Should the ARU enforce a loan system between Australian teams?
Jono Lance, before he did his leg in, had the chance to show his talent this season when he finally secured regular game time with a move to the Force.
The fullback for the Reds in their championship-winning final in 2011, Lance had found his career on the backburner somewhat after moving to the Waratahs and promptly finding himself behind most of the starting Wallaby backline.
Staying with the Reds, Andrew Ready has managed to outmuscle capped Wallaby Saia Fainga’a as the starting hooker in Queensland. Despite being 20-years-old and in his debut season, Ready has already made six impressive starts so far.
Next season, though, similar to Lance at the Waratahs, Ready should expect to find himself benched (or, worse, behind a resurgent Fainga’a and out of the squad all together) when the Wallabies skipper and hooker Stephen Moore returns to the Reds next year.
Ready joins a host of other youngsters in the supposedly shallow pools of Australian rugby talent to find impressive form in Super Rugby this year, despite the various stumbles on and off the pitch so far.
At the Tahs alone, Jed Holloway and Jack Dempsey have impressed, as has Tom Robertson, the medical student who started as fifth (or less) choice prop earlier this season. In the backs, Andrew Kellaway and David Horwitz are finally getting a chance to prove their potential.
Considering the promise and excitement of youth players coming up the ranks, the uneven spread and the lack of talent in a few areas, could a loan system be a good solution not only for the franchises themselves, but for Australian rugby in general?
As Stephen Hoiles pointed out when discussing the benefits of a draft in Australian rugby, the mass of players reside in Queensland and New South Wales, so would they really want to be sent to the other country on a whim?
However, if there was a loan system, not only would the relocation be temporary and a return home guaranteed, but it’d also help the centralisation of Australian rugby strategy and prevent the provincial politics that cloud the game for having franchises hog all the players.
It could be argued that Ready will learn more from Moore than being loaned to, and playing regularly for, the Brumbies. Currently, Stephen Larkham will be deciding between the 35-year-old Josh Mann-Rea and journeymen Robbie Abel and Albert Anae as his hookers next year.
The five young Waratahs mentioned above were either all contracted last year, or around the squad, yet didn’t have many, if any, Super games last year while veterans well down the Wallabies pecking order like Matt Carraro, Mitch Chapman and Stephen Hoiles were given plenty of minutes.
Former Waratahs Michael Alaalatoa and Ben Volavola didn’t play at all in 2015, and they’ve now joined Reds reject Nemani Nadolo in now playing for the Crusaders. And it’s hard to believe that any of them – all Australians boys of Islander descent – would be there for the pay or miserable weather and funny accents.
What’s worse is now that Volavola finds himself behind the second best Israel fullback, Israel Dagg.
The state of Australian rugby becomes particularly concerning when you consider the dearth of dedicated scrum halves. The three Nicks – Phipps, Stirzaker and Frisby – are the only starting Australian 9s in Super Rugby.
Will Genia’s available too, although Cheika has said he won’t pick any European players for the England series. Regardless, Genia’s play has failed to be inspiring for the best part of three years anyway. Nic White, having 22 caps, doesn’t qualify for the Wallabies.
An injury to one or both of Genia and Phipps would throw the Wallabies’ passing quite literally into disarray.
Seeing as game time is usually considered the best way to develop players, foreseeing this situation last year, wouldn’t it have been better in the medium-term for the ARU to have either given the Brumbies the next best Aussie scrum half, or told them to not sign Argentine Tomas Cubelli and play one of their youngsters instead?
To stem the flow of young talent eager for game time, force Super teams to develop Australian talent and ultimately improve the Wallabies, should the ARU develop and enforce a loan system between Australian Super teams to get the most of out the shallow pool that is Australian rugby?
Perthstayer
Roar Rookie
NH - Hopefully replying direct means you'll see this as I'm a couple of days behind, but I wanted to say this is an inspired idea. Especially in Australia. I immediately thought of the European soccer model (originally from UK). In a loan system everyone wins. Everyone plays more and clubs and players make more money. The downside is a player becomes a commodity but usually they're keen to play and things can be packaged to overcome the negatives. Here's hoping someone with influence reads your article!
