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Rugby Australia’s Ambitious Goal: Targeting⁤ Nathan Cleary for a Major League Switch
Hamish McLennan, the former head of Rugby Australia, has emphasized the importance of attracting Nathan Cleary as the next significant rugby league player‍ to make the transition to union, following Joseph Sua’ali’i’s recent switch. Sua’ali’i concluded his tenure with the Sydney Roosters after this season and has inked an impressive three-year contract with Rugby Australia valued at $5 million. In addition, there’s an option for two more years that could add another $4 million to his earnings.
The Impact of Sua’ali’i’s Transition
This move has stirred mixed feelings among certain factions within Australian rugby union circles; however, McLennan expressed confidence in Sua’ali’i’s capacity to provide substantial returns on investment. “Joseph’s presence has ignited a tremendous interest in rugby union and he’s already justified his cost multiple times over,” he stated.
A Vision for Future Growth
McLennan advocates for bringing in additional players like Cleary ahead of the 2027 World Cup: “The sport requires five more athletes who can create similar waves,” he asserted. Securing high-profile talent could lead not only to enhanced performance on the field but also contribute significantly to transforming rugby’s standing within Australia’s sports landscape.
With dwindling performances by the Wallabies—having last secured a World Cup title in 1999 and a Bledisloe Cup victory over two decades ago—McLennan insists that revitalizing player recruitment is crucial. He stated that ongoing lackluster results necessitate system reforms focused on centralization and increased investment at elite levels.
The Call for Action
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