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The suits in rugby union would love to sign the best player in the NRL, but it is doubtful if the brilliant Jonathan Thurston would fit in to the robotic team environment of the 15 man game.
Rugby league is a more attacking game that lends itself to the flare and brilliance that Thurston offers. He is not someone who you would harness and give directions on how to play.
It will “kill” him and be more wasted rugby union money on leaugies.
Rugby union is very much a team game, much more structured than rugby league and requires more discipline. Thurston often has no idea what he is about to do, but he generally makes the correct decision, leaving the opposition in awe of his rare talents.
Often his team mates don’t know either and he is left in the clear on his own.
Thurston’s signed his initial NRL contract with the Canterbury Bulldogs aged 18 for free, but his next contract regardless of who it is with and what code, is likely to be a record.
One thing is certain, that he will leave a huge hole in the North Queensland Cowboys if he walks out on them when his current contract expires at the end of the 2010 season.
He is the greatest player the club has ever had and totally dominates most games he plays in. They would be like a boat without a rudder if he moves on.
I do not profess to be a rugby union expert, but from limited observation, I would have no hesitation in declaring Jonathan Thurston a superior footballer from either code than Naas Botha, Grant Fox, Michael Lynagh, Hugo Porta, Gareth Edwards, Nick Farr-Jones, Joost van der Westhuizen, George Greagan, Matt Giteau and Jonny Wilkinson.
When god handed out talent, JT was in the same line as Ken Catchpole and Mark Ella.
So if All Black champ Dan Carter can grab 35,000 pounds per game, it will be an easy decision to replace the Cowboy hat with a French beret.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.