Who could blame Reds mutineers Izack Rodda, Harry Hockings and Isaac Lucas from walking away?

Through the unhappy saga the three youngsters and their manager alike have been blasted for daring to place their personal welfare above the health of a game.

The Australian rugby community has risen up in unison to condemn a trio of Queensland Reds players stood down for rejecting a COVID pay-cut deal that 189 of their peers had ratified.

Exactly what motivated 25-test Wallabies lock Izack Rodda and up-and-comers Harry Hockings and Isaac Lucas, both 21, to make their decision is not yet clear.

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What is known is the trio share an agent, Newstar Sports’ Anthony Piccone.

Through the unhappy saga players and manager alike have been blasted for daring to place their personal welfare above the health of a game.

Seriously.

Wallabies second-rower Izack Rodda has been stood down by the Queensland Reds over a pay dispute. Photo Jono Searle.

Rodda, Hockings and Lucas might have played 100 tests for the Wallabies but if they’ve decided their financial security is a more important priority then that is their decision alone.

Likewise, a player agent has no responsibility to develop talent for the Wallabies or Reds.

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His job is to help his clients extract as much wealth from their football careers as possible before age or injury forces them into retirement.

Australian players have been asked to accept temporary pay cuts averaging out to 60 per cent per player but there is no certainty their previous salaries will be returned when COVID is over.

Recalled Reds lock Harry Hockings at training at Suncorp Stadium. Photo: Brendan Hertel, QRU

Between the coronavirus and Raelene Castle’s TV rights gamble, there is practically nil chance the code will ever see a payday like the expiring $57 million per annum deal again.

With less money coming in the prospect of Australian players returning to their pre-COVID salaries is even slimmer.

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Isaac Lucas (centre) of the Reds in action during the Round 7 Super Rugby match between the Queensland Reds and the Bulls at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Saturday, March 14, 2020. (AAP Image/Darren England)

Any agent worth his salt has have advised his clients of this risk and the myriad options at their disposal.

Dozens of Piccone’s other clients have accepted the risk and taken the pay cut, including at the Reds.

It’s a brave decision worthy of our respect, but only the blindest and most rabid of fans could begrudge the youngsters or their manager for looking out for No.1 in one of professional sport’s bleakest ever years.