Quote: eastman "Can't understand Jean, why everytime someone is cast out of the NRL, you feel they should go into rehab in the UK. Perhaps you feel Australia is the saviour of the British game or vice versa. But hey ho, good debate rather than completely fantasy based.
Is it Hull who have just terminated the contract of a player who joined them from the NRL recently, due to his continued breach of the Club's disciplinary policy?,
A problem which cost him his place in the NRL in the first place.
Todd Carney in the Championship, now that would be interesting, living the sporting life in London with all of his problems, might not be helpful to him.
Alcohol and drug abuse, and the domestic, social and criminal problems which accompany them are major issues for wealthy rugby players in Australia and here.
Has this guy been hung out to dry by his employers due to trial by social media? Was the content on a phone his own business? Did it happen recently? Had he breached his contract? What provisions are in place to help him find his way back to stability? He has a string of alcohol related misdemeanours behind him and this time his bosses called time. He may have a totally different outlook to all of this to everybody else. I would think it would be an NRL priority to help the guy further if they both agree and get him back rehabilitated into the NRL.
I would much rather Rugby League here concentrated on developing its own players through academies and better links with schools, community Clubs and Universities, and also concentrated on help, education and support to enable players to deal with their issues.'"
Greg Bird did a successful rehab when he played for Catalans a few years ago, after being cast out of the NRL for assaulting his girlfriend.
Now he is a reformed lad and playing State of Origin.
But he also helped lift Catalans when they were under the debilitating influence of failed coach Kevin Walters.
I think that all Super League fans enjoyed watching him play.
With Todd Carney it could be the same. He needs a couple of years out of Australia. He would be playing in France not the UK, as was Greg Bird. The English clubs, like the French, would still be free to develop their own young players. His presence wouldn't stop any of that.