The Rabbitohs have taken a swipe at Rugby Australia amid curiosity of their skipper Cameron Murray, declaring the rival code ought to fear about getting “its own house in order.”
Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has made it no secret that he has his eye on a number of the brightest expertise within the NRL — together with Murray, who’s a former captain of Newington’s First XV.
Rugby Australia’s curiosity in Murray isn’t any shock to South Sydney CEO Blake Solly. But he urged the organisation to focus that power on its “financial challenges” — $25 million value of debt.
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“Cameron is a great player, he’s a great person, and he’s developing into a wonderful leader,” Solly instructedThe Sydney Morning Herald.
“It’s been a privilege at Souths to watch him go from being the talented junior footballer to an NRL player to a Kangaroo.
“I’m not surprised rugby have shown an interest in him, but the fact is he’s contracted until the end of 2025, and we’d love him to stay longer. In truth, rugby really needs to get its own house in order.
“It continues to lose talented kids to rugby league every year, it has financial challenges, and it will need more than some NRL signings to solve their many problems.”
Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan hit again at Solly.
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“That’s not much of a sledge. It’s like being hit with a wet lettuce,” he stated through the Herald.
“Why is he being so sensitive? And we make no apologies for showing an interest in Cam Murray. He grew up playing rugby union. It’s a free market.”
Jones has beforehand singled out Murray as a goal, calling him a “standout” and likening his influence to cross-code star Sonny Bill Williams.
“You think about what Sonny Bill Williams did when he came from league to union. I know Cameron Murray is a different sort of player, but he’d have that effect on players,” Jones instructed SEN.
But Murray, who comes off contract on the finish of 2025, received’t be strolling out on the Rabbitohs simply.
“I’m not someone who will say, ‘I’m happy to win a few comps and then go somewhere else’. This club means too much to me to just tick off a few comps and then leave,” he instructed the Herald.
“If the time comes and I’m off contract, and I’m negotiating my future, I’ll think about it then.”
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The 25-year-old additionally confirmed that he hadn’t heard from Jones.
The likes of Roosters star Joseph Suaali’i, rising Eels centre Will Penisini and Storm enforcer Nelson Asofa-Solomona have had been additionally on Jones’ listing. Although he missed out on Suaali’i who dedicated to the Roosters earlier within the week.
Jones is a fan of two-time premiership-winner Nathan Cleary, however conceded: “I couldn’t see Penrith letting him go.”
Source: www.foxsports.com.au