Warriors eye Spencer, Knights sign Thaiday
By Brad Walter and Brett Keeble
April 20, 2005
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All Blacks star Carlos Spencer has been linked with a move to the Warriors after falling from favour with the Auckland Blues Super 12 franchise and the New Zealand Rugby Union.
The development comes as Newcastle today prepare to announce the signing of controversial former NSW Waratahs winger Milton Thaiday to a two-year contract.
Despite having another year to run on his NZRU contract, it is clear Spencer wants out after being forced to play second fiddle to former Melbourne Storm five-eighth Tasesa Lavea for the past two games with the Blues.
Currently sidelined by a cheekbone injury, he is reportedly flying to Europe tomorrow for talks with two English rugby union clubs and another in France.
But David Jones, the Auckland lawyer who handles Spencer's affairs, told The New Zealand Herald he had been approached by an intermediary for the Warriors.
Jones said he had been told the club intended to put a firm proposal to the 29-year-old goalkicking five-eighth, who played league against his parents' wishes at junior level.
A Warriors spokesman said: "The Warriors have not spoken to either Carlos Spencer or David Jones but we view Carlos as an incredible athlete and if he was to switch codes, we'd certainly be keen to listen."
Meanwhile, the Herald understands the Knights have beaten the Sydney Roosters to secure the services of Thaiday, who had also been targeted by the new Perth Super 14 rugby franchise.
The explosive 25-year-old outside back, who has been playing rugby league for Ballina in the Northern Rivers competition, is expected to play in the centres for Newcastle's premier league team against the Bulldogs on Sunday.
In first grade, Knights coach Michael Hagan has promoted Steve Witt to replace injured Andrew Johns at halfback.
Prop Adam Woolnough returns on the bench after overcoming a neck injury, while Mark Hughes has been recalled after making his comeback from a rib injury in premier league last week.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/League/W...ts-sign-Thaiday/2005/04/19/1113854201151.html
