JOC Drop Shock Rocks Wobbling Wallabies

Further calamity today for under siege Wallaby coach Ewen McKenzie as star Lions combatant O'Connor has been fired by the ARU. The multi talented back line utility who guided Australia to their only win of the Lions series has been banned until 2015 for behaviour code indiscretions.

The latest in a string of behavioural issues included being arrested at Perth airport, drunk and rumoured to be impersonating Justin Beiber in a first class airline lounge.

Ewen McKenzie had a solitary victory over rugby championship minnows Argentina but face an improbable task of winning away from home with a mountainous list of injuries.

Don't think it's much of a shock. I think it was on the cards JOC was going anyway. He burst on the scene bout 5 years ago but don't seem to have cemented a spot. Maybe it's the clearout of the old guard backs... both Coopers, and it seems even Genia's not booked on to start now, curtly looking dodgy with his need for conselling.

Maybe more clearout to go but could be a case of throwing the baby out with the dishwater. Certainly there has not been much cohesion in the side last couple of seasons, even though under Deans we managed a few wins. But wouldn't it be great if this turns out to be some master plan and the Wallabies arises as a force again for the autumn tour????

Well maybe Ewen McKenzie is just putting his foot down now abit like Stuart lancaster did, and said enoughs enough...time to behave.

They have some outrageously talented players but they all seem to have a few demons about them at the moment.

Australia are often noted as not having huge depth of numbers etc...but i still think they have enough to keep them very competitive...and maybe a bit more drilled and disciplined.

That makes them a far more dangerous animal...especially if the talented ones can get rid of their demons and be slowly reintroduced through time.

Great another foreign player in the top14.

What happened to Australia's backs? I'm certain that they had the most dangerous backline in the world in 2010.

It would be a bit unlike them, but maybe Toulon might be interested in signing a southern hemisphere star?

Isnt halfpenny off to Toulon aswell...getting a bit crazy really.

Also with this headline, you should work for the BBC.

Teams always seem to be 'rocked' by injuries and coaches 'blast' referees/anything they dont completely agree with.

Shock?

It's the most predictable thing to happen since went missing last December.

A real shame for the Aussies in my opinion. Really talented player.

He's welcome at Edinburgh. Even drunk and wearing a "Belieber" fan outfit he'd still run rings around the rest of our backs.

Didn't know that JOC was linked to a Toulon move. I know that 2 months ago there were rumours he might go to Sarries....

beshocked wrote:Didn't know that JOC was linked to a Toulon move. I know that 2 months ago there were rumours he might go to Sarries....

...but he's Australian, not South African??

 

That's a great idea Beshocked, Henson proved how great over hyped diva's can be didn't he...

Proper order. Well played McKensie.

Bonjour et bienvenue a France, Monsieur O'Connor.
 
44 caps at 23 years old.
 
Plenty of time for him to drink a big fat cup of Stop Being A Tw@ and resume international duties in a couple of years.

FES true but that didn't stop us signing up the likes Brown and Johnston. A token Australian would be good. 

Yappysnap O Connor is a different case in my opinion. He's only 23. He'll be in a completely different environment. Ashton has calmed down a bit - O Connor could do the same. If it doesn't work out it's not exactly a disaster. Henson came to Sarries and left quickly - no harm done.

Worst comes to the worst - Ashton could help O'Connor get some real distance on his dwarf tossing.

George Carlin wrote:Worst comes to the worst - Ashton could help O'Connor get some real distance on his dwarf tossing.

 

Are we in danger of making a mountain out of a molehill though at the same time.

For every O'Connor, Beale or Guildford...theres a load of players past that enjoyed a beer etc...the great Serge Blanco was a 60 a day marlboro red man.

Is this squeeky clean image requirments of mondern day sports men...and indeed do we want them to be unemotional robots...

GeordieFalcon wrote:Are we in danger of making a mountain out of a molehill though at the same time.

For every O'Connor, Beale or Guildford...theres a load of players past that enjoyed a beer etc...the great Serge Blanco was a 60 a day marlboro red man.

Is this squeeky clean image requirments of mondern day sports men...and indeed do we want them to be unemotional robots...

Lots of people drink every once in a while, and there is usually no harm in that, but it does take a 'special' talent like Henson to do so and then behave like a tw** in public. Especially if they manage to do so multiple times.

