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Ma'a Nonu has expressed an interest in playing in the NRL. Would he be a success?
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Here is a selection of your latest views:
Benny
Nonu playing league?. He would be choice. Just dont move off your line too
quick. Keep your man on your inside watch your shoulder charges don't miss or you will cop penalties and sinbins.
Xir
One thing I should say for the strapping Samoan, Is that he made it to the very top level of rugby in New Zealand. Its not every day a person you meet could say that. I once was an All Black! And he was chosen for a reason, and you cant take that away from him! Yes his defence lacks, and the ball hardly makes it out to the backline. His strong bursting runs would be an aid to any NRL team with great coaching. You just wouldnt know if he were made for league until he strapped up and ran onto the battle field. Then and only then should we point fingers. Nonu I wish you luck should you decide to venture.
Ant Lewis
I agree with Karl Downeys view on this subject. Who cares? Its about as interesting as hearing about yet another Aussie league player pretending to consider a contract with the Aussie Rugby Union just to get a bigger contract with his current league club. Yawn,as the media go into a frenzy, trying to hype the non-event up.
Riki Sila
If I was a betting man, then I will say this guy is tailor made for league. NRL is the toughest contact sport in the world and only a few guys in the All Blacks would suit league. They would be Mealamu, Collins, Nonu and Rodney, Umaga. Nonu would be an asset big time for the Kiwis, I personally would not like to see him go as he has yet to establish himself as a "15" player. I would give Nonu more time, personally. I think too many people read too much into the little things he does wrong and not look at the "massive" contribution he makes with the ball. I would rather Collins or Umaga run at me than Nonu as he will beat you 99 per cent of the time. Look at what he does to Mauger countless times. People do not realise that Nonu has not been given the chances he deserves. In order to be a complete player, you need to play Nonu at centre, week in week out. The thing that's happening is that he plays one week then gets replaced. Nonu come world cup time should be at centre or inside.This guy is the most destructive attacker in world rugby. The Ozzies and other nations would run him down, however in theory they would rather face a lightweight like Smith, than the brute power of NONU! If I was a betting man for the world cup always bet on black!
Guy Kydd
Who cares if any All Blacks want to shift codes. As long as they don't go around thumping members of the public including their fans and getting away with it!
Izzie
I think you all sound like a bunch of couch potatoes that have never played league or union except maybe when you were 7 years old. If any of you have ever been tackled by an NRL player you know that you have been hit. I would much rather be hit by anyone in the All Black team then the likes of those guys(bar Jerry collins, Kevin Mealamu and of course Maa Nonu) Trying to compare league with union is a waste of time. Two totally different philosophies and skills are needed to compete at the top of either code. If you think brute strength is all you need in league then why are the best exponents of the game the likes of Langer Johns Lewis Gasnier. Remembering the ABs best are the likes of Carter, McCaw, Hayman, Muliaiina, Jack are all complete in their given positions. Everyone else is not so complete in their position including Nonu but they all have a few of the qualities required for that call into the All Blacks. I love both codes. When I watch the Kiwis, I'm a league man. When I watch the All blacks, I'm a union man. I would be worried if he decided to go and play netball for the Silver Ferns!
League fan
Personally I think he'll be better off in league. League will appreciate his attacking abilities more than the Union bods. Whoever said league was just crash and bash needs their head checked. There is so much more to league than union. The attacking plays would number 100 to 1 and the defensive screens is a lot tighter in league than union. Union these days apart from the All Blacks style is stop start stuff, injury breaks is now such a common thing in the game even the Ref doesn't need to be fit. However look at league, the stops are almost non existent, the ref could probably pull on a jersey and play they're that fit. Mate Nonu should go to league where he'll be appreciated and the AB's I'm afraid will choke again at the big one.
Keith Lamport
I think Nonu is far better suited to league. As an expat Kiwi having lived in OZ for 25 years and a follower of both league & union I can tell you defense is not such a big thing as most of your correspondents seem to think it is so Nonu would have no problems in this respect. Most of the tackling is front on and gang type and many of the league "stars" are far worst than Nonu at defense, Lockyer and Benji Marshall for instance would be shown up in union as poor defenders and all the league Wallaby buys have been poor tacklers, Sailor was the worse, Rogers average and Tuquiri is regularly beaten by whoever he faces in the AB's and passes the ball far less than Nonu. He would be best as a league forward. They get plenty of bench time to rest he's more like Wicki, an ex centre - league is not about defence - bring it on!!
