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!
KCR
Roar Rookie
Cheers champion, it's great to see creativity and enthusiasm on this site. In my experience those traits create opportunities and can't be taught. I like what you've said but some leagues clubs would rather embrace a wasps nest than change. While your article offers an interesting direction for both rugby codes, I also think that it is important for rugby Australia to stand on their own two feet and create a long term plan for success. All the best mate, cheers.
Barry Ballerina
Roar Rookie
G'day, legend! I'm stoked to hear you had a chuckle with my satirical spin on footy talk! It's like havin' a laugh at a cockatoo doin' karaoke - you just can't resist joinin' in on the fun! You know, footy's a bit like a barbie with mates - it's all about the good times and takin' the Mickey out of each other! So let's keep the banter rollin', like a rolling scrum down the field! And remember, mate, footy's not just about the big hits and fancy plays - it's about sharin' a laugh and makin' memories, like a possum doin' a handstand! So keep enjoyin' the game, keep the laughs flowin', and let's kick some footy goals together, one satirical piece at a time! Cheers, mate! ????????????
Barry Ballerina
Roar Rookie
Aw, crikey mate, I hear ya, and we’re just here for a bit of fun, right? But let’s not throw the baby out with the bathwater! Now, you’re right, switchin’ codes ain’t always a walk in the park. Sam Burgess and RTS gave it a red-hot go, but it was like puttin’ a kangaroo in a tuxedo – it just didn’t quite fit. Fair dinkum, they might’ve been legends in RL, but RU was a different kettle of fish, like teachin’ a crocodile to tap dance! Agree, spendin’ millions to lure ’em back isn’t the answer, keep them in league, but have them available for Rugby World Cup. First prize. A non-poach agreement between NRL and Rugby Australia. Winner winner chicken snitty. NRL clubs stop players from Union poaching and attract new ones who want to play for Wallabies at Rugby World Cup. Let’s give it a crack and see where it leads, ’cause in the world of footy, anythin’ can happen! Cheers, mate! :happy: Au
Barry Ballerina
Roar Rookie
Geez, settle down there, champ! You’re right, my article might’ve ruffled a few feathers, but hey, I’ve seen worse – like a drop kick gone wrong! Let’s be honest, NH = No Hope! It’s like trying to teach a wombat to play the didgeridoo – ain’t gonna happen! :laughing: But let’s give ’em a fair go and see what kind of shenanigans they come up with at the RWC. It’s gonna be a hoot, I tell ya! ????????????
Barry Ballerina
Roar Rookie
G'day, mate! You've raised a ripper of a point there, no doubt! The Wallabies and All Blacks have seen some bloody successful converts from the NRL, like Brad Thorn, Sonny Bill Williams, Matty Rodgers, Israel Folau, Lote Tuqiri, and our good ol' mate, Wendell Sailor. Those fellas brought a touch of footy magic to the rugby field, no doubt with a cheeky grin and a wink! But you're spot on, cobber! While the NRL has churned out some top-notch talent, we can't have a full starting 15 filled with 'em. We need a bit of variety to keep the opposition guessin', right? I mean, picture a 6-foot-8 blindside flanker runnin' around like a gazelle in NRL, it'd be like watchin' Bigfoot playin' touch footy! And let's not forget our mate Patrick Carrigan, school captain of GPS school Gregory Terrace with Rugby pedigree - a true leader in his own right! But let's be fair dinkum here, mate. The Wallabies need some unique athletes that are rarer than a four-leaf clover. Not too many 135kg tight head props strollin' around the NRL like it's a Sunday picnic! If we're after 6-foot 100kg speed demons, well, we've got more of 'em than you can poke a footy at! Those blokes are practically sproutin' like weeds in Australia! So, in the end, mate, it's all about balancin' the squad with the right mix of talent. We'll keep enjoyin' the NRL crossovers, but let's not forget that the Wallabies need their own breed of athletes to conquer the rugby world. It's like bringin' the best of both worlds together - like a Vegemite and Tim Tam sandwich! Tasty and unbeatable! Cheers, mate! ????????
