Destined for Disappointment: Mat Rogers Critiques ‘Unjust’ Strategies for Australian Star Maddi Levi

Mat Rogers, the dual-code international, has voiced his concerns regarding Maddi Levi’s potential shift from rugby sevens to make her debut for the Wallaroos.

The talented Australian speedster, who made waves during the Paris Olympics last year, has been considered for inclusion in this year’s World Cup squad.

Rogers, who also acts as Levi’s manager, believes that such a decision would be premature and highlighted the reasons why officials should exercise caution.

“I truly believe it’s not the right move to make,” he stated on Stan Sport’s Inside Line.

“I’m speaking solely from Maddi’s standpoint, as I have her best interests at heart. I don’t want her to be set up for failure, which I think could happen if this is pushed forward this year.

“My utmost hope is for Maddi to excel and for Australia to secure the World Cup. However, given the risk of injury and the circumstances, it will be quite challenging this year. I don’t believe she can manage the transition in this timeframe.

“She won’t have adequate game time. It’s simply not fair to her, nor to the squad, to place her in that situation and expect her to perform at the world-class standard she has in sevens.

“It’s excessive pressure.”

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Levi revealed her intentions last year to join the Queensland Reds as a stepping stone into 15s, but that plan was delayed following a broken hand sustained by the 22-year-old.

She is set to compete in the LA Sevens tournament next month before turning her focus to the 15-player format ahead of the major tournament in August.

Rogers is concerned that introducing sevens stars like Levi and Charlotte Caslick into the Wallaroos setup might cause “animosity” among the existing players.

“I believe we should allow the sevens players to continue their craft and just before the World Cup, we could present an opportunity for them to transition to the 15s format and see if that doesn’t stir up any discontent among the players,” he remarked.

“What transpired this year wasn’t pleasant. I say that half-jokingly, but it’s been unjust for both the sevens and the 15s players.

“As a player, if I had been grinding away in the 15s squad, only to have seven or eight players wanting to shift to 15, I would have been absolutely furious.”