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Rugby looks to poach Wing
By Peter Jenkins
May 07, 2007 12:00
KANGAROOS star Craig Wing has emerged as the latest potential target for a Waratahs camp desperate to bolster its midfield stocks next season.
NSW Rugby Union chief executive Fraser Neill last night told The Daily Telegraph the franchise was "open to everything" after a dismal Super 14 campaign where the semi-finalists from 2006 finished the season just one place clear of the dreaded wooden spoon.
Wing is off-contract with NRL club the Roosters at the end of the season and sources have revealed there were informal talks between the player's management and the Australian Rugby Union two months ago.
While those discussions are thought to have stalled, the Waratahs have expressed an interest in meeting with Wing if he is genuine about a future in the 15-man game.
NSW have already secured one high-profile rugby league player for 2008, with Parramatta centre Timana Tahu heading to the franchise's Moore Park headquarters.
If they chase another in Wing, the ARU will need to rekindle its interest and come to the party with a contract top-up.
"You wouldn't discount it," Neill said when asked if Wing was an option for next season.
"If he showed interest you'd certainly have a chat. He's a quality footballer.
"What we don't want to get involved in is an auction where we end up being used as a stalking horse to drive up a player's salary."
An exceptional schoolboys player before turning to league, Wing would be an option for the inside centre role the Waratahs have struggled to fill this season.