The Rabbitohs have taken aim at Rugby Australia over claims the rival code has identified Souths captain Cameron Murray as a target.
Wallabies coach Eddie Jones did not mince words when asked who he would like in Wallaby colours, with the former England mentor saying a player of Murray’s ilk could have a huge impact on the game.
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Murray played rugby in his teens and said he was happy to talk with Jones, but not until 2025 when his Souths deal expired.
Souths chief executive Blake Solly took a shot at rugby’s powerbrokers over their interest in the Rabbitohs captain, telling the code’s bosses to fix their financial issues rather than raiding league’s talent pools.
“Cameron is a great player, he’s a great person, and he’s developing into a wonderful leader,” Solly told The 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.”
RA chairman Hamish McLennan told the publication rugby is back in the back but also had a message for Solly: “That’s not much of a sledge. It’s like being hit with a wet lettuce. 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 confirmed his interest in Murray while suggesting Nathan Cleary would be a star in the 15-man game but he “couldn’t see Penrith letting him go.”
“I reckon Cameron Murray is a standout,” said Jones. “He’s got good sense, he’s tough, he’s a leader, all the things you want in rugby.
“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.”
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