All Black set to switch codes

[carlnz]

Dropped All Black Ma'a Nonu is receiving tempting offers for his services from Australia's National Rugby League (NRL). Nonu, who was left out of the All Black Tri Nations squad, is in the final year of his contract with both the Wellington and New Zealand Rugby Unions.

His agent, Dunedin-based lawyer Warren Alcock, has been fielding Enquiries about the 23-year-old's availability.

"Ma'a's focusing on the early part of the NPC campaign at the moment, but you can't help but get distracted somewhat by thoughts of what lies ahead at the end of this year," says Alcock. "We've said the same thing to everyone: Put something to us and we'll think about it."

Alcock says the only thing keeping Nonu in New Zealand is his desire to be an All Black. "Ma'a would either be playing league or he'd be in Japan if it wasn't for the black jersey."

 

[carlnz]

I think he would be a wonderful asset for the Kiwis if he did choose to sign for the NRL....hard strong runner, just his defence would be questionable. This is also on top of Wigin wanting to sign Luke Mclaster who use to play league at school...

 

[BatiFan]

Maa Nonu would be an absolutely amazing signing for rugby league and addition for the Kiwis. Imagine Utai on one wing and Nonu on the other

 

[hutch]

i dont care whether he can play or not, i have my doubts on most union players being able to make the switch. i just think he is worth throwing monay at for the publicity rugby league will recieve, especially in nz.

 

[hutch]

i dont care whether he can play or not, i have my doubts on most union players being able to make the switch. i just think he is worth throwing money at for the publicity rugby league will recieve, especially in nz.

 

[Gipper]

i dont care whether he can play or not, i have my doubts on most union players being able to make the switch. i just think he is worth throwing money at for the publicity rugby league will recieve, especially in nz.

And the reason why League spent 90 years pre 1995 trying to buy up as many Rugby Players as possible?

Ma'a Nonus not that great, although he would probably be a good league player, kind of like Francis Meli with Dreads.

 

[Kingbunny]

And the reason why League spent 90 years pre 1995 trying to buy up as many Rugby Players as possible?

Ma'a Nonus not that great, although he would probably be a good league player, kind of like Francis Meli with Dreads.

The reason why is simple.

Getting paid to play rugby!

It's a well known fact that not all union converts were successful in playing Rugby. Especially those that were forwards. As for the backs, there were only a few that I could think of that couldn't make it. They were probably in teams that played a form of 10 man union and never saw a ball in their life.

 

[aussies1st]

Not too often you see a Union player switch to league especially those coming from NZ

 

[Iafeta]

Darryl Halligan, Craig Innes, Mathew Ridge, Frano Botica.

All ex rugby players, Halligan only a provincial player. All had success somewhere along the line.

 

[Jackal Dog]

He's alright but I would much rather Giteua, Larkham, Habana or Sivivatua.

 

[griff]

i dont care whether he can play or not, i have my doubts on most union players being able to make the switch. i just think he is worth throwing money at for the publicity rugby league will recieve, especially in nz.

Exactly, union understands this really well but league doesn't. That's a big part of the reason for signing Sailor.

You could spend maybe $300,000 on this guy, but he would generate a couple of million in publicity. Money well spent, even if he can't play to save his life.

 

[bender]

Exactly, union understands this really well but league doesn't. That's a big part of the reason for signing Sailor.

You could spend maybe $300,000 on this guy, but he would generate a couple of million in publicity. Money well spent, even if he can't play to save his life.

The publicity could and should be utilised not just for the Warriors and Kiwis, but for the upcoming Tonga vs Samoa test. That needs all the stars they can get and I presume by the name and reputation that he would not only qualify, but would also actually make one of the two sides.

 

[League Freak™]

If I had a dollar for ever players that wanted to "Challenge" themselves in the NRL......just before signing a four year deal with some softer option....I could buy this guy, Andrew Johns, Darren Lockyer and still have money left over to swim in it like Scruge McDuck.

 

[Big Bunny]

Piri Weepu (21) the All Blacks second choice halfback is also open to switching codes. His brother and uncle are ex pro rugby league players and he'd like to follow suit if he doesn't hold down a place in the AB first XV.

 

[aussies1st]

I heard about that story it was last year. I think he was thinking of joining the raiders. He probably like matt henjak will play hooker in the NRL if he came over

 

[hutch]

The publicity could and should be utilised not just for the Warriors and Kiwis, but for the upcoming Tonga vs Samoa test. That needs all the stars they can get and I presume by the name and reputation that he would not only qualify, but would also actually make one of the two sides.

apart from the fact that he is a kiwi.