Giteau's influence persuades Edmonds
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Brumbies reserve hooker Huia Edmonds admits the lure of playing alongside marquee recruit Matt Giteau was a persuading factor in his decision to remain at the club.
The Brumbies will announce today Edmonds has signed a two-year contract extension, taking him through to the end of 2011.
Edmond's signing comes three weeks after first-choice rake Stephen Moore also re-signed for two more years.
He was considering leaving the Brumbies for overseas but said the opportunity to play in the same team as Giteau for the first time was too much to knock back.
''When you've got the best player in the world coming here, that's something you want to be a part of because he's going to make a difference,'' Edmonds said.
''The knowledge Gits will be here next year definitely played a role in my decision. It wasn't the primary factor or anything like that but it definitely had an influence.''
Brumbies coach Andy Friend said that at the start of the season Edmonds was no sure thing to be offered a new contract.
Friend admitted he wanted proof Edmonds had recovered from a long list of injuries and wasn't mentally scarred by his extended sideline stint after arm and knee surgery.
''I first coached Huia at the Waratahs a few years back and I've always thought he's been a very talented footballer and even when I got to the Brumbies mid last year, it was evident early on that he was a massive influence on the group,'' the coach said.
''But I needed to see him play. I can't go around recommending guys get new contracts just because I rate their history or because I think they are good people.
''I needed to see Huia still had it and he's shown he does so it's great news that he's staying around.''
Edmonds will start off the bench against the Durban Sharks at Absa Stadium this weekend in what will be his 19th Super rugby cap.
The 27-year-old has had a cruel run of injuries the past 18 months.
He broke his arm in a freak training accident mid-way through last year, which cost him the second half of the Super 14 season. Then after just three club rugby games for Warringah in July he injured his knee, a setback which required reconstructive surgery.
It's only been the past six weeks the former Cape Town Stormer and Waratah has returned to full fitness.
He was aware Brumbies bosses were monitoring his early form in regards to a new contract and admitted that added extra pressure.
''It's always in the back of your mind that stuff, when you're coming back from injury, because this is our job, this is how we pay the bills,'' Edmonds said.
''You don't want to jeopardise that but thankfully I'm right for another two years now and it's shaping as a pretty exciting two years here too.''
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