: Mon Feb 23, 2009 3:03 pm  

I don't want to put a downer on the lad, but the only really successful converts from League to Union have had either blinding pace, raw power or preferably both (and in the case of Lee Byrne a truly massive boot). All have played in the back three (and I don't count Harris as a success no matter how many caps he got in the worst Welsh Union side in recorded history).
Wasps are frankly deluded if it's true.

[Frosties.]

: Mon Feb 23, 2009 3:06 pm  

Tony Ferrino wrote:

Is off to Wasps next week!

Now I am not the only one who has been saying this for the past few weeks, I am still in the mist, but i think that it will happen, because, why would he have randomly become the favorite to go to union at the beginning of the season, and then Wasps get rid of a few players, if he goes the so be it, its not the end of the world, and he is easily replaced. It might be a deal where he signs for them, and joins them at the beginning of their season in july/august.

: Mon Feb 23, 2009 3:50 pm  

Quiz Question - Name the last SUCCESSFUL league / Union convert - Answer ???

Billy Whizz - Jason Robinson

Aside from Robinson, Rugby League converts have never really worked out in the 15-man game.

In New Zealand and Australia, Brad Thorn and Matt Rogers are back playing League.

Wendell Sailor is serving a two-year suspension for cocaine use, with only Lote Tuqiri still in Union after making the switch.

Hardly seems a big money success, Smith will probably be playing of a mid-table team on his return in 12 months time - Mathers, Walker, etc enterprise. - Take your pick - Leeds or Mid table, Leeds or Mid-table hardly worth the answer is it!

: Mon Feb 23, 2009 4:06 pm  

It made me laugh when I heard a quote somewhere suggesting that Gareth Raynor might make a success in Union, forgetting that he came from Leeds RU to RL then went to Leicester Tigers (making four or five appearnaces only) before coming back to Hull and RL.
Sailor was a success, as was Matt Rogers - both played super 12 and in a World Cup final with a very good Australia (as well as several tri-nations games).

: Mon Feb 23, 2009 4:18 pm  

Well i've mentioned it to someone today who really should be in the know and that person just give me a cheeky grin that to me suggested it will happen but not confirming becasue that person could potentially get in trouble for blabbing!

: Mon Feb 23, 2009 4:27 pm  

If it happens:

As Wigan would say another victim of the salary cap.

: Mon Feb 23, 2009 5:02 pm  

Homer Simpson wrote:

Quiz Question - Name the last SUCCESSFUL league / Union convert - Answer ???

Billy Whizz - Jason Robinson

Aside from Robinson, Rugby League converts have never really worked out in the 15-man game.

In New Zealand and Australia, Brad Thorn and Matt Rogers are back playing League.

Wendell Sailor is serving a two-year suspension for cocaine use, with only Lote Tuqiri still in Union after making the switch.

Hardly seems a big money success, Smith will probably be playing of a mid-table team on his return in 12 months time - Mathers, Walker, etc enterprise. - Take your pick - Leeds or Mid table, Leeds or Mid-table hardly worth the answer is it!

Brad Thorn is back in the All Blacks ssquad.

: Mon Feb 23, 2009 5:29 pm  

John D H wrote:

Brad Thorn is back in the All Blacks ssquad.

I assume this is a typo, and that he is not a German All Blacks Schutzstaffel officer (SS)

But fair point!