If the Pryce is Right

As we approach the end of Super League 2007, it looks like Bradford three-quarter Karl Pryce will be joining the Odsal exodus and heading down south to join Leeds centre Chev Walker in the West Country.







The brother of St Helens stand-off Leon, Karl Pryce currently leads the Bulls try-scoring charts having crossed the whitewash 17 times in Super League XI and the 6'6" 18st 7lb man mountain has attracted the attention of those at Gloucester Rugby Union.
The Kingsholm club have eyed the Great Britain International as a major addition to their back line and look set to add Pryce to the list of players currently switching codes at the end of the current season.

So far, Leeds' Chev Walker has already signed on for Bath in November whilst Salford utility player Stephen Myler will head to Franklin's Gardens to join Northampton Saints and whilst many commentators will claim that this is the start of a trend RL talent leaving the game, like in 2000, the coach-load of players predicted to be leaving Super League by the Union-centric media will more than likely materialise to just a motorcycle and sidecar.
In fact, the trend is being reversed down under, with Matt Rogers agreeing to join the Gold Coast Titans whilst Lote Tuquri is thought to be heading back to Brisbane Broncos.

As for Pryce, the loss may be minimal. The 20 year old has had the ability and the potential, but it doesn't seem to have been realised. Defensively he is suspect and whilst his try scoring record is admirable, fans have often got the impression of a player not playing to his true ability. For a player of similar build to team-mate Lesley Vainikolo, someone who he will naturally be compared to, he hasn't hit the same level.

Pryce may find himself better suited to Rugby Union. His size and strength is rarely matched by any current Rugby Union back and he could go on to be a better player than Jason Robinson. Pryce is younger, has longer to learn the game and has the attributes that Robinson lacked. Robinson was known for pace, but with slower ball and more bodies on the pitch in the 15-man game, that threat was often subdued. Pryce has the pace but, as the world learnt from Jonah Lomu in the 1995 IRB World Cup, his power is going to be a vital asset.

Even for a player of his age, Pryce can already boast to being a Grand Final winner and a World Club Champion. Rugby Union will give him a new challenge. The International aspects are well documented but there is also the opportunity for regular European Rugby and few could blame Pryce for taking up an opportunity that may only come his way once.