Craig Meads
It concerns me that prior to the business end of the world cup cycle, we have a player expressing a lack of commitment to the game he is hoping to represent his country in, and win. Why should the NZRU invest in a player who does not really have his heart in the game. Some players, irrespective of the game they play, are leaguies between the ears, and I think Nonu, just like Mat Rogers, is one. Any number of block-busting leaguies playing midfield in Union would expose their opposite numbers, and this is what Nonu does. You could easily put Jerry Collins in the midfield with the same result. Some of the skills that, say Conrad Smith and Aaron Mauger have, are not displayed by Nonu. With the right coaching, not only of Nonu, but also those around him, we could see better things of him. Players could put him into gaps better and he could learn better distribution skills, instead of the one-dimensional take it the ball up and lie on it, almost league style. Union is a game that requires more thinking than League and more skill sets, if played the right way, and Nonu should be coached in this. I think he would then enjoy it more, so much so, that he would not wish to switch codes. He should also remember that not many Union converts make it to the top in the NRL. They are different games, and there is so much to unlearn and new lines to learn. I for one hope he doesn't switch, but I believe he will as I have doubted his commitment to the game of Rugby Union for a couple of years now.
G
Nonu to go to league aye? Bout time really.We all saw what a simple side step does to him when Brian O'Driscoll ran around him earlier this year. Sure he might make the odd line break here and there, but look at who's stepped up for the AB's supposed "midfeild crisis" the likes of Smith, McAlister, Mils. Then there's Mauger. He's got absolutely no chance of making the starting line-up on a regular basis. Can't put him on the wing either - he just doesn't have the speed, agility, or attacking flare compared to Joe, Rico or Sivivatu. Those Aussie blokes will prove just how weak he really is on defence and make a mockery of him. Go back to beauty school buddy!
Sam
League for Nonu would be great, as we all know that league is a faster, tougher and more exciting game then rugby Yawnion. Nonu would easily adopt to the 13 man game and will learn more on ball skills and defence from the NRL. You Unionists may dispute this but it is true. Rugby "yawnion" has learnt more from league over the past 10 years ie decoy running, flat line attack, banana kicks and going professional. And I think Nonu will learn better on skills and develop as a great rugby league player.
Bounce
I think Nonu would be sensational in league. The game is suited too his style but as everyone has noted here, he does have some defensive lapses. He would probably have to get fitter and shed a few kilos as it is a "faster" game, which requires higher fitness levels than union (I am a union man who has played both codes). In terms of his defence I think a few of the comments on here are a little misguided. His defence is fine, he just has defensive lapses which again comes down to communication. (Lets not forget how many tackles Mauger misses as well and they are not from breakdowns in communication but just straight one-on-one situations). Defence is a team effort, you rely on the man inside you and outside you to assist in making your decisions. Good communication is the key and obviously when there have been lapses it has come from a breakdown in communication. He would not be an All Black and certainly not a midfielder if everything that's been said about his defence on here was true. Give the man a break, he's only young and as history shows our best centres don't hit their straps until the late 20's early 30's ala Stanley and Bunce. Like a fine wine props, centres do get better with age.
Sean Kelly
Switching to league would be a good decision for Ma'a Nonu. His hit up style is more suited to the game, and he'd make a good, strong yet mobile prop in league. He really does lack the skills that midfielders need these days in both codes, and this includes defence. The NRL centres would just as easily run circles around him. But up front is where Nonu could definitely have a great impact.
Paul Skevington
It always surprised me what the AB selectors actually saw in Nonu. He is weak on defence and has major problems in feeding his out side backs.His skills are better suited to league which is a slower version of Rugby Union. I believe there are plenty of spots available at the NZ Warriors.
Reece Palmer
It would be an interesting experiment. He does have a lot of the qualities that would make a good NRL player. I have to say I'm glad I'm not the one who would be paying the bills for it. He's only 24 so plenty of time even taking into account his being contracted til 2008. I'd expect that he would be given a release should he choose to jump earlier. He'd certainly be marked closely to start with and would find the confrontational defense more to his style of play. Tackling would have to get better though. I doubt that there are many top line let alone journeymen NRL players that would get through one of titches NZ's fitness training either so we'll leave the league vs union bs at that. Ma'ascara would be ok, who really knows. If his heart is no longer in the black jersey then it's definitely time to get out, now!
Joel Booth
I honestly think a guy like Nonu would struggle with league. Mobile, big, fast guys like Gasnier, Cooper, Tahu, Lyon etc would relish the opportunity to go one on one with a player who has the inferior defensive skills of onion. There have been plenty of attacking centres who have failed in the defensive or creative areas of being a league centre, and they just don't last. However I think with some decent coaching and an off season working on his defensive frailties as well as losing some of that puppy fat (you can get away with carrying in onion), he may come right.
Kim Alderton
I would not expect him to make the Kiwis in a hurry. Gasnier would step him every time. He'd do OK at club level I suppose. It's just so hard to look past the lack of defensive brains this guy has. He is such a waste of talent and I think he rests on his attacking brilliance rather than working hard at developing an instinct for defence. I have no doubt if he was as good at defence as he is at attack he would be close to the world's best player.
Bruce Hallum
I think it is another instance of trying to talk up his value ahead of contract talks. Just like Sonny Bill, Willie Mason, Joey Johns etc. I can't see it happening as he won't get the money he receives now and is still a young man with plenty to prove in the 15 man game.
Nev Gibbs
I think Ma'a would be excellent league material, strong, fast, good on his feet. His lack of a kicking game would be less of a disadvantage, but ball security could be a worry. What really gets me is how many haters there are on this blog, get a life! How about you achieve something yourself before you run a champion athlete and proud Kiwi into the ground.
Bill Bacon
Yes, yes this is all so interesting but lets put to rest finally the issue of League verses Union. It is time for the Kangaroos to come on over to Eden Park and have a go against the AB's in the 15 man game then a return trip to Sydney for the AB's to have a go at the 13 man game. Why is this taking so long to get it on?!
Karl Downey
Who Cares? Sport in this country is over-rated and pays people far too much for doing far too little. Why don't you spend the money on schools, the health system and your children. Not over-priced sports "Stars" who may get a boo boo here and there.
Carl Reynolds
Ma'a Nonu is the most underrated player in the ABs. The only area in which he's a little lacking is in defence, but that comes with experience. It wasn't long ago that Sivivatu had the same shortcoming; well look at him now! It would be a huge loss if Ma'a left union but it's no wonder he's contemplating the switch given the amount of criticism he cops. Give him a break. I defy any of you to point out even a single game which the ABs lost on account of Nonu playing less than perfectly.
Chris Peteru
Ma'a Nonu is an awesome player whose only frailty is that he clocks out on defence sometimes. His terror level alone is enough to warrant his selection in any team. You guys who knock him are the same ones who would run to the South Pole if he was coming at you. He is an asset to the All Blacks, which is obviously why he is the team. He is brilliant.
Island Magic
Nonu has a lot of critics. He can't pass, he can't tackle, etc etc, they say. Earlier on, Jerry Collins had similar critics who said he was one-dimensional. Collin's recent performances are a class act exhibiting first class all round skills and decision-making required of his position. His critics should now eat their words. I predict that Nonu's critics would also have to eat their words in the not too distant future. Unlike Major & Smith both of whom have probably reached their maximum level of abilities, Nonu has tremendous unrealised potential. He can break the line better than Major & Smith. And he can learn to be just as good or better than Major or Smith at other skills and decision-making required of a centre (or midfield player), as did Collins as a flanker. Nonu is still young and a 'work in progress' and with continuing training and experience he can be much better - another first class well rounded centre in the mould of a Bunce or an Umaga. The All Black coaches know this. We should all hope that in the interests of the ABs, RU does not lose him to league.
Brad Kuypers
Nonu would be a great centre in league providing he did not join the Warriors. The Warriors have a history of turning good rugby players into very average league players. Otherwise he would be an exciting attacking player to watch as he is in rugby.
Force
Hey Steve maybe you should put on an AB Jersey and get out there against the likes of Stirling Mortlock, Giteau, Turinui, Habana,and the rest of the great centres in the world. I'd like to see any of you who critisize Ma'a to take him on or any of his opponents on and see what its really like to get run around, over, through, smashed, rucked and gang tackled. Full credit to Ma'a for sticking in there when he was swept aside in the 2003 World Cup!!!! Any other player would have switched codes or given up on NZ rugby but for him to make a comeback is something none of you critics could ever imagine little lone achieve!!! I have full respect for Ma'a and everything he's been through to get to where he is today!!! Sick and tired of jealous people with opinions!!!
Nigel Dixon
Nonu`s body shape is ideal for rugby, as often union centres these days are. Remember Tana also played league before rugby. Nonu would most likely be a centre and a very good one but would only be a few years till he moved to the second row. Then his defense particularly one on one would need to improve. While defending at centre he needs to make good decisions to insure his winger isn't isolated, which could take some time but he will be fine provided he trains well and has a good coach to motivate him. He'd be a fantastic addition to a strong and underrated (in NZ) NZ league side.
