I only implemented two rules:
1, They had to be Australian Rugby Union contracted players – not players from other countries. (This prevents me from picking Sonny Bill Williams, Craig Gower, etc.)
2, I wasn’t allowed to pick wingers. It’s far too easy to simply pick someone who can catch the ball and run very fast. (Settle down, all you old ex-wingers. I’m not mocking your skill-set, and I know you do much more than that. I’m merely suggesting that your abilities lend themselves very easily to rugby league, and it would therefore make this list too easy.)
So, with those rules in place, here is a list of the rah-rahs that would make excellent mungo’s:
Phil Waugh
With his toughness, scant regard for his health/safety, and ability to make hard-earned metres carrying the ball look very easy, is there any player better suited to be a rugby league prop?
It’s often been stated that forwards from both codes would struggle to make the switch between rugby league and rugby union, such is the difference in required skills, but I actually think Waugh would make a superstar front-rower. He has a low centre of gravity, is incredibly strong, would take a lot of stopping, and his defence is nothing short of brilliant.
His incredible nose for the rugby ball would be wasted in league, as he wouldn’t have the ability to pilfer the ball, but nonetheless, I have little doubt that Waugh would make a tremendous impact packing the scrum in a rugby league team.
Adam Ashley-Cooper
‘Coops’ owns potentially the most impressive leg power I’ve seen in any footballer. From any code.
Next time you watch him play, count the amount of times he breaks the first tackle. And even if the tackler doesn’t drop off, Coops will normally ‘drag’ the defender with him a few metres until help arrives. He really can get those pistons pumping. What rugby league team couldn’t use that ability in the second row?
No question Coops could also play in the centres, but I think he’d more effective running out on the fringes, and with his ball skills, he could easily off-load to teammates backing him up.
Rugby league attacks thrive on creating opportunities via drawing in more than one defender, and it certainly takes more than one defender to stop Ashley-Cooper.
Quade Cooper
With his vision, flair and attacking instincts, this one is a bit of a no-brainer.
Cooper has silky smooth hands, a good kicking game, and a few tricks up his sleeve. At his unpredictable best, he would make an outstanding rugby league five-eight. Even his defence, considered a weak link in rugby, could be more easily hidden in league.
Parramatta obviously felt the same, because there were reports the Eels were chasing the signature of the Wallaby playmaker last year. Cooper decided to instead sign a one year contract with the ARU, primarily because he wanted to play in the World Cup in September, but look for rumours of a league switch to surface again once the tournament ends.
James O’Connor
I know he plays on the wing for the Wallabies, but seeming as he has been playing number 10 for the Western Force this season, I don’t think I’m breaking one of my own rules. Hey, they’re my rules anyway! Who cares if I break them?!
O’Connor has a vast array of skills with the ball, and combines them with blistering pace and fantastic footwork. He’s even a handy goal-kicker. Above all, he also possesses just a little bit of cheek about him. Altogether, it makes an attractive package, and one that is suited perfectly to a rugby league halfback.
He seems to thrive on responsibility, and the more that is expected of him, the better he plays. Giving him the number 7 jersey, and telling him the team is his to run, would only result in good things.
Will Genia
I was tempted to pick Rocky Elsom, but his rampaging style, both in attack and defence, is much better suited to rugby union. And funnily enough, his height could potentially work against him in the 13-a-side game. There is also the small fact that he played rugby league for the Bulldogs, and I knew someone would comment that he has already played league and lacked a massive impact!
So instead, I’ve gone for the wily little Wallaby half-back, who would be a sensation at hooker in league. I can easily envisage some damaging darts out of dummy-half; some clever short kicks; some deft passing to players running onto the ball; and the list goes on.
Genia is also an excellent defender, who wouldn’t shirk his responsibilities defending in the middle of the park. And whichever halves were lucky enough to play alongside him, would be assured of some quick and quality service, from both the ruck and scrums.
I think he would prove to be a real difference maker. Best of all, unlike every other player I’ve selected, he wouldn’t even have to change his number.
max power
Guest
Darren Lockyer- it's no coincidence that Dell was staying with him when he got caught
bilbo
Guest
Yes, Yes I do.
Katipo
Guest
Bilbo must mean the kiwis. Nonsenseto suggest warriors had anything to do with successor tems playing another sport. Although nz was able to produce good league players before the warriors. Think Olsen filapina or Gary Freeman.
katzilla
Roar Guru
I think you mean the Kiwis success is largely due to the Warriors
bilbo
Guest
While League may not have to be the most popular code, I think the All Blacks success is largely to do with the Warriors. Before 1995, the All blacks largely comprised players who had played union but had never really cut it at all black level, so they played for the Kiwis. Now, you have guys like Marshall and Vatuvei, who are out and out league players. Sure they would be good in union, but their games are so suited to league. Kids who were 5 when the warriors started, are now 21 - and have grown up for so long with the Warriors around, and with top flight league at their doorstep. This is what makes me feel excited about the Storm - players like Lucas Grech and Richie Kennar are about to make the grade. An investment in juniors takes a long time - but if you do it right it will pay off.
