Can we stop fucking talking about overseas marquees? We've GOT a fucking marquee player: his name is Israel Folau.
So let's use some of our money on development of local talent.
Good player - yes
Big loss to Union - yes
Hottest propert available - no
Will he come back to Union - I would think so
Tom Wright would be useful in the Rugby sevens environment.
Big loss to Union - No. Mungo fanboy hype. Many Schoolboy Rockstars struggle to make an impact in Colts/Grade footy. There will be another one next year. We only have 150 professionally contracted players in Super Rugby in Australia.
Hottest property available - no. Mungo fanboy and player manager vested interest hype.
Will he come back to Union - Better question would be, will he get a NRL contract? - I don't think so. Good luck to him if he does. Next question is: If he doesn't get a NRL contract, will he come back to Union? - He will be tainted goods, and will have given up 3 years technical and professional rugby development head start to his competition. Most re-converts are unable to catch up that lost ground.
Have I heard all this before? Yep. They often didn't make it into NRL or made no major impact when they return. Who has gone on to Professional Rugby after doing a two year "Finishing School" gig in the Car Makers U20 Cup?
What about Nehe M Scud from across the ditchIs Rocky Elsom the exception that proves the rule?
Who else?
Wycliff Palu. Sam Lousi. Rod Davies. Berrick Barnes. Lopeti Timani. Ben Daley. Tyrone Smith. Nic Henderson. Duncan Paia'aia. That's just to name a few.
Next question is: If he doesn't get a NRL contract, will he come back to Union? - He will be tainted goods, and will have given up 3 years technical and professional rugby development head start to his competition. Most re-converts are unable to catch up that lost ground.
Have I heard all this before? Yep. They often didn't make it into NRL or made no major impact when they return. Who has gone on to Professional Rugby after doing a two year "Finishing School" gig in the Car Makers U20 Cup?
Now onto Zac Guildford and his potential Waratah Contract rethink.
It is becoming increasingly prevalent for Players to have second and third thoughts AFTER they have signed playing contracts, with many seeking and being granted early release.
Will this potentially result in an overall devaluation of player contracts across the board, or will the clubs react by back end loading contracts with completion bonuses and the like?
Is Rocky Elsom the exception that proves the rule?
Who else?
The Schoolboy Superhero Rockstar conversion rate is covered in this research paper from James Barkell. http://sydney.edu.au/education_soci...CE-papers/resources/HMHCE_Article_01_2013.pdf
A good read and reality check for many vainglorious helicopter parents.