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
NT, If Michael Fats (he had a very good game for the Canes v Lions this morning) can be 'enticed' back home it will be a blessing for the Blues with Bekhuis moving on. I think the Canes will want to hold onto him but maybe the 'call of home' will be strong enough to see him make a move. Pulu is 26 there were huge wraps on him after TKB was seriously injured about back in 2014 so currently would be an asset to challenge Hall. But then what do they do with Guyton and Nock? They all want game time. Sam Nock is a product of Saint Kentigern's College. He played in ITM for Northland as halfback and a couple of reports I has was that the kid is a 'goer' and destined for higher honours, likened very much to be like Brad Webber. He is part of the squad now, not part of the WTG and is only 19 years of age. As far as I am aware, he is not injured but needs an opportunity even off the bench as part of apprenticeship. We should be investing in kids who have potential, 'loaning him out' for a shot period will at least give him game time. Yes No 10 remains a worry (at least to me). Ihaia West has had his chances and he does some very good things then follows up with aimless options, frustrates me no end when I don't want to be frustrated! Tana needs to address that position IMO. Don't worry NT, 2017 will be a good year for the Blues ... no distractions of Rio, Ben Lam and Rene Ranger back from there season ending injuries, Gibson fully recovered guys like big Ofa stepping up, and with the added incentive of the British and Irish Lions visiting, it is looking 'more than good'. We also have the mana of Tana! The young team is still very inexperienced and I sense some opposition team, maybe even in the remaining 2016 rounds, (if the Blues put it all together) is going to cop a pasting. Ioane brothers now with the 7's and injuries is going to test the depth but it will create some opportunities for others if they are good enough to grab them.
Mantoga
Guest
The best halfback in Australia by far is Josh Holmes. Has size, speed and a great pass. Why he hasn't been given a decent run in Super Rugby, even though he's played for numerous franchises is beyond me. He's dominated the Sydney Shute Shield for years and now has been picked up in the Aussie 7's squad.
Nicholas Hartman
Roar Guru
Yeah so it happens in soccer a lot. Because there's so many different comps and differences in quality, a lot of the loans are from big clubs giving lesser clubs their promising youngsters for 6/12/24 months. Loans are also sometimes sorted out for older players which the parent club wants to keep, but don't want to play because they're out of form/coming back from injury and don't want to have to pay their wages. Loans usually involve the recipient club paying their wages (and sometimes monthly fees, depends on the intention), and sometimes have an agreed transfer price at the end of it (so it's like a try before you buy) Some clubs have arrangements with other clubs, where the big club lends the smaller club a lot of their players, and usually for free (small club doesn't pay the wages). eg https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SBV_Vitesse#Current_squad has five players on loan from Chelsea Some other clubs have arrangements so some internationals can get visas in countries more willing to give them an EU passport
Ngati Tumutumu
Guest
I heard they were trying to bring Fatiolofa back and also Siu so I think they are doing work in that area a lot better than in recent memory RT. I can see a lot of discussion about bringing guy's in who can plug gaps but No talk about 10 as far as I have heard. I don't know much about Nock but if they have brung in Pulu that would suggest Tana doesn't see him as the Blues halfback moving forward I value your opinion so think if we lose that talent it will be a big disappointment that will come back to haunt us.
Wal
Roar Guru
Wasn't a criticism of Umaga at all, my personal belief is a coach needs at least 2-3 years to properly develop a team. Much longer if you want to do it with younger players too. Different to obviously if all the pieces of the puzzle are already in place, i.e. Cheika with the Tahs. And really the coach has to rely on so many others to scout for and identify talent. As you say the problem is far more a historical one the only players he lost this year were retirements or to overseas. Compare previously letting guys like Fekitoa, Gareth Anscombe, Noholo, go to other provinces and he has made some major gains. I really like the look of what he is developing there. Made much harder with the Ioane Brothers coming and going from the 7's circuit and key injuries.
