Dear Nathan Sharpe: the Lions are coming

Pillock - I like that quote. I think I'll borrow it & of course claim it as mine!!!!! ;)

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.

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.

The Reds are full and I doubt they'd take him back anyway with how he left the first time around.

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!

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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?"

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.

this is dull....zzzzz.....time for someone else

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.

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.

Boy Professor, when you put it that way it sure does sound scientific (not!)

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?

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.

rl - Sharpe has been THE most consistent player in the team. When has he not been?

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!