Waratahs 2016

[Braveheart81]

I can't believe that Nemani Nadolo was a Tahs player. He's one of the best ball carriers in the world ATM with 126 kg of power and he can kick better than most of our especialist kickers.

Even he has played for Australia U20, now he would be a starter Wallabies easily, at winger or even at #12.

What the hell happened to him?

This has been done to death but at the time he was with the Waratahs he was pretty hopeless, disinterested and a poor trainer. It took another six years before he emerged as a world class player with the Crusaders in 2014.

There's no doubt he's an outstanding player now but aside from his size, none of that was even close to apparent when he was in Australia.

 

[Joeleee]

This has been done to death but at the time he was with the Waratahs he was pretty hopeless, disinterested and a poor trainer. It took another six years before he emerged as a world class player with the Crusaders in 2014.

There's no doubt he's an outstanding player now but aside from his size, none of that was even close to apparent when he was in Australia.

And it's quite difficult to keep someone with potential but no runs on the board. Look at Taqele Naiyarovoro, lots is being done to try and keep him, but there is a lot of push back on it, saying money should be invested in the grass roots, only players with passion for the jersey should get a Wallaby cap, he's too one dimensional etc etc. Back when Nadolo was at the Tahs, he was less of a player than Taqele is now, so it would have been even more difficult to do what was required to retain him.

That's not to say that Mr. Naiyarovoro will become the next Nadolo, I'm just using him as a convenient example to show how when you've only got ~150 pro player spots in the country, and a player has dual nationality opportunities, it can be very difficult to keep someone in the system if they're not currently lighting the world on fire.

 

[kiap]

Nadolo was hyped in the press as the next Lomu. That'll kill plenty of careers in itself. Didn't have the most stable upbringing in Brisbane after his old man left the family. Came on the scene during the Big Ego era of Australian rugby.

Combine all that and it's not surprising the bloke didn't have a great attitude. Plus the worst place he could have gone at that time was the Waratahs.

Naiyarovo is fine. He's got a paying gig in Scotland to hone his craft.

 

[RugbyReg]

Not only was he a Tahs player, but his old man played for the Reds and Nems went to Nudgee College. He also played for the Perth Spirit in the ARC back in 2007. So we all had a chance with him.

He tore it up at an Under 20 RWC (I think it was U20).

Was seem as limited in his ball carrying I think, and perhaps a little lazy. He's definitely proved a lot of people in Oz Rugby wrong though. Good for him. Glad he's playing for Fiji.

 

[Marcelo]

Good answers. Maybe that's the reason why Cheika helps so much to Taqele. If only someone had the same faith in Nadolo, things had been different

He's definitely proved a lot of people in Oz Rugby wrong though. Good for him. Glad he's playing for Fiji.

True, could be worst. Nadolo playing for the ABs and being the real new Lomu. That's scary, imagines Savea and Nadolo playing for the same team

 

[qwerty51]

I don't think he's proved anyone in Aus wrong. He took 5 years to become a good player.

 

[gowaratahs]

Losing Nemali after losing Ratu Nasiganiyavi only a year before - it's unforgivable really

he was a better name changer than game changer when it came to the professional level alas - I did see him a few times at Coogee Oval, where he dominated when motivated - though the staff at the Tahs at the time didn't have the key to unlock his potential. Maybe Cheika could've, though he saw wingers as dispensable - Crawford, Alofa, Betham, Naiyaravoro, Kingston all leaving under his watch.

 

[fatprop]

Nadolo himself said in retrospect he needed the kick up the arse from the Tahs of not offering him a contract to sort himself out.

Some players need some tough love

 

[Marcelo]

I don't think he's proved anyone in Aus wrong. He took 5 years to become a good player.

Good point but some people can say that other players like Ben Alexander had a test career in OZ without ever having been a good player

 

[Braveheart81]

Good point but some people can say that other players like Ben Alexander had a test career in OZ without ever having been a good player

Those people are idiots and their opinions should be quickly ignored.

Sent from my HTC_PN071 using Tapatalk

 

[Tahtrajic]

Nadolo himself said in retrospect he needed the kick up the arse from the Tahs of not offering him a contract to sort himself out.

Some players need some tough love

you also hve to remember the whole Tahs organisation needed some tough love back then and thats what they got with Cheika. Hopfully it work's at the WC

 

[Dave Beat]

Please sign Alex Northam

 

[Groucho]

Regarding Naiyarovoro, I think he's already stamped himself as the next Nadolo. He's scored tries Nadolo got nowhere near in Oz.

What Nadolo's got, now, that Naiyarovoro hasn't, is great positional sense and excellent skills. Add that to Naiyarovoro's moving-refrigerator physical inertia and you've got a daunting force of nature to deal with. I'm very glad we capped him.

I know supporters of other franchises hate him, but they should try to close their eyes and think of the Wallabies.

 

[qwerty51]

Yeah it's only his 2nd year playing rugby. Compare that to where Nadolo was in his 2nd rugby and Taqele is light years ahead. In 3 years he could be the best winger in the world.

 

[kiap]

I know supporters of other franchises hate him, but they should try to close their eyes and think of the Wallabies.

No Naiya-hate here (it would dilute the "hate" for some others if spread too thin).

Glad he was capped and was calling for it.

Having said that, he needs more time and more rugby. I think it will work out well that he has a stint in Scotland before returning to press his claims.

 

[Groucho]

No Naiya-hate here (it would dilute the "hate" for some others if spread too thin).

Glad he was capped and was calling for it.

Having said that, he needs more time and more rugby. I think it will work out well that he has a stint in Scotland before returning to press his claims.

Yes, hate was too strong. Naiyarovoreservations.

 

[gowaratahs]

A story on the Tahs website today implies (without stating outright) that David Horwitz, this year's winner of the Ken Catchpole award for best and fairest in the Shute Shield, has re-signed. I'm guessing he'll take the full time spot Lance has vacated.

Another piece of the puzzle falls into place.

 

[Intruder]

Please sign Alex Northam

It is lead to be believed that Alfie Mafi is a potential target for the NSW Waratahs

 

[qwerty51]

It is lead to be believed that Alfie Mafi is a potential target for the NSW Waratahs

Please tell me you're joking.

 

[frenchman]

Do we still only have two 9s? I was at the Rams vs Queensland country game and there was a halfback Tayler Adams who came on and had some really impressive skills. Someone said he played NZ20s?