Australia has been announced as the preferred host for the 2027 Rugby World Cup and there is going to be a strong appetite for the Wallabies to be competitive at the tournament.
Depth is of most concern.
The purists will argue we need to nurture from within, however there is a wider skill-set to access and we need to be open minded.
When Wendell Sailor, Lote Tuqiri and Mat Rogers made the switch in the early 2000s, it was a fantastic move. Although we just fell short of World Cup glory, all three played crucial parts throughout the ’03 campaign.
There is no doubt that there is a brilliant crop of players coming through Australian rugby at the moment and they will be at an optimum age come 2027.
But there are so many talented athletes running around in the NRL who could make the switch.
Obviously Tom Trbojevic and Josh Addo-Carr would be brilliant, while Payne Haas could play No.8, but none of these players have history in rugby union and would require at least two years to get up to speed – as Sailor and Rogers did (Tuqiri had previous exposure to the 15-person game).
There are three NRL players that stand out who will be mid-to-late 20s and have had a reasonable exposure.
Angus Crichton
He played schoolboy rugby for Australia and clearly would have the work-rate for a backrower. His technique might need some work in defence, given the cards that come out these days, but he certainly has the motor and winning mentality, having won a premiership and Origin series.
He would also be a terrific role model for the next generation coming through.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Cameron Murray
Where he would play, I’m unsure, but possibly centre, although that is one of the hardest positions to defend in.
Sonny Bill Williams took a season or two, while Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has been excellent most of the time – and will be gold next year – but when he is out a fraction, it has resulted in seven points to the opposition.
Murray has great vision and can attack and defend intelligently. He is also a great talker on the field and, again, an inspiration to the next generation.
Joseph Suaalii
He is young and has had injuries, but he would be in the prime of his career in 2027.
His brief appearances have shown a kid up to the challenge. He seems level headed and a few seasons in NRL will hold him in good stead for a global event.
There are obviously many talented athletes who could switch, but time would be required. The two codes are completely different these days and require specific skill sets. Although everyone praises a successful switch, many have not worked out.
Sonny Bill and Brad Thorn stand out for the All Blacks while Michael O’Connor, Ricky Stuart and Ray Price fly the flag in Australia from union to league, and Sailor, Tuqiri and Rogers the other way. Many others have not lived up to their potential, but all have been exciting.
Should Rugby Australia go this way? should RA back the youth coming through at all costs? Do the Wallabies have the depth? Do the Wallabies need a Trbojevic?
The money would be an issue but the exposure and excitement for the game and the individuals would be life-changing.
Norm de plume
Guest
It’s apples and oranges. I think it was Thorn who when asked ages ago which code had the tougher players made the point that they require different types of strength and fitness: that leaguies need to be able to charge into each other for the ‘hit’ while in union you need (as you point out) to shift big bodies, so it’s less about impact than irresistible force.
Norm de plume
Guest
Flawed genius, but also his prime coincided with perhaps our best ever crop of backs.
Norm de plume
Guest
I recall seeing Mat Rogers play for Aussie schools v NZ in Sydney many moons ago. 93? We were flogged by over 50. Tune and Roff were also in that team, but we were routed by two players in particular: the massive No 8, name of Lomu (it was like King King and the biplanes) and the brilliant blond fullback called Wilson. We couldnt believe it when a nearby Kiwi opined that good as he was he would probably end up playing cricket. One thing I will say, Mat Rogers’ dad would have walked into the Wallabies, indeed into any union test team in his prime. He was a great footballer.