It's a shame things have turned out like this for JOC, when he first came to the force he was a really hard working young player who was enthusiastic to learn from the older guys and was very friendly with all the other staff involved at the Force. The big mistake for him was going to the Rebels. They don't seem to have a good work culture in place as there have been a lot of incidents involving various players there whether it be drunken nights out to full on brawls.
At the force he was shielded a bit with being on the West Coast and it is quite a strong tight knit squad but over in Melbourne he was thrust in front of the spotlight without the help to deal with it.
Hopefully he will do a bit of growing up and head back to the force which I think is a pretty strong possibility otherwise I think he will head to NRL and try his hand at that.

Get him down Oval Park. Cockers will soon sort him out. He can replace Lamb who I'm told is currently in the dog house as he managed to not only get sent off in an A league game but also break his hand at the same time.

GeordieFalcon wrote:Are we in danger of making a mountain out of a molehill though at the same time.

For every O'Connor, Beale or Guildford...theres a load of players past that enjoyed a beer etc...the great Serge Blanco was a 60 a day marlboro red man.

Is this squeeky clean image requirments of mondern day sports men...and indeed do we want them to be unemotional robots...

Being a professional is about the way you conduct yourself, the image of a drunken player causing problems at an airport does not look good on his sponsors or the country he is representing. Its handled in the same way as any other job.

Minnows Argentina? Argie Fan might make an appearance and whack you over the head GE.

IronMike wrote:

GeordieFalcon wrote:Are we in danger of making a mountain out of a molehill though at the same time.

For every O'Connor, Beale or Guildford...theres a load of players past that enjoyed a beer etc...the great Serge Blanco was a 60 a day marlboro red man.

Is this squeeky clean image requirments of mondern day sports men...and indeed do we want them to be unemotional robots...

Being a professional is about the way you conduct yourself, the image of a drunken player causing problems at an airport does not look good on his sponsors or the country he is representing. Its handled in the same way as any other job.

thats true, and its different for sports professionals rather than other professionals. If a brain surgeon or lawyer were kicked oput of the airport you wouldnt necessarily hear about it unless they had a high profile, and even then social media wouldnt kick about the name a lot, as it would be boring. And other professionals dont have sponsors that rely on good role models to promote their products. Customers are buying the image as well as the product. So unfortunately if these guys choose to play the game at the top, off field responsibilities are equally as important. if joc wants to drink and be merry like thousands of others...get a day job and lose the profile. In the end its purely a matter of choice.

The Force issued the following statement regarding JOC...

"Our conversations with James and his management regarding a possible return to the Force have been ongoing,” RugbyWA CEO Mark Sinderberry said

“These conversations have been thorough and honest, and have included Michael Foley, Matt Hodgson and players. These discussions have been about both on- and off-field matters that we believe can assist James to become the player he aspires to be and to develop himself as a person.

“Since the ARU’s decision, we’ve reiterated our position to James, including the non-negotiable standards and values – particularly around earning respect – that must be upheld by everyone in the team and at this club.
 
“However, at this point we believe it’s in James’ best interests to take time and reflect on what’s important to him and what he really wants.
 
“If that is being a part of this club and making a positive contribution to our club culture, then we’d be open to the prospect of continuing those discussions. Similarly, if he believes he would be better suited by taking some time away from Australian rugby, then we’d wish him nothing but the best with those endeavours.”

Looks like they've left the door open for him to go back to the Forces. Guess it's up to him now what happens next? Possibly he'd want a stint in the NH to earn some money and gain experience.

If he stayed in Aus as a sign that he still thinks playing for Aus is the most important thing, would Australians like that or prefer for him to move abroad ?

Moving to another club where he isn't the big name may be good for him. Obviously being the big fish in his pond goes straight to his head.

The curious part of me would love to see him play for a South African side and deal with their culture around rugby.

GeordieFalcon wrote:Are we in danger of making a mountain out of a molehill though at the same time.

For every O'Connor, Beale or Guildford...theres a load of players past that enjoyed a beer etc...the great Serge Blanco was a 60 a day marlboro red man.

Is this squeeky clean image requirments of mondern day sports men...and indeed do we want them to be unemotional robots...

Agree 100%. I want my rugby heroes to sometimes do stupid shiote and have a laugh. Like Manu diving into the water off that boat, or the best when Powell drove a golf buggy down the M4 legend. 
I think sponsers and the suits think the public care more about these things than they really do.

I'd like him to play up here, with the Sarries would help his all round experience, as yappy said