Steve
Guest
The Force unfortunately don't have the funds of Euro clubs. That's where all the Fijians are
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Wal in all fairness to Umaga, he has not had a fair crack of the whip out of securing 'his desired' players at least for 2016 due to his late appointment. However, in many ways, it might work out well in the long run as most of those available for signing from August last year are from the Blues catchment area. One could probably suggest that the squad he was left with was essentially a relic of the past, but I for one and prepared to cut him some slack. In such a short space of time he seems to have begun to mould a unit together, maybe not the most talented in the country but you can at least feel that those running onto the playing arena have some sense of pride of who the represent. As a fan,I don't think I am entitled to ask for more than that?
soapit
Guest
its soccer in general i think machoooka. they just negotiate with other clubs to loan people on their own (not a formal system run by the comp). no salary cap etc makes it simple. least thats what i thought
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Ahh but Chook.. I'm the classic guy who should keep my trap shut so I never confirm to others what I fool I am.... *S*
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Nick, I'm pleased to hear that... I too 'was a very serious and mature person deep down' ... but after my 70th (a couple years back), I started drinking from the fountain of youth and thought bugger it, why not have some fun!... *fluttering eyelashes*
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
Can only see upside. Good stuff.
Jerry
Guest
Under the old system yes (though he actually transferred to the Hawkes Bay Magpies, not the Lions). The NZRU allows Super Rugby teams to contract independently from provincial bases - effectively the 'catchment area' is no longer a factor (though of course, young players are more likely to be recruited by their local Super franchise). You do still see players shift provinces, though it's usually so they can have a steady base throughout the year, especially if they're not core All Blacks and are likely to actually play ITM Cup - eg Lima Sopoaga transferred to Southland so he wouldn't have to shift for the ITM Cup.
Geoff Parkes
Expert
I don't know how they do it either mate. And some of them also take a cup of tea to the Mrs and keep an eye on the kids as well. Very impressive.
Wal
Roar Guru
Think I got it so a guy like Ben Franks is still able to move SR teams but only if he moves provinces as well or did the Cru not protect him to allow him to move? Hence he plays for both the Canes and Lions
Machooka
Roar Guru
Yeah Tragic... it's pretty crazy eh? And I'll freely put up my hand to say I'm also on of 'idyets' you mentioned... like an extra one, apart from yourself being the ONLY one! :)
Hoges5
Roar Rookie
A good article here and one I believe can work if centrally mandated. Baseball, soccer, basketball and plenty of other sports have achieved this throughout the world. Yes, it could be difficult but in a commercial world that can be worked out with contracts dictating grounds that a player could be recalled, let go, or seconded etc. Think George Smith being able to play seemingly in Japan, UK and for the Brumbies all within a calendar year a few years ago - it was all based on good faith negotiations. Whilst I would hate to see Ready shuffled off to another team, you cannot deny that the system where NZ "share" players around to ensure they get exposure hasn't worked. Ma'a Nonu I think played for just about every NZ team!
Hoges5
Roar Rookie
Agreed - Stirzaker and Frisby would both fall into this category. Phipps defence is excellent, and support play....his pass is too often erratic at best and woeful at worst. Foley must be the best catcher of a half-volley in world rugby and have the strongest ribs....
taylorman
Roar Guru
Tsk tsk... 'What’s worse is now that Volavola finds himself behind the second best Israel fullback, Israel Dagg' Now if you're going to make Dwyer like statements when a players just looking for reasons to bound back into form I don't think you're helping your cause? Could well be that the east and west banks of Israel in the rugby version clash again this year so be careful...? But comparing it to League I believe we have way more Kiwis playing for the non Warriors sides and that isn't helping our cause much in terms of the Warriors, but it must be greatly assisting the Kiwis, who presently have better sides at test level it seems. If our guys were able to pick larger salaries in oz and still play for the ABs wouldn't that even things up more? We're oz players to then fill a number of NZ sides would that then up the test level ante? Not that it's going to happen.
Machooka
Roar Guru
Thanks for the love Nic... but the credit for this should go to MrsChook and one of the g/daughters :) Ummm... after I posted my question to you I've now got this nagging little voice in me head saying, like as commentator would say... that such and such a player is 'on loan' from this or that club for this match. I'm sure it's from the EPL??