QUEENSLAND Reds coach Eddie Jones has accused the Australian Rugby Union of failing in its "responsibility" to help his side after snubbing potential league recruit Clinton Schifcofske.
Jones's surprise plan to sign the 30-year-old Canberra fullback as a goalkicking wing hit a roadblock today when the ARU refused to offer him a top-up deal.
With Schifcofske on a $340,000-a-year contract with the Raiders, Queensland will struggle to offer close to the same money without financial assistance from the ARU.
Reds general manager Alex Pope admitted they would "find it extremely difficult to find the necessary resources".
An infuriated Jones took issue with the ARU's decision, hinting it showed favouritism to fellow Super 14 battler Western Force, which last week signed Sydney Roosters league centre Ryan Cross to a contract topped up by the ARU.
"When the Force signed Ryan Cross that was a decided step from the ARU to help the Force get stronger," he said.
"I think it's the ARU's responsibility to help the provinces to field strong sides.
"The stronger we are the better it is for Australian rugby."
Unlike Cross, 26, who overlooked similar offers from New South Wales Waratahs and the Brumbies to link with Force, Schifcofske wasn't viewed as a potential Wallabies player by the ARU because of his age and lack of experience in the code.
Raiders chief executive Simon Hawkins said he was stunned to learn the Reds were keen on luring the veteran skipper, who has a get-out clause in his contract after coach Matt Elliott's decision to move to Penrith next season.
"Clinton is 32 next year and to switch codes for what I'm presuming is a three-year deal, I couldn't believe it to be honest," Hawkins said.
"Stranger things have happened but I still find it amazing."
Schifcofske, used to being snubbed after being overlooked by Queensland league selectors several times since making his only State of Origin appearance in 2002, is rated highly by Jones because of his experience and 86 per cent goalkicking strike rate.
The ARU decision compounds some frustrating times at the contracting table for Jones since taking over from Jeff Miller.
Initial league target Willie Tonga today re-signed for two years with the Bulldogs, forward priority Stephen Hoiles has linked with the Brumbies and the Reds have lost winger Drew Mitchell to Force.
Jones has had success in re-signing young guns Berrick Barnes, Rodney Blake and Lloyd Johansson.
The Reds, who have put an offer to teenage winger Caleb Brown, haven't given up on Schifcofske and hope the ARU will reconsider.
"We need another good experienced player around to support Ben Tune and Chris Latham in the back four there," Jones said.
Jones has reportedly been shortlisted by England's Rugby Football Union to become its director of coaching which comes in the face of his three-year tenure at Ballymore.
Asked if he was entertaining thoughts of taking the job if offered, Jones said: "Not at this stage.
"You never say anything 100 per cent. You don't say no, you don't say yes to anything. Life's a moveable feast but I'm committed to the Reds."