TA
Guest
I`d have a go for Tabui Fidow, you`ll never get a forward crossover in time and he knows he`s way around the game. Could be the X Factor and I bet he would be interested.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
It also highlights the lack of League players. League doesnt develop enough talent to fill the 16 current teams. Why else would they need to plunder another sport to fill their teams.
cookie
Roar Guru
No Doubt Jacko, if anything it simply highlights how much of an impact that the lack of local professional opportunities in NZ and Australia has on the playing careers of talented rugby players. Sadly this has been going on since leagues inception and is worse than ever now and I can't see anything changing in the short to medium term.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Hahahaha Pickett :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: Will France, Argentina, the USA, be at the next Comm. Games??? Lol :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
Pickett
Roar Rookie
In the hundreds....of which 95% would be at pub level. BTW, Commonwealth games is far more international than Rugby.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
No doubt, you haven't been to Aotearoa, recently, where so many Aussie's are living, & also cop the taxpayer benefits!!!
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Good for you GB, as you may be one of the limited few, in accepting the culture of the land & it's people. Pity the vast amount of politicians haven't done the same, even to this day. Now bring in a ' Treaty.'!! Even though it's over a couple of centuries late.
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
That's because most of you are living over here, Jacko! :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
I played for the Redfern All Blacks growing up. An indigenous Rugby League side. I respected indigenous culture long before it became fashionable. The Australian government's apology to the stolen generations came generations too late. So you are peaching to the converted Muzzo. Btw, I think your question mark key is stuck, or have I struck a nerve? :silly:
Dionysus
Guest
Melbourne have just extended his contract and I reckon they are going to wrap him up long term. He has all the attributes Melbourne look for in a player and I reckon he is going to develop into an awesome player under Bellamy. P.S. I would never have compared him to Greg Inglis who used to glide like a Rino. If I was comparing him to anyone, it would be Folau.
Dionysus
Guest
Oh please take him...... He is the most egotistical player in either sport with a chip on his shoulder the size of the harbour bridge. He might be skillful but I hate watching the man play.
Woolfe
Roar Rookie
None
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
our response is as ridiculous as your assumptions GB. In reference to culture, isn't that something you don't have??? Like embracing & accepting the culture of the land & it's people, like many in Aotearoa now do, especially with the introduction of Te Reo in all schools across the nation? Oh that's right, it's still on the to do list. As I said, try comparing the population of Australia & Aotearoa, as Kiwi's do punch well above their weight, considering they only have approx. fifth of the population Australia has. So sad you are what the Indigenous call, a Gubba, where your small minds, as you, can't understand simple facts. Isn't that what is referred to as a ' simpleton? Ah ha the game that was abandoned & evolved beyond Rugby??? Wakey wakey that game of League, actually evolved from rugby, but only in Australia, & only on the East Coast, is played at a top level. Like comparing a club game to an internationally known game that is recognised as the Global Game, is utterly ridiculous. There is only a hand full of nations that compete in League, unlike rugby, where it's in the hundreds. Need to give that head a shake Bro!! Lol :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
Jacko
Roar Rookie
NZ is a far more successful nation than Aus per population GB. You check out the WC soccer stats and NZ went thru unbeaten last one they went to. ( Didnt win one tho LOL ) The only nation that did.
Eric
Guest
Good old Glory Bound! Keep those 2 State Suburban Rugby League goggles on mate. There is a reason why one sport is an international sport and the other is played in a couple states after over 125 years
Paul
Roar Rookie
Xavier Coates. 21yo 194cm and 100kg. Runs so fast and so smooth... Glides like Greg Inglis. Watch his long range try from last week versus Canterbury and you'll see what I mean. He has a decent leap on him too.
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
You seem to have some deep rooted cultural insecurities Muzzo to be so invested in proving some cultural or ancestral superiority. Little brother syndrome perhaps amongst Kiwis. . Aussies on the other hand realise across all sports including the Olympics, soccer, Rugby League (the game that abandoned and evolved beyond Rugby Union), basketball, field hockey et al Australia are vastly superior. . How many soccer world cups have NZ been too Muzzo? How many Olympics basketball finals have NZ played in? How many times have NZ won even half the medals won by Australia at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games? How many cricket world cups have the Kiwis won? Now compare that to Australia’s record. . You see muzzo, THAT is why you fight so hard to find proof of superiority where none actually exists. You don’t feel superior at all. In fact quite the reverse. :laughing: