Eddie Jones is reportedly facing the prospect of a player revolt less than two months after taking charge as Wallabies head coach.
According to a report in the Melbourne-based newspaper Herald Sun, Jones’ desire to court NRL players for the Wallabies has Australia’s rugby union players up in arms.
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Reports have emerged of rugby league stars such as Roosters’ Joseph Suaalii and Cam Murray of the Rabbitohs being targeted as potential Wallabies players by Rugby Australia, something that is reportedly being driven by Jones.
However, the big money offers being made to these players has caused a stir in Australian rugby, particularly in the wake of Wallabies loose forward Pete Samu opting to move to France.
“The players in general are sick of hearing about it,” Player agent David Rawlings said in an interview with the Herald Sun.
“A lot of the boys are thinking, if they want NRL players, we’ll have to look elsewhere. It’s become a debacle.
“They’ve just lost Pete Samu to Bordeaux, who’s been in the rugby system for a long time.”
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Among others, Rawlings represents Wallabies fullback Tom Wright and fumed over Rugby Australia’s handling of his client’s new contract.
“We’re sitting here waiting to get a deal done after the World Cup,” he said.
“This is the current Wallaby fullback yet they’re talking about all the NRL players and million-dollar offers.
‘What about looking after your own? Loyalty works both ways. Look at the sacrifices the players have made in rugby.
“They all took a 50 per cent pay cut during COVID and didn’t get it paid back as the League guys did.”
Photo: Twitter: @wallabies