eastman
John Solomon (38)
Plenty have made Australian Schoolboys from NSWIIs
Waratahs 2024
- Thread starter RugbyReg
- Start date
eastman
John Solomon (38)
More important than speed for a league winger is having the physicality to make 10 plus kick returns a match against a complete defensive line- being able to start a set from a positive first tackle is huge.
Wilson
Phil Kearns (64)
It's hard to see how Nawaqanitawase could be seen as someone missed or let down by the pathways - he played Aus under 20s and the tahs had invited him to train with them before he had finished school. If anything he's an example of the pathways succeeding in picking up a guy from outside the traditional schools.
This is insane.
Nawaqanitawase was a starter in the under 20s team in 2019 and has been a full time professional player with the Waratahs from age 19.
He very clearly was identified as a talented player through the pathways system and received significant opportunities from it from an early age.
The Ghost of Raelene
David Codey (61)
This point is also not correct. Starting for IIs is a higher place than being on the bench for for 1s in terms of Australian selection. It's exposure to game time rather than bench riding.
I also wouldn't blame NSW or RA selectors as his own association ISA picked him in the their 2nd XV.... Seems higher powers had their eyes on him regardless of where he was picked.
Hawko
Tony Shaw (54)
Without trying to shitcan one of my favourite players, it should also be pointed out that until he matured into the player he is about 18 months ago, he was an absolute nightmare defensively. In the year that the Tahs lost every game, all the other teams had to do was to run at him and a try was almost the guaranteed outcome. I don't know which defensive coach fixed him, but they should be given a special plaque on the training room wall.
My point is that Nawaqanitawase was pulled up through the pathways and kept on when some would have consigned him to subbies. Someone saw raw talent and persisted with him. Anyone looking to use him to denigrate the pathways has picked the worst possible example they could to do this.
My point is that Nawaqanitawase was pulled up through the pathways and kept on when some would have consigned him to subbies. Someone saw raw talent and persisted with him. Anyone looking to use him to denigrate the pathways has picked the worst possible example they could to do this.
HooperPocockSmith
Alfred Walker (16)
Anyone that saw him play for Eastwood as a 19-20 year old will know that he was very raw and was allowed every opportunity to show his talent. If anything, he is a shining light of our woeful talent ID and development program.
KentwellCup>ShuteShield
Ted Thorn (20)
wow very overlooked. however i do remember ISA being quite strong in that period. Augs took a few GPS scalps.
Pass it to Dunning!
Bob Loudon (25)
As much as Nawaqanitawase developed into a great player in the past year and a half, he doesn't owe Australian rugby the rest of his career. He's developing into one of the best wingers in the world. If Australian Rugby aren't going to pay him what he deserves, he has every right to look elsewhere.
This isn't about Nawaqanitawase being greedy. It's about Australian Rugby (and the Tahs) being incompetent.
This isn't about Nawaqanitawase being greedy. It's about Australian Rugby (and the Tahs) being incompetent.
The Ghost of Raelene
David Codey (61)
Spot on.
I'm hopeful we get an announcement of a re-signing until the end of 2027 or at least 2025.
Maybe Hamish can arrange some Portuguese Chicken to get it over the line.
I'm hopeful we get an announcement of a re-signing until the end of 2027 or at least 2025.
Maybe Hamish can arrange some Portuguese Chicken to get it over the line.
dru
David Wilson (68)
I don't know that it is simply about money, anymore. The Wallabies are a shit show and the RA rudderless. It isn't at all the sort of employer or environment that most of us would be happy to tolerate.
RA has plenty to do in order to simply provide any kind of recognition of the depth of the problem, let alone formulate a plan that makes sense to more than themselves.
For Nawaqanitawase, heading to NRL may just be same shit different smell, but I don't blame him for testing things. If an off shoot of that is simply adding pressure to negotiations I doubt he'll have a problem with it.
RA has plenty to do in order to simply provide any kind of recognition of the depth of the problem, let alone formulate a plan that makes sense to more than themselves.
For Nawaqanitawase, heading to NRL may just be same shit different smell, but I don't blame him for testing things. If an off shoot of that is simply adding pressure to negotiations I doubt he'll have a problem with it.
I would guess his contract was based on how shit he was a couple of years ago. he will get an upgrade and if he thinks he is worth more than what is offered, good luck to the guy.
I think the interesting spin is the option suggested is Sydney based, there were no comments about France or Japan, only a leading NRL side that doesn't need him
Agent
Billy Sheehan (19)
Correct, they don't really need him and can't really afford him. They are cutting players left right and centre to stay within the salary cap. Signing an untested, unproven winger (in terms of league) on big money probably not high on their list of priorities when there are other tried and proven players available.
It always amazes me how whenever someone is mentioned as thinking about changing clubs or codes they always seem to be 'linked to the Roosters' according to the media. It would be nice for the Roosters to come out one day and say "no we haven't spoken to player X and have no interest in signing them!"
The Ghost of Raelene
David Codey (61)
It's because it's believable. If they said he was in talks with the Tigers nobody would read it even though that would have been Marks junior area catchment.
They are also a team that isn't afraid to act quickly or see an opportunity. They acted pretty quick when they realised Cooper Cronk might be available and moved on their long term Halfback (Pearce). They also told Latrell no way when he gave them the price he wanted.
Crichton is still on the market. Wonder if anyone has had a second reach out??
They are also a team that isn't afraid to act quickly or see an opportunity. They acted pretty quick when they realised Cooper Cronk might be available and moved on their long term Halfback (Pearce). They also told Latrell no way when he gave them the price he wanted.
Crichton is still on the market. Wonder if anyone has had a second reach out??
KentwellCup>ShuteShield
Ted Thorn (20)
Scariest thing is Nawqa could demand a large pay packet considering the current market, with Suaalis contract. And we all know RA is broke.
RA has a budget, any overs he is given means someone else may miss out, if it is a good negotiation both side will be grudgingly happy
Tomthumb
Peter Fenwicke (45)
Is it scary?
KentwellCup>ShuteShield
Ted Thorn (20)
Its scary that we may not be able to afford him.
upthereds#!
Peter Johnson (47)
We will get him on a long deal I reckon, up to next WC. Using a debt strategy, they'll spend well over the next coupl eyears securing talent, with a clear picture of the windfalls from 2025 AND 2027.
It's the old spend money to make money - but in this case it's borrow money to make money (or at least survive until you make money!)
It's the old spend money to make money - but in this case it's borrow money to make money (or at least survive until you make money!)