Former West Harbour and Waratah A’s centre, Rory Sidey, has found himself facing an enviable problem, after one season with Newport Gwent Dragons in Wales.
Sidey, a 188cms, 100kg centre, played 20 of the 27 games this season and is now contemplating the options of a two or three year contract with the side.
His problem is the Dragons and Wales want to offer him a three year contract, while Rory would prefer a two year deal that would allow him to be free in 2011 when the 5th Australian franchise starts, but is long enough to allow him to qualify to play for Wales.
“It’s going to be a tough decision but I would like to keep my options open in 2011,’ Sidey said at the West Harbour v. Norths game; home on a six to eight week break before the new Northern season starts.
A product of Trinity Grammar at Summer Hill, he played in the Pirate’s Colts and three years in grade, and has been playing next to former Waratah Marc Sterchbina in the Dragons backline in the Celtic League and Heineken Cup.
Of the quality of the Rugby, he says the Heineken Cup is the equivalent to Super 14 games in the southern hemisphere while the Celtic League would be a step down, but above Sydney first grade.
“We played Toulouse, one of the strongest teams in Europe that had virtually the entire French backline plus All Black half Byron Kellaher, in front of about 50,000 fans. It was quite an experience,” he said.
“The Celtic League games, with clubs from Ireland, Wales and Scotland, smallest crowds of around 7,000 to 8,000, although a club like Munster in Ireland will get 30,000. And of course the Welsh are really passionate about their Rugby.”
The one drawback playing in Europe, he says, is the heavy, wet grounds that are quite common, particularly in Britain.
“A lot different to fast dry grounds we get to play on here but the money is pretty good, around Super 14 level, so there are compensations,” he added.
Bay35Pablo
Roar Guru
Braid was going to Wales, but got injured and they pulled out on the medical requirements. The Reds have stuck by him and re-signed him. If he had gone to Wales I am sure they would have snapped up Robinson. I agree on the depth argument, as if Braid got injured .... Plus the Reds don't have that much depth generally. I am annoyed the Tahs didn't use him this year or re-sign him. He is a fetcher a la Waugh, so he would be behind him. But this was the case in 2007. Robinson played 12 of 14 games and had a blinder (although from memory because Waugh was injured). I can't see the depth in the Tahs squad for a fetcher. The players that have been coming through are more the tall 6 player, rather than the 7 fetcher. I.e. Mumm, Mowen, Dennis, etc. Sometimes I wonder what is going on, and think the NZ approach is better. Might weaken NSW and ACT but would prevent the Reds being in the hole they are now, and the Force from doing the same.
Tarpo
Guest
Re Beau Robinson, the Reds obviously don't need/want him, afterall they have been doing so well. Why would they want a backup to Braid, who could then assume the top no 7 role the next year? That would be thinking, planning & management.
Bay35Pablo
Roar Guru
Good to see the overseas players are looking at coming back for the extra side. perhaps JON wasn't so overly optimistic in that regard after all. Let's hope Beau Robinson can get a gig next year to keep him around until then, and then fit into one of the 5 sides. How no side can offer him a spot is dumb founding, although perhaps it shows our flanker stocks are pretty strong.
Spencer
Guest
"Of the quality of the Rugby, he says the Heineken Cup is the equivalent to Super 14 games in the southern hemisphere while the Celtic League would be a step down, but above Sydney first grade." I suppose he is basing that assessment on all the SUper 14 rugby that he has played. Rory who?
LeftArmSpinner
Roar Guru
very good player, Sidey. Not sure that he would be good enough to be considered for Wallabies in future, but again, there is an opportunity for these players to fill the ranks of the 5th Super rugby team.