Wade to NFL?

[onlynameleft]

Rugby Inside Line suggesting Christian Wade has left Wasps to go to NFL, widely derided on Facey but now appearing on Daily Mail website. Any truth in this?

[Puja]

There's been a bit of talk on the transfer rumours thread - it appears to have some legs to it.

Not sure whether he'll make it or not, but the money's ridiculous, so you can't fault him for cashing in.

Puja

[Gloskarlos]

Touted on radio 2 this morning also.....

[Timbo]

I wonder how long the NFL's fixation on overseas players from different codes will last. Not a single one has come to anything - Hayne fizzled out, and Gray and Scotland-Williamson aren't making an impact. It's lucrative for the players, but it's looking like it's just not possible to cross-over without many years of retraining.

Puja

Wrong Jordan Maliata is already on a NFL teams main roster in his first season. (The super bowl champs Eagles)

Already being touted as a future pro bowl candidate, and had several teams looking to pick him up should the Eagles had tried to stack him on their Practice squad.

Blokes like Maliata are freaks though. I just can’t see Wade’s athletic abilities making him stand out over there. Good luck to him though.

On the financial side, he’ll have to fully break through to make big money. *If*he makes it on to a practice squad, which is bloody difficult, he stands to make about $100k a season- and that’s if he doesn’t get injured, when he could be cut and earn nothing. NFL is brutal unless you’re a top star.

[TheDasher]

I wonder how long the NFL's fixation on overseas players from different codes will last. Not a single one has come to anything - Hayne fizzled out, and Gray and Scotland-Williamson aren't making an impact. It's lucrative for the players, but it's looking like it's just not possible to cross-over without many years of retraining.

Puja

Wrong Jordan Maliata is already on a NFL teams main roster in his first season. (The super bowl champs Eagles)

Already being touted as a future pro bowl candidate, and had several teams looking to pick him up should the Eagles had tried to stack him on their Practice squad.

Blokes like Maliata are freaks though. I just can’t see Wade’s athletic abilities making him stand out over there. Good luck to him though.

On the financial side, he’ll have to fully break through to make big money. *If*he makes it on to a practice squad, which is bloody difficult, he stands to make about $100k a season- and that’s if he doesn’t get injured when he could be cut and earn nothing. NFL is brutal unless you’re a top star.

I won't be shocked if he succeeds but I can't say with any confidence that he will. He's a bloody good winger in our beautiful game but as a runner and as an athlete, although he was often compared to Jason Robinson, there were some differences. I bring this up as I suspect Robinson would've succeeded in NFL. He had that powerful step and immediate acceleration; such power in each leg to jink from side to side and go. Wade is more of a traditional winger in his running style, it's a bit smoother with a less aggressive and brutal change of direction. I really hope he does well but I have some doubts.

[Raggs]

He was in the USA training with a footwork coach who has worked with a lot of NFL guys apparently, so if he impressed him, that could open a few doors.

[Tigersman]

Reckon Watson might follow after the RWC.

[Mellsblue]

......

[Raggs]

Hmm, anyone put in the legwork to dig that interview out?

[p/d]

back in April 2017..... sounds more like he was disillusioned with permitted celebration methods than training. Next we will hear Freddie Burns has quit for NFL

Winger Christian Wade says Wasps boss Dai Young "wasn't too happy" with his NFL-style try celebrations.

The finisher was discussing his choreographed try celebrations on 5 live's Rugby Union Weeklys.

Wade said: "I think it was Odell Beckham who had done something similar.

"Celebrate how you want to celebrate really and that’s just a little something we did but I don’t think the gaffer was too happy with it."

Wade is currently this season's Premiership top try scorer, having scored 15 tries so far this campaign.

[Raggs]

Can't have been Prem Launch in April surely?

[p/d]

Can't have been Prem Launch in April surely?

who knows. Just can't believe for a moment he could be disillusioned with training methods at Wasps.

[Timbo]

Hmm, anyone put in the legwork to dig that interview out?

It was an interview on Chris Jones’ and Ugo’s podcast. Don’t know if there is a transcript of it anywhere.

I listened to it, but can’t remember anything he said that was particularly notable.

[Peej]

Guys like Welker and Edelman have been brilliant in the NFL and they're Wade's sort of size. I think as a kick returner he'd do well enough