Force firming as Giteau's future!!!

What starts out a simple article about another possible League recruitment has a fantastic snippet about Giteau's possible future!

Cross talking rugby

By Peter Jenkins
April 12, 2006

SYDNEY Roosters centre Ryan Cross is the latest rugby league player to open talks with the Australian Rugby Union after his manager met Australia coach John Connolly yesterday.

John Fordham and Connolly had a face-to-face over coffee at a cafe near the ARU's Sydney headquarters.

Both refused last night to comment on the nature of their talks. But there was reportedly discussion about the prospect of Cross making a code-switch next year.

Western Force chief executive Peter O'Meara has confirmed Cross is "on our radar" and the Perth franchise will seek ARU asssistance in the way of a contract top-up.

Former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones, set to take over at Queensland next year, will meet the agent for Bulldogs centre Willie Tonga in the UK later this week.

Closer to home, the chase for Test centre Matt Giteau is hotting up and the Force is firming in the market to snare the player voted one of the world's top five in 2004.

Giteau has been handed a deadline of next week to inform the ARU where he wants to play next season.

But it is likely that the timeline will come and go without Giteau selecting his provincial base for another three seasons.

The Brumbies and Force are thought to be the favourites ahead of New South Wales for his signature.

Meantime, Queensland and the Brumbies are the frontrunners to sign Wallabies winger Drew Mitchell.

The Daily Telegraph