Petersen would love Super show
By James MacSmith
Monday, September 27, 2004
Eels cult figure Matt Petersen is the first rugby league player to declare he would welcome the chance to play for the new Australian Super 14 team in 2005 particularly if it was based in Perth.
The ARU has made no secret of its desire to recruit league stars to bolster the ranks of the new team and Petersen fits the mould better than most.
The winger, nicknamed "Sideshow Bob" after a Simpsons character, grew up in Perth and could be a vital player in helping to secure the support of West Australians.
Known for his bullocking runs, Petersen, who has played 52 career NRL games and scored 14 tries in 20 appearances this year, would be a handy addition to the side and he will be available. His contract with Parramatta finishes at the end of next season, when the new franchise will start playing.
Petersen turned his back on Australian football because of his love of league and indicated that playing rugby in his home state was a big attraction.
"I go back to Perth as often as I can and I think the place is screaming out for a team," he said. "It would be a big success and if the chance was there I would definitely be interested in being a part of it.
"What happened with Super League left a sour taste in a lot of people's mouths but I think they are ready for a team. There is a lot of support for it.
"Rugby has a solid base there and there are a lot of expats from New Zealand and South Africa who are rugby fans. The friends I used to play league with over there now all play rugby union.
"I've always wanted to go back there and this would be a great chance to do that."
With his unique look and strong personality, Petersen like Willie Mason could be a powerful marketing pool for the new side. ARU officials have spoken of the need to have home-grown talent in any team, not just transplanted players, in order to build a bridge between the supporter base and the team.
Rugby WA chief executive Rick Smith said it was expected the ARU would play a leading role in player recruitment and that player quality would always be paramount.
But if the Perth franchise was successful in gaining a Super 14 spot, it could always use some local talent and "a high-profile player in the team who could create a following and interest in the new side".
WTF???????
By James MacSmith
Monday, September 27, 2004
Eels cult figure Matt Petersen is the first rugby league player to declare he would welcome the chance to play for the new Australian Super 14 team in 2005 particularly if it was based in Perth.
The ARU has made no secret of its desire to recruit league stars to bolster the ranks of the new team and Petersen fits the mould better than most.
The winger, nicknamed "Sideshow Bob" after a Simpsons character, grew up in Perth and could be a vital player in helping to secure the support of West Australians.
Known for his bullocking runs, Petersen, who has played 52 career NRL games and scored 14 tries in 20 appearances this year, would be a handy addition to the side and he will be available. His contract with Parramatta finishes at the end of next season, when the new franchise will start playing.
Petersen turned his back on Australian football because of his love of league and indicated that playing rugby in his home state was a big attraction.
"I go back to Perth as often as I can and I think the place is screaming out for a team," he said. "It would be a big success and if the chance was there I would definitely be interested in being a part of it.
"What happened with Super League left a sour taste in a lot of people's mouths but I think they are ready for a team. There is a lot of support for it.
"Rugby has a solid base there and there are a lot of expats from New Zealand and South Africa who are rugby fans. The friends I used to play league with over there now all play rugby union.
"I've always wanted to go back there and this would be a great chance to do that."
With his unique look and strong personality, Petersen like Willie Mason could be a powerful marketing pool for the new side. ARU officials have spoken of the need to have home-grown talent in any team, not just transplanted players, in order to build a bridge between the supporter base and the team.
Rugby WA chief executive Rick Smith said it was expected the ARU would play a leading role in player recruitment and that player quality would always be paramount.
But if the Perth franchise was successful in gaining a Super 14 spot, it could always use some local talent and "a high-profile player in the team who could create a following and interest in the new side".
WTF???????
but if he does go, good luck to him
