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G’day, rugby mates! The stage is set, and the All Blacks are flexing their muscles, ready to conquer the rugby world once again. But hold your horses!
What if I told you that there’s a way to put the All Blacks back in their place and unleash Australia’s full potential on the world stage?
Now, I might sound like a mad genius, but let me share with you a plan that could turn our fortunes around and give the All Blacks a run for their money.
You see, the NRL and Rugby Australia are like two rowdy neighbours who’ve never really sat down for a fair dinkum chat. But imagine if these two got together and opened up selections for representative teams. Crazy, huh? But stick with me here; it might just work!
The NRL has some of the most talented players strutting their stuff week in, week out. Now, picture this: if the NRL and Rugby Australia become partners in crime, it means the Aussie lads playing in the NRL will become eligible to represent Australia in the Rugby World Cup, and also in Rugby 7’s at the Olympics.
That’s right! Imagine having those powerhouse forwards and lightning-fast backs donning the green and gold and terrorising the world’s best on the grandest stages of them all.
Reece Walsh gliding through defences like a gazelle on steroids and Latrell Mitchell dominating in the centres, both in process being the international ambassador for rugby league in the process.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. How the flamin’ heck will this fix our embarrassing World Cup performances? Well, let me tell you, mate. It’s all about providing opportunities, a fair go for our NRL players to show their worth on the biggest rugby stage.
We don’t want them to jump ship and play Super Rugby like Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, no sir! We want them to wear that green and gold jersey with pride, and what better way than by being eligible for selection right from their NRL clubs.
Picture this: a thrilling NRL trial match held pre-finals, showcasing the talent from teams in the bottom 8 who are out of the race. It’s like a mini-showcase, a talent bonanza! And you know what? Those players who are out of contention for the NRL finals will be hungrier than a mob of kangaroos on a hot day.
They’ll give it their all, knowing that their shot at glory in the Rugby World Cup is on the line. Plus, a chance to line their pockets with top-up payments in the process. Player loans are done in soccer, why not between rugby league and rugby union?
But we can take it even further! As the NRL finals kicks into full swing and teams bow out of the finals, add a few experienced NRL players to bolster the ranks of the Rugby World Cup squad.
These seasoned pros, at the peak of their powers, could bring that much-needed grit and experience to the team, giving our Wallabies an edge that rivals would envy.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Now, I can hear the sceptics muttering, “What about the All Blacks? They haven’t peaked yet!” Sure, they might be feeling invincible right now, but trust me, there’s a chink in their armour.
And with this NRL-Rugby Australia partnership, we’ll find that chink and make ’em sweat like a sprinting emu.
Heck you could even throw in the holy trinity of Billy Slater, Johnathan Thurston and Cameron Smith for good measure. They are masters of finding the chinks. And don’t forget Joey Johns! He wanted to compete for the Wallabies, but sadly it never came to be.
I reckon head coach Ian Foster might be wishin’ we’d just pipe down and stop giving him headaches. But come on, mate, we’re just having a laugh! We’re Aussies, and we love to stir the pot. But deep down, we know it’s time to take our rugby seriously and stop being the bloke who brings a fife to a rock concert.
So, NRL and Rugby Australia, are you up for it? Let’s do this! It’s time to bring home that Webb Ellis Cup, make the All Blacks work for every inch, and show ’em we’re a force to be reckoned with. Onwards, Aussies!
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.