0
Brumbies will seek advice on Storm stars
LEE GASKIN AND PETER FITZGERALD
April 27, 2010
The ACT Brumbies will consult the ARU today before making a play at any Melbourne Storm players.
Faced with culling $1.2million from its star-studded roster, the Storm is likely to lose at least one of superstar quartet Billy Slater, Greg Inglis, Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk.
As part of ongoing discussions with the game's ruling body, Brumbies chief executive Andrew Fagan said he would seek the ARU's opinion on what players, if any, from the embattled rugby league club would be targeted for a cross-code switch.
"The ARU's made it pretty clear that they'll be very selective about what rugby league players they would be making approaches to," Fagan said.
"So off the back off that, it's important to recognise that without ARU support, it won't happen. I'll seek some clarity from them on what players they may have some interest in. When we have that confirmed then the coaching group here can make a decision as to whether they'll seek to engage in discussions with them and their management.'
'If the ARU gives the green light in terms of top-up payments, the Brumbies would consider luring outside backs Greg Inglis and Billy Slater to the nation's capital.
The Brumbies would face stiff competition from Super 15 expansion franchise the Melbourne Rebels, who are reported to be on the verge of offering Slater almost $1 million a season.
"Players like Greg Inglis and Billy Slater would be able to play any football game well AFL, rugby league or rugby union," Fagan said.
"So if they had some interest in crossing codes we'd definitely have some interest in chatting with them, but we'll chat with the ARU heirachy and see if they're going to have discussions with any of those individuals."
Fagan ruled out putting in a bid for Australian and Queensland representative Israel Folau.
The Brisbane Broncos star has been linked to a return to Melbourne, albeit with the Rebels.
"We're always on the lookout for quality players, and outside backs in particular, but from our understanding Israel Folau is interested in either Brisbane or Melbourne, and we'll let the clubs in those prospective cities progress that," Fagan said.
The Brumbies had faced the prospect of losing captain Stephen Hoiles to the Rebels but in the wake of Brian Waldron's involvement in the club Melbourne has withdrawn its offer for now.
Canberra Times
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by shasta
