Johns Withdraws Request.

[antonius]

To miss the first Tri Nations game if Warrington get to the superleague grand final. Reported in todays Newcastle Herald that his manager had withdrawn the request. He thought it better to wait and see if Warrington actually get into the final first before applying. Warren Ryan writes a pretty scathing piece on Johns playing in the last few rounds of their comp, and possibly missing that Tri Nations game. He doesn't pull any punches, suggesting that Johns is setting some sort of precedent that he (Ryan) feels will be stopped next year by the ESL. He says the fact that Johns can turn up play a couple of games then play the final if they get there, turns their comp into a mickey mouse affair.

 

[macavity]

turns their comp into a mickey mouse affair

hahahahaha


I think the fact he is actually going to be playing there, if only for 6 or so games, might actually lend their 'mickey mouse' comp some credibility... especially as he isn't playing for one of the traditional 'glamour' clubs.

 

[Nuffy]

I think its best to wait until it looks like you have to make a decision before actually making the request.

Warrington could get bundled out in the first week and then its a storm in a teacup.

Its not Johns fault that the loophole exists and if its not closed then every club will be looking for guest players, I'm surprised a few of the other ESL clubs aren't chasing a few of the Roosters for arguments sake.

 

[antonius]

I think its best to wait until it looks like you have to make a decision before actually making the request.

Warrington could get bundled out in the first week and then its a storm in a teacup.

Its not Johns fault that the loophole exists and if its not closed then every club will be looking for guest players, I'm surprised a few of the other ESL clubs aren't chasing a few of the Roosters for arguments sake.

That was what Ryan was eluding too. Suggesting that players from all clubs out of our eight could go over and replace players that had played all year, and change the outcome of the competition completely. Imagin Mason, O'Meally, Gower,Mini, Morely etc etc. going over there for a few games.

 

[Andy]

I think it's a joke that Johns requested to have the kiwi game off. Who does he think he is???

 

[cram]

He can ask what ever he wants. The same as you can post whatever you want. Just because he asks for something doesnt mean he will get it, but if you never ask you never know.

I mean I could say who do you think you are for asking the question "...who does he think he is????" but what would be the point of that. I guess what he does know is that he is the best footballer in the land.

 

[Misanthrope]

I don't see why he can't ask for it off. Playing for your nation is an honour and a privilege, it shouldn't be a responsibility.

 

[antonius]

I don't see why he can't ask for it off. Playing for your nation is an honour and a privilege, it shouldn't be a responsibility.

I think what has to be considered is this. Supposing he asks for the game off so he can play in the grand final over there. What do say to the guy replacing him? Look mate you're in for this game, no matter how good you play when Johns is available we will pick him, so for now it's a one off. Take into account that he is saying after the SOO next year he will not be playing rep football anymore, I can see the argument that says he is either available for all three or none at all. Take it a further step, say half a dozen players from our comp decied to do it next year and they are in the teams contesting the grand final, if they let Johns do it this time, it sets a precedent where-by those six have every right to expect the same treatment. It is a very touchy subject, and one that could open a big can of worms. No matter how you look at it, if we are going to have players picking and choosing which rep games they play then it degrades the honour of wearing your countries colours, and it degrades the international game, at a time when we should be doing everything we can to raise it's profile.

 

[Misanthrope]

Personally I think it's a load of sh*t that the ARL is kicking up a stink over one player requesting leave when half a dozen England based Kiwis do it every year. International football should be all or nothing. Either you have to play (no matter what nation you represent) or you don't. No rules for different nations.

 

[les norton]

I dont know much about the esl...but what about the chump that has been playing half for them all year.

Poor bugger.

 

[Misanthrope]

I dont know much about the esl...but what about the chump that has been playing half for them all year.

Poor bugger.

Nat Wood, is his name. I think he's their captain as well, or has been in the past, anyway.

 

[antonius]

Personally I think it's a load of sh*t that the ARL is kicking up a stink over one player requesting leave when half a dozen England based Kiwis do it every year. International football should be all or nothing. Either you have to play (no matter what nation you represent) or you don't. No rules for different nations.

