Coast rugby ready for talent arms race over unwanted league stars

Gold Coast rugby union clubs are ready for a rugby league talent arms race as players from the rival code seek out teams for the 2020 season. The first players have already made their move.

Ormeau Shearers players huddle up during 2019 season. Picture Glenn Hampson

Gold Coast rugby union clubs have already begun preparing for a rugby league talent arms race as players from the rival code seek out teams for the 2020 season.

The withdrawal of some clubs from the 2020 rugby league season, including A Graders Ormeau Shearers, has created a vacuum that union officials hope will entice talent to jump ship to rugby.

Players from the Coomera Cutters and the Ipswich club competition have already made the move to join rugby’s Coomera Crushers.

Coach James Askew was hopeful more would follow as his club builds towards their long-awaited return to the Gold Coast’s top flight.

Ormeau Shearers will not participate in 2020. Picture Glenn Hampson

“They’d be welcomed with open arms,” Askew said of Coast league players switching codes.

“We’re just down the road from Ormeau so I do expect some players from there, even if it’s just for a gap year we’re happy to welcome them in.

“It’s a good opportunity from a skills point of view to develop their skills in a different code.

“All of the skills are transferable and the breakdown is the only real difference, but they’ll pick that up.

“Their defence, especially their one-on-one tackle, is second to none and their ball-carrying ability as well.”

Crushers strength and conditioning coach Clint Marama moved to the club from the Shearers last year.

Coach Askew said his presence would be a further benefit to League players looking for a familiar face to help smooth their transition into rugby.

THE COMPLETE RUGBY LEAGUE GOLD COAST SAGA

1. Govt warned clubs face financial ruin under restrictions

2. In or out? Coast footy clubs decide 2020 season

3. Ormeau walks away: ‘They’re not talking the truth’

4. The heartbroken faces behind Coast footy closure

5. Battle lines drawn: ‘We can’t hide under blankets’

6. ‘It’s ridiculous’: Killer call will affect thousands

7. ‘I won’t play for free’: Coast MVP’s brave admission

8. Clubs left in darkness as decision delayed

9. What RLGC decision means for your club

10. ‘Stand together or die apart’: Club’s warning for outcasts

11. Seagulls summon players for emergency meeting

12. Incredible backflip forces more change for Coast footy

But Brisbane Broncos skills coach Peter Ryan, who vacated the Queensland Reds defence coach position during COVID-19, warned rugby league players shouldn’t expect to waltz into a union team without putting in the work.

“Those who haven’t played a lot of rugby, it’s a lot more difficult than you would imagine,” he said.

“There’s certainly a great deal of hard work once you do cross that threshold because of the fact the skillset is completely different, though it’s a similar game.”

Ormeau Shearers players huddle up during 2019 season. Picture Glenn Hampson