Friday’s Rugby News involves a couple of NRL blokes, good news for a certain Queensland halfback and a Victorian flanker, and more complaints about the structure of world rugby.
The Cronk Saga (Updated)
It’s all been about Cooper Cronk the last few days. Following news that he will be exiting the Melbourne Storm and moving to Sydney to spend more time with his fiancé, many have been hopeful that he might come over and sign up with the Waratahs.
Well, since then Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has added fuel to the media by suggesting that he would totally be happy if the Waratahs opened up negotiations with Cronk.
“He’s an Aussie, he’s an Australian player, he’s ultra-qualified in rugby league and he came through the ranks playing rugby back at school days and if the Tahs are interested and he’s an Australian guy who wants to come play there, then good on them.”
Yet, not even a few hours later, the Waratahs confirmed that they had absolutely no interest in pursuing Cronk, calling the entire event a “definite non-story.”
“The NSW Rugby Union has not been approached by anyone on behalf of Cooper Cronk nor have we approached him,” said NSWRU chief Andrew Hore.
Personally, why not give him a run? He’s well regarded in the Aussie sporting landscape, he knows how to play the game, and he could bring a lot of interest back to rugby. Why not approach him? The only person who actually hasn’t commented on any of this is Cronk himself, which suggests that it was, once again, all media hubbub.
Well, guess that’s that then eh?
Au revouir, Monsieur Barba!
After only playing 96 minutes of rugby, Ben Barba is apparently set to be sacked by French powerhouse Toulon at the end of this season after signing a $2.5 million two year contract with them a few months back.
Reported on Rugby.com.au, French newspaper Le Monde said “Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal told Barba he would not be required next season” which is the biggest backflip we’ve seen in recent memory.
Toulon have had a woeful season so far, despite being chock full of some of the best international talent in the world, so it was understandable Barba was going to have trouble cracking the starting list.
While many have eyed him returning to the NRL, Sharks coach Shane Flanagan has made it clear that they have parted ways from Barba. If he is to make a return to NRL it is believed he will have to front up to the NRL integrity unit to explain his previous actions, after he was axed for testing positive to cocaine.
He would also have to fulfil out the remainder of his 12-match suspension, and set a clear path for his rehabilitation before he can be considered for an NRL club. Maybe he’ll stay in France? Or maybe come home? Only person who hasn’t confirmed anything is him. Interesting times lie ahead…
Frisby, McMahon back in the fray
Some big names look set to make their return at the Stockade in Melbourne when the Rebels host the Reds on Saturday night. Both sides are desperate for a win, have truly atrocious records so far and, fondly enough, can somehow still mathematically make the finals. Who saw that coming?
Starting with the team from the Sunshine State, their big addition is the return of Nick Frisby after a month in club rugby exile. Frisby’s hit-or-miss form means that Reds fans will either be furious to see him back or optimistic that he could finally make the talent of the club click and produce a good performance. Just stop kicking it away mate, and you’ll be fine.
However, the big one is over at the Rebels. With over 15 players injured, this season truly has been a horror show for the men from Melbourne. But, one of their biggest names looks set to finally make his return this weekend. Wallaby Sean McMahon has officially been named on the bench for the match against the Reds.
It will be his first match of the year, and hopefully if everything holds up, he can start to build some much-needed form. He was one of the shining lights for the Wallabies last year, so it’ll be good to see him back in a gold jersey.
Headaches for Samoa
When it comes the residency rules, Pacific Island nations like Fiji, Tonga and Samoa have been particularly effected, losing talent to their larger rugby neighbours. While the new changes in regards to residency rules by World Rugby (to extend the period of residency required to be applicable for national selection) were done in an attempt to stop the player exodus from these countries, former Samoan captain Dan Leo worries that this may lead to prospective talent being poached from an even earlier age.
The founder of Pacific Island Player Welfare, Leo believes that the age that talent will be selected will become younger, which is his greatest fear.
“Agents can go there and promise the far side of the moon and don’t have to really deliver… No one is holding them accountable and the worry is the players become one of those increasing number that come over here and don’t have anything to show for it.”
“Pacific Islanders make up about 20% of professional players now, we’re propping up a multi-million dollar industry through our labour.”
“We’ll start seeing the ramifications – people are going to want to be able to say, ‘look, this guy has already been here’ [from a younger age] so he can play for us, so I imagine the impact will take place straight away.”