The ARL have not kicked up a stink re this. They haven't been asked yet so at this moment it isn't an issue. What NZ do is their responsibility and buisness. The thing is Chris if Johns is allowed to do it then it should apply to anyone who wants to miss a rep game in the future and not just for the reason in question.

 

[~bedsy~]

I think it's a smarter move to wait and see if the team actually does reach the GF.

 

[Misanthrope]

The ARL have not kicked up a stink re this

Certain members of the board have, though. Several Queensland representatives, in particular, although I doubt it would be as much of a problem if Lockyer wanted to do it.

 

[antonius]

Certain members of the board have, though. Several Queensland representatives, in particular, although I doubt it would be as much of a problem if Lockyer wanted to do it.

Individual members may have, but collectively nothing has been said because a request hasn't been made. They have just expressed an opinion. Look I tend to think that the international game is bigger than one persons quest to achieve milestones in his career. I think if selected Johns should be told that he either plays the first test, or he wont be considered in the future. that is my personal opinion, anything less than that stance is saying to others "look we'll pick you, play if you can fit it in". I don't think it would be fair on his one match replacement, and sends out the wrong message to other players.

 

[Misanthrope]

Look I tend to think that the international game is bigger than one persons quest to achieve milestones in his career

I agree 100%. But it seems hypocritical that the average joe cares when it's Andrew Johns, yet they don't care when key Kiwi players are always suspended (conveniently) immediately before tests, New Zealand raised players choose to play for NSW or QLD over their home nation, and the ESL season is scheduled in a way that heavily confines international football.

I think Johns should play for Australia, don't get me wrong, I just find it irritating that people suddenly care about the international game when it's someone like Johns.

 

[Yowie]

I think it's a joke that Johns requested to have the kiwi game off. Who does he think he is???

Yes I agree Andy. You are either IN or OUT of Test slection - not to pick and choose to suit.

Another thing I dont like about the whole deal is, sure the Knights insist Joey or Warrington "take out insurance" to compensate if Joey gets a career ending injury or even if he just misses on of his remaining three seaons.

What good is the insurance. He is still a contractd player so he still counts towards the salary cap - so what good is it if Joey is not on the field?

Just another exapmple of Joey wanting to be bigger than the game and wanting the best of both worlds, and pretending the Knights ae his first priority. We saw that wasnt the case in Origin where he missed two games we lost when he opted out to suit himself. Those two losses could mean the difference between the Knights getting the Spoon or not. Joey only ever does whats best for Joey.

I read about his "desire" to play in England because Matty did. Maybe its a case of his ego or sibling rivalry so Joey can say I did it too Matty.

 

[antonius]

I agree 100%. But it seems hypocritical that the average joe cares when it's Andrew Johns, yet they don't care when key Kiwi players are always suspended (conveniently) immediately before tests, New Zealand raised players choose to play for NSW or QLD over their home nation, and the ESL season is scheduled in a way that heavily confines international football.

I think Johns should play for Australia, don't get me wrong, I just find it irritating that people suddenly care about the international game when it's someone like Johns.

Yes I agree Chris, a lot of people will use this merely to take pot shots at Johns. You are also correct when you talk about the way the game is run and matches scheduled in England.

 

[Andy]

He can ask what ever he wants. The same as you can post whatever you want. Just because he asks for something doesnt mean he will get it, but if you never ask you never know.

I mean I could say who do you think you are for asking the question "...who does he think he is????" but what would be the point of that. I guess what he does know is that he is the best footballer in the land.

You're an idiot.

You're comparing apples with oranges.

Asking a question on an internet forum can't even be compared to asking permission for leave from the Australian team. You're a fool.

Secondly, get your head out of Johns' ass for long enough to breathe a fresh breath of reality and then start posting again. Yes he's a great player, but nobody should get preferrential treatment in these sort of circumstances. It's either you're available or you're not. It's a team game, not the Andrew Johns show.

 

[cram]

Where do u get off calling me an idiot. I am sick of f**k wits like you calling people names because they dare to question your opinions. Put simply i have two words for you get f**ked, if you wish to continue this do it by email so I can personally ring and tell you to f**k off you offensive arsehole