Lee Stensness: Leaguies need early conversion

While potential league-to-rugby convert Mark Gasnier does his sums and mulls over the switch, the question must be asked if the move is likely to be successful for Australian Rugby.

Obviously, every individual who changes codes is a different case but within the Waratahs, the team he would join, there are three examples of high-profile leaguies who switched to rugby: Mat Rogers, Lote Tuqiri and Wendell Sailor. Of those, Rogers and Tuqiri are undoubted successes, while 'Wendy' has had his good moments but remains a mixed bag.

Rogers has succeeded because he had a solid rugby background, having played throughout his secondary schooling, even representing Australian Secondary Schools in 1993.

At the time of his (re)conversion to rugby he was quoted as saying: "It's something I really want to do. That's where my heart lies."

That grounding in the code coupled with his extensive skill set meant he was always a strong bet to succeed - and so it has proved, when injuries have allowed. Tuqiri, with no rugby background, has made the transition magnificently, partly because he is a superb athlete and partly because he was young enough when he switched at 24 to be taught new tricks, so to speak.

Sailor, however, has found the transition the most difficult of the three. He had no rugby background and already had a long league career behind him - eight seasons with the Brisbane Broncos.

During that time, league skills would have been ingrained in him. He still struggles with some of rugby's finer points, such as punting and positional defence, as was exposed by the Crusaders. His individual defence, a league specialty, is no problem, as Jeremy Paul could attest after the Waratahs-Brumbies game a few weeks ago.

The 'new tricks' are what mark the major difference between Tuqiri and Sailor and highlight why it is better to convert players while they are still relatively young in playing terms.

It is that point that gives Gasnier hope of a successful transition.

He will be 25 when the next Super 14 kicks off and, if given the chance, has the time to adapt and succeed. The point Wallabies coach John Connolly made about the 2007 World Cup probably being too soon for Gasnier is valid.

He has no rugby background and will be learning a new game of greater complexity in a position that has many subtleties. Great centres such as Joe Stanley, Frank Bunce and Tana Umaga really only mastered the position around the age of 30.

Gasnier possesses the raw ingredients to succeed in rugby at centre - size, pace and a proven big-match temperament. He has played State of Origin and tests in league but what he will also need is patience; personal patience as well as patience from the public, coaches and Australian Rugby.

Because there will be a lot to learn.