http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,9427682-23209,00.html
Tuqiri fears Test axe
By Peter Jenkins
April 30, 2004
HOT property Lote Tuqiri will understand if Wallaby selectors dump him should he announce next month he is returning to rugby league.
Tuqiri is wanted by both codes and is poised to make a decision on his future for 2005 and beyond when the Super 12 series ends.
Three weeks later the Wallabies open their international program with two Tests against Scotland and a World Cup final rematch with England.
While Tuqiri admits he is under no obligation to make an early call on where he will be playing his football next year, he wants the issue settled.
He is also prepared to accept any possible consequences on the Wallabies front should the winning bidders be league.
Asked by The Daily Telegraph yesterday to consider the hypothetical scenario of a Wallaby ban if he reveals he is heading back to the 13-man code, Tuqiri said:
"I'd be gutted. But they've got their own agenda there and I couldn't fault them. They would obviously be looking to the future.
"Obviously I'd like to play those Tests [regardless of the decision]."
Tuqiri confirmed he had a private leaning towards one code over the other at present.
"But it doesn't necessarily mean anything," he said.
"I just have to see what happens on the management side of things and how offers come and go.
"It's a long time [four weeks] before the end of Super 12."
There has been speculation that a late charge by the Waratahs to the Super 12 title might help keep Tuqiri in the game.
"Winning it would be great," he said. "It would be a positive but it's not going to have the final say.
"I'll just go over things in my mind, take it up with family, and see how it goes from there."
Earlier, Tuqiri was at a loss to explain remarks by Brisbane Broncos chief executive Bruno Cullen in yesterday's Daily Telegraph.
"It's common knowledge in Brisbane that he [Tuqiri] thinks league is a better game than rugby," said Cullen.
"He has told his mates there is too much standing around doing nothing in rugby compared to league."
Tuqiri responded by saying: "I don't know where he's got that from.
"Obviously they're trying to push their barrow. Everyone's trying to push their barrow. They can say what they want.
"I know what I want and I'm probably not going to say that until after Super 12. But I enjoy playing both games."
Tuqiri denied being in the spotlight was a distraction as the Waratahs head into the final two rounds needing two victories to ensure a semi-finals berth.
"I find it easy to let myself go on the footy field and at training," he said.
"In the quiet times you think about it but I just want to play footy."
The Daily Telegraph
