlier. My view the whole way along has been that the Tahs missed nothing (apart from depth as you point out) from Rocky's departure, and that it was unlikely that we'd see him back.

If Woodcock is a myth, then Rocky certainly isn't far behind. Popular he may be, but indispensible, I think not. Rocky is a marketer?s dream, not unlike LT. He?s big, he?s handsome, and he?s got a name like, well ... Rocky. Don?t get me wrong, he?s not a bad footballer, he?s just not as good as some would have you believe. He gives every game 110%, but he can?t tackle (in an effective sense), has a cacky running style reminiscent of kids playing cowboys and Indians and is a bit of a seagull. I watched the Leinster v Munster match earlier this year and while he was good, he wasn?t a standout. (The standout of course was Whit?s beautiful wide pass.)

He will undoubtedly be the better for his worldly experience, but his absence has opened the door to the likes of Mumm and Higginbotham. The thing it won?t fix is to be frank, his unconess i.e. he is not a naturally talented and well balanced athlete, unlike the aforesaid, who are.

I disagree, Rocky is a bloody good, intense player and leader of his team. I remember Link talking about his leadership on and off the field and he talked of Rocky as one of the natural leaders of his team who does everything right off the field (re-hydration, appointments, training etc etc the stuff that helps build a harder disciplined ethic in a side).

On his playing, he does the little things, the one percenters that are important for a team; he is a solid defender, a guy who is difficult to tackle and is an excellent lineout option.

Can we replace him - sure, but it would be better to have him in the Aus squad than playing in Ireland.

Another April Fools day joke ? I may have to give the whole forum a miss today.

You're the leading rugby brain on the forum, no question, so I'm surprised you fell for the hyperactive kid on red cordial act. I gotta ask, if he's so bloody great, why don't the Tahs miss him ? I liked Elsom's energy levels, talent and mobility but ultimately Elsom just wasn't all that productive (mmm, enjoying the shift to past tence).

If you want a bloke who runs around wildly like how 7 year old kids play rugby, he's your man. If you want a proper blindside, someone who grafts, nails his tackles, does the shitwork, wins the contact zones, look elsewhere. Elsom falls off tackles & seagulls like mad. Yes, he's a ball winner in the air. Big deal. Elsom is a lightweight.

you mean averaging 4 tries a game?