Better Rugby Rules

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Source: Who wants to be a Wallaby?– Rupert Guinness

Sonny Bill Williams will play for the highest rugby dollar, that is the decision matrix for this athlete.

He has sent signals to Samoa, NZ and now Aussie that he can play for either in there National colors. I would think that his required annual pay packet would be in excess of $500,000 (NZD or AUD). The last two league converts that I know that were paid similar amounts were Loti Tuqiri and Mat Rogers, that latter didnt excel, the earlier did ok for a number of years. So that was more than a million bucks for these two players where that same funds could have secured 5 or 6 young 20 somethings with huge talent. Acorns that could grow into trees.

It would take a minimum of two full super rugby season for Sonny Bill to prove himself, and it could take 3 to 5 years to master the role of 13 in rugby union. NZRU has Conrad Smith and Richard Kahui, so why would the NZRU pay any large sum for Sonny Bill Williams on media potential and hype. Aussie if you want him, you can have him, let this be your gamble !

I personally think the lad is not to bright, and the best players on the international stage have brawn and (rugby) brians (and leadership skills), so for in excess of $500,000 I would like to see his high school results !

NZRU re signed Brad Thorn last year, and it took Brad two years to master his role in rugby union, and boy has it turned out well for NZRU. Brad has proved his skill on and off the field, he was prepared to do the hard yards before the national duties came along. This acorn has grown into a tree. So far Sonny Bill has not shown he wants to travel the same road. See ya SBW !