Kiwi said:
I guess if a Bronco bailed like he did with the amount of time left on his contract, signed a deal with a rival code almost straight away, then broke that contract, then wanted back at the Broncos, I'd want to see him play reserve grade for the rest of the year and earn a shot next year at best, but thats just me I guess.
Well thats your opinion but imo, we have to take each case on it's own merits. If only the world was so simple. Personally, I'd rather have Blacklock playing Union than playing with another NRL club.
Incidentially, Blacklock was told that he had to play his way in through reserve grade and he received no favours. As it turned out he played two games in the reserves and scored a few tries... then Amos Roberts got injured. Blacklock was simply the next best winger in the club. He scored another two tries last weekend so he may have just gained himself a regular spot in the first grade.
Additionally (and you may not know this), he came to the club for a song. Because of NSWRU payments already earned, he's only receiving something like $10,000 from Saints for the remainder of the season. When you think of it, Saints would be crazy to knock back a winger of Blacklock's class for that money. Its a no risk situation for St George. Given the amount of people lining up to watch the reserves match at Kogarah a few weeks ago, I'd say the club has already got their money back.
Only problem I see is what do we do with him next year? He will have to perform out of his skin for his manager to command any sort of leverage when negotiating for season 2004. It may be that he'll go on the open market although I understand that he only wants to play with St George and is keen to repay the faith the club had in him. Still, this is business and we'll have to wait and see.
The fact is, no one can afford to be too emotional when it comes to business. I know this is footy and the fans wear their hearts on their sleeves, but its ultimately up to the club to make the decisin and in theory at least, they try to base their decision on whats best for the club and the team. Doesn't always work that way but that is supposed to be the plan.