Rugby Australia’s bid to lure prime NRL expertise to the 15-man code could possibly be taking an intriguing flip, with Roosters coach Trent Robinson and second-rower Angus Crichton now probably on the hit record.
Teenage standout Joseph Suaali’i has already been tempted to affix the rugby ranks on a profitable $1.6 million contract that commences in 2025.
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With hypothesis Suaali’i may the truth is depart the Roosters on the finish of this season, Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan took the chance to stay a boot into the NRL whereas expressing admiration for one more Tricolours consultant.
“Without being prejudicial to Joey’s negotiations, we can easily afford Joey and Angus Crichton as well,” McLennan instructed 9 News.
“This is how league treat their players. Joseph was the hottest star in league a month ago, now they don’t want him.
“If you’re an aspiring cross-code star, remember this is the treatment you could get.
“I told league not to be punitive and that’s exactly what they have done.”
Crichton has lately returned to the sphere after an prolonged break from the sport following a bipolar prognosis.
The 27-year-old has a historical past within the 15-man code, representing Australian schoolboys in rugby and attending Scots College earlier than signing with the NRL.
While rugby union has an extended historical past of making an attempt to lure NRL taking part in expertise to the code, it’s much more uncommon for coaches to leap ship.
But McLennan couldn’t cover his admiration for Robinson, a three-time premiership winner since taking up on the Roosters in 2013.
“I rate Trent, but I wonder how he can coach in an environment like that when there is such a ruthless attitude towards young players,” McLennan mentioned.
“Trent would do well as a rugby coach.”
Source: www.news.com.au
