Rebels join race for Thurston

Rebels join race for Thurston

EXCLUSIVE by Josh Massoud

THE tug of war for Johnathan Thurston's signature has taken a surprise twist, with the Melbourne Super Rugby franchise targeting the NRL star as a foundation player.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal that Thurston's camp fielded an approach from a senior Australian rugby figure on behalf of the Rebels six weeks ago.

But a public squabble with the ARU over funding has since stalled the negotiations, which could resume this week with Melbourne expected to finalise several official appointments.

A source close to the negotiations said a member of the new consortium had made secret inquiries about Thurston's desire to switch codes by engaging an intermediary to contact the player's manager.

"An approach was made but it was some time ago," the source said.

"There was a desire to know whether Thurston was serious about switching codes and how he'd feel about doing so in Melbourne. That's as far as it has gone at this stage."

Off contract from North Queensland at the end of this season, Thurston has already received $1 million-a-year-plus approaches from cashed-up European and Japanese rugby clubs.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/spo...-1225817884008

its a shame because i love watching him play for QLD in the SOO series, but cronk and prince are both good as well, i wouldnt mind to see him playing for the Rebels.

I think he could really go well for a rugby side, he might struggle initially to get used to the game plan, but with the right training and a bit of experience he could become a fantastic 5/8 or 12.