Could Alfie join the Scorpions?


A different team's pink?

By Chris,
February 21 2010

If speculation is to be believed, Gareth Thomas could be involved in a few games of rugby league at the Gnoll this season. The Cardiff Blues back has been linked with a code-switch to the Crusaders – and any such move could see Alfie pulling on the black and pink jersey to help him adapt to rugby league.

Intense speculation has this week linked Thomas with a switch to rugby league and a move to Wrexham with the Crusaders.

Brian Noble has been coy when quizzed on a potential move - though he has admitted that he believes Alfie could adjust to life in the 13-a-side code.

Many have labelled a potential move for Thomas as a mere publicity stunt. Certainly, his arrival in Wrexham would help generate interest at the Racecourse after a five-figure attendance watched the Saders battle hard for eighty minutes against the Leeds Rhinos.

However, Thomas' achievements in Union cannot be disputed. He has racked up 100 appearances for Wales, has three caps for the British & Irish Lions and has scored points at the highest level for the likes of Bridgend RFC, the Celtic Warriors and Toulouse.

Thomas' current contract with the Cardiff Blues expires in May. The veteran has become a bit-part player at the Cardiff City Stadium and has been linked with a move away for some time - with a player/coaching role with the Neath-Swansea Ospreys another option.

The press, however, are convinced that the Crusaders are interested in signing the player - and any move to Wrexham could see Thomas plying his trade with the Scorpions to help learn the rugby league ropes.

Though an entirely independent club, the Scorpions have an agreement in place with the Crusaders which means those players not in action for Noble's side can journey down to Neath and be involved in competitive action at Championship One level.

Should Bridgend-born Alfie, who has played at full-back, wing and centre in Union, pull on the Scorpions jersey it would undoubtedly generate huge interest for the fledgling club.

Bookmark or share this story with:

Could Alfie join the Scorpions?
Discussion started by South Wales RL (IP Logged), 21/02/2010 09:44
South Wales RL
South Wales RL
21/02/2010 09:44
What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.

Reply Quote Report
macbroon
macbroon
21/02/2010 10:32
How strange, it is February 21 2010 in England (and Scotland and Northern Ireland), but clearly April 1 3010 in Wales!!!

macbroon

Reply Quote Report
MESSAGES->author
Dimebar
21/02/2010 11:51
I thought he's signed a one year deal with the Arsepreys?

Reply Quote Report
terrace-culture
terrace-culture
21/02/2010 13:52
I think its unlikely that he'll make the switch – but I'm sure the Crusaders will be looking at a high-profile cross-code switch for next season to help generate interest in the Gogledd. Whoever that player may be – Thomas, Henson or somebody else – it's very possible they could play three of four games for the Scorpions to help them adjust to the rules of rugby league. That really is an exciting prospect for a club playing in the third tier and could really help us generate publicity around the local area.

Interesting to read that Brian Noble praised Andy Powell this week too as a potentially excellent convert to RL.

Reply Quote Report
stevec1
stevec
21/02/2010 16:40
Not aware Noble has any history of RU converts.....

Reply Quote Report
terrace-culture
terrace-culture
21/02/2010 17:56
Though the official line will be different, I think Noble and the directors at the Racecourse will realise that bringing across a big-name RU player will really help generate publicity. That is something the club lacked drastically in Bridgend.

Reply Quote Report
Gareth H
Gareth H
22/02/2010 20:55
Would be good news for the Scorpions... i can't imagine him faring well for the Crusaders though. :/

he would succeed at our level, but fail at superleague, imo.

Reply Quote Report
chubbs1981
chubbs1981
23/02/2010 00:46
the cross code i'd pay good money to watch would be sebastian chabal. now that i think would work well

Reply Quote Report
stevec1
stevec
23/02/2010 15:00
Might find he's not as hard as he thinks. Some of the "dynamic runs" he and the likes of Andy Powell (when he can keep hold of the ball and avoid golf carts) get lauded for are more common place in RL.

Reply Quote Report
Gog Crusader
Gog Crusader
24/02/2010 13:27
There is a strong rumor that comes from in side the club that a high profile Welsh RU player is about to sign. If it is Afie I can't honestly see him playing for Crusaders. He's 35 that would make him the olddest player in the Super League by a long way. If it is him I think he will play for the Scorpions and be envolyed in youth development.

Reply Quote Report
Gareth H
Gareth H
24/02/2010 14:16
that's interesting... I hope it's not Gav, mind! tongue sticking out smiley

Reply Quote Report
andy1964
andy1964
24/02/2010 14:23
gog just to let you know
Steve Menzies
bradford bulls
DOB: 04/12/1973

Reply Quote Report
geraint85
geraint85
24/02/2010 20:44
Whether it is Gareth Thomas or any other Welsh RU players they will probably need time to develope for rugby league and that would probably mean a spell down with us before they break into the super league.
Noble said the other day that he was looking at 4 players and the rumour I hear is that Gareth Thomas is one of them and that another one is Allun Wyn Jones

Reply Quote Report
Gareth H
Gareth H
24/02/2010 22:08
am i the only person afraid that if League starts taking union players, the welsh public will turn against our code?

it may look like it did back in the Jonathon davies days.

i think it will ruin League's chances of winning over union fans...

let's grow our own talent?

Reply Quote Report
swanseablue
swanseablue
24/02/2010 22:58
My thoughts exactly, If local Union players are interested and dedicated enuogh to want to convert and play League , then great, but if we want to build something sustainable and lasting here ,we need to produce our own Welsh League players. We can't compete financially speaking at the moment with Union , we need lads who want to play the game because they enjoy it, and see a future in it.

Reply Quote Report
UlsterFan
40:20
25/02/2010 07:43
Jonathon Davies switch to RL was a massive boost for the code in my opinion. He serves two clubs with distinction and who can forget that try at Wembley against the Australians?

I for one welcome converts if they are good enough.

Reply Quote Report
stevec1
stevec
25/02/2010 08:48
I think the reality is that union "takes" far more from league than the other way around at present, although I agree that the perception may be otherwise.

The second reality is that there is far more cash "swilling around" in the union game and IMHO a Jonathan Davies would never again be tempted for purely financial considerations and I cannot see there is any real danger of losing a "marquee name" from the 15-a-side game.

Reply Quote Report
Message List Search Log In
Your Name: 
Subject: 
This is a moderated forum. Your message will remain hidden until it has been approved by a moderator or administrator
We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net