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This is exactly why a lot of us is upset with the way Gits has gone about announcing his departure
Fears of player exodus at Force
THE Western Force has declared the retention of teenage sensation James O'Connor its highest priority following Matt Giteau's weekend announcement he will return to the Brumbies next year.
The widespread fear in the west is that Giteau's return to Canberra at the end of this year's Super 14 campaign could trigger a mass exodus of players coming off contract.
But no sooner had Force chief executive Greg Harris identified O'Connor as his primary contracting target than there was speculation the Waratahs too have set their sights on the gifted 18-year-old utility back, the second youngest Wallaby in history. O'Connor is not at the top of the NSW wish list, however. It is understood that position has been allocated to another member of the Force's classy backline, Test winger-fullback Drew Mitchell.
Waratahs' coach Chris Hickey described Mitchell and O'Connor as the kind of quality players who would potentially attract interest from NSW.
"Each year you review your squad," Hickey said. "We haven't really looked at that. We are trying to keep our focus on our game. We'll look at the contracting situation towards the end of the Super 14.
"Having said that, they (Mitchell and O'Connor) are quality players and you are always interested in good young players."
If the Waratahs enter a bidding war for Mitchell, they will face competition from the Brumbies.
Brumbies' chief executive Andrew Fagan reiterated the ACT team's strong interest in recruiting Mitchell.
"Our coaching group, headed by Andy Friend, will take four to six weeks to assess our guys and will then look at players across the competition," Fagan said.
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Kiwi prop Ben Castle more than lived up to expectations when he made his debut as the club's marquee player against the Cheetahs on Friday night, but he has indicated he will be leaving the Force at the end of the season, opening the door for the Perth franchise to target a high-profile inside back as its one allowed international import.
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The embattled coach insisted that reports that his own behaviour was a factor in Giteau's decision to leave the Force was "a lie". "That's a total misrepresentation," said Mitchell, who pointed out that Giteau repeatedly had denied he had any problems with him.
It is understood Giteau only once exchanged harsh words with Mitchell, the now-infamous incident last year when the Force players banished their coach from the dressing room. Giteau is believed to have told him to shut the door on the way out.
Fears of player exodus at Force