Wendell Sailor, a dual-code international for Australia, has launched a scathing attack on rugby union, labelling it 'boring' and 'hard to watch'. The St George Illawarra winger, who returned to rugby league last year after a two-year ban for drug use while playing union, said he would rather watch a wooden spoon battle between the Cronulla Sharks and Sydney Roosters in the NRL than the Bledisloe Cup.
Sailor, who played 37 Tests for the Wallabies, criticised the current state of union. 'It is a touch boring, I think everyone realises that. Even the Bledisloe – usually a pretty big game on the calendar – was hard to watch,' he said. 'As a game, I'd rather watch the Roosters play Cronulla. I don't miss the game. They need to do something. Rugby union's not that exciting at the moment.'
The 35-year-old noted that the All Blacks are not as lethal as they used to be, with South Africa dominating and the Wallabies struggling. His comments come as the NRL reports record crowd and television viewing figures.
Sailor also praised the current standard of rugby league, saying it is '100%' better than when he left for union in 2003. 'It's faster, stronger. Even last year I thought: 'What have I got myself into here?' It was lucky I had the pre-season otherwise I wouldn't have been able to play at that level this year. I'm surprised, since I've come back, just how good the young talent is. That's full credit to the NRL.'
