CAPTAIN-coach or player-coach is a dying – but still present – role in rugby league. But player-CEO?
Former Queensland State of Origin star and England international Chris McQueen made his return to playing yesterday at the Las Vegas Nines, representing Brooklyn Kings.
He almost played for the Kings when the ill-fated NARL was floated a couple of years ago. Now there is talk of another semi-professional competition in the US, the 36-year-old wants in.
“If it it happens in the next three or four years (I might be able to play) but I’m getting on a bit,” McQueen, who wants to play in the Queensland Cup this year, said.
“But I’d absolutely like to be involved in any way I could – coaching, team management, that sort of thing or even getting involved in the competition itself, the governing body.
“Just to help dictate things and help guys who are trying to run the comp … because obviously being in and an around the NRL for so long, you get an idea of how run the game.
“Particularly going to the Super League, it’s chalk and cheese. That game needs some improvement. You can see what the NRL are doing right and what some other competitions are doing wrong and help in that regard.
“I don’t know what role I’m taking I’d absolutely try to get involved.”
Brooklyn had three wins and a loss on day one: just below Air Locker, Roots and Riverton who were undefeated. In the women’s section, British Columbia and Chicago North Shore were undefeated at Desert Breeze Park in suburban Vegas.
While some might assume an international would have to take it easy against amateurs, McQueen said the opposite was the truth.
“Nines is a bit different – I’m having a few carries, I’m trying to ball play a little bit, I think every player’s got to do everything,” he said.
“There are some quality players here, I will say that. But also it’s one of those things where if you’re in a team surrounded by good players, you do less because everyone around you is doing their job.
“So in this instance, we’ve got some guys who lack a bit of experience so at times when the game gets a bit fast or gets a bit out of control, that’s when it gets tough.
“So it goes the other way … you probably end up doing a bit more.”
