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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
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
I agree with Mat on this as well...If they need a good Aussie motivational speaker prior to the game, then a) they are not truly professional, and b) there are plenty who would step up if asked, if the coach deems it neccesary...
In the past playing for the honour was the be all and end all, and rightly so...Now money plays a big part, so, there-to do the results, and if getting these results means importing talent, then so be it...
Proudly bought to you by a brewery somewhere....
So are they saying that every OZ coach should be an ABO- even they came from the Islands - that's just plain stupid - Most peps here actually know the family member that emigrated to Oz - even if they were born here.
Anyways after 10 yrs of living here my relatives reckon I have an Ozzie accent - no laughing - they really really do.
61 years between Grand SlamsWas the wait worth it - Ya betta baby
Farr-Jones,also slammed the ARC comp
give him that special present Coach
I think I'll qualify for bulk discounts!
I find it sad that my respect for Farr-Jones is diminishing the further from his playing days that he gets.
Growing up he was almost a minor deity to me, now he is just a grumpy old man.
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
Your turn next Burgs![]()
61 years between Grand SlamsWas the wait worth it - Ya betta baby
Not quite BG but you are a good role model for him
My turn what TQ1? To become an old man, grumpy or both?![]()
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
Burgs you nailed it. Farr-Jones has been spending time in the Campese school of charm. Whats that old saying...if you havent anything good to say about someone, say nothing.
the punters friend..... stick with me and you will be wearing