Banji may seek release to play rugby in japan

[stryker]

If he kicks up a stink this time get rid of him.

I would be devastated if Banjo left but I would never say to get rid of him. Ever.
That is just anger and emotion without reason. Even if I found Benji in bed with my missus I still wouldn't want him out!

:roll WHAT???

My statement is not without reason mate…

1\. The NRL's marque players are the sports commodities. They are the people who get supporters and especially kids through the turnstyles each weekend. For them to turn their back on the sport for 3-4 months per year would be a shocking look.

2\. With trials, premiership rounds, finals and rep games, blokes like Marshal are already playing upwards of 30 games per year now. Adding another dozen could only be detrimental to their longevity.

3\. He is an ambassador of Rugby League in Australia and New Zealand. He should not be allowed to promote another sport - especially a rival code.

4\. It will create an us and them mentality among the playing group. While the team is out every day in the 30 plus degree Aussie sun busting their balls in preseason training, he would be treated like a king and missing out on the hard yakka that bonds the playing group.

5\. It would create resentment among other high profile players...i.e. Farah would not be able to do this, unless he played as a halfback, he wouldnt make it in Union as the forwards have a very specialised role.

6\. The chance of injury would be excessively amplified leaving us as the victims of this endevour.

7\. He would miss out on all the ball sessions conducted here...meaning he wouldnt be forging a relationship with a halves partner or any new players in our squad...(there will be quite a few next year one would assume as this years U/20's proceed to first grade).

8\. He is already a poor defender. How would 3-4 months playing rugby help this?

9\. He would miss the start of the season. Absolutely unacceptable. The last few seasons have shown that you need to be on your game from round one as the salary cap has ensured that competition for the 8 is getting tighter every year.

10\. Benji still works for the Wests Tigers during the off season. He would have to miss out on important scheduled events with sponsors, coaching clinics and the such.

I am all for the players getting what they can from the sport, but renting yourself out to a rival code is not on in my books. If I was boss, none of the turncoats who went to union would have been allowed to return to league.

 

[Citizen_Tiger]

Stupid auto check. BENJI…
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No, I think you might be on to something, the Banjo has a narrow playing range

 

[Tiger_Watto]

I am all for the players getting what they can from the sport, but renting yourself out to a rival code is not on in my books. **If I was boss, none of the turncoats who went to union would have been allowed to return to league**.

I understand the resentment, but I cant agree if they left for a rival code upon the completion of a contract with an NRL Franchise. I suppose I look at it as part of the current players being Professional Athletes…

I have a differing view on the SBW situation, but while disappointing, I understand the guys who left in a professional manner.

 

[Basil_Tiger]

I'll comment after Benji comments.
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Yeah,best to get it off the horses mouth,off-season media stories are often misleading.After saying that i'm in no doubt Benji is exploring his options post Sheens and is no certainty to finish his career with us.

 

[system]

At least Mimis could give Tauber advice on players signing two contracts I guess.

To go ahead with this it would mean Benji would also be giving up his captaincy of NZ as Union contractual arrangements would mean he could not feature in any major series like a World Cup.

The conditions WT would place on the contract would be interesting to see. For mine it would be that for every game you miss due to injury sustained in Rugby you are docked $50k from your salary. Not unrealistic to request that change.

 

[Citizen_Tiger]

It's an interesting debate… I don't have a problem with players earning money outside of RL. I think Danny Buderus should've taken legal action over his drama last week. The NRL doesn't own the players, and as long as they fulfill the commitments to their NRL Contracts, they should be free to seek other challenges or revenue streams.

I do however have a few questions about how this can be best secured. I would presume Benji gets X from the Tigers which is part remuneration For playing week to week, and part for representing the Club for marketing purposes. For this tocontinue, Benji could be able to 'play' in Japan, but at no stage could he represent the Japanes Club for any marketing/interview purposes. If this was achievable, I don't see what the problem is?

Either way, his NRL Contract would need to be renewed to allow such changes, and clauses would need to be inserted based on the event of injury from 'other' income sources etc...

Agree Watto, Marshall probs has five years left and if his contract period runs to 31/10, as most seem to do, why shouldn't he use that window to generate some great income? I think a stint in Rugby at fly half would be beneficial in fact. It'd involve decision making under greater pressure because of the proximity of defenders and should sharpen up his kicking and passing game. He'd be working some set piece moves, creating space and opportunity, something we've rarely seen these last few years. Jap Rugby is ridiculously quick, I think Marshall could come back looking sharp. What do u think Goose?