Steve
The only loss will be to Wellington and the Hurricanes. Any intelligent rugby union backline will and has run rings around Nonu no matter what his position, just look at Mauger and the rest of the Crusaders backline in numerous Crusaders v Hurricanes encounters, so I'm sure he isn't a serious bet for the All Blacks starting 15 (and probably not the reserves either) come World Cup time. I'm sure its been fun for Smith and Henry to flirt with him in the All Black backline against weak opposition though, keeps Aaron, Conrad, Luke and Mils on their toes but seriously! No idea whether he'll make a good league player, and don't really care to be honest. Though good luck to him anyway, I'm sure he'll need it.
Joe
Give the guy a break. Look at what he has to offer the game as opposed to what he can't do. He has tremendous potential but he's caught in the traditional tall poppy syndrome that Kiwis like to do to identities who are perceived as different. He is a certainty to go to RWC because of the intimidation factor he brings. And remember, he's only one of an AB squad who, the last time I looked, finished with a 13-1 record this year.
Sam Swain
The reason Nonu isn't a first choice AB midfielder is he lack some skills, these are the exact skills that league players don't need, he gets caught with the ball too much, he lacks the ability to pass and he lacks fitness. There is no question he would excel in a game that is so stop start and doesn't flow, in a game where the player is rewarded for killing the ball and where passing and kicking is seldom seen. The question is would he want to play a game that is slow moving and where the ball is only passed on the 4th and 5th tackle and he would only get his hands on the ball three or four times per game.
Chris Edmonds
League? Nonu should go play touch as his tackling one on one is terrible. He might learn how to put his man into a gap and pass the ball if he played touch as well. If he would just get his head right he would be a starter for NZ in either code.
Nesi Swan
League is the B-grade version of Union if not C-grade so of course Nonu would definitely be good at league, however if he were to just back himself 100% when he ran at defenders, his size would allow him to break the line with no trouble and he would be much more effective and probably reach his full potential playing for the All Blacks. He's too up and down all the time which is one of the reasons he's found it hard to secure a permanent spot in the AB's. He is a far better player than McAllister at 12 and to defect to league would be under valuing himself greatly.
Geoff Keighley
Dreadlocks and makeup? The AB's won't be needing that in France next year, NRL please make him an offer!
Claude
He would struggle with the intensity level higher than ANY rugby match could offer(Even test matches), NO where to hide, he would have to lift his work rate ten fold to even be on the same page as your journeyman NRL player. he would have to shed at least 10kg of fat to be up for it. Basically league doesnt carry any telly tubbies on the field like union ,that you can step around so he would struggle.Mmake it? physically yes, mentally no.
Greg Hirst
I always wonder what the attraction is for Union players to switch to League. The desire to be part of a sport run for Australia's benefit? A dislike of International travel? A fondness for forced group sex and alcohol fuelled assaults? What ever Ma'a's motivation we should all wish him well, the All Blacks don't need him but the Kiwi's sure do.
Henry Pene
good on him for wanting to do some thing else in my eyes he will make a good league player every one says his defence is no good in union true but in league it will be awesome as they dont run as many angles as what they do in union all his tackles will be head on and he is pretty solid in that area he will be a huge gain for league you dont make the A/Bs unless you are good there is only one wish i have an that he plays for the KIWIS when he makes the test arena an the warriors.
Simon Lattimer
nonu would be better at playing league which is bash and crash,R/Union is a thinking mans game, no doubt he has some good skills but he is not a Tana Umaga or a Dan Carter, and I doubt he would get a regular spot at the world Cup/as his defence is not all there.
Rex Hapimana
He would do far better in league than he does in rugby. His defensive weaknesses wouldn't be as exploited as he would have another 1 or 2 tacklers helping him as standard league tackles do.
His natural attacking skills and strength would be an asset but his offloading skills, while improved, still need work when he makes a half break. But this reeks of another rubgy v league playoff.
This kind of talk always comes up when a players contract is coming up and after the world cup he's off contract with the NZRFU. He may as well go to league as he won't be our first choice 12 or 13 for either the 2007 or 2011 world cups. Good luck to him whatever he does.
Nick
Nonu would carve up th NRL.Imagine him in the warriors he would steamroll then likes of Gasiner and Cooper one on one, where he is at his best.He only gets 2 or 3 chances a game in rugby but in league he would get alot more chances to shine. When he does hit people they stay hit!