Barry Ballerina
Roar Rookie
Well, mate, sometimes the powers that be just can't resist the brilliance of Barry Ballerina charm and wit! It's like trying to keep a straight face while watchin' a cheeky Joey Leilua sidestep - it's simply impossible! But hey, don't sweat it, champ. Your time to shine will come, and when it does, it'll be like scorin' a 90-meter runaway try with a swan dive at the end - pure gold! Now, I reckon the editors must've read my article and thought, "Crikey, we can't let this gem go unseen!" It's like trying to hide a kangaroo in your dunny - you just can't! But no worries, mate. Keep knockin' on that publication door, and sooner or later, they'll be beggin' for more of your banter like footy fans beg for extra time in a nail-biter! Remember, it's all about timin' and a little bit of luck. But until then, just enjoy the show, sit back, and savor the laughs from yours truly, Barry. Cheers, mate! ????????
Barry Ballerina
Roar Rookie
KCR, your a deadset legend. You’ve given me an epiphany son… :laughing: Picture this: a fair dinkum, mutually beneficial non-poach agreement, mate. Those NRL clubs that jump on board are set for a double win, and no, I’m not talking about a chip and a sausage roll. First up, their players get to top up their earnings, and who doesn’t love a few extra bucks in their pocket, eh? But here’s the real kicker, cob! By joining forces with Rugby Australia, these NRL clubs become an oasis for the best stars in the game, those blokes who dream of not only shreddin’ it on the NRL field but also struttin’ their stuff on the international stage at the Rugby World Cup and Rugby 7’s. Imagine the allure for those gun players who want the dual ability to showcase their skills and passion on both fronts. It’s like gettin’ two tickets to the footy grand final! And let’s not forget the cherry on top, folks. This kind of partnership could’ve saved the Roosters’ bacon with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. No more worries about him gettin’ poached before he’s even had a fair crack at the NRL. With this agreement, clubs can have their cake and eat it too, keeping their top talents while still lettin’ ’em shine on the biggest stages. So there ya have it, KCR. A partnership like this is a ripper for everyone involved. Players get more moolah and international glory, while NRL clubs can hang onto their stars and attract new ones. It’s a win-win situation, and I reckon it’s time for these clubs to take the leap and dive into this fair dinkum opportunity with Rugby Australia. Let’s make it happen, and let the good times roll!
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
:laughing: :laughing: :laughing: Nice satirical piece!!
Julius
Roar Rookie
This is a very bad article. But for the sake of it, let’s play along. The idea that because someone is a very good RL player it must mean that he/she will automatically be a RU superstar has proven to be wrong time and again. Sam Burgess and RTS switched codes at a time where they were probably the best RL player in their countries, how did that turn out? People will say they were played out of position etc but the truth is that they failed to live up to the hype and ended up going back to RL sooner than later. The key is to prevent the talented players from going to the NRL after school, not to spend millions of dollars trying to lure back RL palyers.
Wig
Roar Rookie
I read first heading then went straight to comments.bye
gatesy
Roar Guru
Tell 'im ee's dreamin!
MattTheContrarian
Roar Rookie
This was a good chuckle, thanks! :laughing:
KCR
Roar Rookie
Barry, this is no joke a genuine conversation I had with my brother after a few beers. There is something to nrl and rugby Australia working together, a code with a strong domestic presence and a similar code that’s strong internationally should be able to work together for a common good. But my brother and I figured out one glaring problem, nrl clubs. Having players play test matches is against their interests. What would be in it for them to let their players jump to another code and possibly get injured? They would never go for it. But I enjoyed the article, cheers.
Don
Roar Rookie
Thee old Roar used to caption this type of article with "HA" in the headline so we knew it was tongue in cheek. Can we bring that back?
Passit2me
Roar Rookie
:laughing:. How on earth did this article get published by mine didn’t :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
Grobu
Roar Rookie
Worst article I’ve ever read on The Roar, by some distance. By the way, are you aware that a few NH countries will also be competing at the RWC ?
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
I don't know the names you mention and things may have changed since I last saw a game of League (2017) but from memory the scrums were not exactly a contest of strength and guile. If nowadays they are, that's great! The Wallabies can do with a couple of props. All the others you mention are a lesser priority and can follow later. Your contact is E. Jones Esq, Moore Park, Sydney.
Steve
Roar Rookie
Unfortunately we need players that are a lot better than NRL players. And the NRL doesn’t have unique athletes like the Wallabies need. Not too many 6 foot 8 blindside flankers and not many 135kg tight head props. If we need 6ft 100kg guys that run 12 seconds for 100mtrs then they are in abundance in AustraliaZ.