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Sonny Bill

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Badger

Badger

Bill McLean (32)
I find it interesting the NZRU would entertain the thought of him parachuting into a NZ Super franchise in 2015 to get a shot at a 2015 RWC berth. I feel it tarnishes the All Blacks legacy by welcoming him back in such a manner.

He is a very good player and an excellent athlete, but he will unlikely be considered "great" in any one sport. But he will have the $$$ as a consolation.
 
No4918

No4918

John Hipwell (52)
I think he has a genuine like for both codes. And it is not like he will walk back into the ABs. If getting back into the structures takes time then he may find himself struggling.

He has said he will not box in the next 3 years, throwing away lots of $$$ there. He has told the world he has some very high goals set to achieve in the next 3 years which I doubt many footballers would do. The decision not to box shows he is serious about these and as a result I am less cynical about the whole $BW and wish him all the best.
 
WorkingClassRugger

WorkingClassRugger

Michael Lynagh (62)
No4918 said:
I think he has a genuine like for both codes. And it is not like he will walk back into the ABs. If getting back into the structures takes time then he may find himself struggling.

He has said he will not box in the next 3 years, throwing away lots of $$$ there. He has told the world he has some very high goals set to achieve in the next 3 years which I doubt many footballers would do. The decision not to box shows he is serious about these and as a result I am less cynical about the whole $BW and wish him all the best.
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An Olympic Gold Medal is probably worth more in his mind than trotting about a boxing ring. He'd have to go straight from the RWc (if he plays) and straight into 7s specialisation training to make it.
 
Bon

Bon

Ward Prentice (10)
He might not want to box simply because Joseph Parker will be waiting for him. If he doesn't defend the title he burgled,he will have to relinquish it anyway. There are two heavyweight titles in NZ, SBW has one and rising young heavyweight Joseph Parker has the other. Parker would thrash SBW blindfolded.

Note he said, probably return to union, I think he will weigh up the options come October and if it looks likely to be a struggle and he will be wearing 22 on his jersey again,I think he will opt out.
 
Ruggo

Ruggo

Mark Ella (57)
I don't understand why the NZRU would entertain the idea of having him back. Just leave him to wonder around being a nomadic mercenary, close the door on him and focus on the products they have in their systems. Quite bluntly they don't need him. Just say he doesn't show the commitment to NZ rugby to make him worthy of the AB Jersey.

Think of the lengths Jonah Lomu went to overcome his illness and try to get back into that jersey, now think of Sonny Bill's methods.
 
terry j

terry j

Ron Walden (29)
Ruggo said:
I don't understand why the NZRU would entertain the idea of having him back. Just leave him to wonder around being a nomadic mercenary, close the door on him and focus on the products they have in their systems. Quite bluntly they don't need him. Just say he doesn't show the commitment to NZ rugby to make him worthy of the AB Jersey.

Think of the lengths Jonah Lomu went to overcome his illness and try to get back into that jersey, now think of Sonny Bill's methods.
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valid enough viewpoint, it is probably ONLY the ABs that 'could do without him' as they have more than enough depth.

He'd be a walk in to any other side on the planet.
 
Bullrush

Bullrush

Geoff Shaw (53)
Ruggo said:
I don't understand why the NZRU would entertain the idea of having him back. Just leave him to wonder around being a nomadic mercenary, close the door on him and focus on the products they have in their systems. Quite bluntly they don't need him. Just say he doesn't show the commitment to NZ rugby to make him worthy of the AB Jersey.

Think of the lengths Jonah Lomu went to overcome his illness and try to get back into that jersey, now think of Sonny Bill's methods.
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SBW is great for everyone. While it might seem like he's being 'parachuted' back into the ABs, the truth is that if we do actually have the depth to not need him, it's still a great motivation for those other guys to stay on their 'A' game. Apparently it was a big driver in keeping Nonu improving before the last RWC.

He's a real professional - works hard, learns the game and his role, stays out of trouble and is great for the sponsors/gate sales etc etc.
Saying the NZRFU should close the door on him because he's a great athlete who has the skills and ability to pick and choose where he wants to play is the epitome of cutting of your nose to spite your face.
 
Antony

Antony

Alex Ross (28)
Bullrush said:
Saying the NZRFU should close the door on him because he's a great athlete who has the skills and ability to pick and choose where he wants to play is the epitome of cutting of your nose to spite your face.
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I know you're right, but I find that a little bit of my brain really wants to see him out of the picture. Seeing somebody quite casually toss-up whether to get paid well to easily do something that I would gladly sacrifice a nut for and do for free is kind of annoying.
 
wamberal

wamberal

Phil Kearns (64)
Anybody who wants rugby to prosper commercially in this neck of the woods is in favour of SBW playing for the Chiefs, and the ABs. Like him, or despise him, he is a crowd-puller.


Oh how I wish he had decided to play for the Tahs.
 
Bullrush

Bullrush

Geoff Shaw (53)
Antony said:
I know you're right, but I find that a little bit of my brain really wants to see him out of the picture. Seeing somebody quite casually toss-up whether to get paid well to easily do something that I would gladly sacrifice a nut for and do for free is kind of annoying.
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Hahaha...well, that's the honest take bro.
 
Braveheart81

Braveheart81

Will Genia (78)
Staff member
I don't get the big deal. If he wants to play Super Rugby in 2015 and one of the New Zealand teams want him then I don't see why they shouldn't sign him.

If his form is good enough to make the RWC squad then I don't see why he then shouldn't be selected.

Kaino is returning to NZ next year with the goal of making the 2015 RWC. If SBW thinks he can do it with one less season then good luck to him.

Whilst I'd prefer to see him in rugby union next year because I like watching him play (and I don't watch much NRL), I don't really see it as any different to going to play overseas.
 
redstragic

redstragic

Alan Cameron (40)
Is the issue that Sonny can live as he sees best suits him. He has the talent to do it all and that can give the impression that he is not loyal to one thing.

Juat for the record, I can't see why he can't play for east then go back to union either. It shows a loyalty to his mates at easts.
 
Braveheart81

Braveheart81

Will Genia (78)
Staff member
If you look at SBW's career over the last five years post leaving the Bulldogs, he has been loyal to every team he's played for for the duration of his contracts.

He's incredibly professional and has brought success pretty much everywhere he's gone.

There are plenty of professional football players who could learn a lot from his work ethic and professionalism.
 
MajorlyRagerly

MajorlyRagerly

Trevor Allan (34)
I still struggle with amazement at how much profile this guy has.

He's never been guaranteed first string AB, isn't that much of a freak of a talent when it comes to union and has played one season of league in 5 years. And yet, when he decides to play 2, it is the lead story on BBC sport for a while.
 
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