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One of my favourite players in rugby would have to be the excitement machine from the Auckland Blues Rene Ranger, the way he drives his legs, pumping them like pistons busting throw tackles using his trade mark Maori side step, straight over the top.
A couple of years ago he almost ran throw the whole Queensland team the same way Jonah Lomu did back in his hey day.
When you see Rene Ranger in person like I have you’ll see he’s built like an American pitbull.
Stocky, low to the ground, but taller then what you think on television, he only looks like 5’8 maybe 5’9 but he’s really 6ft or thereabouts, and I really think he is destined for the NFL if he puts the work in.
When I was watching Ahmad Bradshaw of the New York giants and Frank Gore of the 49ers today I couldn’t help but compare Rene to the two.
Bradshaw is small, but as quick as lightning and slippery like an eel while Gore is a robust running back thick in stature similar to Ranger.
It was easy to see that Rene is playing the wrong game.
With the amount of depth in New Zealand rugby it’s hard to see Ranger ever becoming a frontline All Black.
He couldn’t even get a spot in the All Blacks 2011 World Cup squad, so why wouldn’t he give the NFL a go? With all the polyensian players in the American game I’m sure he would just slot right in.
If it was only that easy the NFL have a strict training regime which would be a lot harder then training with the brothers down at Eden Park. They train for hours on end day and night, what ever it takes to get things right.
The NFL is one of the most ruthless sports to play when it comes to practice I’ve heard of guys vomiting up constantly throw training and made to stay out there soiIf Rene wanted to pursue an NFL career he would have to put the hours in and really want it.
Another reason Rene would find it hard is because NFL clubs don’t like to take players on from another code and for good reason. All of the technical jargon all the complex playss that go with it.
Back when I was young I gave Gridiron a go and played with a mate back in Perth I thought it was going to be easy just like Madden football on Playstation but I’ll tell you what, I had never been so confused in my life.
Getting in the quarterback’s way, giving away penalties, tackling the wrong player, not blocking properly, theres a reason why these guys train hours on end and after my first game I knew why.
Rene is a freak of an athlete and I would love to see him playing in the NFL rather then rugby I think he could be a superstar in America but whether he wants to give up rugby is another thing.
Most Maoris and Islanders in New Zealand don’t play ruggers for the money or the fame but because they love it but I can’t help ponder over the thought of Ranger playing for my team the Washington Redskins.
Go on Ranger, give NFL a go!
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.