 

[bigsiro]

stryker, - I agree in principle with most of your points. Some are definitely good discussion points which probably deserve threads in themselves.
I just think that the knee jerk reaction of "get rid of him" (and the calls to simply cut him or kick him out from others) on here is way too harsh and over the top. Based on the fact that Banjo has actually said nothing himself it is also completely uncalled for.
Like Tiger Watto, I understand the resentment but I also resent fickle fans that would even mention the dumping of Banjo at the drop of a hat (like they tend to). I'm actually really sick of reading it. He is the best player we've ever had and personally, if he could only play 20 minutes a game I'd take it. That's just me - I love the ol' Banjo.

 

[Tigerpete]

Guys i don't think anything will happen with this. I view this as simply Tauber rightly questioning the nrl's stance over an issue that they have opened the door on all of a sudden. Yes the circumstances between the SBW and Benji are different but you would have to think that due to Benji's contract being till 2015 the nrl will say no to it. However it would be upto player, club and nrl to perhaps re work the contract. That is what Tauber will question.

I think there are various things that need to be considered though. As you said Stryker, even when Benji is not playing football he still has work to do in the off season such as off field engagements with sponsors and getting into the community. I don't see any way in which we could meet half way and call it a fair deal. Infact i think the nrl has got it wrong in allowing SBW to play. Why? Because all it has done has opened a can of worms and now the nrl has put itself into a corner. Essentially this was a dumb decision.

 

[happy_tiger]

Well here is the 1st roadblock Next year is a World Cup year

If Benji chooses to put Japanese Rugby before captioning (just for you Flip :roll ) NZ in the World Cup I will put him in the same boat as SBW

The maximum you could let him play for is maybe 5-6 weeks (And thats assuming their is no 4 Nations)

Anything more than that and it will affect him playing for us and if thats the case well I don't want him

His defence is already shaky and he has lost pace and struggles mentally with too much responsibility Imagine how that will be affected by say an extra 2 months of football

 

[norm]

Just said on seven news that Benji, quoted as saying he would be staying with the Tigers and was comitted to this…..

 

[jadtiger]

Just said on seven news that Benji, quoted as saying he would be staying with the Tigers and was comitted to this…..

the first quote from benji totally opposite to the agenda driven telecrap

 

[AmericanHistoryX]

Happy, you put the kettle on?
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[tigertown]

After reading the article not once was benji quoted saying he want to go to Japan it's this d&@khead of a manger just looking for his name to be in the papers. What a tosser.
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[happy_tiger]

Other issues come into play also with Benji playing another code

Many of us older ladies and blokes remember the old Ashes tours to GB and France they would go for a long time and many players the following year would complain of burnout and being mentally stale

Benji in my opinion isn't the strongest person around mentally and wouldn't cope at all well

Injury is also a the other major issue Where are we going to get a strong 6 in December or January with no salary cap ??

Look if Benji wanted to do this in his last 2 seasons I'd say fine , but you will be playing a part time role in our plans for those seasons

 

[happy_tiger]

Happy, you put the kettle on?
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Yep and got some freshly baked Anzac biscuits

 

[westTAHger]

After reading the article not once was benji quoted saying he want to go to Japan it's this d&@khead of a manger just looking for his name to be in the papers. What a tosser.
_Posted using RoarFEED 2012_

tend to agree here.
not much footy news happening, so let's create some.
also don't have any belief into what the telegraph prints. :unamused:

 

[2041]

Just more Telegraph horseshit. Move on.

 

[TigersFan4Life]

I don't see exactly what precedent Sonny Bill coming back to the NRL has set. It's no different to Lote or Gasnier Rogers or Sailor or anyone else who left and went to rugby and came back. I don't remember anyone from the NRL saying SBW would never be allowed back in the game just because he walked away before his contract had ended.

 

[4jtigers]

MT (his MONEYger) wants more commission from contract negotiations. :roll

Even if its true - I'd say let him (Benji) go. If his heart is not in it why persevere with him. There is Curtis Sironen - the poor kid will have to learn real quick with a lot of pressure put on him.

 

[AmericanHistoryX]

Happy, you put the kettle on?
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Yep and got some freshly baked Anzac biscuits

Can we feed 5000?