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Brumbies ponder Freier alternative
By Bret Harris and Wayne Smith
April 08, 2008
NEW South Wales hooker Adam Freier could become a recruitment option for the Brumbies if they fail to secure their main target, Queensland hooker Stephen Moore.
Moore, Australia's starting hooker at the World Cup, is expected to leave the Reds, but he is also being chased by Western Force.
The Brumbies have made Moore a priority signing, but Freier is in their calculations as a fall-back, especially after their promising hooker Saia Faingaa signed with the Reds.
Brumbies chief executive Andrew Fagan is expected this week to meet Moore, whose skill and strength as a ball-runner would suit their attacking style, to try to finalise negotiations.
"We haven't spoken with Adam," Fagan said. "Obviously, with Saia heading to the Reds we are in the market for a number two. Our priority is to sign Stephen Moore and that's what we are attempting to do. In the event that wasn't to work out, it (Freier) is something we'd probably take a look at."
Freier began his Super rugby career in Canberra, playing behind former Wallabies hooker Jeremy Paul. He moved to the Waratahs in 2003 where he battled with Brendan Cannon for the No2 jersey.
With Cannon's departure to the Force in 2006, Freier secured the Waratahs' starting role until he was recently deposed by Tatafu Polota-Nau.
"I have to wait to see who all the coaches are," Freier said. "We don't know who the coach here is. We don't know who the coach in Canberra is.
"NSW and the ARU have been pretty good to see it out and see what happens. In less than a month a decision should be made because everything should be settled by then."
Brumbies number eight Stephen Hoiles has been cleared to play against the Blues in Auckland on Saturday after suffering a knock to his cheekbone in their loss to the Chiefs last Friday.
OMG lets get freier before brumbies do!
Be There. Be Heard. Be The Force Behind The Force
my baddd. i forgot, we already have a fantastic selection. ignore my previous post!
Be There. Be Heard. Be The Force Behind The Force
yeah openley saying there only looking at him as a second choice.
hopefully it ruins his self esteem before the match this weekend.
hahahahha. yes pleaseeee
Be There. Be Heard. Be The Force Behind The Force
Its a funny thing going on with the old hooker switcheroo. There are about 8 good to decent hookers going around that have played Super 14. Each team had two. Faingaa is now at the Reds. Moore is definitely leaving there. I can potentially see someone apart from us or the Reds (I don't think either of our hookers is off contract) getting pretty screwed here. The Brumbies might not get Moore or Freier and will struggle for options next year. The Waratahs might lose Freier and also struggle for options next year if injuries strike. Those bloody Reds had 4 this year in Hardman, Moore, Ole Avei and Geoff Abram. Plus they have the talented young James Hansen in their academy. Share the love boys.
I figure the same thing will happen with Scrum-halves soon enough.
Hookers getting screwed, like it jimmy
I think you are wrong with the statement 8 good hookers going around.
I would say there are at least 19. The 16 who we're involved in the ARC and the 3 Wallaby hookers.
Albeit Brendan Cannon has retired and Jeremy Paul has done a bunk.
There still all types of players out there not getting a shot.
As far as hookers go try Josh Mann-Rae...
Brother Gallagher I hear you
I'm not sure the Force need to be too concerned about contracting Moore. If they get him, OK. But Tai is not off contract and is still giving plenty. He had a great game against the Bulls, nearly always getting over the gain line and was only just outdone by Fava for yards gained among the pack. His late start in Rugby probably means he's got a good few years in him yet.