Dual international Mat Rogers has warned the current crop of Wallabies that some “snowflakes” will “absolutely hate” being coached by Eddie Jones.
Talented playmaker Rogers rapidly rose to superstar status during his decorated NRL career, before making the switch to the 15-player game.
After starring for the New South Wales Waratahs during his first Super Rugby campaign, Rogers was called up to the Wallabies – who were coached by Eddie Jones at the time.
Rogers, who played 45 matches in Wallaby gold, played most of his tests under the tutelage of super coach Jones.
But Jones would later head overseas, and pursue other opportunities with some of the biggest nations in the sport.
Success has followed him everywhere he’s gone, and that bodes well for the Wallabies.
Eddie is back, but as Rogers warned, not everyone will “love” how he coaches the game over the next five years.
“It’s a strong move,” Rogers said on SEN 1170.
“With his coaching, some people will absolutely love it and some people will absolutely hate it.
“The reality is that you can hate it all you want but you are committed to him for five years.
“Either get on board or go play somewhere else.
“He has got the results at the highest level and we want Australia to actually start to care about the Wallabies again.
“It’s a horrible position for any sport to be in and I think Eddie with rectify this.”
More than two decades have passed since Rogers’ famous test debut alongside fellow rugby league convert Wendell Sailor, and the Australian rugby landscape has changed drastically throughout that period.
The Wallabies’ stature in international rugby isn’t what it used to be.
Australia is widely considered nothing more than a fallen giant of the sport; a team who boasts potential but fails to deliver.
