The Converts: Changing CodesKiwis used to define ourselves as either League or Union supporters - never both. Not any more. In the rarified world of professional sport, the divisions between two traditional rival codes have been blown away. top players have switched in the past - acrimoniously and mostly from 'amateur' Union to 'professional' league. Now the traffic is constant, both ways and highly lucrative. In a revealing look at the loyalties, the lure of the big dollar and the life-changing experiences of top flight players have changed allegiance, Bob Howitt and John Deaker capture the moment, the men and the memories.Featured players from both sides of the tasman will include Vainga tuigamala, Wendell Sailor, Lote tuqiri, Marc Ellis, Matthew Ridge, John Gallaher, Matt Rogers. With in-depth interviews providing new insights and background information that puts the players and their decisions under the spotlight, the book is a must read for sports fans who find themselves watching the All Blacks and the Kiwis, and cheering for the warriors as well as their Super 14 team. Key selling point: the first serious book for the 21st century fans of the wider game of rugby, in both its forms, that recognises the new audience. |
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achieved Action Photographics Auckland Australia Australian rugby backline ball Botica Brisbane Brisbane Broncos Broncos Bulldogs Canterbury career centre coach competition Cronulla Daryl Halligan debut Ellis England final first-five football fullback game of league games Rugby goal-kicking goals going Graham Henry Grant Fox guys Halligan Howarth injury Innes jersey Jonah Lomu kicking Kiwi Laurie Mains league club league players Leeds Lomu Lote Tuqiri Manly Mat Rogers matches Matthew Ridge never North Harbour North Sydney NZRU O'Connor offer Otago play league playing rugby points premiership professional Queensland realised Robinson rugby league rugby player Rugby World Cup says Schuster season selectors semifinal signing South sport Springboks squad Stadium Super 12 Super League switched to league tackle talent team-mates Thorn Timu took tour Tri-nations tries Tuigamala victory Wales Wallabies Waratahs Warriors Wellington Wendell Sailor Wigan wing winger winning World Cup hosted Zealand Zealand rugby