A different team's pink?
By Chris, February 21 2010
If speculation is to be believed, Gareth Thomas could be involved in a few games of rugby league at the Gnoll this season. The Cardiff Blues back has been linked with a code-switch to the Crusaders – and any such move could see Alfie pulling on the black and pink jersey to help him adapt to rugby league.
Intense speculation has this week linked Thomas with a switch to rugby league and a move to Wrexham with the Crusaders.
Brian Noble has been coy when quizzed on a potential move - though he has admitted that he believes Alfie could adjust to life in the 13-a-side code.
Many have labelled a potential move for Thomas as a mere publicity stunt. Certainly, his arrival in Wrexham would help generate interest at the Racecourse after a five-figure attendance watched the Saders battle hard for eighty minutes against the Leeds Rhinos.
However, Thomas' achievements in Union cannot be disputed. He has racked up 100 appearances for Wales, has three caps for the British & Irish Lions and has scored points at the highest level for the likes of Bridgend RFC, the Celtic Warriors and Toulouse.
Thomas' current contract with the Cardiff Blues expires in May. The veteran has become a bit-part player at the Cardiff City Stadium and has been linked with a move away for some time - with a player/coaching role with the Neath-Swansea Ospreys another option.
The press, however, are convinced that the Crusaders are interested in signing the player - and any move to Wrexham could see Thomas plying his trade with the Scorpions to help learn the rugby league ropes.
Though an entirely independent club, the Scorpions have an agreement in place with the Crusaders which means those players not in action for Noble's side can journey down to Neath and be involved in competitive action at Championship One level.
Should Bridgend-born Alfie, who has played at full-back, wing and centre in Union, pull on the Scorpions jersey it would undoubtedly generate huge interest for the fledgling club.
Could Alfie join the Scorpions?
Posted by: South Wales RL (IP Logged)
Date: 21/02/2010 09:44
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I think its unlikely that he'll make the switch – but I'm sure the Crusaders will be looking at a high-profile cross-code switch for next season to help generate interest in the Gogledd. Whoever that player may be – Thomas, Henson or somebody else – it's very possible they could play three of four games for the Scorpions to help them adjust to the rules of rugby league. That really is an exciting prospect for a club playing in the third tier and could really help us generate publicity around the local area.
Interesting to read that Brian Noble praised Andy Powell this week too as a potentially excellent convert to RL.
Though the official line will be different, I think Noble and the directors at the Racecourse will realise that bringing across a big-name RU player will really help generate publicity. That is something the club lacked drastically in Bridgend.
Might find he's not as hard as he thinks. Some of the "dynamic runs" he and the likes of Andy Powell (when he can keep hold of the ball and avoid golf carts) get lauded for are more common place in RL.
There is a strong rumor that comes from in side the club that a high profile Welsh RU player is about to sign. If it is Afie I can't honestly see him playing for Crusaders. He's 35 that would make him the olddest player in the Super League by a long way. If it is him I think he will play for the Scorpions and be envolyed in youth development.
Whether it is Gareth Thomas or any other Welsh RU players they will probably need time to develope for rugby league and that would probably mean a spell down with us before they break into the super league.
Noble said the other day that he was looking at 4 players and the rumour I hear is that Gareth Thomas is one of them and that another one is Allun Wyn Jones
My thoughts exactly, If local Union players are interested and dedicated enuogh to want to convert and play League , then great, but if we want to build something sustainable and lasting here ,we need to produce our own Welsh League players. We can't compete financially speaking at the moment with Union , we need lads who want to play the game because they enjoy it, and see a future in it.
Jonathon Davies switch to RL was a massive boost for the code in my opinion. He serves two clubs with distinction and who can forget that try at Wembley against the Australians?
I for one welcome converts if they are good enough.
I think the reality is that union "takes" far more from league than the other way around at present, although I agree that the perception may be otherwise.
The second reality is that there is far more cash "swilling around" in the union game and IMHO a Jonathan Davies would never again be tempted for purely financial considerations and I cannot see there is any real danger of losing a "marquee name" from the 15-a-side game.
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