Biggest waste of talent ever

[Engine]

I'd like you to nominate the three biggest waste of talent players you've ever seen on a football field. These guys must obviously have something, but for some reason, not hit their potential.

1. Brett Plowman...one of the hardest runners of the football I've ever seen. This guy played way too much reserve grade footy for someone of his power. His lack of work ethic prevented him from playing rep footy.

2. Andrew Walker...so instinctive and brilliant on his day. He had all the skills but rarely put them on the table when it counted.

3. Jacin Sinclair....how did this guy get it all wrong? Frustrating career.

 

[adamkungl]

Sa.

 

[Engine]

Sa.

He is certaintly starting to look that way.

 

[nomarg]

Frank Prichard-

The guy good be the best in the game- but he only bothers to play 10 minutes a half- if that.....

he will get all the applause for a slicing run and huge hit but where was he for the other 78 minutes??

Ewan McGrady- What ever happened to him....

Hopefully not Dane Laurie.....looking like he may not make it.
Wayne bennet has a book on the subject- don't die with the musc in you- great read, he talks about why some guys with a heap of talen don't make it, while others with none at all can become regular first graders...

 

[watatank]

Brett Firman IMO. When the Dragons let him go I thought he'd really make an impact at another club but for whatever reason that just never happened. What's he doing now?

 

[footy1]

I'd say probably Owen Craigie. He was probably the most talentest youngster to ever come through after being the only player to play Australian Schoolboys 3 times. Danny Buderus said he was the best he'd ever seen, along with Andrew Johns. I guess Craigie just couldn't show it in first grade but still had an impressive career playing more than 100 NRL games but with the talent and potential he had, he should have been one of the greatest players to have ever played the game, along with Andrew Johns.

The biggest waste of talent at the moment is definitely Setaimata Sa. On his day, he is one of the best players in the NRL but his consistency rate is not near good enough. He can really be a genuine superstar if he plays his best footy all the time. The thing that's scary though is he is only 22 and has plenty of room for improvement.

 

[watatank]

I did think of Craigie at first but he still played 150+ games. Should've played more I suppose...

 

[dogz08]

Reni Maitua
SBW
Todd Carney

 

[Misanthrope]

Owen Craigie was definitely the first to spring to mind. All the talent in the world, but laziness cost him what could have been a far more lucrative career.

I always thought Leo Dynevor looked like a future star when he was subbing in for Joey, but he just never kicked on after he moved to the Magpies.

 

[Bobby DIGital]

Mark McLinden. Outstanding rookie season. Nothing from then on apart from a few flashes of brilliance here and there. Biggest flash in the pan of all time imho.

 

[Noa]

Paul Davis - Was rated by good judges to have more talent then Brad Fittler
( they were at school at same time). Couldnt get his weight under control but had ALL the skills.

 

[tezzah1]

Marcus Perenara (Warriors) would have to be up there! Groomed to be partnering Stace but simply lost his way IMO.

 

[The_Joey_Show]

I'm glad Craigie has already been mentioned. Yes the bloke played 150 FG games, but with his talent he could have played another 150, 25 Origins and 30 Tests.

 

[skeepe]

Royston Lightning - Absolutely dynamic winger who could do it all. Was going to be a superstar - but couldn't give up the Maccas. Now running around somewhere in the Queensland Cup

Lesley Vainikolo - On his day, he was the most destructive player in the NRL. Unfortunately he left early in his career to chase the money in the UK, and while he was a very good player over there, the fact that he never really made an impact on the NRL is a crying shame.

Phil Graham - Now, I love Phil. But he could - and should - have been more than he is. He has all the talent in the world, unfortunately injuries have robbed him of what I believe should have been a long representative career. On his day, he can do everything Jarryd Hayne can do. Pinpoint kicking, blinding speed, and an excellent ability to spot a hole. Unfortunately his day doesn't come often enough.

 

[Evil Homer]

Sonny Bill Williams, end of thread.

 

[Godz Illa]

Terry Malloy

Coulda been a contender

 

[Sanchez]

Although not in the same context as the others...Sonny Fai

 

[CliffyIsGod]

Nik Kosef. Would have played 30+ Origins and 30+ games for Australia had he not had four knee-reconstructions. Made exactly how a lock should have played with plenty of ball-skill.

 

[PARRA_FAN]

Kosef at least achieved more than so many first graders. Won a premiership, played for NSW and Australia. You're right he wouldve played a lot more if it wasnt for his injuries.

At Parramatta, Danny Sullivan. Played 5 First Grade games in 2001, was only 19 at the time, Junior Kangaroos player, great future ahead of him, unfortunately a bad knee injury ruined his career. Didnt play a game until 2004 I think, wasnt the same.

 

[bartman]

Idris. Unless they turn him into a bench back rower.