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Adapting to a new sport is difficult even for the best of athletes. Just ask Michael Jordan about his time in baseball. So what of Israel Falou’s move to the AFL?
It’s a scary proposition as yet another NRL superstar takes the plunge into an unknown code for the money.
The issue here seems to be player development and athletic ability.
Australian rugby league is producing some of the finest football talent in the world. When rugby went professional, they certainly took note of this and began to poach talent.
Now, AFL are utilizing another code’s player development.
Obviously, league is doing something right to get these young men up to a very high standard very quickly. What is the secret?
I feel the game of league itself is an excellent tool for developing football skills. It is simple to learn and a very effective fitness tool. As an athlete though, I wonder if the game lacks something that keeps the minds of these young men occupied?
I enjoy State of Origin and try to catch Tests matches when I can, but league can get boring with the patterns of play: four hits and kick; four hits and kick; or the big shake up, three hits and kick.
Don’t get me wrong, league is a great game. But at some point, you have to wonder if it is really all about the money for these players?
Aussie Rules has an element of basketball to it, so I can see the appeal for a player wanting try something completely new. Karmichael Hunt and Folau are both pure athletes, which is why they probably fancy their chances in a drastically different code.
Rugby has an air of the unexpected to it.
Players are allowed to be a little more creative with the ball because possession is not guaranteed. Even on the defensive side of the ball, rugby allows for a player to show his individual skill.
The skill set is very similar, thus a player might see rugby as a safer way to experience a new sport.
Noticeably, league is constantly trying to figure out new ways to make the game more of a spectacle – both for the fans and players alike. The double try rule comes to mind.
However, I have to wonder if the game is too boxed in because of the lack of contest for the ball. It seems that more could happen if. say, players were allowed to strip in the tackle with more than one defender.
Anyway you slice it, league needs to do something to protect its only asset – their players.
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