Originally Posted by
BeeJay
The reality is that JOC is a prodigious talent, and it has been wonderful to see him blossom under the Force's tutelage. However, these guys have it drummed into them by their managers (who get a significant cut) that their rugby life is short and full of risk (look at Berrick Barnes!) and they should play the market for as much as they can get. No matter how mature a young man he is, that sort of relentless crap from managers can sink in.
Let's not project a whole lot of bullshit on the guy, though. To suddenly go from Golden Boy to brat reflects more on us than on him. I wish him well. The Wallabies World Cup chances rely in no small part to him being part of the team.
Anyway, two of the best games we played this season (the ones in Kiwi-land) we played without him. I think the future of the Force is very healthy.
Goodbye, good luck, but I hope we smash the Rebels both times next year (and this Friday!)