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That's probably not far from the truth Ex!From a different angle.
If reporters can speculate - well why can't I? Bare with me for a second I am going to take you on a journey.
Lets say at the start of the 2012 season - say even pre-season training camp. Nathan Sharpe sits down with current coach Richard Graham and Rugby Manager Mitch Hardy. Sharpie says - this is my last year - I want to spend some time with my sons. I have a business opportunity that can potentially set me up for the rest of my life. I will do this season but thats it. (or words to that affect).
At the same time Mitch Hardy - with his one eye always to the future knows that some time this year he needs to do some serious contract negotiations with David Pocock for his contract renewal.
So Nathan, Richard and Mitch sit down again - and Mitch says - Nathan for the the good of the Club going forward how about we give BamBam the Captaincy this year. Lets face it he is a Sponsors wet dream - doesn't drink doesn't smoke, new bride, his own charity organisation, hell even the ARU has a hard on for the kid. If he stays healthy he is going the be the best Wallaby we have ever seen - he is that clean he makes John Eales look like an extra from Underbelly.
Nathan being the perfect Clubman that he is says - of course Mitch, I can teach him the ropes and that sets him up as the long term Poster boy for the club and my obvious replacement.
Richard of course is singing la-la-la-la in his head as he is having quiet negotiations with the Reds and couldnt care less.
The rest as they say - is history.