MCRAE: DE VERE IS ONE OF SEVERAL OPTIONS Next Story | Previous Story | Back to list
09:30 - 30 June 2004 Australian Test centre Michael De Vere has issued a come-and-get-me plea to Hull FC.
The 28-year-old Brisbane Broncos ace is looking to head across to the Super League next season and has been putting his name around.
He has already been in contact with Hull three times and director of rugby Shaun McRae admits he has spoken to him about a switch.
He told the Mail: " I have spoken to Michael, but I wouldn't like people to get over excited.
"We are not the only Super League club he has been ringing, he is sounding out a few teams in England."
De Vere can play at centre, wing or full-back and is a prolific goalkicker. He has represented Queensland in State of Origin and Australia and is regarded as one of the best centres to play in Australia in the last few years.
McRae - who is currently back in Australia because his father, Jack, is seriously ill - doesn't want people to get carried away before anything is actually signed.
He explained: "I don't want people getting the wrong idea and start jumping to the wrong conclusion.
"I'll stress now, we haven't made an approach or an offer. He has rung me and I have listened to what he has had to say. That's it, nothing more.
"It is worth pointing out that I have a list of about a dozen overseas players who want to come to this country, and Michael's one of them."
One of the main sticking points regarding any possible deal is the club's quota for overseas players.
Next season will see the figure reduced from four to three spots, and Hull already have former Kiwi international Richard Swain taking one of those allocated places.
If in-form winger Colin Best signs a contract extension it will leave just one place remaining and McRae is keen to find out what the club's situation is likely to be before rushing into any negotiaions.
He said: "We also have to consider that we only have three overseas places next season and we have one filled with Richard Swain.
"That could be two if we agree a new deal and extend Colin Best's contract.
"If Colin stays then we have to seriously consider where we want to strengthen with the other spot. Under those circumstances it's vitally important we get it right because we don't want to waste the spot.
"Say we have Swain and Best do we then go for another back or forward? I'm not sure yet."
Despite suggestions he was staying in Australia for the foreseeable future, McRae will be returning to Hull this weekend.
Although his father is stable he hasn't shown any real signs of improvement, but McRae has been boosted by a lot of best wishes from fans.
He said: "I'm touched and appreciate everyone's thoughts and concern. I'd like to thank everyone.
"Unfortunately, I haven't seen the Leeds game yet but I understand from the people I have spoken to we were very unlucky.
"I'm sure we'll put the disappointment of that loss behind us and take the positives out of that performance."
