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Just to give us the shits further the article suggests the ARU will pay $400k towards Genia's $800k salary.
AUGUST 15 2017 - 12:43PM
Wallabies halfback Will Genia signs with Melbourne Rebels
Tom Decent
Wallabies halfback Will Genia has signed a two-year deal with the Melbourne Rebels despite declaring in June he would "probably just stay in Paris" if he could not return home to the Queensland Reds.
The 78-Test veteran has committed to a deal with the Australian Rugby Union and Rebels that will see him through until 2019, having spent the past two years in Europe with Stade Francais.
Genia chalked up 114 matches for the Reds, including a Super Rugby title in 2011, and his intention was always to return to Queensland to finish out his career.
However, the Reds were in a difficult predicament given they already had three halfbacks in Nick Frisby, James Tuttle and Moses Sorovi on their books.
Genia's asking price, believed to be around the $800,000 mark, which was to be split between the ARU and a Super Rugby club, was too much for the Reds, who regrettably had to pull out of the race to sign him.
Queensland Rugby Union chief executive Richard Barker said that while it was disappointing to not secure Genia's signature, the club could not "continue to live beyond our means".
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"Given Will's contribution to Queensland Rugby and the Reds, we obviously had considerable interest in him returning," Barker said. "However, we quite simply could not afford the figures presented to us by the ARU under the salary cap rules. The ARU, Will and his representative have been fully aware of this from the outset of discussions.
"This issue highlights the great divide between the professional game and the grass roots in this country – a divide the QRU is committed to improving.
"We cannot risk a salary cap breach and we are committed to the ARU's current contracting rules."
Genia said in a statement: "I'm really looking forward to joining the guys down in Melbourne. They have a great young team with plenty still to achieve in Super Rugby, so I'm excited to get stuck in in 2018.
"First and foremost I'm there to contribute to the desired success of the club on the field through my performance and ability as a player. After that, it'll be a great chance to bring some of the things I've learned over the years to the club, and help drive the club forward.
"I was always clear that I wanted to return to Australian rugby. I love playing for my country and can't wait to have another opportunity to pull on the gold jersey this weekend."
Rebels captain Nic Stirzaker signed a one-year extension in July, meaning there is a good chance he will be relegated to the bench in place of Genia.
"Will is a proven winner who has performed consistently in every team has has played in at Super Rugby, European and international level," said Melbourne Rebels chief executive Baden Stephenson. "We are delighted he will join the Rebels and have great confidence that his skill set, experience and leadership will complement our squad very well."
Speaking in June after returning from France where he was playing for Stade Francais in the Top 14, Genia's future was not so certain but he made it clear Queensland is where he wanted to be.
"If I come home it's to Queensland or probably just stay in Paris," Genia said. "I love playing for Queensland, I always have. I started there and finished my Australian rugby career there so hopefully we can get something done and I can come back and maybe finish up there."
Genia will start for the Wallabies this Saturday against the All Blacks in Sydney.