St George Illawarra second-rower Jaydn Su’A is the latest big name to be linked to a potential switch to the R360 rebel rugby competition.
Following on from Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s manager confirming the Warriors veteran has been approached about potentially joining the start-up global league, Su’A is also eyeing off the possibility of switching to the 15-player code.
The former Maroons forward played rugby in high school alongside Kalyn Ponga, who has said that he is committed to seeing out his contract at the Knights despite engaging the services of a New Zealand-based agent to seek out any opportunities with Kiwi Super Rugby franchises.
According to a Daily Telegraph report, Su’A has been discussed as a target by R360 scouts while he is also considering taking up a lucrative deal with Japanese or French rugby clubs.
He is contracted to the Dragons until the end of next year and has an option to stick around for 2027.
ARL chair Peter V’landys told the Telegraph that players should be concerned about a lack of information coming out about the proposed rugby tournament which is expected to feature a Grand Prix style format where matches are played at cities all over the globe.
“It’s like anything, if it seems to be too good to be true, it just might be. It’s like when you make an investment. You might get a greater return, but you’re also taking a bigger risk.
“The first thing I would ask myself is how are they going to pay for this. I would want to understand how they are going to fund it.
“I would caution players to do a risk analysis. We’re keeping an eye on it but everything so far, you can’t substantiate how it will happen.”
Broncos coach Kevin Walters. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Kangaroo Kevvie
Kevin Walters is the favourite to take over as Kangaroos coach following Mal Meninga’s decision to return to the NRL ranks to guide the Perth Bears into the NRL.
Walters, who has extensive experience with the Broncos and Queensland, was considered an outsider if the ARL Commission changed its stance to allow club coaches to put their hand up for the gig with Wayne Bennett the favourite for another stint at the national helm.
But the ARL has decided to stick with its policy of not having a perceived conflict of interests with a club coach in charge of the Australian Test team which benefits Walters, who had been keen on the Perth role before it was handed to Meninga.
Former Kangaroos captain Cameron Smith has also declared his interest in the Test coaching role but he has no experience since his retirement as a player five years ago apart from a brief Origin stint as an assistant to Billy Slater with the Maroons.
Bennett calm despite Bunnies woes
Wayne Bennett is remaining calm as pressure increased on South Sydney’s dismal season with a torn quad injury to star fullback Latrell Mitchell.
Bennett said he’d become used to the heat during 40 years in the rugby league coaching furnace, but hours after making that statement it emerged Mitchell had suffered an injury at training that is set to keep him out for at least a month.
It was hoped Mitchell could inspire a post-State of Origin renaissance for the Rabbitohs, but that expectation has now been scuppered.
Bennett insists he has seen signs the Rabbitohs are on the right track despite a horror year of injuries and on-field results that threatens to end with the club’s first wooden spoon since 2006.
Missing nine players to injury, Souths could drop to the bottom of the NRL ladder this weekend if they lose to resurgent Penrith on Friday and Gold Coast beat Wests Tigers on Sunday.
It’s been a far cry from Bennett’s first stint in charge, which ended with a grand-final appearance in 2021.
The results have been enough for media coverage to begin questioning veteran mentor Bennett.
“I’ve spent 40 years under pressure, mate. I don’t feel it. It doesn’t worry me,” he said.
It’s not all doom and gloom from where Bennett is standing, though the coach felt it was inevitable lifting the Rabbitohs up the ladder would take time.
Isaiah Tass celebrates scoring his try with Latrell Mitchell. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)
“You can’t click your fingers and think it’s all going to work tomorrow for you. You’ve got to stay true to it and you’ve got to get the players to buy into it. I believe that’s happening,’ he said.
“I know we’re doing the right things and I know we’re on the right track, but we’re not where the top teams are.”
Bennett said Souths’ attitude and their attack had impressed him.
“They’ve been pretty brave, there’s pretty good morale in the place still. We’ve had no crisis meetings, which I’m very pleased about,” he said sardonically.
“Their ball control has improved a great deal, there’s a lot of energy in their games.”
Souths received some rare good news this week, with mid-season recruit Brandon Smith likely to miss only two or three more weeks with what had been feared a long-term knee issue.
Veteran playmaker Cody Walker, meanwhile, is four to six weeks away after tearing a calf muscle during his rehabilitation for a hamstring injury.
Mitchell, Campbell Graham, Cameron Murray, Alex Johnston and Jamie Humphreys are among other key men to have been sidelined in a diabolical season of injuries.
Of the top-30 squad, only Jai Arrow and Keaon Koloamatangi have featured in every game, but Bennett shrugged at suggestions Souths may need to review their strength and conditioning or training practices.
with AAP
