Cheika surprised by Horne's move abroad

TM, for a large contingent of senior players in this country their commitment to a club is perhaps superficial; it is all about the remuneration package. They appear to be akin to used car salesmen, the deal and opportunities are always best in the next car lot. With most clubs experiencing financial restraint it is difficult to expect long term player commitment, hence the rub. Unit we have a governing body in the position to offer realistic guarantees, little will change. Although the ARU paid David Pocock a princely amount to return after his Tiki tour, which was possibly, precious funds poorly invested. Unfortunately the David and goliath parable will continue to repeat itself, as playing for the Wallabies hold only limited appeal. As team selection can be mystifying plus the sport continues to tread water against other major winter sports. Folk like Horne moving north so he can obtain family security before his abilities are questioned, is understandable and may he receive all appropriate rewards. The pity is, OZ doesn’t have a rugby retirement plan with inducements. Most are just a player number for hirer and if injury hinders a career, such is life.

Good point about super rugby. Often when these announcements are made the discussion will centre around how the Wallabies/All Blacks will have said players departure covered/or not as if they are the only teams that matter. Having players such as Mitchell return to super rugby can only be a good thing.

Yes but now he's back in the SH chook...the big bucket KFC is over. Slaw only?

Perhaps PK but it is interesting to see the 'joy' in so many fans of faithful servants like Phipps and Horne getting wellwished on their new journey simply due to the fact that they're relieved they will be less selectable for the Wallabies. Surely that is a selection issue rather than a player one. 'Glad they're going cos then Cheika can't select them'. Geez, awful position to be in. One more test potential player less is simply a position Wallaby rugby can't afford right now.

GR, as a Rebel enthusiast you are correct. The team appears to falter at critical moments and we appear to have more than our share of injuries. Trying to balance experience with youth, is an attractive approach but attracting players with a future and not in decline is also important. Unfortunately, the Drew’s of this game may no-longer be assets.

Noice :)

Nose

Yet another falls to the vice grip on the game of the NH dollar. Great for the player, not so for his core band of supporters and hard to give any credence to the 'gap' closing when one of the main reasons is one party paying top dollar to help the cause by siphoning off those available to a given side. What's more annoying from a pure fan perspective is that this is just 'how it is'.

Also Cheika is consciously trying to draw players back to Australia by both building a Wallabies culture that has an almost intangible value of it's own (like the AB's) and opting to use the Giteau clause to p!ss off the European clubs. Great to have big names back in Super Rugby, even if they don't ultimately end up making the Wallabies.

agree chook.. well said..

'jab'!?! Is that a jab in the arm or the bum?

Horne had an offer from Munster two seasons ago must explain why he was awarded the vice captaincy by Cheika. Guarantee him a spot to keep him happy. Now he has a new born why spend 7 to 10 months on the road away from your wife and child. Cheika needs to get a reality check and just move on.

jab

Geez Gary... I don't know if I agree with all that. Have you seen what Drew can do to apples? In fact lots of apples.

All the best Rob Horne... you've served your state and country well. Enjoy your time in England!

It's only Friday Bakkies... and imagination the kerfuffle caused had it been posted on game-day, tomorrow, just prior to the commencement of the 10s. A real bugger eh?!?

I agree with your dissertation, Puff, couldn't of said it better myself. Rob Horne is a very good Super rugby player and will excel at Northampton, However I think it is very generous thinking to envision Mitchell ever playing for the Wallabies again let alone a Super Rugby Club. Horne has made a calculated decision to get the best value from his career and this will go a long way to set him up for life after rugby. Mitchell has already done this and is on the downward spiral that some mature rugby player find themselves at the twilight of their careers. They love playing and just can't give it up even though their bodies are saying otherwise. I would hope that Mitchell is not at the Reds any time soon. The team is full of grandparents at the moment and any more will see centrelink investigating pension allocations

that is over egging it. All cheika did was endorse a return to super rugby for Mitchell. That is fine, no issues increasing the depth at super rugby level at all. No indication that he is considering him for national honours.

Although there’s always a worry of senior players looking for increased inducements when they survey their playing future. It appears the only smart cookie here is Rob Horne. His favourite position within the Wallaby ranks is becoming crowded, so why not apply your trade at Northampton where such skills are appreciated. The portion of the article that makes me smile, Cheika is now excited about a possible Drew Mitchell return. The gent has been struggling with recurring injury, form and fitness; hence if Toulon were to release him early it would be solely based on, club player value. Do we honestly believe that Toulon would allow their most value players to play in the Brisbane 10’s. Cheika continues to take his eyes off the prize, the pool of young talent he already has at his disposal.

IMO Cheika could easily pick Beale at 12 and hence a preference for a winger to tackle at inside centre. The obvious , better answer is to play Beale at 15 if you are going to start him. Folau at 13 or wing (or even 12 but few would consider that), Kerevi at 12.