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I’m sure many of us have been quite dismayed to read all the hullabaloo with Cooper’s possible defection to league. Is it a ploy for more money? Is he genuinely interested in switching codes? Or is it perhaps a bit of both?
Whilst we can only speculate, it’s Cooper and his manager and perhaps a few close confidants who really know the answer. What I find difficult to fathom, but understand entirely, is why this has occurred.
I would have thought that playing for your country would be the greatest honour anyone could be given in sport. Unfortunately, this no longer appears the case.
Yes, I’ll play for my country, but only if you pay me x!
Sadly, we witnessed the homecoming of yet another mighty warrior who has paid the supreme sacrifice in Afghanistan. Let me tell you, whilst we mourn his passing, Trooper Jason Brown would have felt it an honour and privilege to have served his country.
Unfortunately, our Wallaby lads don’t have the same values. They are also paid far too much money. And before all and sundry scream ‘yeah, there only a serious injury away from earning nothing so they have to earn the big bucks when they can’, then the ARU needs to look at a better insurance package. It’s also a choice.
You choose this path or you choose something else.
I propose Wallabies are paid match payments only and they earn their money from Super 15. The money saved is then put into the development of grass roots rugby and above, including a semi-professional tear below Super 15.
Giteau being paid the suggested amount of 700K to 800K a season is a disgrace. This money alone, wisely spent at the right level will replace 10 Giteaus who would probably give their left nut to pull on the Wallaby jersey.
Many would probably give up both, but until wearing the jersey is done for pride, honour and passion, we may as well throw the dollars down the dunny.
I am also at a loss why one Wallaby is worth more than another. Payments should be the same across the board, but increased for test matches. There should be set levels at Super 15, worked on a three tier system. It’s not rocket science.
‘You wouldn’t get or retain any quality players’, I hear you say.
Perhaps when the current lot of overpaid pretenders disperse and the money correctly channelled to support grass roots and emerging players up to Super 15, there will be a plethora of players putting their hand up accepting the challenge and eternally grateful for the excellent remuneration and lifestyle rugby at that level can offer.
It would have taken Trooper Brown five to eight years to earn what Giteau is rumoured to get in a season. His skill set far exceeded anything Giteau has, and essentially he was well paid for the work he performed.
Sadly, he won’t realise his potential, but the fact he was willing to sacrifice his life for his beliefs, shows honour, guts and determination. When he was offered this challenge, he didn’t have a manager trying to get him more money, playing one off against another, but I bet he was extremely proud to pull on that uniform and play the deadliest game known, surrounded by his mates.
Get serious Cooper and the rest of you overpaid pretenders. If you don’t want to represent your country in one of the greatest games there is, for the honour, respect, privileges and lifestyle it presents, then bugger off!
There’s plenty out there just waiting for their opportunity.
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.