Exodus 2017
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Seems like a savvy move by Crotty's management. Even if he tore his ACL during the Rugby Championship and missed the remainder of the season and most of Super Rugby next year he would still be offered a similar contract to what he has now for at least one more season.
If he performs well between now and the EOYT he can hold the NZRUs feet to the fire a little more and build up his name.
Currently I'm not sure the Crotty name does much more at the box office than guys like Taylor, Slade and Benson Stanley.
NZ should have made him commit to 2019 or GTFO.
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@Frye said in Exodus 2017:
Chiefs just posted photos from a farewell dinner.
I knew TKB, Cruden, Leitch, Lowe and Elliot were off. But they also had Tom Sanders there, anyone know where he's off to?
There was mention in the Waikato Times pre-Brumbies match that Sanders is expected to sign with the Crusaders. That would be the most obvious move.
I hope that Cooper signs Luke Jacobson as the replacement 6/8. With Leitch also leaving there is an opening there.
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@Chris-B. multi-talented international star with 14-year international career across two codes in "having more opportunities than solid if un-spectacular journeyman with 3-year international career" shocker.
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@rotated said in Exodus 2017:
Seems like a savvy move by Crotty's management. Even if he tore his ACL during the Rugby Championship and missed the remainder of the season and most of Super Rugby next year he would still be offered a similar contract to what he has now for at least one more season.
If he performs well between now and the EOYT he can hold the NZRUs feet to the fire a little more and build up his name.
Currently I'm not sure the Crotty name does much more at the box office than guys like Taylor, Slade and Benson Stanley.
NZ should have made him commit to 2019 or GTFO.
Or, just treat good employees with respect.
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@Rapido said in Exodus 2017:
Or, just treat good employees with respect.
I hope a two year deal wouldn't be too disrespectful for Crotty.
I wouldn't let Hansen or Read go on year to year deals, nor any core player. We have a surplus of midfielders if you aren't committed to the cause then Europe is nice.
If he feels passionate about staying on his toes - match payments.
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@rotated I think a player like Crotty has already shown plenty of commitment to the cause over the years and the coaches and NZR know that. He's not a journey man. If they select players who have already signed overseas (Cruden, TKB and Faumuina for the Lions tour), they'll certainly be happy with the commitment for one year of other All Blacks (TJP is currently on a one-year contract). I don't understand the fuss some people are making, geez.
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@rotated I expect if Read or Hansen wanted a yearly contract NZR would accommodate, I am sure Crotty could probably command a better $$$ if he did go for a longer one, but if he is comfortable with it and NZR is, I don't see the problem.
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@mariner4life said in Exodus 2017:
@Chris-B. multi-talented international star with 14-year international career across two codes in "having more opportunities than solid if un-spectacular journeyman with 3-year international career" shocker.
...and availing himself of those opportunities, sometimes with significant backtracking on previous commitments. "A man is entitled to change his mind...".
You questioned why the punters didn't like SBW going on a one year contract, but are relaxed about Crotty.
It's pretty obvious.
How many rounds in a 12 round fight?!!!!
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It's racism, and kiwis hating a flash fluffybunny.
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Malakai Fekitoa to join former All Blacks Ma'a Nonu and Luke McAlister at Toulon | Newshub
The 25-year-old will join Ma'a Nonu and Luke McAlister in Toulon's backline.
Malakai Fekitoa apparently confirmed off to Toulon.
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Notice on the Toulon website (as translated by me), published earlier today:
Notice from RC Toulon:
At this time, in which more or less far-fetched speculations circulate in the media or on social media networks about the possible signing, or retractions (?), of this or that player with RC Toulon, we wish to remind everyone that it's only through statements of club President Mourad Boudjellal, or this website and our official social media accounts that information about our recruits will be made public.
Until they have been confirmed via these communication channels, they are nothing but rumours.
A word to the wise ... ("A bon entendeur…" is a very specific French expression that's not really easy to translate in an English equivalent; it's basically an expression urging people to listen carefully, because it's important)
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Here it is:
malakaifekitoa: I wanted to let you all know that after a lot of thought I have decided to join Toulon (RCT) at the end of the year. It has been the hardest decision of my life to leave New Zealand, but after looking at all the things that are important to me I feel this is the right time for me personally and for my career. I especially want to thank NZR and the All Blacks, the Highlanders and Auckland Rugby for all your support and development over the years. Most of all I want to thank my team mates for all your support and friendships. Finally to my fans THANK YOU, its been a hell of a ride. I'm blessed and thankful to play this game. Doesn't matter where I go to work. We still have a lot more to do. I hope to return one day with more experience and success. MF13 -
Wow didn't see that coming. Not even the slightest rumour these last few weeks.
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Honestly I don't see much of a loss to the AB's. Its more a loss to the Highlanders.
Fekitoa is a not an improviser or a creator. He's quick and has an ok pass. Kick is passable when he has to. IMO he has lost the ability to beat a man, well at least as well as he could when he initially made the ABs. He's never improved on his ability to link up in broken play and often when a swift pass is needed his "catch and pass" is too laboured and the pay breaks down, usually with him dying with the ball.
I don't think we were veer his end game either. Players who truly want to be ABs, great ABs, don't head off as soon as they miss selection for the first time. They go back to the shed and work. I think Fekitoa is a low key James O'Connor. He is more about his brand, social media and "feels" than he is his about playing for the ABs.
Good luck to him I wish him the best. Honestly, he did the jersey no shame and he helped defend a WC. But he's just a footnote now we will soon forget.
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@raznomore said in Exodus 2017:
Honestly I don't see much of a loss to the AB's. Its more a loss to the Highlanders.
Fekitoa is a not an improviser or a creator. He's quick and has an ok pass. Kick is passable when he has to. IMO he has lost the ability to beat a man, well at least as well as he could when he initially made the ABs.
I don't think we were veer his end game either. Players who truly want to be ABs, great ABs, don't head off as soon as they miss selection for the first time. They go back to the shed and work. I think Fekitoa is a low key James O'Connor. He is more about his brand, social media and "feels" than he is his about playing for the ABs.
Good luck to him I wish him the best. Honestly, he did the jersey no shame and he helped defend a WC. But he's just a footnote now we will soon forget.
Nailed it.
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I think he will regret this move. In NZ we try and improve players. In Toulon they pay big money and they want a return on that investment. I don't think they signed Fekitua to progressively improve his game.
No major loss to the ABs there are better options with more long term potential.
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moderate loss to the ABs, big loss to NZ Rugby
Guy has shown what can come from a change of attitude and hard work, and this is the kind of guy we want around our younger MItre 10 Cup & Super players.
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@taniwharugby said in Exodus 2017:
moderate loss to the ABs, big loss to NZ Rugby
Guy has shown what can come from a change of attitude and hard work, and this is the kind of guy we want around our younger MItre 10 Cup & Super players.
Yes and no.
Unlike Israel Dagg, who improved his game and got back in the ABs, Fekitoa has moved off-shore at the first hurdle.
I do admire the way he got to where he is in the first place though, via scholarship, move to Highlanders etc.
