OT Piri Weepu

[mean_maori_mean]

hes missed out on the world cup squad, always said he wants to play league, should we make a move to sign him. Doesnt affect our salary cap. Only thing is he reminds me of Unions version of lance Hohaia attitude wise

you mean similar to hohaia in terms of getting shafted!!!.
Reminds you of lance hohaia attitude wise - please the biggest b.s of heard in a long time buddy.

The whole situation with Weepu is b.s - its a joke. I honestly hope they lose in france.
Henry thinks he bigger than the game - he is worse than Phil Gould and Graham Lowe put together!!!!
Of course Ellis would look good he was playing against B grade teams.

Anyway, I remember the NRL stating a few years agon that rugby players would not come under the salary cap for the first two year of their contract etc.
But was it enforced, does it still apply???

Well according to John hart it doesnt?? I think the warriors should place a media ban on him. Especially if he is wrong in regards to this rule.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=10453255

Rugby: Weepu's dumping sparks code switch talks

9:24AM Monday July 23, 2007
By Mark Geenty


SYDNEY - The National Rugby League (NRL) salary cap would make it difficult for discarded All Black Piri Weepu to switch codes, New Zealand Warriors director of football John Hart says.
The 18-test halfback Weepu's omission from the All Blacks' World Cup squad in favour of Andrew Ellis was a major talking point on Sunday.
It led to speculation on Weepu's future, with the Wellingtonian from the league heartland of Wainuiomata having previously expressed a desire to switch codes -- as has another unwanted All Black Ma'a Nonu.
Weepu, whose brother Billy played for Manly, spent several days training with the Newcastle Knights this year with the blessing of All Blacks management.
Hart, the 1999 All Blacks World Cup coach, said the Warriors had no plans to chase Weepu and felt it would be difficult for other NRL clubs to approach him.
"I think the salary cap will always be an issue (for rugby players)," Hart told NZPA.
"With our situation in the salary cap there's no way we can look at anyone else. We've got our roster for next year so we're pretty secure."



show_ad_tag('http://ads.apn.co.nz','NZH','CAT','RUGBY','STY','300X250','','');google_ad_client = "pub-5276995754775409";google_ad_width = 300;google_ad_height = 250;google_ad_format = "300x250_as_new";google_ad_type = "text";//2007-01-31: Herald_Recgoogle_ad_channel = "6598559859";google_color_border = "CCCCCC";google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";google_color_link = "006699";google_color_text = "006699";google_color_url = "006699";
Asked if Weepu, 23, would be a sought-after commodity in league, Hart was non-committal.
"We haven't even discussed it. My understanding is he's on contract (with rugby) and we certainly won't be discussing it at the moment either.
"I haven't seen him play league and I don't know what his background is in it."
A code switch to the NRL would probably mean Weepu takes a hefty pay cut to fit under a club's salary cap which is A$4 million ($4.48 million) per season.
England's big-spending Super League clubs, who have attracted a string of NRL players this year including Kangaroos test player Matt King, may appeal more.
The World Cup squad naming had an impact on the victorious Warriors' dressing room at Campbelltown, with bench forward Epalahame Lauaki still buzzing at his brother Sione's inclusion. He revealed the news in a phone call on Saturday afternoon.

"It was a surprise and he was a bit emotional. He hadn't played a lot of football since the Super 14. Our parents' prayers got him there, I think," Lauaki said.
Hart meanwhile was confident the All Blacks were on track for the World Cup after watching their 26-12 win over the Wallabies.
"I thought it was a really good second half performance. That's the way they've got to play," Hart said.
"They were very good. (Keven) Mealamu and (Brendon) Leonard added a lot. The lineout became sharp, and around the base of the scrum became sharp.
"The first half was a bit disappointing but they came out of the game with the momentum they needed. I think it was really good for them."


Off course any all blacks switching to league will be a hot commodity - what an idiot.

ANyone got anything about rugby players being excempt from the salary cap.

 

[Te Kaha]

you mean similar to hohaia in terms of getting shafted!!!.
Reminds you of lance hohaia attitude wise - please the biggest b.s of heard in a long time buddy.

The whole situation with Weepu is b.s - its a joke. I honestly hope they lose in france.
Henry thinks he bigger than the game - he is worse than Phil Gould and Graham Lowe put together!!!!
Of course Ellis would look good he was playing against B grade teams.

