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Well done to Tim Horan.
Former Wallaby Horan was highlighting the NRL’s double standards by being upset that their star recruit Kalyn Ponga had been approached by Wallaby coach Michael Cheika.
The NRL felt indignant their star player had been sussed out about a code switch even though he had two years left on his contract.
Ponga is a highly sought-after athlete. In his junior years he played a number of sports including rugby league, touch football, hockey, rugby union, golf and football.
Born to New Zealand parents, Ponga has previously suggested he’d love to suit up for the All Blacks.
Horan said the NRL are never backward in approaching junior rugby players at Under 14 and Under 16 comps.
Nor have they missed an opportunity to poach a rugby star to join their ranks and were even more predatory prior to rugby turning professional in 1995.
Let’s take this indignation a step further and take a closer look at some current players in the NRL.
Almost every Fijian playing in the NRL is a former rugby player.
Almost every Kiwi playing in the NRL is a former rugby player.
There are numerous Junior Wallabies currently playing in the NRL.
The NRL needs to realise its an open global market out there. Rugby Australia have needed to adjust to a steady stream of top players migrating to more fruitful comps in Europe or Japan.
The NRL should be grateful their players are not as so highly desirable.
Not enough rugby commentators call out the NRL for their shortcomings like Horan has. And good on him – it is about time somebody did it.
The difference is stark when listening to TV or radio commentary.
Rugby commentators almost praise former or current NRL players. On the other hand, most NRL commentators can’t bring themselves to say the words rugby union.
Let’s see more rugby personnel call it as it is.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.