The Wallabies Can No Longer Rely On Koroibete

With the Australian Rugby Union team currently making their final preparations for tours to both Japan and the United Kingdom, they have been hit by a considerable bombshell and it is one that involves one of their most important names.

A bombshell that involves Marika Koroibete and with his decision to stay in Australia now being made public, it also means that was once a burgeoning international career, is now one that looks as if it has ended.

While with the newly announced absence of one of Australia’s key men, it may tip the odds in the favour of their upcoming counterparts and for those who want to bet against the Wallabies, reading a Caesars sportsbook review may do you the world of good.

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Of course, with the sporting world being in a state of flux over the past couple of years, the effects of COVID-19 have been severely felt by Koroibete and his wife, as the two have recently welcomed a brand-new member to their family squad.

However, trying to raise a child in such trying circumstances, is proving to be immeasurably difficult and with a couple of young boys also in their fold, the strain of numerous lockdowns has become too much for the 29-year-old to bare.

Because although the allure of international touring is strong, the need to support his family is far greater and with a difficult decision to make, it was not easy for the former Rugby League star to decide to stay at home.

Then again, just because it is a difficult decision, does not mean it is an impossible one and with the weight of his family on his shoulders, the call was made to not represent the Wallabies later this month.

With such a decision to stay away from both Japan and the United Kingdom, it is not an automatic end to his international career, although he does not possess the required number of international caps to be selected from aboard.

Even though he has represented the Green and Gold on 42 separate occasions, it is not past the necessary threshold to active selection courtesy of the Giteau Law and this is why Koroibete’s international career has been called into question.

Only because a big money deal has been inked with Japanese outfit the Panasonic Wild Knights and with a linkup taking place next year, it was felt that some much-needed rest was required beforehand.

While although the player himself will feel that the correct call has been made, it is still one that has left the global rugby community stunned and no man is more stunned than that of coach Dave Rennie.

Then again, the sporting world is not one that stands still and with a void now needing to be filled before the international tours begin, it means the ideal opportunity for someone else to step up to the plate.

While according to Rennie himself that someone could either be Jordan Petaia or Tom Wright and when pressed on the topic in hand, the coach had this insight to offer:

“As always, it’s an opportunity, isn’t it? Marika didn’t play the last game. Jordy got the start,” the coach said. “It gave Tom Wright a sniff, and he played really well. It’s a position we have a bit of depth in.

“Marika is an unbelievable player with a massive work ethic. And physicality. Big shoes to fill, but we have good depth there.”

While the lack of the man otherwise known as the Tongan Thor is not the only high-profile omission from the upcoming tour squad and with Sean McMahon also ruled out, it can only be considered a double blow for the Wallabies coaching staff.

McMahon is unavailable due to leaving the squad bubble and with family reasons once again at the fore, it highlights the fact that even though sport is considered do or die at times, it is not the be-all and end-all either.

While with this absence, he joins teammate Samu Kerevi in Japan and with the Wallabies now having to work closely with both their Japanese parent clubs, a race to get them eligible for the international tours now begins in earnest.

Should discussions go to plan, then it will mean that the pair are released under World Rugby’s regulation nine and this would mean they will be available for the European leg of the schedule. While if talks do not go to plan, it will mean another headache for Rennie in terms of selection.