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Earlier this week. I was doing some research for an argument and I found out something interesting. Whilst reading the Wikipedia page for Rugby Australia I discovered that Australian Rugby had a Hall of Fame.
To be eligible for inclusion in the Wallaby Hall of Fame, a player must have:
- Played at least one Test for Australia
- Been retired from Rugby for at least 10 years
- Made a major contribution to the game of Rugby
- Demonstrated outstanding ability, sportsmanship, commitment, character and personal contribution to their team and the game in their era.
Now call me crazy. Again. But wouldn't our Matt Hodgson be perfect as a new member of the Australian Rugby Hall of Fame? Once he qualifies (Been Retired from Rugby for 10 years).
Exile
Sydney
"Pain heels. Chicks dig scars and Glory lasts forever." Shane Falco
Ex,
I hate to be the one to say it, especially on this forum, but....
Hodgo is an absolute legend - at the Force. He is the kind of guy you want in your corner or fighting beside you in the trenches....but not so sure he's a Hall Of Famer for Oz.
As a one eyed Force Man, I'd be putting Sharpie up first.
[Stands back and ducks head]
I think its a fair statement. I don't necessarily disagree.
However, in my defense. I wish to offer Exhibit A.
(cut from the selection criteria from my original Hall of Fame post)
To be eligible for inclusion in the Wallaby Hall of Fame, a player must have:
* Played at least one Test for Australia
* Been retired from Rugby for at least 10 years
* Made a major contribution to the game of Rugby
* Demonstrated outstanding ability, sportsmanship, commitment, character and personal contribution to their team and the game in their era.
Take note of the areas I have gone to the trouble of highlighting. I think that they are key to a Wallabies nomination.
Hodgo's contribution to The Game. His work with Global Rapid Rugby and his work now with the Western Force Management. I accept it wasn't Hodgo's money, but from an outsider's point of view, he did all of the hard yards. The long fights and the negotiations and recruitment. Turning the Western Force into a winning team that is pushing for the Top Australian team. Let's also not forget his role with WA Junior Rugby and Rugby Development in country WA.
With respect to Nathan Sharpe. His role after Rugby has been a couple of Historic Wallaby matches. And works in the mining industry. That's all I know about Nathan Sharpe. I am sure he has done more. I am just not aware of it.
This completes the Opening Statement for the Defense.
Exile
Sydney
"Pain heels. Chicks dig scars and Glory lasts forever." Shane Falco
Just quietly I don't think Rugby Australia gives two shits about the work he did with GRR.
I certainly agree that Hodgo should be put up for nomination for the Hall of Fame.
But playing Devil's Advocate, Hodgo's work with Rugby WA and Global Rapid Rugby might not be seen as a major contribution to the game of rugby as rugby is seen by Rugby Australia.
Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon
This would be a test case for whether anything has changed at Ra hq.
Based upon the selection criteria, hodgos 50% stake in saving rugby in 1/3 of the country certainly qualifies and I would think in that he probably beats some existing inductees. (I don't know who's already there, but I'm sure John Eales would be, his only contribution is a few years of self-aggrandisement on a dysfunctional board)
If he's not selected it would be another tick in the same column as Tom Robertson, the objectively best loosehead prop in the country, having to switch to tighthead and ply 5 minutes a match after Tupou is gassed
The organisation still appears to be strangled by parochialism and nepotism and that makes me think that hodgo will get as much opportunity to be selected as a hall of famer as he did with selection as a wallaby.
Then in 10 years, kurtley Beale will be selected to represent indigenous players 🙄
C'mon the![]()
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Don't get me wrong, I think Hodgo will deserve a spot in the Hall of Fame but I legit don't think Rugby Australia will care about the work done with GRR.