bilbo
Guest
Im sorry P.Tah but name one non-polynesian rugby player who didnt go to private school? Would love to hear from you - I cant think of any. Even guys like Beale were spotted playing league and offered scholarships - the best three union players in the country (Pocock, Cooper and Genia) are all from other countries. I think what is a big concern for the ARU at the moment is that, of the wallabies, there would be very few players (esp backs) who have not played league at some stage. Genia, Cooper, O'connor, Elsom, Berrick, Beale, Gerrard, both Fainga'as, Giteau, Rod Davies. They are from the top of my head. Whereas the Kangaroos, so few have ever played union. The only ones from the 2010 four nations squad are: cronk, tonga, and tuqiri (who was poached). 20 years ago, the situation was different - but now I think this would be a big concern for union.
bilbo
Guest
His dad was a big leaguie - he played for the Raiders. Had Gits not gone to a private school, he would be playing 5/8 for the Raiders. However, he is unlikely to have a real dig and make the switch, given the money is on offer!
Patrick Angel
Roar Guru
I was from the upper Blue Mountains, only Rugby team was Blue Mountains Grammar, which cost an arm and a leg. Worked out for the best in the end though as I got to spend years with the mighty Katoomba Devils.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
I follow the Sharks,so by nature biting is my forte.Its called protecting one's patch. How dare I do so in a league thread LOL. Else once bitten, twice shy.
jameswm
Guest
What are you talking about Paddy Boy? There are junior rugby clubs all over the place in Sydney! West, north, shire, east - everywhere. And it's a mix of public and private school boys. How old are you? What area are you talking about? Crosscoder, you wouldn't last a second in the ocean. Always ready to bite...
skinner
Guest
Totts Apologies, I was kind of intersted but didnt think I could really add anything sensible. In future I wont comment if its not sensible. Maybe you might consider that option as well
Ken
Guest
Anyway it really doesn't matter if you do eventually find one. I'm only pointing out that the idea that bad behaviour is exclusive to League players while Union players are above that sort of thing is a ridiculous construct with little bearing on reality.
Ken
Guest
Among those I think only Elias has done time, and he was never a Kangaroo, so the question still stands? And using 2 Wallabies (which they had been for 5 years+ when the issues you are describing occured) could be seen as furthering my position. Especially when the Lote one is an unsubstatiated rumour and not a criminal record.
PaddyBoy
Guest
It was a shocker in my area, after the 2003 World Cup I wanted to play Rugby, but the school wouldn't let me play unless I went to the school (even though they played on weekends, I could make training and was better than the muppets they had on their team). The tuition was over $14000 a year and Dad only earned around 50. I refused to watch Union for about five or six years after that until my mate from Canada got me back into it, and I started to appreciate the game again.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Katipo Just to clarify a point on your argument. Messrs Stuart,Lewis were deeply grounded in rugby league in their youth.They were rl players with local junior rl clubs ,involved with rl passionate fathers, before they were union players at union schools. A point that is monotonously and regularly overlooked. That does not by any means ,deny the fact, that backs in both codes can swap and be successful. Yet in NZ,league does not have to be the most popular code,to knock off the Kangaroos.Its all about quality.
Colin N
Guest
The first one was held in 1996 between Bath and (I believe) Wigan. Union had only just turned professional so league had a massive advantage and, on aggregate, hammered the union side.
Ben S
Roar Guru
I'd certainly pick them both over Waugh who is small by both union and league standards and has no history of being a damaging ball carrier. The writer did also stipulate that he had two 'rules', (one of which he broke with O'Connor)and neither rule prevent the selection of former league players, Ken.
Katipo
Guest
Human beings share similar DNA regardless of which football code they choose to play. We witnessed hundreds of rugby players poached by league in the amatuer days (pre-1996). For Jb who thinks no rugby player would ever make it, in his opinion, how about Mathew Ridge, Darryl Halligan, Michael O'Connor, Ricky Stuart, Martin Offiah, Inga Tuigamala, Frano Botica, Jonathon Davies, Wally Lewis...? Dozens of rugby players have already made it in league. And seeing as we know that rugby players can make it at league... and league players can make it at rugby; Estebanez (or whatever) off the bench for France now looks dangerous, The English got that guy, can't remeber his name (Ascot?), who scores a few tries, and even league forwards like Brad Thorn, a fine example. So how about afl players that could make the switch to rugby union? That's an entire untapped player resource for the ARU... it seems to me that Australia's best sporting footballers are in AFL anyway (not league or rugby). I always thought, if Australian's switched from their number 1 football code, afl, to rugby - watch out All Blacks. Watch out world. Kinda lucky for us kiwis you guys love all four football codes.
D
Guest
the latest one was held in 2001 i think bewteen Sale Sharks (union) vs St Helens (league) 1 half was leage the other union. Sale Sharks won thr match
p.Tah
Guest
...and that's why junior club rugby exists... Many do but not all rugby kids go to private school.