Reds said 'no' to O'Connor
Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:44
The troubled Reds franchise, according to reports in the Australian media, initially spurned the opportunity to reclaim one of its own - young superstar James O'Connor.
It is reported that O'Connor was considering a return to Queensland, but that a lack of interest from the Reds put an end to his plans.
"It was definitely a good option to think about going home," O'Connor said.
Reds officials are believed to have recently sought to rectify the situation and lure O'Connor back to Brisbane, but the move has come too late.
The Reds' failure to adequately pursue O'Connor, who was born and raised on the Gold Coast, is puzzling to say the least.
Berrick Barnes and Digby Ioane are yet to commit to next season, following an end of season review, and O'Connor's acquisition would have significantly bolstered the Reds' playing stocks.
Furthermore, prying O'Connor away from the Western Force would have been a significant coup against a team which has plundered significant Queensland talent over its tenure.
Instead, O'Connor is expected to announce a new two-year deal with the Force next week.
While the teenage sensation maintains he hasn't actually re-signed with the Perth-based outfit, it is understood that he has committed his future to the Force and that the Australian Rugby Union "top-up" on O'Connor's Super 14 contract is the only remaining issue to be resolved.
It's potentially an interesting sticking point.
There is no question that O'Connor is a prodigious talent but he is young and remains unproven against the best test nations.
His three test caps have all come against Italy.
What value, then, should the ARU attribute to raw talent? Most would agree that O'Connor is bound for an illustrious test-playing future but potential is not the same as proven quality.
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