Farr-Jones criticism 'ridiculous'
Ok Mat, you can talk just this once...
Farr-Jones criticism 'ridiculous'
By Laine Clark
December 11, 2007
DUAL international Mat Rogers has slammed World Cup-winning Australia skipper Nick Farr-Jones for opposing the expected appointment of Kiwi Robbie Deans as Wallabies coach, describing his criticism as "ridiculous".
While Rogers had no preference for Wallabies coach, he gave Deans a glowing endorsement by saying the New Zealand mentor would have won the 2007 World Cup with his Super 14 team the Crusaders.
Deans, expected to become the Wallabies' first overseas coach, was being interviewed for the job in Brisbane, more than a month after five original short-listed candidates went before the selection committee.
Some high profile former Wallabies such as Farr-Jones and Peter FitzSimons have criticised the idea of appointing a foreign Wallabies coach.
Farr-Jones said he would not be motivated by a Wallabies coach with a Kiwi accent before a Bledisloe Cup match.
“That's ridiculous. Nick Farr-Jones played in an amateur era so this comes from an amateur,” Rogers said.
“If he played in a professional era he would understand you do your job regardless of who is telling you. Players have too much pride in their performance to worry about that (nationality).
“If you need a coach to fire you up to play in a Bledisloe Cup match, you shouldn't be even be there.”
Rogers returned to rugby league with NRL team the Gold Coast Titans in 2007 after a 45-Test, five-year stint in rugby. He said a coach's nationality meant nothing in professional rugby.
“I don't think it is different to a Dutchman coaching the Socceroos, no one should,” he said. “I don't think anyone will care who is coaching if we win the World Cup.”
Rogers said he was amused by the former players' criticism of Deans' potential appointment.
“I find it hilarious when players from the past who may have tasted professional football for a year make statements about the professional game,” he said.
“They really have no insight into how the game is run now, they make comments from the outside and really don't know what is going on.
“Ask George Gregan if he needs to be motivated by the coach into a Bledisloe Cup game and if he would care. He wouldn't care, he is a professional. He's going to go out and play his best - that's the way it is.
“You want the best man for the job. If Robbie Deans is the best man for the job then so be it.”
Rogers said every candidate for the Wallabies job would do a good job, particularly Deans.
“I have no doubt they will go well under Robbie Deans,” he said. “They (Crusaders) have proven to be the best side in the world for years - the Crusaders probably would have won the World Cup.”
AAP
