Rugby Target Kimmorley
By Danny Weidler
May 6 2003
Talented Sharks captain Brett Kimmorley is rumoured to be the latest target of the Australian Rugby Union, as they search to discover George Gregan's replacement.
The ARU has sat back quietly over the past fortnight watching the turmoil at the southern Sydney club unfold and is keen to talk to the former Kangaroo halfback. It is believed an approach will be made this week.
With Gregan likely to call it quits after the 2003 World Cup, the ARU is concerned it has no real depth at half-back, even though the seasoned Chris Whitaker has been Gregan's understudy.
The concern about Whitaker is he has been Gregan's understudy for so long and had so little field time his skills have deteriorated.
Also, historically, long-term understudies fail to kick on when given an opportunity to step up.
After Whitakker the ARU's half-back cupboard is virtually bare.
The approach to Kimmorley is part of a concerted plan by the ARU to snare a new half-back.
Kimmorley has close ties with Sharks coach Chris Anderson, and it is widely believed that should Anderson's position with the club become untenable, that Kimmorley will seek to activate the get out clause in his contract.
Last season the Sharks fans were brutally critical of the former Test half's performances for the club and Kimmorley only re-signed with the Sharks out of his loyalty to Anderson.
Sources within the Sharks camp have said Kimmorley is still unhappy with his lot at Cronulla and that the pressure he's under to almost single handedly revive the club's on field performances is starting to take a toll.
The ARU is aware of Kimmorley's instinctive running and believes he could be moulded into an outstanding rugby half. One source within the ARU said that the deeper backline and constant rolling forward when in attack would suit his game.
With Andrew Johns all but locking up the Blues and Kangaroo number seven jerseys, Kimmorley's representative league career seems to have stalled, and the incentive of playing for the Wallabies as a dual international is a tasty carrot being dangled before him.
ARU boss John O'Neill refused to be drawn into the discussion on Kimmorley, his assistant providing a clear "no comment".
The imminent defection of Waratah winger Nathan Blacklock back to league and Lote Tuiquiri rumoured to be returning to Queensland to play for the Reds next season, the NSWRU is keen to attract a high profile attacking player, and Kimmorley just might fit that bill.
By Danny Weidler
May 6 2003
Talented Sharks captain Brett Kimmorley is rumoured to be the latest target of the Australian Rugby Union, as they search to discover George Gregan's replacement.
The ARU has sat back quietly over the past fortnight watching the turmoil at the southern Sydney club unfold and is keen to talk to the former Kangaroo halfback. It is believed an approach will be made this week.
With Gregan likely to call it quits after the 2003 World Cup, the ARU is concerned it has no real depth at half-back, even though the seasoned Chris Whitaker has been Gregan's understudy.
The concern about Whitaker is he has been Gregan's understudy for so long and had so little field time his skills have deteriorated.
Also, historically, long-term understudies fail to kick on when given an opportunity to step up.
After Whitakker the ARU's half-back cupboard is virtually bare.
The approach to Kimmorley is part of a concerted plan by the ARU to snare a new half-back.
Kimmorley has close ties with Sharks coach Chris Anderson, and it is widely believed that should Anderson's position with the club become untenable, that Kimmorley will seek to activate the get out clause in his contract.
Last season the Sharks fans were brutally critical of the former Test half's performances for the club and Kimmorley only re-signed with the Sharks out of his loyalty to Anderson.
Sources within the Sharks camp have said Kimmorley is still unhappy with his lot at Cronulla and that the pressure he's under to almost single handedly revive the club's on field performances is starting to take a toll.
The ARU is aware of Kimmorley's instinctive running and believes he could be moulded into an outstanding rugby half. One source within the ARU said that the deeper backline and constant rolling forward when in attack would suit his game.
With Andrew Johns all but locking up the Blues and Kangaroo number seven jerseys, Kimmorley's representative league career seems to have stalled, and the incentive of playing for the Wallabies as a dual international is a tasty carrot being dangled before him.
ARU boss John O'Neill refused to be drawn into the discussion on Kimmorley, his assistant providing a clear "no comment".
The imminent defection of Waratah winger Nathan Blacklock back to league and Lote Tuiquiri rumoured to be returning to Queensland to play for the Reds next season, the NSWRU is keen to attract a high profile attacking player, and Kimmorley just might fit that bill.
