PLENTY LEFT IN THE TANK: COAST WALLABY SAYS HE’S FAR FROM A SPENT FORCE
WALLABIES lock Rob Simmons is adamant he has several more years of top-level rugby in him, only months after Queensland axed him as part of their look to the future.
The Reds announced in June they would not be renewing his contract after nine seasons with the franchise, including the 2011 Super Rugby premiership.
Instead, they would entrust rising stars such as Evans Head product Izack Rodda with their No.4 and No.5 jumpers.
“It obviously hurt,” Simmons said. “But it is what it is, we understand that it is business and you could tell that they were looking towards the future with two young locks coming up.
“I wasn’t going to sit there and dwell on it. It was like trying to argue with the referee, you’re not going to change their decision are you?”
Simmons spent two months in the Super Rugby wilderness before a whirlwind turn of events.
In the space of a week in late August, he was suddenly recalled to the Wallabies side for the second Bledisloe Cup Test against New Zealand and then, days later, had a two-year deal with the NSW Waratahs announced.
That the Waratahs swiftly approached his management team “made me feel a bit better that it wasn’t going to end”.
Now, right back in the national mix, Simmons was quick to point out that he is still only 28 years old.
“I suppose I started when I was young so some people see me as an old fella ... I have still got a few more years in me,” he said.
Australia put in a sterling effort in that second Test in Dunedin but their heartbreaking 35-29 loss ensured the Bledisloe Cup would again remain in Kiwi hands.
The Wallabies have one last shot at redemption in Brisbane on Saturday.
Simmons says starting well will be the key. Australia are training on the Gold Coast out of Cbus Super Stadium in Robina until tomorrow.