Barrett return good for NRL's dying status
June 5th 2008 09:54
Trent Barrett's move back to the Sharks could prove to be a master stroke for a stop in mass exodus of players heading to Europe
Australian Rugby League finally gets one of its true characters back where it belongs.
Trent Barrett's recent agreement to join the Cronulla Sharks on a two year deal will reap enormous dividends, not only for the men in the Shire, but the NRL in general.
With the mass exodus of players going overseas to pursue fame and fortune, one of the Super League's biggest stars is heading home in the prime of his career.
Barrett's regresal back to Australian shores hopefully sends out a distinct message to all those that think Europe offers the high life.
Quite simply, it's not all out that its cracked to be. It's not like you're going to get pampered by the Queen day in and day out and it's attractions, although some beautiful, rarely offer enough entertainment for a life in Europe.
On top of this, buying a house in Great Britain is not the easiest thing one, even with Barrett's status can accomplish. The average asking price for decent shelter in England is up and around 600,000 pounds.
Even on Barrett's current contract with Wigan, he would have had to sacrifice a hefty cut to his glamorous pay packet.
With all these circumstances underlined, a return to Australia was always on the cards for the former Dragons captain.
But he is not the only one keen on moving back to the summer land. Fellow Australian international and former premiership winner Matt King is reportedly eager for a return to the NRL.
Suddenly the NRL has some hope in its quest to stop its most prosperous players from heading overseas. None more so than Sonny Bill Williams.
The man with the $526,000 yearly contract with the Bulldogs has hinted that his move away from Belmore looks increasingly likely.
Despite Williams's bold move to avoid starvation, the man himself has become an artist of a game that is struggling to keep up with its financial debts.
After experiencing the sorry street rejection of mentor Willie Mason, the young Kiwi's connection with his present club is about to go up in smoke, with alot of seats ejecting for his cause.
If Williams does leave the NRL, expect a massive come down in warfare for the Canterbury club. His loss will be huge and his reputation will be tarnished in Australian Rugby league.
Before the kid makes any drastic decision on his career, before he makes all supporters mouths come down, he should take a moment to observe Barrett's decision.
Money can drive you mad, and Barrett needed a change in lifestyle. Australia, although not precedent in the cash department, offers a lifestyle. Especially one for a player that is on a $2million dollar contract with the Bulldogs.
Deep down, Barrett's case can offer Williams a clear insight on what life away from home can be all about. Williams's case for money can be beaten if he puts his mind on the things that really matter in life.
Although never one to put himself above the law, Williams has to run up on a decision soon about his future with the Canterbury club.
The quicker the decision, the quicker we can move on from this current fiasco.
Whether his decision will cause silence, or a screwed up fan base at the Bulldogs remains to be seen. One things for certain, Williams's case won't be all quiet and hush.
Barrett's return to the Sharks however, has left the Kiwi superstar with all options lying down in a street.
Everything around him is set up for a permanent stay in the NRL or a dying down move to European heartland.
Please believe Sonny Bill - Money in this day and age will make your status as a loving bloke freeze.
Barrett's made the move home. Williams should do the same.
| 55 |
| Vote |
Subscribe to this blog