Anyway, I remember the NRL stating a few years agon that rugby players would not come under the salary cap for the first two year of their contract etc.
But was it enforced, does it still apply???

Well according to John hart it doesnt?? I think the warriors should place a media ban on him. Especially if he is wrong in regards to this rule.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=10453255

Rugby: Weepu's dumping sparks code switch talks

9:24AM Monday July 23, 2007
By Mark Geenty


SYDNEY - The National Rugby League (NRL) salary cap would make it difficult for discarded All Black Piri Weepu to switch codes, New Zealand Warriors director of football John Hart says.
The 18-test halfback Weepu's omission from the All Blacks' World Cup squad in favour of Andrew Ellis was a major talking point on Sunday.
It led to speculation on Weepu's future, with the Wellingtonian from the league heartland of Wainuiomata having previously expressed a desire to switch codes -- as has another unwanted All Black Ma'a Nonu.
Weepu, whose brother Billy played for Manly, spent several days training with the Newcastle Knights this year with the blessing of All Blacks management.
Hart, the 1999 All Blacks World Cup coach, said the Warriors had no plans to chase Weepu and felt it would be difficult for other NRL clubs to approach him.
"I think the salary cap will always be an issue (for rugby players)," Hart told NZPA.
"With our situation in the salary cap there's no way we can look at anyone else. We've got our roster for next year so we're pretty secure."



show_ad_tag('http://ads.apn.co.nz','NZH','CAT','RUGBY','STY','300X250','','');google_ad_client = "pub-5276995754775409";google_ad_width = 300;google_ad_height = 250;google_ad_format = "300x250_as_new";google_ad_type = "text";//2007-01-31: Herald_Recgoogle_ad_channel = "6598559859";google_color_border = "CCCCCC";google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";google_color_link = "006699";google_color_text = "006699";google_color_url = "006699";
Asked if Weepu, 23, would be a sought-after commodity in league, Hart was non-committal.
"We haven't even discussed it. My understanding is he's on contract (with rugby) and we certainly won't be discussing it at the moment either.
"I haven't seen him play league and I don't know what his background is in it."
A code switch to the NRL would probably mean Weepu takes a hefty pay cut to fit under a club's salary cap which is A$4 million ($4.48 million) per season.
England's big-spending Super League clubs, who have attracted a string of NRL players this year including Kangaroos test player Matt King, may appeal more.
The World Cup squad naming had an impact on the victorious Warriors' dressing room at Campbelltown, with bench forward Epalahame Lauaki still buzzing at his brother Sione's inclusion. He revealed the news in a phone call on Saturday afternoon.

"It was a surprise and he was a bit emotional. He hadn't played a lot of football since the Super 14. Our parents' prayers got him there, I think," Lauaki said.
Hart meanwhile was confident the All Blacks were on track for the World Cup after watching their 26-12 win over the Wallabies.
"I thought it was a really good second half performance. That's the way they've got to play," Hart said.
"They were very good. (Keven) Mealamu and (Brendon) Leonard added a lot. The lineout became sharp, and around the base of the scrum became sharp.
"The first half was a bit disappointing but they came out of the game with the momentum they needed. I think it was really good for them."


Off course any all blacks switching to league will be a hot commodity - what an idiot.

ANyone got anything about rugby players being excempt from the salary cap.

You might want to check your facts before mouthing off....

Under 21 yr old Rugby players are exempt from the salary cap for theier first two years, those over are not... Therefore Weepu would have the full value of his contract counted.

And you are very much full of it if you dont think his dumping wasn't a result of form... he has been playing crap all year... whether that is a result of the "reconditioning" program or/and his shuffling between 9/10 for the 'Canes and/or his lack of game time , who knows...

 

[Revelation 3:20]

Piri got shafted alright!
Byron had a shocker against the Aussies and Ellis was playing a bunch of third string sides.
Leonard has been playing well. Piri would have been great because he can cover first five aswell. I would of sent Leonard,Piri and Byron.
Well i still want them to win the world cup.

As for John Hart - Shhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Nrl has a chance to snare some big draw cards in Piri, Gear, and Nonu.
They would draw big crowds.......Nrl should think about helping some clubs to get them.