Aaron Subsin
Nonu would have to learn to tackle effectively if he wants to play league, currently his defence is terrible. I think he would go alright if he can fix that but at the moment Gasnier would run rings around him. As for him playing 12 for the ABs he will have to start passing the ball. I call him crowbar Nonu because you need one to get the ball off him.
Duncan Sandford
I think it would be the best thing for the AB's future if Nonu went to league. Let's be honest Nonus performances in the black jersey have never matched his "potential", this is backed up by the fact that he has never been able to nail done the No 13 jersey since he made the AB's side back in 2003. His 1 on 1 defence to be honest is at best below par and on attack is more intent on going through opposition players rather than going around them and/or setting up his outside players. If Nonu went to league it would free up more money to keep players like Smith, Kahui & Tutivake in the AB side and on better money.
Sam
Let him go, no loss he can't tackle and would be better league player as he already plays like a league player. No loss i say!!
Brent
Assuming that the reports are correct (and that's a big "if"), then Nonu should not be selected for the World Cup next year. If we are to win the Cup, then only players 100 per cent committed should be selected - and it's not as if Nonu should even be one the first choice XV.
Alec Brown
Ma'a(the Rock)will be an asset to rugby league.Imagine sia soliola and Ma'a nonu in the centres for the kiwis(WOW!!)but first the world cup 2007.I think League will be the game for him in 2008.
Jason Kelly
Nonu is probably better suited to league than he is to union, league would utilise his devastating skills with ball in hand at the collision area to there fullest potential and because of the nature of leagues up and in defensive patterns it would allow him to defend a zone on the field rather than being put in man on man situations, which in union he has struggled with. I think given the opportunity to play with the right NRL club, Maa could be a superstar of the 13 man game.
Joshua
Nonu would be great in the NRL, the way he plays he'll be well suited to the game. It's going to be heaps faster then Rugby and alot more expansive then Rugby which I beleive he likes. imagine him in the centres aiming up @ the likes of willie tonga, cooper, hodges and guys like that. these other centres will have there hands full with Nonu. Reality? NRL probly couldn't afford him.. he'll be getting a pretty good wage with the All Blacks and with the salary cap it would be likely he would have to take a pay cut in order to come to the NRL but it would be massive for the game if he did.
Fili TUPUA
If Ma'a has the fitness of the abbreviated game in union [Sevens], I have no doubt he will make it in the tough and gruelling aussie "Bullrush" version better known as the NRL. A devastating attacker and an awesome defender on his day, the Kiwis could do no harm in adding him to their ranks, the sooner the better! But first things first, I'd like for him to achieve an All Blacks World Cup winners' medal before he teams up for his 'favoured' league team. Imagine Ma'a Nonu on the burst via a classic Sonny Bill Williams offload ... enough said! Best of Luck Ma'a.
David Watkinson
Couldn't blame Nonu for going to league if he doesn't get another 3-4 chances in the 12 jersey. Some John Hart theory that holds merit is, that successful back lines operate best with an intimidating figure in midfield, ie. Stanley, Bunce, Umanga, Stirling Mortlock. Sorry but any Mils/Smith/Mauger/McAlister combinations just don't do it for me. Even if Nonu just warms the bench some of the time, he is a great option and his departure to league would be the AB's loss. Nonu's 'in your face' front on defense is far better than his slide defense, but he still has to further learn that art of defense both in union and league.
This is also a reason why he is better suited to 2nd five for the AB's. Out wide is currently the worst place for him defensively but between Carter & Smith, there is good leadership and a defensive safety net closer in where the loose forwards can cover tackle on set plays. On attack, potentially there could be even more options for Carter with Nonu on the inside than Mauger, the hit up, the angles, with probably the most obvious & unlikely benefit is the decoy completely skip passing Nonu altogether to give Smith more time. The point is Nonu's presence is imposing & threatening, he bounces out of tackles so will be '2 manned' at that position, giving Carter & Smith extra space. Mauger has been great for Dan Carter, by simply offering consistency & security under pressure, but does he really have the X factor that most arm chair critics like us are looking for? McAlister looks to be a great potential too, so this coming Super 14 will be very interesting
Luke Stopford
Nonu would be an asset to any league team with his ability to break the line and offload, potentially the fastest prop in the game or a very strong centre. It would help the Kiwi's becoming world champs particularly if Piri Weepu makes the call as well. the depth coming through rugby far outweighs that of league so share the wealth i say.
Carl Andersson
Nonu is tailor made for league and I think he'd be more successful there than he has been in union.I would expect he'd be a centre in league.
His defense is suspect but because league is more structured I think he'd have an easier time on defense than he currently has in union.