Let's chase Johnathan Thurston for AFL: Paul Kelly
By Todd Balym in Coffs Harbour | January 20, 2010 11:00pm
FORGET Karmichael Hunt or Jarryd Hayne - off-contract Test superstar Johnathan Thurston is the NRL player that former Sydney Swans great Paul Kelly believes could make it in the AFL.
As Thurston continues to contemplate his sporting future, Kelly has added the Queensland and Kangaroos halfback's name to the mix of candidates that Greater Western Sydney could consider if they want to strike another blow to the NRL.
"Thurston is one that would be able do it I reckon," Kelly told The Daily Telegraph.
"Those sorts of blokes, the smaller Billy Slater types. Greg Inglis could do it. But could he catch and kick the footy?" Kelly should be able to spot a potential league to AFL convert as he is the little-known poster child of switching codes.
He made the transition from rugby league fullback to AFL midfielder as a 16-year-old and went on to become a legend of the game and Brownlow Medallist.
Returning to the AFL as a development manager for GWS in the Wagga region, Kelly said he would also scout league's best young talent to find the next Inglis, Slater, Thurston or Hayne before they're discovered by league.
He wants potential rugby league stars to at least try Aussie Rules while they're still young enough to make the transition.
"I was playing league and I went and played rules for a while, found I was better at it and obviously enjoyed it a bit more," said Kelly.
"There are kids in western Sydney that will be the same as me, different body types and might be better suited and have never tried it.
"If we convince on or two to play - well, you never know."
Getting the players early enough is crucial, which is why Kelly is a bit sceptical about converting established league stars into AFL players. Even Karmichael Hunt, who will be only 24 when he makes his AFL debut for the Gold Coast in 2011, could be too conditioned to league to truly adapt to the faster game.
"They're totally different games and different body types," he said.
"You sort of need to swap over and train for that particular sport before it's too late.
"You need running capability in AFL. I reckon that is going to be his [Hunt's] biggest hurdle is his stamina and obviously the skills.
"He looks to be okay.
"He is definitely tough, we have seen that." Kelly said he agonised over the offer to join GWS because of his long history with cross-town rivals the Swans.
Kelly said his decision was made purely to help kids in his region become AFL players having felt they'd been unfairly overlooked in recent years.
"[The Swans] was a consideration - no doubt about it - but it just keeps going back to the bigger picture," he said.
"I have never been approached by the Swans to do any work down there so this is just an opportunity now that was there for me and I pretty much want to take it.
I don't think there is any hard feelings for me.
"I just want to give kids the opportunity I had, to have a chance."
