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Brent Read and Dan Koch | July 03, 2009
Article from: The Australian
NRL clubs continue to roll out the welcome mat for Lote Tuqiri, but a move to Europe or Japan looks more likely for the sacked rugby union star given the constraints of the salary cap and a general reluctance from teams to spend excessive money on an ageing winger.
While Tuqiri remains a marketable figure, his status and form has waned this season to such an extent he was out of favour with Wallabies coach Robbie Deans even before his sacking on Wednesday night.
Those indifferent displays at Super 14 level haven't, however, scared off the Broncos or the handful of other NRL clubs that yesterday expressed an interest in the former Kangaroos winger. Brisbane, North Queensland and the Gold Coast continue to bat their eyelids at Tuqiri, although finances are likely to have a significant impact on whether those admiring glances are returned.
If he is to make a shock comeback to the NRL, Tuqiri will need to take a substantial pay cut.
Given his position and age - he turns 30 later this year - it is hard to envisage an NRL club spending any more than $250,000 a season on the dual international.
That would represent a staggering hit in the hip pocket for a player believed to be earning in excess of $700,000 a season from the Australian Rugby Union prior to his dismissal.
Tuqiri, who was the subject of an approach from French rugby union club Bayonne last year, could expect to earn big money in Europe or France should he choose the overseas route.
Bayonne, the club of former Kangaroos teammate Craig Gower, is believed to be on the lookout for a winger and any offer would blow NRL clubs out of the water. Likewise, the man who masterminded his switch from rugby league to rugby union - former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones - is a coaching consultant at Japanese club Suntory.
The Australian understands Jones, who is in talks with Karmichael Hunt over a stint in Japan, is yet to approach Tuqiri or his management.
The other stumbling block to his return, the NRL, is yet to outline its stance on Tuqiri.
While chief executive David Gallop has given tentative support to Tuqiri's return, it is likely to hinge on the NRL's view of the offence that led to the ARU ripping up his contract.
Brisbane coach Ivan Henjak left no one in any doubt as to his thoughts on Tuqiri yesterday, admitting he would welcome the ex-Bronco back with open arms provided he was serious about a return to the NRL.
"He might come at a discount price to come back here," Henjak said with a grin.
"We would be very happy to take him back. We will have a look at it. He would be a great addition. I don't mind the old fellas, there are certainly plenty around the NRL who are doing a good job."
After making his debut with Brisbane during the Super League season of 1997, Tuqiri played 100 games with the club before linking with the ARU at the end of 2002
He featured in the 2000 premiership side and still holds the club's single-game point-scoring record, having chalked up 26 in one match against the now defunct Northern Eagles in his final season in the NRL.
The Broncos have room to move under the salary cap given the imminent departure of Hunt, who is expected to switch codes and play union overseas at the end of the season - and the loss of young prop David Taylor. Captain Darren Lockyer will re-sign, but is expected to do so on a substantially reduced deal.
Given those changes, the Broncos would have room for Tuqiri, albeit on significantly less than what he currently earns.
Henjak conceded Tuqiri would need to "come to the party" but added the experience and class he would bring would be invaluable.
"I am sure Lote would have plenty to offer, so long as his attitude was good and he was in good shape," Henjak said.
"With his experience he would have a tremendous amount to offer. We haven't considered it yet, but it is something we can talk about."
North Queensland chief executive Peter Parr also made it clear his club would consider a move for Tuqiri should its salary cap situation change.
Additional reporting: Bret Harris
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...015651,00.html
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