Piri hadnt been playing that bad..................who knows one of them might get injured.

He most likely fell out of Henry's "favorite players" group
aka Smith, Someville, thorne, Byron

 

[JJ]

Weepu has been playing awfully - shafted :lol:

 

[mean]

The whole friggin team was playing like sh*t. Spent most of the time switching channels between them and the panthers v dragons before watching the 2nd half of league game to the end.

One try in 80 minutes!!! What a boring game of force back and goal kicking. It's about time some of these rugby purists stop looking through their fingers and admit that their game is getting boring. It's starting to look like a penalty shoot out in soccer.

 

[RHYTHM AND STEALTH]

you mean similar to hohaia in terms of getting shafted!!!.
Reminds you of lance hohaia attitude wise - please the biggest b.s of heard in a long time buddy.

The whole situation with Weepu is b.s - its a joke. I honestly hope they lose in france.
Henry thinks he bigger than the game - he is worse than Phil Gould and Graham Lowe put together!!!!
Of course Ellis would look good he was playing against B grade teams.

Anyway, I remember the NRL stating a few years agon that rugby players would not come under the salary cap for the first two year of their contract etc.
But was it enforced, does it still apply???

Well according to John hart it doesnt?? I think the warriors should place a media ban on him. Especially if he is wrong in regards to this rule.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=10453255

Rugby: Weepu's dumping sparks code switch talks

9:24AM Monday July 23, 2007
By Mark Geenty


SYDNEY - The National Rugby League (NRL) salary cap would make it difficult for discarded All Black Piri Weepu to switch codes, New Zealand Warriors director of football John Hart says.
The 18-test halfback Weepu's omission from the All Blacks' World Cup squad in favour of Andrew Ellis was a major talking point on Sunday.
It led to speculation on Weepu's future, with the Wellingtonian from the league heartland of Wainuiomata having previously expressed a desire to switch codes -- as has another unwanted All Black Ma'a Nonu.
Weepu, whose brother Billy played for Manly, spent several days training with the Newcastle Knights this year with the blessing of All Blacks management.
Hart, the 1999 All Blacks World Cup coach, said the Warriors had no plans to chase Weepu and felt it would be difficult for other NRL clubs to approach him.
"I think the salary cap will always be an issue (for rugby players)," Hart told NZPA.
"With our situation in the salary cap there's no way we can look at anyone else. We've got our roster for next year so we're pretty secure."



show_ad_tag('http://ads.apn.co.nz','NZH','CAT','RUGBY','STY','300X250','','');google_ad_client = "pub-5276995754775409";google_ad_width = 300;google_ad_height = 250;google_ad_format = "300x250_as_new";google_ad_type = "text";//2007-01-31: Herald_Recgoogle_ad_channel = "6598559859";google_color_border = "CCCCCC";google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";google_color_link = "006699";google_color_text = "006699";google_color_url = "006699";
Asked if Weepu, 23, would be a sought-after commodity in league, Hart was non-committal.
"We haven't even discussed it. My understanding is he's on contract (with rugby) and we certainly won't be discussing it at the moment either.
"I haven't seen him play league and I don't know what his background is in it."
A code switch to the NRL would probably mean Weepu takes a hefty pay cut to fit under a club's salary cap which is A$4 million ($4.48 million) per season.
England's big-spending Super League clubs, who have attracted a string of NRL players this year including Kangaroos test player Matt King, may appeal more.
The World Cup squad naming had an impact on the victorious Warriors' dressing room at Campbelltown, with bench forward Epalahame Lauaki still buzzing at his brother Sione's inclusion. He revealed the news in a phone call on Saturday afternoon.

"It was a surprise and he was a bit emotional. He hadn't played a lot of football since the Super 14. Our parents' prayers got him there, I think," Lauaki said.
Hart meanwhile was confident the All Blacks were on track for the World Cup after watching their 26-12 win over the Wallabies.
"I thought it was a really good second half performance. That's the way they've got to play," Hart said.
"They were very good. (Keven) Mealamu and (Brendon) Leonard added a lot. The lineout became sharp, and around the base of the scrum became sharp.
"The first half was a bit disappointing but they came out of the game with the momentum they needed. I think it was really good for them."


Off course any all blacks switching to league will be a hot commodity - what an idiot.

ANyone got anything about rugby players being excempt from the salary cap.

