I know right? Most players would give almost anything to even have one year with JOC’s talent. I thinking having such talent contributed his cockiness…he knew was talented, in demand and a walk up start for teams. Hopeful he will change, and I agree if stays out of trouble I bet a lot people who write him off would actually want him at their club.

Dan, I’ve got nothing against the Roosters. And for every negative report there just as many good ones, if not more.

He may have trained hard while he was at the club and set a good example, however the club had to suit him. They had to accept that he would have a short term deal in Japan and be accepting of boxing commitments. That meant he missed preseason training. If there aren’t two standards, are players on rookie contracts allowed to miss training for other commitments. Even then the Roosters are just a two stop over from union.

About drawing out contracts, I disagree ‘everyone’ wants him. For the money he is on I’d take GI, JT or Cam Smith. He only comes on short term deals meaning you can’t build a side around him.

You’ll probably say Im biased here as well, yes he is more talented than JOC but not by that much. Also SBW was hardly perfect when he was younger, walking out on struggling team mates at beginning of a five year deal, after being critical of Willie Mason for going to, ironically the Roosters.

Also I think he risks becoming remembered more as an enigma, rather than a great league or union player. Or boxer for that matter. As good as he is becoming one of the all time greats requires sticking at something, and playing a key role teams not just coming of the bench for the All Blacks.

Obviously a lot of this is a matter of perspective. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but for a lot it no argument would change my mind.

James P: its an apples to oranges comparison. There are even less goals scored in soccer does that mean their defence is better? Of course not.

Union players can’t tackle is a myth though, but different skills are needed.

The reason IMO more trys are scored in league for a number of reasons including the defence has go back 10 metres meaning easy ground. Also there is no line outs or contested scums meaning if the opposition drops the ball your guaranteed to get or if you get a penalty and kick for touch you definitely get the ball back in an attacking position. Line drop outs, 40-20’s and 6 tackle sets help as well

Football United: I did say in a post above in comparison…but either way its great money. Also I never said they were paid too much, I said they are paid ridiculous amounts, meaning a lot. The fact is footy generates a lot of revenue and the players deserve their cut.

If Thurston is worth, as you suggest maybe 3 million overseas, what then is say a player like Johny Sexton worth, given he actually plays rugby and is younger? Thurston actually has to put pen to paper as well and actually receive an offer, not just interest.

I disagree that the amounts the players would get overseas reflects their value. Japanese rugby for example knows the only way they can sign top players is offering them a lot of money.

I also disagree that ARU and ARL are under paying players. They can only pay them what they can afford to. Will Genia said he would accept a pay cut, given the situation as long cut backs are made in other areas.

Paying players massive amounts has disadvantages, besides clubs going broke and not having an even comp. Blokes straight out of school would get ridiculous amounts of cash, encouraging them splash being careless and think this is easy.

Going overseas has its disadvantages as well. So many players say playing for your country is a priceless, once in a lifetime opportunity. There may not be as many third party offers, which is important post playing. There may also may not be the opportunities post playing that there is in Australia. Also you have a lot of expense to start a new life, as well as losing a lot to tax should they choose to return to Australia.

Also to earn this money you have to leave your extended family and friends. Go to a foreign land where you may not even speak the language. For some players its just too hard to leave their wife and kids, or expect them to adjust to a new country.

In the ideal world Australia would match the money of overseas. But its not going to happen anytime soon, and disappointing as it is to see talented players leave, if its not enough, good riddance.

Renegade, I love these articles – interesting, well writtten and researched.

The disappointing thing IMO is the amount of players missing for Tonga, as mentioned above. Unfortunately they also lack NRL quality playmakers (although Foster and Suluni aren’t bad players). At full strength, with decent playmakers, I’d say they would easily be the fourth best team of paper and might even be completive the top three. They could also match it with any NRL side

As Cowboys fan, I can’t wait to see Jason T does. Will be great to see him starting matches. Maybe it will be that catalyst for massive, consistent year in 2014.

Dave, I’d argue there is more than a few pretty boys in league, with over inflated egos. The NRL met everyone of SBW’s demands and then was desperate to keep him. Not to mention channel 9’s man crush on him.

Thats not to say the NRL should fit around JOC. If he signed it would have to be on the NRL’s terms. Even if they negotiated with him, he would have to be serious, not just using them as bargaining chip.

Personally I hate to see him stay of overseas, he’s far too talented. Yes is full of himself and a wanker, but that could change with tough love as he grows up.

Colin M, I hope you enjoyed the article, thank-you for reading and commenting.

JOC needs a lot of tough love

I doubt the Cowboys would even bother inquiring about him. They are aware of their situation in Townsville and generally only target players who are likely to sign. But yes I think the club and city would be good for JOC.

I argue the Rooster don’t have a very policy or don’t enforce it, given the way they bowed down to every demand SBW made…the club had to fit around SBW and his commitments. Maybe the enforce for everyone else but not him? Not a very good example.

I agree getting away from it all and starting fresh where he isn’t idolised maybe what he needs. But at the same time if he is less of a star and less known, he may is get away with minor offences.

Booze bans are something that could warrant they’re own article and forum. I think thats great if players choose to restrain themselves: acting like men and setting a standard for the likes of JOC. And yes he has to find that middle ground of having a few drinks every now then responsibly, or I think it could lead to binge when he is allowed to drink.

Interesting Colin Best wrote about when he started playing, he said it wasn’t uncommon for training to end with everyone having a couple of beers in the dressing rooms. Maybe clubs should encourage more socialising in moderation, with senior players there to keep an eye on the young guys. Furthermore if players have a few drinks there they may not feel the need go out for drinks….or it could encourage them to.

