Don't these dickheads learn???
Another 'article' on foxsports today.....Yet again, no quotes from anyone with credibility and for me, i think it highlights how desperate the ARU have become. They know that it'll be a disaster if he goes, so they are trying to pressure him through the media
Terry Smith has no credibility to begin with, so it does not surprise. He is 50/50, they are trying to spin it like the only decision he has is which 'province' he is going to play for....blah blah blah, liars
Lote's options down to three
By Bret Harris and Wayne Smith
June 5, 2004
WALLABIES winger Lote Tuqiri will announce next Friday he is remaining in rugby union when an extended deadline on a decision on his playing future expires.
After confirming his commitment to rugby union until the 2007 World Cup in France, Tuqiri will then decide for which Australian province he will play in the Super 12 series.
And that decision could be swayed by what position Tuqiri wants to play, not only at Super 12 level, but in Test football, too.
When Tuqiri switched from rugby league to rugby union two years ago, Wallabies coach Eddie Jones believed he had the potential to play outside centre but subsequently has changed his mind after outside centre evolved into a crash ball position at Test level, not the place to use a player as athletic and skilful as Tuqiri.
"Lote's a fantastic Test winger and I'm reasonably certain he could become a fantastic Test fullback, but I don't think there's much possibility of him playing outside centre at Test level," Jones said.
It is understood Tuqiri will choose between the ACT Brumbies and NSW Waratahs, where he has spent the first two years of his rugby career. The Brumbies have offered Tuqiri the fullback position vacated by Joe Roff.
During recent negotiations the Brumbies presented Tuqiri with an ACT No.15 jersey with his name on it. There is also the attraction of playing behind a Wallabies-laden backline, including George Gregan, Stephen Larkham, Matt Giteau and Stirling Mortlock.
If Tuqiri remained at the Waratahs, he would have to stay on the wing unless NSW moved Wallabies fullback Mat Rogers to five-eighth.
NSW's lack of an established playmaker at No.10 may also influence Tuqiri to leave the Waratahs.
In NSW's favour is the fact Tuqiri enjoys living in Sydney and has the potential to increase his income from off-field promotions and endorsements in Australia's biggest city.
The Brumbies would have to convince Tuqiri he could enjoy the same benefits living in Canberra for six months of the year.
Queensland have offered Tuqiri their outside centre position, with coach Jeff Miller claiming yesterday he would structure their attack in such a way that it would not involve crash ball play, much as they did this season with newly appointed Australian under-21 captain Drew Mitchell.
"Things would change after next season when both (fullback) Chris Latham and (winger) Wendell Sailor come off contract, but we believe Lote can be a very good outside centre," Miller said.
The extra week granted to Tuqiri by the ARU leaves the Reds' negotiations with Brumbies outside centre Joel Wilson in limbo.
Wilson would only make the move north if guaranteed a Super 12 starting position, something the Reds could not offer him if they sign Tuqiri.
The Reds, meanwhile, have given their Australian under-21 halfback Josh Valentine until 5pm Monday to re-commit to Queensland or they will cut him from their list.
Miller is angry that Valentine's services were offered to the Waratahs after a verbal agreement allegedly had been reached for him to stay with the Reds, a version of events disputed by the player's manager, Anthony Picone.
(joke)
