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Josh Valentine ... will he be at Western Force next year.
- Tim Clarke
- April 20, 2009 - 7:22AM
Western Force scrum half Josh Valentine has credited the Perth Super 14 side with resurrecting his career and his Wallabies ambitions - but still has not decided whether he will repay them with another season.
Valentine played arguably his best game since arriving in Perth in the Force's stirring 15-14 win over the NSW Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday, confirming the Force's "triple crown" of victories over the other Australian franchises this season.
With a clash against the lowly Lions in Perth to come this weekend, the Force's slim finals chances still have a faint pulse - with the momentum of their first ever win over the Waratahs to drive the Force on.
But that feel good factor may be curtailed this week with star winger Drew Mitchell edging closer to the exit door for the Waratahs - and room - mate Valentine also off-contract and undecided.
"Being at the Force at the moment has been good for me, they have reignited my career again after having a bit of a low last year,'' Valentine said.
"Definitely yet to be decided, but … I am not going to be stupid and not look at every avenue.
"I am definitely open to moving around or even staying at the Force. ''
The domino effect of the Force's superstar Matt Giteau leaving has yet to eventuate - but could begin this week with Mitchell having had discussions with the three other Australian franchises.
Despite sharing an address with the Wallaby flier, Valentine claims he is in the dark about his friend's intentions - but did say they would have a bearing on his future.
"Matt was one of the reasons I went to the Force, and him leaving is going to be another decision in my though process," Valentine said.
"And Drew is one of my best mates and I live with the guy, so it is definitely going to be a long process thinking about what I am going to do next yea r.
"Being a roomy he has actually kept it quite quiet.
"I have spoken with the Force a little bit but they have still got a lot of contract negotiations to do with other blokes."
And while those negotiations continue, Valentine says he hopes his improving form continues, as Wallaby coach Robbie Deans makes his mind up on his next squad.
"I have still got to make the team for the Force every week before I move on any further. Growing up as a kid the ultimate dream is to play for the Wallabies so it is always in the back of the mind," Valentine said.
"But if you are not playing good for your state it is not really going to work out. Playing consistent football and winning games will put me in good stead for selection."
http://www.watoday.com.au/sport/vale...0419-ab8u.html