Congratulations to the Emirates Western Force management for standing their ground in the contract negotiations with James O’Connor.
After 4½ months of negotiations without resolution a deadline was set for a response from the player and his management, which passed without a response. RugbyWA Chief Executive Officer Vern Reid therefore withdrew the offer.
Too often in todays sporting landscape players and their management dictate terms. This was seen at the Perth Glory when the coach set a deadline for a player to accept or decline an offer of a new contract, the deadline passed, the offer was withdraw, but the player went directly to the owner who gave him an extension in making a decision.
Strong leadership is a key factor in any organization and the administration must always back the coach on issues such as this.
It is a great shame to see James O’Connor leave for the Melbourne Rebels, but the spirit shown during his absence at the tend of the season shows that one player does not make a team.
