There has been recent speculation by some in the mainstream rugby media that James O’Connor and the Queensland Rugby Union are sounding each other out about a deal that will see the once errant Wallaby come back to Queensland in 2015.
On 12 May the Sydney Morning Herald’s own Georgina Robinson wrote “James O’Connor is in talks to join the Queensland Reds in a bid to resurrect his Wallabies career before next year’s World Cup.”
Robinson in my opinion is an astute and informed scribe so I think she must be onto something.
To date I am unaware of any comment made by Queensland Rugby Union power broker Jim Carmichael denying any facet of Robinson’s statement.
Naturally I was intrigued about the O’Connor conjecture. Who wouldn’t be? It’s James O’Connor we are talking about here.
However, O’Connor will not be playing for free. It would appear O’Connor wants his pound of flesh if he is to sign with the struggling franchise.
Is it possible that O’Connor is not only looking for a path to the 2015 Rugby World Cup, but also a path to the 2016 Olympics? Or does he want to win Super Rugby titles with Queensland and play 100 Tests for the Wallabies?
Either way the ARU do not appear to be looking to make an investment in O’Connor at this time, but appear to be happy for Queensland to do so.
This is prudent considering O’Connor’s chequered past.
What is O’Connor worth to Queensland and Australian rugby?
If you were in business would you stump up your hard earned to see him back as part of a third-party arrangement?
Would you want your brand in the hand, on the head, wrist or chest of James O’Connor after his up and down history with off-field behaviour?
ChrisT
Guest
As referred to earlier, those Suisse ads were enough to have him exiled for life. Still scarred by them .....
Schuey
Guest
We'll know if O'connor is ready to mature when he takes that ridiculous, cringeworthy website of his down.
Tommo
Guest
That's true; if JOC had really put away his old habits, he should have shown some loyalty to the club that tossed him a lifeline... "but yea nah; need to improve my marketing portfolio in france, so when my 1 year contract with the Reds ends after the world cup; I can go back to Toulon..." I think the Reds are mad, if they were really keen on building a strong team, they should be throwing all the dollars in the world at guys like Gussy Cottrell!
Hertryk
Guest
Rugby's answer to Justin Bieber...
Hertryk
Guest
When the Force boys came over to meet the fans after EVERY home game and away game for that matter..JOC was conspicuous by his absence.. He'd gone back to the dressing room.. BRAND much to good for us..
wardad
Guest
While I do believe we do and should always hold Rugby players to higher off field standards than other codes ,it does seem to me that his indiscretions are trivial compared to other sports stars . Imagine being young ,good looking ,super fit ,famous and cashed up with all that entails and how hard it must be to stay on the narrow path.
garryowen
Guest
Don't believe JOC has changed his game plan-its money he wants- the Irish wanted him to stay but he's left them because Toulon offered more cash, so he has gone to them for a season. His sole belief is to increase the value of " Brand JOC "and believes pathway to this is getting back to the Wallabies and possible team selection for Olympics. and if ARU cannot afford to pay the rates available from others he will be off again -IE. no loyality to country or club, its cash first.
Geoffwho
Guest
I am all for JOC going to the Reds. As to his crimes, it was more his influence on team culture that was his real past crime. Hence the debate on whether the Reds should sign him. Talented? Undoubted. Disruptive influence? We hope not. New rumour to go around? Karmichael Hunt is also being released by Suns. What if the Reds picked up JOC as 12 and Hunt as 15? Hunt was a Maroons and Kangaroos fullback and has had 3+ years in AFL working on kicking and catching. However, Reds need more grunt in the back row so its to a pity there are no rumours going around about some potential signings up in the forwards....
Warren Adamson
Roar Pro
Falou is immensely talented and deserves a start above at full back with JOC at 14 and AAC at outside centre. You have too many players out of their natural position. Genia has played himself out of a jersey and I think that a stronger candidate is White. He has been playing well and Foley will give Toomua a run for his money.
Warren Adamson
Roar Pro
Considering that they just made the finals - Toulon are a serious team and buy talented names such as Habana, Botha, Wilkinson, etc. They want a championship and will 'buy' it if needed and they believe that JOC can contribute to the cause.
Warren Adamson
Roar Pro
Garth - you make a good point. JOC was just a party boy but wasn't involved in any "aggressive" crime. He was drunk at an airport and escorted out, but I think that was the height of his problems. I still think that JOC needs to play at the top level because to lose such a talent is a waist. The guy is talented and deserves to play but his attitude needs to change and if McKenzie can steer QC right, then he can do the same with JOC.
Squirrel
Guest
Why don't the reds buy Karmichael Hunt
Ath
Guest
O'Connor is great with kids and fans generally, always had a genuine smile from them from what I could see, and is noted for training the house down. On the field the guy always plays his heart out. The lad is a gifted player in defense and a superb player on attack who makes his weight count far more than someone his size should be able to. As a rebels fan I was dismayed to hear how divisive he was there. I liked the guy and wish him well at the Reds, not least because we need him playing well for the Wallabies. For myself I think he will do well.
cm
Guest
Agreed, but let's see his demands and whether he'a dropped that whole brand thing before we presume he's changed his attitude. Earning megabucks overseas isn't much of a life lesson for a hitherto privileged twat.
John
Guest
As an all blacks fan I applaud the reds for considering the return of J.O.C. The sooner the most over-rated defensive turnstile in world rugby returns to poison the reds and wallabies with his prima dona garbage the better! But seriously they must have rocks in their heads to want him?
Garth
Guest
The Force also had Graham as coach. The Rebels also had Beale & Cipriani. Laying it all on JOC is a bit harsh, especially since nearly everyone is willing to overlook actual crimes in the case of QC & Beale, and proclaim them rehabilitated.
Garth
Guest
He doesn't seem to have killed any teams in Europe...
Garth
Guest
I'd certainly like to know why the Aussie rugby public is more forgiving of both Beale (assaulted his skipper, etc.) and QC (stolen laptops, etc.) but not JOC. Can anyone enlighten me as to the exact nature of his "crimes"? "Because he is/was a dickhead" doesn't cover it because the other two were/are as well.
Squirrel
Guest
My ideal wallaby backline 9. Genia 10. Toomua 11. Badger 12. McCabe 13. Folau 14. AAC 15. Joc Need Folau to play s15 a season there
Tiger
Guest
Once bitten twice (thrice) shy! Bad things come in 3's! Or, may be it might be third time lucky for O'Connor. IMHO I think for now, Qld RU and the ARU should continue to invest in younger talent who are committed to the Reds and the Australian 'Brand', and leave O'Connor to coninue playing rugby in the UK. That would mean he may not be eligible for selection for 2015 WC given the current selection policy. I don't think that's bad thing. There's great talent coming through the ranks and deserve their chance.