How James O’Connor convinced Reds and Wallabies to give him one last chance
James O’Connor’s miracle Wallabies comeback could end in an instant, and it is the one-time ‘rugby punk’ himself who insisted that he walk the behaviour tightrope.
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James O’Connor initiated his own “mess up and get rid of me” safeguard as the final contract clincher for his shot at a miracle Wallabies comeback.
His proactive willingness to have drug and behaviour clauses inserted in his new deal showed his conviction as a changed man to Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds.
It’s believed the enigmatic figure has even offered to do additional drug testing to show that his bust for cocaine use in Paris in 2017 will never be repeated.
Wednesday, Rugby Australia’s new director of rugby Scott Johnson and Reds coach Brad Thorn both said they backed the new two-and-a-half year deal because of O’Connor’s sincerity that his destabilising days as a rugby punk are history.
Johnson did not detail the contract safeguards but said inside centre-utility O’Connor, 29 was impressively on the front foot with them to reignite his 44-Test career.
“He wanted them in. He wanted complete transparency to protect everyone because he was sincere,” Johnson said.
“It’s really good to have a lad forcing it by saying, ‘Just believe me because this is what I’m about’ and accepting responsibility.
“If I play up you’ve got the right (to get rid of me and) it’s not going to be an arduous process.”
Thorn will be called a hypocrite by some for last year punting James Slipper and Karmichael Hunt from the Reds on drug-related issues yet now signing a player with his own black mark.
Thorn admitted he was initially wary but saw a big difference in a player turning around mistakes elsewhere compared to having to remove tarnished senior players from an impressionable young squad.
“We chatted about footy and life … he didn’t try to sidestep anything,” Thorn said of several meetings with O’Connor.
“He answered uncomfortable questions, ‘Yep — this is how things were’, and when you see a guy front up and look you in the eye it’s a positive thing.
“I’ve sort of been painted as a hardliner (but) the other guys were senior players with young talent coming through and in that environment hard decisions had to be made.
“I’m really pleased they (Hunt and Slipper) are doing well where they landed.
“For me, James (O’Connor) has had a body of (good) work in the last two years backed up by a lot of due diligence.
“When you learn some hard lessons and you get to the right place (maturity-wise) it can be a strength and have a positive impact on others like maybe ‘This path is a better path, guys’.”
Selector Johnson confirmed that inside centre-utility O’Connor is right in the mix for his first Test in six years against South Africa at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park early on Sunday morning (AEST).
“We brought him in (as a train-on extra) to fast track his understanding and he’s been picked (in the squad) on standout form for his club in the United Kingdom,” Johnson said in Johannesburg.
“He’ll certainly come into discussions … whether this is the right time for him, we’ll wait and see.
“This is a good story for Australian rugby and James is clear on what he now wants to be remembered for in his career with his rugby doing the talking.”
Johnson also hinted that pacy Tom Banks had done everything possible to push for time at fullback post-Israel Folau and that “war wounds” from a long Super Rugby campaign may mean a rest for several Brumbies.
Johnson said “form and combinations” were the big selection markers for a weekend were winning momentum will be invaluable.
“It’s important to get a victory but also to see people stand up with the opportunities provided because you know the old saying, ‘you don’t give a sucker an even break’,” Johnson said of making chances count.
“This is a pretty intense period we’re going into. You want players to perform … you get given a jersey, play and play well.”
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