Wallaby Jack Maddocks could shift from the Melbourne Rebels to the NSW Waratahs ahead of the Super Rugby season if the teams can agree on a swap deal.
Elusive Wallabies utility Jack Maddocks could become the NSW Waratahs’ fullback in a player swap deal with the Melbourne Rebels ahead of the Super Rugby season.
Management of both teams have confirmed ongoing discussions over 22-year-old Maddocks, who played seven Tests in 2018 but missed selection for last year’s World Cup.
The Waratahs have a dearth of experienced outside backs following the sacking of Israel Folau and the likelihood is that Test utility Kurtley Beale will begin the year at five-eighth to replace the departed Bernard Foley.
A host of quality backs in Melbourne and Maddocks’ desire to return in Sydney for personal reasons makes the shift a viable one.
AAP understands the Waratahs are open to providing financial compensation but that the Rebels would prefer a player swap.
Agreeing on the identity of the player and landing one willing to shift south have created a sticking point.
Also muddying the waters is Rugby Australia’s involvement in the discussions and Maddock’s goal to compete in sevens at the Tokyo Olympics, which would probably reduce his Super Rugby availability.
The Rebels are believed to have requested the services of winger Cam Clark or young five-eighth Ben Donaldson
Rebels chief executive Baden Stephenson told rugby.com.au that the likelihood of a deal is diminishing as the Super Rugby season start on January 31 nears.
“We were hopeful, if something was to get done, was for it be done before Christmas and the longer it goes, as the old saying goes, time kills all deals. It is becoming very late in the piece for us and the Tahs and for Jack as well,” Stephenson said.
The likelihood of a swap deal once the season was under way was slim, Stephenson added.
Rotgut
Guest
Maybe but not on a rugby field
Paul D
Roar Rookie
I think the Tah 15 has always been what he wanted. Just there was an immovable object in the way till recently. He went to the Rebels for an opportunity, but no doubt felt disheartened by DHP arriving the next year, then being made Captain, which ruled out the Rebels 15 also. Wouldn’t be surprised if he had his eye on a move back home the moment Folau was sent packing.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Rhys, this is what it seems has happened.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
“ I just wonder if they are going to make the same mistake they did with Mason and Foley” Let’s not talk about historical mistakes at 10 selection. I’m still getting counselling.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
I know nothing of his play in the lower numbers Sinclair but I remember a rumour of a coach intending to groom him towards 10 in the future. And I remember Larkham’s progression from 15 to 10 at the highest level. Good move by Tahs. Kurtley is insurance The two Randwick kids in careful development, and Jack on the field growing from 15 towards 10. Like a10 pound note in the middle of the Brickie’s line, the first hand to reach the prize wins it.
Ex force fan
Guest
Being the most equal Superugby franchise in Australia with the ability to change the rules to fit their needs comes with lots of advantages. The Tahs almost have pre-emptive rights to players just like the Auckland Blues used to have until NZRU realised that you want your best players to play every weekend instead of warming the bench. The dominance of NSW is not healthy. I remember a time when the Blue Bulls had 5 of the top 6 best locks in their side. It was good for the Bulls but not for anyone else including the Boks and the players’ careers.
concerned supporter
Roar Rookie
TWAS, Egg on both your and C.Clyne's faoes. Just sae that Twiggy Forrest is donating AUD 70 Million to the bushfire fund. You doubted his credentials when he offered plenty of/$$ to the ARU/RA. You snd Clyne were wrong as usual.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
I don’t think he’s really in any serious consideration. And any talk certainly has far more to do with Cooper, LLF and Foley all leaving than him actually being test quality.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
The issues is not the quality of the Force, more so the quality of the opposition though. I can't see how a guy who has 0 Super Rugby caps would be first choice option, but I agree I can see that combo coming in over the season.
Sheikh
Roar Rookie
Yes, it's a shame that the situation has evolved that Deegan had to move on from Perth to be seriously considered for Wallaby selection, but we're glad he considered us when he came back from Ireland, and hope that he gets the recognition he deserves. To be honest, I wouldn't be surprised if the Rebels don't have Deegan at 10 and Toomua at 12 at some stage this year, as a way of getting both players on the park.
stillmissit
Roar Guru
Agree Jeznez: I am hopeful that it happens but it don't sound too promising. It has been a few years since the Tahs had a top class FB, as opposed to a runner and stepper. Maddocks could end up being that FB.
stillmissit
Roar Guru
Paul d: This is the best news about fullback I have heard in some time. Maddocks, to my mind, has the ability to be a great fullback. The Tahs would benefit from him and it gets him out of the way of DHP who is the best FB in Australia ATM, as proven in the RWC. I am hopeful a deal can be brokered but approaching Cam Clark says we don't want you and I have not seen enough of Donaldson to give an opinion. Either of them with family in Melbourne? Not that it makes a lot of difference.
concerned supporter
Roar Rookie
Jimbo He and his family are from Sydney.
Paul
Roar Rookie
Well the Rebels could have held on to him, but didn't stand in the way of his personal reasons. Sad to see him go, he's a good player. Means we have some wriggle room in our player spend.
Jimbo81
Roar Rookie
The power of the NSW mafia is staggering; that they can just casually pilfer Maddocks from the Rebels at the end of preseason training should be blocked by RA.
JamesDuncan
Roar Guru
Just saw this. Great development.
JamesDuncan
Roar Guru
Looked great in the NRC. Could be a real dark horse with the Rebs.
JamesDuncan
Roar Guru
Agreed. Could be a good 15, but not proven yet.
JamesDuncan
Roar Guru
Harris is a forward. Donaldson and Harris are too good to give up. Clark is more dispensable...
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Excellent! We got Maddocks and lost nobody. Even better than I hoped.