Mundine has a way out for Luke McAlister

By KingsofCommentary / Roar Guru

Yeah right! That was my reaction to Liam Barry’s ‘on the record’ explanation for Luke McAlister’s notable omission from North Harbour’s lineup in Tuesday’s match against Tasman. Barry claimed Luke hadn’t had time to “learn the team’s moves.”

Hello, the game is not that complicated.

Especially when it comes to a seasoned campaigner like Luke McAlister with established proficiencies at 10, 12 and 15.

There has to be more to it. And whatever that is, we’re unlikely to know. Nor is it our business.

The seemingly good news is, whatever caused McAlister to go AWOL (which led to his omission) has obviously been resolved, having been named in Harbour’s starting lineup to face Bay of Plenty on Saturday.

In saying that, it’s fairly apparent Luke doesn’t want to be there.

The pain of rejection by All Blacks coach and crew is eating him up, especially since he’s enjoyed Henry’s favor in the past. Not always based on form, I might add.

So word has it, Luke’s looking for an early release from his New Zealand Rugby Union contract so he can cut a track to France – sooner than later. Hardly endearing for his teammates knowing Luke’s loyalties lie elsewhere.

New Zealand Rugby Union bosses clearly feel the same way. No release without paying his dues – preferably in cold hard cash to the tune of $60k. Unlucky Luke’s saying, “no way.”

For that problem, I have a solution that offers three-way benefits.

Ask Sonny Bill Williams for Anthony Mundine’s number. Call Mundine and ask him to negotiate the kind of release that freed Sonny Bill from the jaws of the NRL’s Bulldogs.

The tradeoff for Luke, though, will be a lifetime of undercard obligations for Mundine’s fight-nights.

So McAlister gets advance tickets to France, Mundine gets another poster-boy undercard, and Sonny Bill gets an able replacement when required for All Blacks/Super Rugby duties.

You’re welcome fellers. Glad I could be of assistance.

The Crowd Says:

2011-07-22T07:09:04+00:00

Campbell Watts

Guest


Umm Justin.... Fairly well know that that's exactly what happened

2011-07-22T02:47:46+00:00

nick

Guest


Still remember watching LM win a game for New Zealand A against Australia A at the SFS. He closed out the game and dominated the last ten minutes so expertly it was clear you were watching a great player. This was at 10 remember. The paradox of talent is that sometimes it gives the recipient a sense of security that in the end limits their progress. Perhaps this is the case with LM.

2011-07-22T02:44:32+00:00

Justin

Guest


Creative option that. Jack -- maybe Mundine trumped up the cash for Sonny Bill's Bulldog release?? Might explain why SBW keeps getting into the ring for Mundine when he obviously isnt a boxer?

2011-07-22T02:04:47+00:00

jack

Guest


actually sbw also had to pay the dogs a large sum of $$$$ to b released. so i guess mcalister has no way out of this one but to pay up.

2011-07-21T23:19:42+00:00

allblackfan

Guest


will only happen if Luke wants to play rugby league in England, which he doesn't! Macalister's omission fro the Tri-Nations did not mean he was cut from the RWC squad. What an ingrate. Let him play his dues then wave au revoir to him for good! The Great Pretender, if ever I saw one!

2011-07-21T22:36:47+00:00

Rugbyrick

Guest


Very good humour! But hey watch this space in the murky world of boxing and money and trade offs anything could happen!! Lol

2011-07-21T20:09:37+00:00

Justin

Guest


Pay the 60k and move to France! It's a no brainer

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