Hugh McGahan: Why clubs pull plug on test hopes

Is pressure placed on players to make themselves unavailable for their countries in test matches? Yes, but there is a reason for it.

Although clubs receive benefit for having experienced international players in their squad, they pay a premium for such players. They pay higher salaries but lose players for State of Origin games or test matches and, more importantly, they lose players at the end of the year for vital recovery after an arduous season or surgery for ailments which have caused problems all season.

Unlike some of their rugby union counterparts, the Australian and NZ national bodies do not pay the players a salary for their services. The NZRU contracts certain players and arranges fixtures, with players being on call for selection. In both the NRL and Super League, the clubs 'own' the players.

It has been common for clubs to request that players make themselves unavailable for international games for end-of-season fixtures to rehabilitate for the next season. It must be said that clubs do not say outright: "You cannot play and must have surgery."

There is reasoning behind the argument regarding the player's welfare and long-term prospects. I experienced this in 1986 when Graham Lowe requested I join the Kiwi team in Papua New Guinea for the test matches.

The Roosters did not want me to leave as we were in contention for the playoffs and were to play St George that weekend, who were in a similar position to us.

The club did not appreciate me going away at such a critical stage and I admit that the pressure was intense to withdraw from the test team for the club's vital fixture. Unfortunately I could not withdraw as I was not injured and, under international rules, had to play unless I had a genuine injury.

In fairness to the Roosters I could understand their feelings as it was only me that was required to travel for the fixtures, as no other Kiwi player in the competition was selected for this match, including Dean Bell and Gary Prohm with me at the Roosters, Mark Graham, Olsen Filipaina, Kurt and Dane Sorenson.

It is a very uncomfortable position to be in when the club highlights that it is they who pay you money regularly and give you a future in the game.

It was even worse on my return as the club lost two games while I was away, sealing our fate for the rest of the year.

Remember last year when so many of the Warriors players were not available for the Tri-Series in England for numerous operations and the like?

Do you think it was the players who made the assessment it was in their best and long-term interest not to travel for those games? I tend to think not but it must also be understood that this pressure is also placed on the Australian players and is not unique to the Kiwis.

The difference is that the Australian public, as well as the national coach, do not fret like New Zealand as their depth is greater than ours and replacements are more easily found.

It is a matter of understanding the position of an employer wishing to have healthy, fit employees ready when work commences. Ask yourself, if you were the employer, would you do similar?


- HERALD ON SUNDAY