What a dick

Weepu and Lance both come across as arrogant and cocky. Neither have reached great heights so they need to lose the arrogance. Both need to let their footy do the talking and the rest will take care of itself.

That aint bullsh*t

 

[NOBLE]

Weepu has been in poor form all season. Let's also not forget that he was one of the boozers from that Group of 6 who were snapped, and that he has also had discipline issues regarding his weight recently. Also, his ability to cover First Five isn't that much of an advantage, when you consider that would require Carter, Evans, McAlister and possibly Toeava (Has Played 10 before and has better skills for a 10 from what i've seen of him) or Donald (if he's called up - Henry has given him big wraps in the past).

From what I've heard one of the major things was that Weepu, Cowan and Ellis were all given instructions. Ellis and to a less extent Cowan (Who I personally rate above them both) both followed those while Weepu struggled.

Weepu will also not be able to leave until the end of 2008, unless the NZRFU replace him, although I wouldn't mind him going to League. The Kiwis could do with a player of his potential, and the All Blacks aren't exactly short on Half Backs (Cowan, Ellis and Leonard are all 25 and under - and that Matthewson kid from the Hurricanes impressed me alot during his stint early on in the Super 14).

Nonu as well would work out well for the Kiwi's, with the rise of Toeava, the stock of young Centres at the Under 19 and 21's level and his implosion at Twickers last year (Still have nightmares of Jamie F'ing Noon running through him), it would suit both him and Leauge if he switched.

 

[JB]

What a dick

Weepu and Lance both come across as arrogant and cocky. Neither have reached great heights so they need to lose the arrogance. Both need to let their footy do the talking and the rest will take care of itself.

That aint bullsh*t

In what way has Lance come across cocky and arrogant?

Lets see... he's gone from 7 to 6 to 9 to 1 to 3 to interchange hooker. Never once has he come out and complained.
Saw an unproven Rovelli bought over and given a season and a half to develop at halfback. Something he never got the luxury of.
In and out of 1st grade.
Yeah, he's so cocky that even though he knows there's a few players in front of him and his 1st grade chances look doubtful, he re-signs for another 2 years citing family,friends and wanting to do his best for the Warriors as reasons....damn arrogant barstard! How dare he!

He may be an inconsistent performer, but cocky and arrogant? You sure got him figured out!

 

[Rich102]

In what way has Lance come across cocky and arrogant?

Lets see... he's gone from 7 to 6 to 9 to 1 to 3 to interchange hooker. Never once has he come out and complained.
Saw an unproven Rovelli bought over and given a season and a half to develop at halfback. Something he never got the luxury of.
In and out of 1st grade.
Yeah, he's so cocky that even though he knows there's a few players in front of him and his 1st grade chances look doubtful, he re-signs for another 2 years citing family,friends and wanting to do his best for the Warriors as reasons....damn arrogant barstard! How dare he!

He may be an inconsistent performer, but cocky and arrogant? You sure got him figured out!

Well said. He has always been a good club man.

 

[mean_maori_mean]

Weepu has been in poor form all season. Let's also not forget that he was one of the boozers from that Group of 6 who were snapped, and that he has also had discipline issues regarding his weight recently. Also, his ability to cover First Five isn't that much of an advantage, when you consider that would require Carter, Evans, McAlister and possibly Toeava (Has Played 10 before and has better skills for a 10 from what i've seen of him) or Donald (if he's called up - Henry has given him big wraps in the past).

From what I've heard one of the major things was that Weepu, Cowan and Ellis were all given instructions. Ellis and to a less extent Cowan (Who I personally rate above them both) both followed those while Weepu struggled.

Weepu will also not be able to leave until the end of 2008, unless the NZRFU replace him, although I wouldn't mind him going to League. The Kiwis could do with a player of his potential, and the All Blacks aren't exactly short on Half Backs (Cowan, Ellis and Leonard are all 25 and under - and that Matthewson kid from the Hurricanes impressed me alot during his stint early on in the Super 14).

Nonu as well would work out well for the Kiwi's, with the rise of Toeava, the stock of young Centres at the Under 19 and 21's level and his implosion at Twickers last year (Still have nightmares of Jamie F'ing Noon running through him), it would suit both him and Leauge if he switched.

