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WESTERN Force players were so angered by coach Richard Graham's shock defection to Queensland next year, they discussed the prospect of having him sacked immediately.
Some Force players are furious at Graham's decision to abandon ship, and feel they can no longer play for him.
Graham held a meeting with 18 players yesterday telling them of his decision to become head coach of Queensland - the rest were away for their bye week and he notified them by phone - and emotions ran high afterwards.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal that players approached Force chief executive Vern Reid immediately afterwards to see if Graham could be punted.
Graham, who was contracted to the club until 2014 but had a clause to negotiate with others for next year, would need to be paid out if sacked before the end of this season, and the club is reluctant to go down that path.
It is now up to Graham to win back the support of his players.While some understand his decision, others feel aggrieved that Graham had been negotiating with them to re-sign with the club despite knowing he would be joining the rival Reds.
Off-contract players are now uncertain of whether they wish to recommit to the Force, leaving the struggling club in tatters. But skipper David Pocock, who has known for some time that Graham would defect, is expected to remain at the Force.
Pocock will be given an influential role in the recruitment of players and will have a big say on the next coach, for which a global search is now underway.
Graham has known for some time that he would be joining Queensland, but chose the team's by week to break the news to minimise disruptions.
The news has rocked Australian rugby. The move essentially weakens an already weak franchise, while strengthening a strong one.
Graham was always going to find it tough to turn down the head coaching role of the defending Super Rugby champions. The Reds have been planning a European style coaching team for six months, but approached Graham more recently.
Current coach Ewen McKenzie will move to a more managerial position as "director of coaching", and in 2014 will expand to governing Queensland rugby's development including its 200 clubs.
Such a role will make it difficult for McKenzie to take on the Wallabies' head coaching position should it become available after 2013 when incumbent Robbie Deans is off contract.
"I am particularly interested in executing Queensland Rugby's future generation plan (2012-2014) which is built around strategy designed to achieve ongoing success and long-term sustainability for the code,' McKenzie said.
Former Brumbies coaches Andy Friend and Laurie Fisher have been rumoured as candidates for the vacant Force job, although Reid said he would also assess the credentials of overseas talent.
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