Saint, Sinner, Shoosh: Rugby union revolt over Cameron Murray, Joseph Sua’ali’i offers
WHAT’S THE BUZZ: Eddie Jones’ recruitment drive to lure a host of NRL stars to rugby union on big money has backfired.
NRL
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Rugby Australia’s multimillion-dollar pitch to sign NRL superstars Cameron Murray and Joseph Sua’ali’i has created a backlash among disgruntled Wallabies.
There are also reports of Eddie Jones wanting to sign Manly Sea Eagles centre Toluta’u Koula, a former schoolboy sprint champion and rugby union star at Newington College.
Player manager David Rawlings has slammed Rugby Australia and revealed that a number of players are unhappy about the focus on league players rather than looking after their own.
“The rugby players in general are sick of hearing about it,” Rawlings said.
“A lot of the boys are thinking, if they want NRL players, we’ll have to look elsewhere. It’s become a debacle.
“They’ve just lost Pete Samu to Bordeaux, who’s been in the rugby system for a long time.
“They’ll lose others as well if this keeps up and they only want to talk about NRL players.”
Rawlings looks after Wallabies and Brumbies fullback Tom Wright, who is off contract after the World Cup this year.
Wright had a short stint at the Manly Sea Eagles in 2018 but played only four NRL games under coach Trent Barrett before returning to rugby where he earns around $500,000 a season.
“We’re sitting here waiting to get a deal done after the World Cup,” Rawlings said.
“This is the current Wallaby fullback yet they’re talking about all the NRL players and million-dollar offers.
“What about looking after your own. Loyalty works both ways. Look at the sacrifices the players have made in rugby. They all took a 50 per cent pay cut during Covid and didn’t get it paid back like the league guys did.”
Other rugby players off contract this year include Len Ikitau, James Slipper, Nic White, Suliasi Vunivalu, Hunter Paisami, Jake Gorden, Harry Wilson and James O Connor.
Wright has had feelers from NRL clubs.
“The Roosters have told us they’d be keen to have a chat,” Rawlings said.
“A few other clubs have expressed an interest as well.”
SAINT
A world-class boxing show at Qudos Bank Arena today headlined by Tim Tszyu v Tony Harrison for the interim WBO super welterweight world title. No retired old rugby league players, no stiffs. The strongest undercard to showcase Australian boxing at its best into America on prime-time television.
SINNER
Phil Gould’s dinosaur views on concussion and head injuries in rugby league. As general manager of the Bulldogs, he should surely be subjected to the same rules as officials at other clubs who have been fined in the past for comments deemed detrimental to the sport.
SPOTTED
Former NRL and Football Australia boss David Gallop singing along to You’ll Never Walk Alone with the Liverpool FC faithful at Anfield for their sensational 7-0 win over arch rivals Manchester United last weekend.
SPOTTED
The father and manager of boxing star George Kambosos has spent the last week in Sutherland hospital recovering from a gardening accident. Jim Kambosos suffered a fractured cheekbone, a ruptured salivary duct and a blood infection when he was hit by a falling branch. His face looked like he’d done 10 rounds with Devin Haney.
SPOTTED
Souths prop and Shire resident Tom Burgess with Deja, his new family pet, an adopted dog.
SPOTTED
Former NRL star Craig Field addressing youngsters at the Taree PCYC on making the right choices in life to avoid the traps that lead to crime. District Inspector Paul Quigg said the former Manly, Souths and Wests Tigers halfback was outstanding. “I believe all NRL clubs should listen to Craig’s presentation,” he said. Field served eight years in jail for manslaughter but he is a changed man and doing some wonderful work in the community.
SPOTTED
Talk about getting carried away after one win … 2GB breakfast host and Wayne Bennett fan Ben Fordham walked into his local TAB to put $50 on the Dolphins to win the premiership at odds of $41.
SPOTTED
Wallabies coach Eddie Jones jaywalking across Moore Park Rd on his way to Rugby Australia headquarters on Tuesday.
BRONCOS FLYING BUT EYES ON IKIN
The Broncos have got off to a magnificent start with their 2023 premiership campaign.
The TAB has reacted by tightening their premiership odds from $21 when markets were first framed to $11.
More importantly, two outstanding wins have helped scuttle rumours of unrest between chief executive Dave Donaghy and general manager of football Ben Ikin.
It was an odd move in that planning the future roster and salary cap management is normally such an important part of a general manager’s role.
Ikin now reports to coach Kevin Walters. It is not the job he signed up for when he quit NRL 360 on Fox Sports to take on the Broncos role.
However, he insists he is happy in his role and enjoying the early victories.
It’s still a story to keep an eye on.
Donaghy is an inexperienced CEO. He comes from the Melbourne Storm system where there were never any issues between the likes of Craig Bellamy and Frank Ponissi.
ROOSTER FACING SWITCH TO SIXTH CLUB
Premiership-winning centre Paul Momirovski has already played for five NRL clubs – Rabbitohs, Panthers, Wests Tigers, Storm and Sydney Roosters.
He may soon be looking for his sixth. The 26-year-old centre has dropped down the pecking order at the Roosters following two key signings in recent weeks – Dominic Young from the Knights and the re-signing of Joseph Suaalii.
Momirovski is unavailable for selection after suffering a heavy knock and concussion at pre-season training.
It is understood Roosters coach Trent Robinson has given him permission to negotiate with rival clubs despite having two years left on his contract.
The Roosters already have an overload of outside backs following the off-season signings of Corey Allan and Jaxson Paulo.
LAUNDY’S CARE FOR DOGS ROOKIE
Billionaire publican Arthur Laundy has taken on a mentoring role with the Canterbury Bulldogs’ $500,000 rookie Karl Oloapu.
The 18-year-old half, who is tipped to play first grade this year, has struck up a close relationship with the club’s major sponsor.
“Karl’s an impressive young man,” Laundy said. “I was at the dinner with Phil Gould and Cameron Ciraldo when the club first spoke to him.
“He’s now in Sydney without his family, but I’ve been ringing him as often as I can.
“I just want to make sure that he’s settled. I want to meet his mum and get to know the family.
“I’m around if they need anything.”
Oloapu had a strong NSW Cup debut last weekend at Brookvale, leading the Bulldogs to an impressive 36-16 win against Manly.
Laundy was there to watch the game and even visited the youngster in the sheds before kick-off.
JESSE’S GENEROUS GESTURE FOR KIDS
Jesse Williams became the first and still the only Australian to win a Super Bowl – in 2014.
Sadly, his career in the NFL was cut short when he was diagnosed with cancer at just 24. Jesse is now back in Australia to establish the First Step Foundation in conjunction with Gridiron Australia, to give kids a chance to chase their dreams.
To kickstart the fundraising, he’s giving up a prized possession – his signed and framed Super Bowl-winning Seattle Seahawks jersey. All funds will go to the foundation.
“It’s a piece of my history which will hopefully give a lot of kids a chance to create theirs,” Jesse said.
Raffle tickets are all online at $50, with the draw at the Australia Gridiron Championships on April 28.
See www.rafflelink.com.au/jwsuperbowljersey
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Outgoing Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett has called for the NRL to “get rid of” the Bunker following a controversial call that cost his side a try in Sunday’s loss to the Knights.
NRL pull late schedule change because of AFL
The NRL has reportedly pulled a late finals scheduling switch to avoid a clash with the AFL, leaving two clubs hard done by.