Sharpe tells Force he's keen to play on

[travelling_gerry]

Sharpe tells Force he's keen to play on

NICK TAYLOR, EXCLUSIVE, The West Australian July 7, 2010, 7:16 am



Getty Images / Bradley Kanaris © Enlarge photo



Western Force captain Nathan Sharpe is set to extend his deal with the club beyond the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
The Wallabies second-rower, whose contract is up next year, already has had informal talks with Force management and wants to secure his future at the club by the end of this year.
Sharpe, 32, stormed back from a shoulder injury for a sensational Super 14 season and took his form into the Test arena. He told The West Australian he wanted to see out his playing days in Perth.
"When I negotiated my last contract I thought the World Cup would be my last year but the way I'm feeling now I'm really enjoying playing," he said. "I'd certainly like to continue to play past 2011. First and foremost I definitely want to stay at the Force.
"I've got a few more fish to fry in Perth."
Sharpe is just two Tests short of equalling John Eales' record of 84 caps as the most-capped Australian second-rower after starting this year "mentally and physically" refreshed from the disappointment of missing the last Wallabies tour with his injured shoulder.
"I know a lot can happen in 18 months but at this stage I want to play on," Sharpe said.
"I've been talking to a lot of guys who have finished up and, as they said, you're a long time retired."
After informal talks with Force management and coaches, Sharpe is ready to sit down and discuss life after the World Cup.
The decision to appoint current assistant coach Richard Graham as head coach in 2012 will move talks along. "I've had informal chats, just letting them know what I want to do, letting them know what I'm thinking," Sharpe said.
"I want to see out my time with the Force. Now that Richard has been sorted out as the coach, I can do some formal talking with him and see how I figure in his plans when he takes over.
"I would like to have it all sorted out by the end of this year so I can concentrate on rugby."
Force chief executive Vern Reid said Sharpe was an exceptional leader who had had a profound influence on and off the field.
"We're delighted that Nathan has indicated that he wants to play out his career in Perth and will be working towards enabling that to take place following the completion of his current contract in 2011," Reid said.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/spo...en-to-play-on/

[blueandblack]

Thats great to know. Hope it doesn't put Pocock off staying here.

[travelling_gerry]

I doubt it.

I think Sharpie is the kind of guy who can see the future of Poey and would gladly step down from Captaincy and enjoy his final season/s of rugby with the

[KenyaQuin]

With you on that one TG.

[tragic]

I'd say we're all keen for Sharpe to extend his contract, too!

[Burgs]

Sounds great to me and I would be hopeful that he would hand over to Bam at the end of next season or 2012 at the latest. Sharpie has shown in the recent Tests that he doesn't have to be Captain to help lead.