http://townsvillebulletin.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,11472182%5E14793,00.html
SEVERAL English Super League clubs are circling around North Queensland prop Paul Rauhihi (pictured) in a bid to lure the barnstorming Kiwi overseas after his contract expires with the Cowboys at the end of 2005.
English clubs Salford, St Helens, Warrington and Bradford all expressed interest in recruiting Rauhihi during the 31-year-old's recent stint in England for the Tri-Nations series with New Zealand.
Rauhihi's manager Peter Lord confirmed the pair had held "informal chats" with various English clubs after Rauhihi was earlier granted permission by the Cowboys to negotiate his future beyond 2005 while in England.
"There are four or five clubs that spoke to us," Lord said. "I know that (Bradford and Great Britain coach) Brian Noble had a good look at him."
While Rauhihi, who captained New Zealand in the Kiwis' final Tri-Nations loss to Great Britain last weekend, has committed to remaining with the Cowboys for next season, it is understood he is keen to finish his career overseas.
Cowboys football manager Peter Parr said the club was not resigned to losing the powerful prop after next season but would be unable to compete with cashed-up English clubs to retain his services.
"I think he's at the age now where he'd probably like to finish over in England," Parr said. "Whilst we'd love him to stay here, we can't compete with the money English clubs are offering."
However, Lord said Rauhihi's interest in playing overseas did not necessarily mean he wouldn't end up with the Cowboys after 2005.
Rauhihi is expected to return home to Townsville tomorrow.
SEVERAL English Super League clubs are circling around North Queensland prop Paul Rauhihi (pictured) in a bid to lure the barnstorming Kiwi overseas after his contract expires with the Cowboys at the end of 2005.
English clubs Salford, St Helens, Warrington and Bradford all expressed interest in recruiting Rauhihi during the 31-year-old's recent stint in England for the Tri-Nations series with New Zealand.
Rauhihi's manager Peter Lord confirmed the pair had held "informal chats" with various English clubs after Rauhihi was earlier granted permission by the Cowboys to negotiate his future beyond 2005 while in England.
"There are four or five clubs that spoke to us," Lord said. "I know that (Bradford and Great Britain coach) Brian Noble had a good look at him."
While Rauhihi, who captained New Zealand in the Kiwis' final Tri-Nations loss to Great Britain last weekend, has committed to remaining with the Cowboys for next season, it is understood he is keen to finish his career overseas.
Cowboys football manager Peter Parr said the club was not resigned to losing the powerful prop after next season but would be unable to compete with cashed-up English clubs to retain his services.
"I think he's at the age now where he'd probably like to finish over in England," Parr said. "Whilst we'd love him to stay here, we can't compete with the money English clubs are offering."
However, Lord said Rauhihi's interest in playing overseas did not necessarily mean he wouldn't end up with the Cowboys after 2005.
Rauhihi is expected to return home to Townsville tomorrow.
