QUEENSLAND has called on the Australian Rugby Union to help the Reds poach rugby league Test centre Willie Tonga.
The Reds have made contact with leading ARU figures - including Wallabies coach John Connolly - wanting a guaranteed contract top-up if the Bulldogs star agrees to switch codes next season.
"We've got to work together on this," Queensland Rugby Union chief executive Theo Psaros told The Daily Telegraph.
"All four provinces (in Super 14) need to be strong and if we identify opportunities to boost our squad, then that will also enhance the Wallabies."
Negotiations involving the Reds and Tonga's management are still in their infancy after The Daily Telegraph revealed last week that Queensland coach in waiting Eddie Jones was keen to pursue the 22 year old.
But talks will be stepped up with a face-to-face meeting planned this month between Tonga's agent and Jones, who is in the UK coaching the London-based Saracens club but will take over the Reds after this season.
Several high-profile NRL players, including Broncos full back Karmichael Hunt, have confirmed they will listen to rugby union offers.
But Tsaros said Tonga was the No.1 priority for the Reds.
"We haven't progressed with Hunt because my belief is that he's a Bronco through and through," said Psaros.
"But Tonga, and he has played rugby before, is of interest to us."
The ARU has already opened discussions with the world's best rugby league centre Mark Gasnier - through a meeting with Connolly and recruitment officer Michael O'Connor.
But while the parent body is driving those negotiations the Reds have taken the active role in pursuing Tonga.
Queensland could offer him up to $150,000 a season to play Super 14. An ARU top-up would then be required to carry the agreement towards $300,000.
Test incentives would give Tonga a chance to make more than $400,000 - double his Bulldogs salary.
Potential raids on the NRL will also increase with Western Force bosses last night telling The Daily Telegraph they are targeting rugby league in a bid to boost the strike power of their rookie backline.
Australia's newest franchise has unravelled after losing playmaker Lachlan MacKay and centre Junior Pelesasa in the first fortnight of Super 14.
Force chief executive Peter O'Meara revealed the Perth province has identified several NRL players as likely converts after meeting with coach John Mitchell to discuss a recruitment strategy.
New South Wales and the Brumbies have a potent mix of backline matchwinners, but the Force is armed with popguns.
"We haven't made any formal approaches yet," O'Meara said. "But we've pencilled in a few names that we're interested in and we're sounding out player managers. We'll see what they come back with."
The Daily Telegraph