Weepu could seek a release if he really wanted too - especially if it was to european rugby.

If he was in such poor form all season like hte lick ass commentators and analysers of the rugby have come and said after being left out - why did none of them pick it? We heard someone different choices/combos didnt hear all the eatasses saying anything back then.

I betcha if you look through newspaper all year and last year none of them left out Weepu out of their fictional squad.

the group of 6 snapped - was complete utter crap. Even All black management said that it was all black tradition for non-test players to go out thursday nite. Half of those would of already been told their not in contention. No doubt they only drummed it up, to save face- PR at its best(worst).

Out of the six who made the squad - gear-no, flavell - no, weepu-no, Filipo - no, it was coaches favourite Conrad Smith - who played how many games in past couple of years.

 

[Beavers Headgear]

Awesome, Wellington have left Nonu out of their 22, surely another push towards the NRL for him

Hope Afamasaga is getting into his ear about how good legaue is

 

[Skram]

If he was in such poor form all season like hte lick ass commentators and analysers of the rugby have come and said after being left out - why did none of them pick it? We heard someone different choices/combos didnt hear all the eatasses saying anything back then.

I betcha if you look through newspaper all year and last year none of them left out Weepu out of their fictional squad.

I found that odd too, he was getting very positive press when he switched to #10 especially, some saying he was a potential backup to Carter. Yet they all swing on him as soon as Henry decides he's not good enough. Funny and irritating how the media can work like that.

Out of the six who made the squad - gear-no, flavell - no, weepu-no, Filipo - no, it was coaches favourite Conrad Smith - who played how many games in past couple of years.

I think that would be more due to:
Gear: Depth at his position with arguably better options selected.
Flavell: Lauaki can play a similar role, potentially better.
Filipo: Williams will be better come the World Cup so he easily takes precedence.
Smith: Lack of depth at centre, if Toeava turns sh*t I don't think they want to risk a non fulltime centre there facing the likes of Larkham or O'driscol late in the tournament.
Weepu got the worst deal for sure.

 

[Revelation 3:20]

I was reading that the Titans are showing interest in Piri, viewing he can play three positions. I think he with play league, its just a matter of when and where.

Who knows, Also with Luke Mac of to Sale and Joel Monahan off to Cambara - will Paul Fats go to Rugby?
If he does, wellington are stacked with centres - where would he play?

 

[Beavers Headgear]

The word going around is that Hodgson will accept a deal with Wigan and Whatuira will stay at the Tigers

 

[NOBLE]

Weepu could seek a release if he really wanted too - especially if it was to european rugby.

If he was in such poor form all season like hte lick ass commentators and analysers of the rugby have come and said after being left out - why did none of them pick it? We heard someone different choices/combos didnt hear all the eatasses saying anything back then.

I betcha if you look through newspaper all year and last year none of them left out Weepu out of their fictional squad.

the group of 6 snapped - was complete utter crap. Even All black management said that it was all black tradition for non-test players to go out thursday nite. Half of those would of already been told their not in contention. No doubt they only drummed it up, to save face- PR at its best(worst).

Out of the six who made the squad - gear-no, flavell - no, weepu-no, Filipo - no, it was coaches favourite Conrad Smith - who played how many games in past couple of years.

Gear - Out of Form all Super 14 while Howlett played out of his skin. Howlett's wife gives birth, and Gear get's chance and blows it at the MCG. 2 weeks later Howlett comes back strong against the Boks and plays well standing in for Sivivatu at Eden Park against the Wallabies.

Flavell - Was between him and Thorne, and it's been obvious ever since the Cartel had Thorne finishing off games at lock that Flavell was done, although I would've still preferred him ahead of old suitcase

Filipo - Was what... the 6th/7th string lock? Never really had a hope

Smith, as mentioned above is the only specialist centre we have behind Ice now that Mils looks (IMO) to have the Fullback role sewn up.

And while the All Black management said it was usual for the Dirties Dirties to go out, it wasn't usual for them to come back and stay out as late as they did. And I don't really see your point about the media, of course no one picked it, because many thought Weepu would've got on in reputation alone.

Just a question, why are you taking this so personally? if you hope they lose just because they drop a 3rd String Halfback (and Weepu was the 3rd string halfback with the rise of Leonard off the bench), something tells me you aren't a major fan in the first place.