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O'Connor could be a Force for good
BY:BRET HARRIS From: The Australian August 12, 2013 12:12AM
The Force has been talking to James O'Connor since he parted company with the Melbourne Rebels in acrimonious circumstances last month. Source: Getty Images
THE Western Force is hopeful of concluding negotiations with Wallabies utility back James O'Connor by the end of the week.
The Force has been talking to O'Connor since he parted company with the Melbourne Rebels last month.
"I'm still confident it will get done," Force chief executive Mark Sinderberry said.
"I'll be pleased if it is done by the end of the week."
O'Connor made his Super Rugby debut for the Force as a 17-year-old in 2008 and spent four years in Perth before leaving in acrimonious circumstances.
After only two seasons in Melbourne the Rebels decided not to renew O'Connor's contract.
A brilliant individual player, there are question marks over O'Connor's ability to fit into a team culture.
It is understood Force coach Michael Foley has canvassed players as to whether they wanted O'Connor back in Perth.
There is speculation O'Connor talked to the NSW Waratahs and sounded out a possible move to the Queensland Reds.
He has also been linked with English club Saracens.
But it appears Perth will be his destination.
A controversial choice at five-eighth for the Wallabies against the British and Irish Lions, O'Connor is now competing for a place at wing or fullback for the opening Bledisloe Cup Test against the All Blacks in Sydney on Saturday night.
Israel Folau and Jesse Mogg are also options at fullback.
"There's a few options there," Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie said.
"There's plenty of flexibility.
"We know Folau can play there. Mogg has done a great job. O'Connor can play there. (Adam) Ashley-Cooper can play there. Quade (Cooper) can play there. (Bernard) Foley can play there.
"I'm not losing any sleep over who is playing fullback. We've got plenty of options."
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/spor...-1226695209134