Good authority says that, occasionally, various Wallabies read articles posted on The Roar. Here’s hoping Nathan Sharpe is one of them.
Dear Nathan Sharpe,
The British and Irish Lions are coming to Australia in 2013.
I, and many other Wallaby supporters, am of the opinion that Australia stands a better chance of winning the series if you continue your international career until the end of the Lions tour.
It was widely reported that you were going to retire after the 2011 World Cup. Fortunately for Australia and the Wallabies you continued to play and became only the second person in Wallaby history to win the John Eales medal for a second time.
I am of the opinion you are good enough to win a third John Eales medal before you retire.
Furthermore, your leadership has been invaluable to the Wallabies this year. Your captaincy has been fantastic during times Horwill, Pocock, and Genia were (and still are) injured.
I regard your captaincy as the best Australia has had since George Gregan retired.
In the estimation of many, it’s preferable to have yourself, James Horwill, and Kane Douglas available for the Lions series.
You are playing fantastic rugby during the twilight of your career, and the Wallabies will suffer when you retire.
Please give consideration to extending your international career, so that you may play against the British and Irish Lions.
Blinky Bill of Bellingen
Guest
Pillock - I like that quote. I think I'll borrow it & of course claim it as mine!!!!! ;)
Crazy Horse
Guest
No one would love Sharpie to stay on for another season with the Force and Wallabies than me but the man has made hiss decision and we should all respect it. However if he changes his mind ... As to replacement locks, the name that has been left out is Sharpies regular 2nd row partner in S15 Sam Wykes. He was on fire for all of 2011 and 2012 with several Man ofthe Match awards until suffering a season ending injury. He's fully recovered and in pre-season training.
Worlds biggest
Guest
Sharpey wont be fully appreciated until next year when the Lions series is on. Like Old Man Emu I have always been a big fan. I worry about our Lineout without the great man. Horwill is a 2 jumper while assume Douglas will take over the 4 spot. I know there is talent in the 2 row but Sharpey has been one of the great Lineout exponents for the Wallabies in the last 2 decades, big shoes to fill.
Jiggles
Roar Guru
The Reds are full and I doubt they'd take him back anyway with how he left the first time around.
AndyS
Guest
I'm more than happy that be his call. Still, I'd feel a lot more comfortable if someone was showing some signs of being able to run a line-out. There's a lot riding on someone stepping up in SR next year!
soapit`
Guest
yep, it was a gamble and it paid off this year but he should cash in his winnings. reminds me of when they brought back minichello for origin. he was last man standing and got picked for game 2 and then played pretty well but then they got carried away and left him there for the 3rd one when the first choices were available again and he had a shocker.
Billy Bob
Guest
Caramello I thought the same thing about Sharpe going to the Reds. He could live close to his family and still play on. But it is up to him - though I agree with KPM - we don't have a lineout expert yet to replace him. Maybe he could play super with Reds and see if his country needs him as the season progresses?
Gary Russell-Sharam
Guest
I'm with you Sheek. Great player and all that but he should retire at the end of the tour on his own terms. He has risen to great heights since I watched him as a youngster (started off just like Simmonds) and he deserves all the accolades that he gets.
ohtani's jacket
Guest
It's difficult to imagine how the Wallabies would have gone this year without Sharpe. In many ways it reminds me of Umaga's last few years as captain. If I were the ARU I'd offer him a sabbatical from the early part of the Super Rugby season and a Lions swan song, though you'd have to consider the position that would place his club in. Anyway, there hasn't been a lot about Australian rugby to respect in recent times but Sharpe has had a special year.
sheek
Roar Guru
Hi Frank, Great warrior that he is, I think Sharpie should retire now at the top of his game. Speaking from a sporting point of view, a guy can deteriorate quickly from 34 to 35. I've seen it happen too often in the past where guys think they have one more year left in them, but in reality, they didn't. I think the Force could still do with him next year, but as far as the Wallabies are concerned, this should be the end of the road.
Pillock
Roar Rookie
When Keith Miller retired from cricket they asked him why he was retiring when he was still in good form, his answer..... "I'd prefer you asked me why I'm retiring, rather than why not?"
Worlds biggest
Guest
Would love to see Sharpey stay on for the Lions series, what a way to finish up. What happens when inevitably injuries occur ? Absolutely understand and respect his decision to retire however if he changed his mind then it would be great. His leadership is terrific and he still playing well.
ted
Guest
this is dull....zzzzz.....time for someone else
rl
Guest
That's not saying much redsnut - they have ALL been terribly inconsistent this year (aside from Hooper - after a couple of games to get a feel for things, he's been amazing). Over the last 10 years - quite possibly yes. But by his high standards, the last couple of years have been a bit up and down. Managed to lift himself this year for his swansong, but I reckon 2011 was bad for him (oddly enough, I though he was great when he came on against SAF in Wellington during RWC, then Robbie left him out). Maybe if his form during 2011 was as it has been this year, he may have felt differently about announcing his retirement? Don't get me wrong - great player, great leader, great legacy.
chivasdude
Guest
Sharpie is a great Wallaby already. A true line out general and many underestimate the importance of this role. He is a great leader and inspiration to many for his longevity, dedication, demeanor and consistency. I consider he has been our MOST consistent player since the RWC and thank heavens he agreed to stay on for this tour. But he should retire after the Tour ends. Better to leave while on top and not when critics and fans are baying for your blood because of poor form or youngsters coming up behind you. Not many athletes get to choose the time of their departure. Sharpie has earned this and I for one would prefer he left on top and with all of us wanting a little more from him.
rl
Guest
Boy Professor, when you put it that way it sure does sound scientific (not!)
JBees
Guest
Nathan Sharpe has served his country well and deserves his retirement, a true warrior and Wallaby Great!!! Now he can spend time with his young family, I for one, wish him all the best :) The Wallabies will be fine thanks to the many injuries they have suffered this season, now they have dept and challenges for positions - isn't this what you wanted?
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
No, an opinion based on an assessement of his playing at the moment, the trajectory of his career, and how a lock ages. No such information on his family. It wouldn't in any case be hypocrisy.
redsnut
Guest
rl - Sharpe has been THE most consistent player in the team. When has he not been?
B-Rock
Roar Guru
NOS - I think KPM is referring to calling (and generally running) the lineouts rather than just jumping. The lineout can quickly fall apart without leadership, particularly with TPN throwing!