Izack Rodda is set to return to the Wallabies for the first time since his controversial exit from the Reds over his refusal to take a pay cut during the COVID-19 shutdown.
Rodda walked out on the Reds and into a lucrative stint in France with Lyon but was rumoured to take a large pay cut to return to Western Force for next season’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
Rodda was put up for Wallabies media duty on Tuesday alongside former Reds teammate Quade Cooper, who also was on the wrong side of Reds coach Brad Thorn during his time in Queensland.
“I played with him years ago and he is a phenomenal talent, great player and even better man off the field,” Cooper said of Rodda on Tuesday.
(William West/AFP/Getty Images)
“I’ve enjoyed being able to catch up, spend some time with him and I know he’s going to be a great asset for Australian rugby.”
Rodda has played 25 Tests for Australia and said he didn’t expect a Wallabies call up this season. But he believes he has advanced his game in his brief time in France.
“Since being in France, I learned a lot more about physicality in the game and probably more about the aggressive side of the game,” said Rodda.
“That’s what I’ll be able to bring back now – definitely more physicality around the breakdown and ball carry which is what I thought were among my weaker points before I left for France.”
He said he was “pumped to be back” after feeling left out last season.
“I’ve been enjoying it a lot. There’s a lot of competition in the second row this year in the squad, which is good.
“I didn’t expect it to happen this quick at all. I thought I’d just be in Perth for the next six months really. But that’s why I’m back because it’s the dream of mine to play for the Wallabies and I’m trying to do that every opportunity I get.
“If I get picked I’ll be stoked. It will be unreal to play in Perth.”
Rodda said he was encouraged by what he had seen at Western Force, whose coach Tim Sampson made him a priority signing, to the chagrin of Thorn.
“I think they’re doing really well and they’ve got a good solid roster – a good amount of young guys have come in and some older guys as well – a good mix there,” said Rodda.
“After seeing the performances this year, they’re definitely building and I think with another solid preseason under their belt the guys will be a lot better.”
Rodda’s path to game time opened up with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto leaving camp for the impending birth of his child. Darcy Swain, who impressed against France, had a shaky second Bledisloe match and his place could be under threat.
Coker
Roar Rookie
Not exactly. All they show is that Thorn didn't think Cooper was the right sort of person for the culture he was trying to develop. In the case of Rodda, I suspect Thorn spoke for most Reds fans... So not much sign of spite or pettiness. And none at all of Thorn preventing Rodda from being selected for the first two Bledisloes (that's Rennie's job, isn't it?)
G Len N
Roar Rookie
It is in the small pool that is Aus Rugby.
piru
Roar Rookie
SharpeRodda burned a lot of Reds fans when he walked. I’m over the reasons and over the blame game. He’s at the Force now and he can be their problem or their star. History is cyclical isn't it?Andy J
Roar Rookie
Yeah he must be regretting his decisions the reds have gone backwards since he stood firm on discipline and standards. Oh wait….
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
Thanks Peter, I hadn't read those articles and after last week's anti-kiwi noise of many posters to The Roar after the All Blacks didn't travel to Perth when planned, it's been good to separate the fact from the kiwi-bashing. That RugbyPass article is particularly illuminating. It finishes with a strategic problem, where Thorne wanted to make a massive cultural change at the Reds and Cooper held a huge amount of power. Personal dislike was a factor (the article says, pointing out Cooper's attack on McCaw) as well as the strategic goal of getting to Finals and winning Super Rugby in Australia. Strategically that goal faced a barrier in Cooper. You call it petty to remove the barrier. I'm not so sure. Removing a marquee player would not be done in isolation, as it would affect the gate. In my job you can't remove someone unless the managers two-up first agree. The reasons for removal would be tested and weighed against the gate takings. "Get rid of Cooper because I don't like him" would be petty and spiteful. "Get rid of Cooper because otherwise we won't get to the Final, nor would we win it" is strategic. The other article, about Rodda, also comes from the team cultural angle of having a team where players are putting the team first. The team needs to be solid with each other, and the Reds win in the Super Rugby AU Final would only reinforce Thorne's view that he is right that his job is to keep at it, creating and maintaining that team solidness. That was a heck of a Final.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Mate, they just need a new sink - full kitchen renovation I reckon.
Cheika_Mate
Roar Rookie
With you Swinton at 6, set piece is his strength, first up hit ups and his work at the break down is handy. Probably needs to take his game up another notch. Whilst im a fan of him at 6 not sure if his dynmaic enough - the next few games will answer that. Would not mind seeing Leota get a start maybe against Argentina just to see what he has to offer at 6.
terrykidd
Roar Pro
Swinton will be 6 and is real good at the line out
Jimbob
Roar Rookie
Fair point - aus is quite deep at back row presently - he does offer a good line out option - probably superior to Valentini?
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Yeah he's too short to be a test lock really. Probably an upgrade on the Hanigan back row utility though. Not as good over the ball, and not quite as good in the LO, but still good, quick and athletic and more physical.
Muglair
Roar Rookie
He took a big pay cut to go to the Force so it is possible money would not be a problem. Players will always place value on the off field; coaching and administration. Sadly my calculator does not have enough digits to to calculate what was required to offset the Waratahs cluster at the time. They need a solid season in 2022 with no controversy if they want to attract a few marquee players.
Rugger
Guest
Complete BS 2BW. Thorn’s spite fullness towards Quade is as well documented as any kiwi’s spiteful ness towards Quade. Rodda’s departure was less so but obvious enough to any Australian rugby follower on an Australian rugby site. A-T W’s post was a cynical attempt to get PeterK to draft a time consuming reply which wasn’t at all necessary.
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
Rodda and McCauley/Timani, Lee Warner, Koteka, and Stander. Nice starting lock and back row combo next year.
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
Should be back to full training soon. I think he’ll join squad when it gets to Brisbane.
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
In the squad, like Pete Samu can’t force a way in yet
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
He just signed a 2 year extension at La Rochelle. I can’t see him walking away from 700k Euros a year
Bobby
Roar Rookie
I'd like a second row of Phillip and Rodda to start ( as I thought Swain was pretty average last game). I reckon Rodda may recommence his Wallaby career wirh a bench spot, then start for the remaining matches of the RC.
tsuru
Roar Rookie
Jameswm, I’ve no idea how possible it is but there have been a number of suggestions on The Roar that the Tahs are saving up their kitchen sink to try to get Skelton back.
Darren WA
Roar Rookie
Does anyone know what has happened to vunivalu?
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
He was never a problem at the Reds until he left. Any mail on him is positive. I only wish the Tahs had dug deeper for him