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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.