As soon as Craig Wing uttered the word “NRL” in an interview published on Monday, I knew there would be clubs leaving messages on his answering machine.
I was proved right less than 48 hours later.
The NRL glamour boy mentioned that he would not be opposed to an NRL comeback, and while he would be earning nowhere near the coin he gets in Japan, he mentioned it was the meaning each game had to the fans which was what he missed.
As they always do, this situation got me thinking about which clubs really could use a playmaker such as Wing.
St. George Illawarra Dragons
The Dragons want (and need) just about anybody right now. Wing and the Dragons may prove be a good fit. There have been cries from left right and centre to move Nathan Fien to the bench to make way for a true halfback.
And it’s no secret the Dragons are desperate to sign just about anyone to fix their cellar-dwelling ways. The Dragons may very well be the most likely path for Wing back into the league, as uninviting as the offer sounds.
Canberra Raiders
Letting Travis Waddell walk during the off-season has left the Raiders thin at the hooker position. The Raiders have tried players such as Shaun Berrigan and Glenn Buttriss at the hooker position this year but are dying for a permanent number nine.
And since Josh Dugan’s departure, the Raiders also need some star power. These things Craig Wing can bring to the side immediately and given the Raiders’ current position, it can’t hurt to try him out. How much worse could things get?
Parramatta Eels
The Eels are another team struggling for stability, this time at Wing’s favourite position, five-eighth. While he may not be a long-term solution, Wing would help develop young Eels such as Luke Kelly, as well as bring a touch of class to a side that has needed just that in most spots on the park.
The Eels are always in the hunt for a superstar (or so it seems) and don’t be surprised to see Wing linked to the team sooner or later.
Penrith Panthers
The Penrith Panthers are the first team linked to Craig Wing, and why wouldn’t they be? With Lachlan Coote out for a season, and Tom Humble having to fill in at five-eighth, the Panthers could really do with Wing’s experience and class at the position.
There’s no doubt the cashed-up Panthers could afford him, and Dean Whare can always be moved onto the wings or into the centres when Lachlan Coote comes back.
DanB
Guest
Haha don't think that will help his cause for an comeback in League - couldn't imagine many NRL players being intimidated by an ex-cherry blossom!
Conspiracy Theorist
Guest
Yeah I'm curious to know as well. I've seen plenty of established League players that have crossed over and almost instantly represented Australia in Union, but can't think of any that have done the reverse. [Insert more code war banter] ;)
Johnno
Guest
All you Craig Wing fans, getting excited about an NRL return. Sorry to burst your bubble read this. http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/rugby-gold/aussie-craig-wing-set-to-play-for-japanese-national-rugby-team-the-cherry-blossoms/story-fn8ti7yn-1226608697995 So it's gonna be a while yet before, Craig Wing says Sayonara to Japan rugby.
Peeeko
Guest
Wasn't he at souths before the roosters?
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Oikee I don't know if your taking the p!ss re Wing would easily play Super 15 but couldn't cut it at NRL level ? I'm sure at 34 he would struggle to play at either level.
Ken
Guest
Surely the Dragons aren't looking at him, our number 1 recruitment problem is halfback where we have an old 'utility' type player filling in. How would buying another old utility player fix the problem?
蜘王
Guest
A Roosters legend. 2002 will always be his defining moment. took the money at souffs and it ended his NRL career.
Nostradamus
Guest
Menzies playing Super league near 40 hmmmmm
oikee
Guest
The Roosters can have him, they seem to buy all the old rugby rejects and super league rejects.
oikee
Guest
Corey Norman will be worth it, after this year he will be well and truely ready for a change after getting the wooden spoon. hehehe Zero, no points, the Broncos could not even score a point. geez. The coach has got them doing 5 hit-ups and then a kick, and Hannet is buggered, last year burnt him out, Friday will be next, after being made to play in the front row. Someone stop the mad scientist at the Broncos, please. The coach. hehe Did i mention he threw the baby out with the bathwater? our keeping our juniors policy. None left now, we have to buy rejects.
peeeko
Roar Guru
like who exactly?
Myles Stedman
Roar Guru
Paramatta really don't care who they sign, as long as they're a big-name; hence, Wing will most likely be on their radar.
Damn Straight
Roar Rookie
Nice setting of the code war trap, troll. :)
Damn Straight
Roar Rookie
Geez, I don't know about the age factor Supes. They purchased the services of Casey McGuire, Paul Whatuira and Carl Webb a couple of seasons ago, who were all well into their 30's and past it. I know Ricky is there now, but when recruitment and Parramatta are mentioned in the same breath, I shudder to think of the possible outcomes. Any club who could pay Ben Roberts 200k, or Corey Norman 450k a year is obviously incompetent at recruitment.
Nostradamus
Guest
The Telegraph once reported (massoud) that Wing would now be able to play in the Commonwealth Games Rugby because his mother was Phillipino. Tragically someone had to tell the writer that the Phillipines was once a US protectorate and never part of the British Commonwealth...
oikee
Guest
Stamina, these guys are on the move all game, it is a fight for survival. Who said anything about being tough, only you.
sledgeandhammer
Guest
Yeah sure, the NRL is full of rugby rejects, not sure if the NRL is as tough as you guys like to boast
mushi
Roar Guru
But he's likely to be not very good and over priced? I thought that was the exact guy the Eels went after?
Damien
Roar Guru
'Once you mover to Japan, that is it, your career is over in the NRL.' Thats true of course, unless you're SBW..
SuperEel22
Roar Guru
The Eels are linked to every player under the sun. Wing doesn't fit the Eels' current recruitment policy due to his age. His asking price will be too high and he won't be in Ricky Stuart's plans. We just bought Corey Norman so I doubt we'd buy Wing as that would see Norman as number 3 choice for 5/8.