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Waratahs star to head overseas
By Jon Geddes
May 09, 2007
A SHATTERED and disillusioned Peter Hewat will meet New South Wales Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie today where he is expected to officially seek a release from the final year of his contract after missing a spot in the national squad.
After being robbed of his long-term dream to represent his country, the record-breaking NSW back is ready to turn his back on Australian rugby and accept a lucrative offer to play with a cashed up overseas club.
"You would think in a squad of 59 people I'd be somewhere in the mix," Hewat said. "I think the words I have used in the past were 'disappointing' and 'frustrating', but it is beyond that now."
After scoring 570 Super points for NSW over three seasons, Hewat has constantly been snubbed by the Wallabies - playing only two games for Australia A back in 2005. Against the Junior All Blacks he was man of the match.
"The worst thing about the whole situation is that I have never been given an opportunity to show my wares," Hewat said.
"At the Wallaby level they don't think my game is up to it, but you never know until you have a go do you? People said my game would not suit Super rugby and hopefully I've proved a few of them wrong."
Hewat, 29, says after this latest setback he has to make some hard decisions after previously knocking back tempting overseas deals in 2005 and 2006 to stay with NSW.
"You are not in the game a long time. I have to start looking to set myself up for the future," he said. "If I can't break into that side it's probably best I move on and give someone else an opportunity."
Hewat has no shortage of offers, with two French clubs, two in Japan and one in England falling over themselves to secure his signature.
And he will use Wallabies legend Matt Burke, who is now playing in England, as a role model.
"He wasn't wanted here and went to Newcastle where he turned his career around and became captain," he said.
Hewat is not naive and is well aware the criticism that his defence, and not being physical enough, have probably cost him a shot with the Wallabies.
"They are not going to be the best parts of my game, but I have improved in those areas," he said.
"It's just a perception, but perceptions are the hardest thing to kick. It's something l'll probably have for the whole of my career and something I'll deal with."
Hewat's partner Alicia Wright, who has been with the goalkicking back through the ups and the downs, has never met a more determined person.
"Over the last couple of years every time he gets turned down he only goes harder and stronger," she said.
"But I think after three years in a row its probably time to move on."
It is ironic that the meeting which could decide Hewat's future will be held with McKenzie, who has been one of his biggest supporters.
"I owe Ewen a great deal, giving me a chance when nobody else would," Hewat said.
"I'll sit down with him to talk things through and see what his feeling is."
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21696961-5002381,00.html
By Jon Geddes
May 09, 2007
A SHATTERED and disillusioned Peter Hewat will meet New South Wales Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie today where he is expected to officially seek a release from the final year of his contract after missing a spot in the national squad.
After being robbed of his long-term dream to represent his country, the record-breaking NSW back is ready to turn his back on Australian rugby and accept a lucrative offer to play with a cashed up overseas club.
"You would think in a squad of 59 people I'd be somewhere in the mix," Hewat said. "I think the words I have used in the past were 'disappointing' and 'frustrating', but it is beyond that now."
After scoring 570 Super points for NSW over three seasons, Hewat has constantly been snubbed by the Wallabies - playing only two games for Australia A back in 2005. Against the Junior All Blacks he was man of the match.
"The worst thing about the whole situation is that I have never been given an opportunity to show my wares," Hewat said.
"At the Wallaby level they don't think my game is up to it, but you never know until you have a go do you? People said my game would not suit Super rugby and hopefully I've proved a few of them wrong."
Hewat, 29, says after this latest setback he has to make some hard decisions after previously knocking back tempting overseas deals in 2005 and 2006 to stay with NSW.
"You are not in the game a long time. I have to start looking to set myself up for the future," he said. "If I can't break into that side it's probably best I move on and give someone else an opportunity."
Hewat has no shortage of offers, with two French clubs, two in Japan and one in England falling over themselves to secure his signature.
And he will use Wallabies legend Matt Burke, who is now playing in England, as a role model.
"He wasn't wanted here and went to Newcastle where he turned his career around and became captain," he said.
Hewat is not naive and is well aware the criticism that his defence, and not being physical enough, have probably cost him a shot with the Wallabies.
"They are not going to be the best parts of my game, but I have improved in those areas," he said.
"It's just a perception, but perceptions are the hardest thing to kick. It's something l'll probably have for the whole of my career and something I'll deal with."
Hewat's partner Alicia Wright, who has been with the goalkicking back through the ups and the downs, has never met a more determined person.
"Over the last couple of years every time he gets turned down he only goes harder and stronger," she said.
"But I think after three years in a row its probably time to move on."
It is ironic that the meeting which could decide Hewat's future will be held with McKenzie, who has been one of his biggest supporters.
"I owe Ewen a great deal, giving me a chance when nobody else would," Hewat said.
"I'll sit down with him to talk things through and see what his feeling is."
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21696961-5002381,00.html
