Wallabies rugby union player James O'Connor. Source: DAN HIMBRECHTS / AAP
NRL clubs have started to discuss signing Wallaby badboy James O'Connor - because his price tag has tumbled about $500,000.
The Daily Telegraph has been told at least three NRL clubs have privately spoken about kick-starting negotiations with the exiled Wallaby utility back.
O'Connor was on an annual contract worth around $750,000 — $400,000 from Super Rugby franchise Melbourne Rebels and a $350,000 top-up from the Australian Rugby Union.
The ex-Wallaby is now virtually unwanted, his unruly off-field antics cruelling his once burgeoning international career.
He remains unsigned for next season.
Well-placed rugby union sources now claim O'Connor would only receive a contract worth between $200,000 to $250,000 a season.
It is expected he will return to the Western Force although NRL clubs are now showing some interest, although none have yet lodged any official offer.
One NRL club CEO said: "At $750,000 a season, good luck!
"But at $250,000 he might be worth a gamble. I know our club has spoken about him and so have a few others.
"He seems to find trouble but rugby league has a habit of rehabilitating troubled players.
"He has some skill, no doubt about it
"Would he make it in rugby league? As I said, he might well be worth the gamble."
Whether O'Connor wants to risk playing in the tougher NRL is another matter. He would be a regular 'spot' target in defence.
O'Connor has been involved in several headline-grabbing misdemeanours his most recent being escorted from Perth Airport by Federal Police while intoxicated.
The ARL had enough and pulled their money.
One rugby union source said: "He will have to take considerably less money to stay in Australian rugby.
"He doesn't have many options. Franchises think he is bad for team harmony.
"I reckon his maximum asking price would be about $200,000 a year.
"Mind you he could collect another $200,000 each season if he made it back to international rugby and picked up $14,000 a Test."
Former rugby league star Phil Blake worked with O'Connor when coaching at Western Force and also as a Wallaby assistant coach.
"He has got some obvious talent that would suit the game of rugby league," said Blake, now coach of the Manly Marlins Shute Shield team.
"But he would have to work hard in a number of areas to get up to speed with the NRL.
"And he would no doubt have to work hard defensively."
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