Wtf? If you are an Australian born with Italian heritage with the talent to even remotely have a shot of playing for Australia, WHY would you represent Italy now if you were stuck for life? They get nowhere near enough games, money or recognition, it would be a career killing decision. Improve the quality of the game, THEN make the rules stricter.
So, which of these italian guys do you think would not play for Italy? Let us not forget that Minichello pretty much committed to Italy for life now, given his age, and he has the best chance of playing for Australia of anyone. He is also a very interesting case. I can remember early in his career he played for Italy (or at least he was meant to). that was very, very interesting, because at that time, the rule was technically one nation for life, and there was no guarantee of being able to switch back to Australia (not that it was on anybodys mind) because he wasnt in calculations. In fact, if RL stuck with one nation for life, Minichello would have never played for Australia.
Jimmy Dymock is another one. He played for Tonga well before he was ever even considered a possibility for Australia. In fact, he had committed to Tonga for life, and it was only a last minute call (from memory it was due to the ARL s lack of depth in the superleague war) from Australia that caused the change of heart and change of rules.
Adrian Lam was in the same situation. He went further though. When Australia tried to poach him, he actually stuck with PNG. In fact, i think he might have claims to being the greatest international footballer of all time. Certainly the most passionate.
Luke Ricketson is another. Virtually Zero chance of playing for Australia, although by the time he committed to Ireland it had become very obvious that he would be allowed to change back because it was a minor nation only. but still, I doubt seriously that it would have effected his decision.
Once players commit to the nation, any tenous links (for an example look at Oldham Born Iestyn Harris who from memory had never been to Wales when he first played for them or even Australian Brett Webb or nathan Fien who qualified for NZ based on redidency). Once one nation for life comes in, you will get players to commit to nations and as a result it will happen more often. Even if they happen to be semi pro players not NRL players, that is a good thing, because these guys will probably put a bigger effort into helping the local game and countries can plan their sides knowing what they have at their disposal, not just hoping that their best players dont hit a purple patch of form.
And by the way, it wouldnt really be a career killer would it? In fact, the way things are at the moment for a side such as the Broncos who are nearly always struggling in the rep season and often it seems to cost their whole season, the fact taht a player is not going to be called up for QLD or NSW is actually going to increase their market value for the club. Not to the extent of the ARL cash payments admittedly, but for fringe players, it coudl be the difference between staying or going elsewhere.
Why, they would be slaughtered in the WC. They got destroyed by an Italian team of semi pros and park footballers with just 2 NRL players. Any good side would have hit 100.[/QUOTE]
