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I beat the newsbot, I beat the newsbot, you didn't get none, you didn't get none....
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http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0...-23217,00.html
Force favourite for Giteau signature
By Bret Harris
April 19, 2006
MATT Giteau's wish to delay the signing of a new Super 14 contract is the clearest pointer yet that the Australia inside centre is leaving the Brumbies.
The passing of an Australian Rugby Union-imposed deadline yesterday is good news for Australia's three other teams.
Western Force has emerged the clear favourite to win the prized signature despite offers from NSW Waratahs, Queensland Reds and the Brumbies.
ARU sources believe Giteau will not make an announcement on his future until after the Super 14 season.
Giteau is understoof to be still negotiating the ARU component of the deal, with the main sticking point the length of the contract.
"A deadline was imposed by the ARU but, at this stage, it is doubtful they will achieve resolution of their issues," Brumbies chief executive Andrew Fagan said.
"It's taking a bit longer than we had hoped, but we are still positive working towards a decision.
"I feel Matt is yet to make a decision but we feel as though he is comfortable where he is.
"We are quietly confident but, until I hear it from Matt and see an agreement signed, it's still an open process.
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"All the other provinces are bidding aggressively."
ARU chief operating officer Rob Clarke said it would not be a problem if Giteau did not make a decision today.
"I don't know if we fully expected a decision tomorrow," Clarke said.
"Shaun Barry (ARU negotiator) is in close contact with his manager and there are no problems there."
The Brumbies are also in discussions with five of their other players: number eight Jone Tawake, prop Nic Henderson, second rower Al Campbell, back rower Adam Wallace-Harrison and inside back Gene Fairbanks.
But the Brumbies' main target from outside their existing squad is Reds outside back Drew Mitchell, who is also being chased by the Waratahs and Force.
"We understand that Drew won't make a decision for another three to four weeks," Fagan said.
The Force has joined the Reds in attempting to lure Bulldogs centre Willie Tonga from rugby league.
Both the Force and the Reds would need ARU support to sign Tonga, who played rugby union as a schoolboy.
"We are interested in Willie Tonga and we understand he is reasonably serious about playing rugby union," Force chief executive Peter O'Meara said.
"We are talking to the ARU this week about initiating an investigation into Willie's background and a transition to rugby union."
Force has also expressed interest in Sydney Roosters centre Ryan Cross.