MS: like I said his signing would have to be at the right price. If he stuck with league could probably earn more, given the cut backs by the ARU as opposed to the increases in the NRL. Moreover ARU contracts depend a lot on how many tests you play – so if he injured himself one year he could miss out on a lot of money.

Casper: about getting carried away, I wrote this piece as hypothetical, thought provoking article, not because I thought it would happen. And to be fair I did mention in the article how unlikely his signing is.

I agree that so many footy players are cocky and its made worse by their free ride straight from school.

Also don’t think defence would be an issue. And I agree he is no Locky but there is aspects of his game that are similar.

Dan, I’d argue at about 90kg hes big enough for the centres – not all centres have to be giants. I can’t image Michael Jennings would weigh much more than him. Also I think he has a great long kicking game, more than good enough for the halves, particularly with someone like Thurston who would be the primary kicker anyway.

I think he’d be wasted on the wing – fullback is where I think he would be best suit or in time as a wide running 6.

And yes he needs A LOT of tough love.

I think part of JOC problem is he took rugby a bit for granted (as well as being full of himself).

Max, I image a lot of fans share you sediments – they don’t care where he goes as long as it isn’t their club.

I disagree he is a lost cause, he’s still young and hasn’t done anything seriously wrong. I’d argue not even as bad as Ben Barba, who needed rehab.

And Mushi, you beat me to that comment!

Trex; 100% agree, particularly if he plays fullback but he would take a little time to get used to league defence. And staying out of trouble is definitely his biggest challenge…at his age and with his talent I have no doubt he could be a star.

I think in the right environment he could change. Maybe losing his ARU contract and a change of environment maybe the catalyst for change….or am I being too optimistic? I think he’s young enough to change and he hasn’t done anything seriously wrong. I’m sure everyone wants to see it.

Isn’t the mimium for NRL players 55 thousand? Not great, particularly in comparison to the top money, but to do something you love its pretty good.

Even if JOC was on say 350 grand…its still great money (maybe not in comparison) plus he can earn a heap more from 3rd party…I hear Hungry Jacks are ready to make him an offer! Most people only dream of that sort of money.

Reid: I agree there is nothing wrong with is defence, however if he came to league he would need time to adjust to the different lines oppositions would run, as well as positioning himself and when to drift or make the tackle.

In fact he’s probably a better tackler than a lot of playmakers in the NRL.

Thanks Mals, hope you enjoyed it.

Like I said I’d be shocked in he signed the NRL let alone the Cowboys. He would definitely be worth making a play for, if not now than after World Cup. I assume he’ll have the domestic season away and then sign with the ARU to play next years end of season matches

“Povo”? Thurston is on a million a year…but yeah thats really just pocket change. Besides do footy players really need to be paid ridiculous amounts? First year veterinarians, who after at least five years of tough study and massive hours of unpaid prac, get paid about $40 thousand a year….puts it in perspective.

Hadn’t heard about the London Irish, but I assumed he would head to European Rugby. If the Western Force wanted him, they would have done more to sign him by now.

oikee he would be wasted on the wing. Fullbacks, halves or maybe centre

Are you saying SBW is the primary reason the Rooster made final. Come on, they recruited a number of top-line players, had a quality coach and some of the best up and comers in the league. Besides he fell away at the back end of the season and played rubbish for most of GF, save a few late moments of brilliance.

Daniel Tupou is brilliant, but a completely different style player to O’Connor. Also as good as Tupou is, he can still make some pretty poor mistakes defensively.

B-Rock, 100% that he could be a success in league. I think his behaviour off the field suggests a bit of arrogance, like he took the Wallabies a bit for granted. But yes, the positive is he hasn’t done anything too bad. Even going out late night to takeaway – who hasn’t done that? But he’s professional, gets paid like one and should act like one.

I hope he comes back to Australia asap (assuming he leaves). Perhaps a year away will do him good. I’ve always thought he would be a fantastic inside centre for the Wallabies

I guessed most fans wouldn’t want him. A bit like SBW, not even a tonne of talent can make fans want him.

Im assuming when you say unlikely you mean him staying out of trouble? Trust if he did that and played well the media would give him endless positive headlines. Look at Carney when he won the Dally M or even Dugan earlier this year – a couple of good games and the media loved them

Colin: if thats true I do apologise to both O’Connor and charity, I wasn’t aware. This story always have questionable sources anyway, unless a Melbourne Storm player spoke directly to the media.

Cleveland Steamer: unless the only fans you want at your team are 12-year-old girls I wouldn’t want Bieber. Besides he’s a bigger wanker than JOC

Yeah, it was confirmed on nrl.com. Wade Graham will start at 6

I think the Cowboys should make a play for Hoffman. He’s a Mackay boy and would be a great replacement for Bowen, given he is a ball playing fullback. The Cowboys should approach him now while he’s upset. Worst case scenario he could take over from Graham on the wing.

With both Graham and Bowen retiring, and KKL linked to Manly, there should be plenty of money for an outside back

Interesting he is upset about Barba’s signing, yet after Locky retired he put his hand up to play at 6.

Unless Lachan Coote rejects the Cowboys offer it seems unlikely to happen though

Unfortunately Smiths leggies have gone backwards a bit, but better he develops into a batsmen who bowls rather than a bits and pieces player.

On some other points, you mention the doubts about Harris. I don’t anyone doubt his ability or dedication just his body. If he was fit and got some decent practise I think most excepted him to preform well.

On Lyon, it is a worry when a player goes backwards while playing international cricket, especially after being thrown in after not much experience. You made an point about his first innings, I remember the was made suggestion when he was struggling he should look back at that innings and what worked. Great to see him back playing well and chipping in.

He also never should have been dropped, especially for Agar. As good as Agars innings was he was in the side to take wickets. Australia need to get over this obsession with left hand spinners (iconically Lyon actually got KP out – egg on the face of selectors)