Phil Wilkins, writing on Rugby Heaven, reflects on Australian rugby's road to professionalism.
"For decades, Australia had produced brilliant individuals but struggled to field outstanding combinations capable of winning trophies and Test series.
"One crucial factor was the raids of rugby league, locally and by wealthy English clubs, pecking the eyes out of rugby - the game which had whelped league back in 1907 through its neglect of injured players. The poaching of representative players occurred on a regular basis after the rejection of rugby for league by the colossus Dally Messenger, his imprints followed by immortals such as Trevor Allan, Ray Price and Wally Lewis.
"Whatever the validity of rugby's claim that it provided players with the priceless experience of camaraderie and travel, from school to club to representative ranks, there was no escaping the fact that players returned from memorable tours stone broke."
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