Dunning and Sheehan arrive

[travelling_gerry]

I know Lote will be devastated: Dunning

• Tim Clarke
• July 2, 2009 - 10:20AM

Lote Tuqiri ... sensationally sacked by the ARU. Photo: Steve Christo

Former Wallaby Matt Dunning says he is as mystified as anyone as to why ex-Waratah teammate Lote Tuqiri was sensationally sacked by the ARU yesterday - but knows he will be devastated.

In Perth today to meet and greet his new team-mates and employers at the Western Force, Dunning couldn't shed any light on why Tuqiri's contract was torn up.

"I was very shocked, I knew nothing about (it), and no-one seems to know. I don’t know and no-one I have spoken to seems to know," Dunning said.

"Obviously I am feeling for him, he is a good mate of mine. He would be pretty devastated, everyone in this room wants to keep their jobs.

"He has got a family, and I am sure he will be devastated."

A three-paragraph statement was all Tuqiri's termination warranted from the ARU yesterday, with Australian Rugby Union chief executive John O'Neill saying today the ARU would be making no comment on the reasons for Tuqiri's dismissal as legal action was pending.

He said Tuqiri knew the reasons and it was up to him if he wanted to discuss them publicly before any legal issues were resolved - but said is was not due to any police matter.

"Cleary the decision to terminate a contract is one that requires a lot of consideration. We gave that consideration and reached the conclusion with our eyes wide open," O'Neill said.

O'Neill confirmed the police were not involved and said he had consulted with Tuqiri's Super 14 club the NSW Waratahs and they had agreed with the decision.

He described suggestions he had a personal agenda against Tuqiri as "ridiculous" and said the winger's massive salary was not a consideration.

Meanwhile Dunning, and another former Waratah Brett Sheehan, both said they were targeting returns to the Wallaby squad with their moves to Perth.

"It was a massive decision for me, as my long service was up in March, but the opportunity was in Perth, the coaching staff and the roster - the future looks so good I decided to move across," Dunning said.

"They beat every team in Australia, an excellent side, and have good leaders in the team.

"I am obviously keen to get back in the Wallaby squad, it was always going to be hard to make the Tri-Nations squad

"But the end of season tour hoping to get back in there, and do well for the Wallabies."

http://www.watoday.com.au/sport/i-kn...0702-d5y9.html

[sandgroperrugby]

Sergeant Schultz "I know nothing – NOTHING!"

Looks a bit like him as well put a Stahlhelm and trench coat on him!!

[travelling_gerry]

Justin Chadwick
July 2, 2009 - 2:36PM .

They say a move can be as good as a holiday, but Western Force recruits Brett Sheehan and Matt Dunning can't wait to get back to work.

Sheehan was a frustrated man last season at the Waratahs as Wallaby Luke Burgess took command at scrumhalf.

But Sheehan's plight was nothing compared to Dunning, who spent the entire Super 14 season on the sidelines after snapping his Achilles tendon while playing for the Wallabies last year.

Both players are desperate to get back into the Wallabies fold and believe their switch to the Force will help their cause.

Sheehan, 29, has just three Test caps to his name but said greater exposure at the Force would give him a chance of adding to that tally.

"It was frustrating at times with Luke but that's selection, that's the way it goes," Sheehan said on Thursday.

"You've just got to deal with it and when you do get on the field just make the most of the opportunities.

"I'm just looking forward to playing some good footy and getting on the park and hopefully my name gets thrown up there for the Wallabies again.

"It's a motivation. It's always disappointing missing out on the squad."

Dunning, a veteran of 43 Tests, said his body was feeling good after making a successful return to club rugby.

The 30-year-old notched 99 State caps for NSW but felt his future would be better served at the Force.

"Obviously there was five of us there at the Waratahs vying for three spots every week and I was off contract and the Force seemed like an attractive move for me," Dunning said.

"I'm keen to get back into the Wallabies squad as soon as possible.

"It was always going to be hard to make the Tri-Nations squad but I'm aiming to get back on the end of season tour and do well for the Wallabies."

The acquisition of Dunning, Tim Fairbrother, Nic Henderson plus the retention of Wallaby Pek Cowan leaves the Force brimming with front-row depth.

"There's a lot of depth there, a lot of experience and a lot of raw talent," Dunning said.

"I think the pack itself stands up to any Super 14 pack.

"It's as good as any, if not better."

Sheehan said he was looking forward to building a relationship with former Springbok five-eighth Andre Pretorius, who was signed as the Force's international marquee player.

"He's an experienced player and his form showed this year for the Lions he's still a great player and a brilliant player," Sheehan said.

"From a backline point of view he'll control things really well."

© 2009 AAP

http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/bre...0702-d659.html

[travelling_gerry]

[Burgs]

This seems a crazy thing to say, but Dunny is looking pretty fit!

[Swee_82]

This seems a crazy thing to say, but Dunny is looking pretty fit!

I was thinking the same thing- the worlds gone topsy-turvy!

[Timbo]

Ahhhh - the powers of photoshop!!

[Thequeerone]

Blue suits em too - apologises for the girly comment but they honestly look better in a proper blue shirt - nice shot of the volvo logo too good to see we're looking after our sponsors.

[TOCC]

dunning reminds me of that fat kid from Hey Dad, Arthur McArthur



is it possible Matt Dunning is that kid?

[BDAVEY]

TOCC The force have a front row that will make the reds shake......... Havent heard anything from the reds recruiting drive whats happening with Digby. Barnes is not happy there is he?

[AndyS]

Damn, that is a scary likeness! Just shown the two photos without knowing where they came from, you'd put money on it.

[prop53]

All Props look good

[mudskipper]

This seems a crazy thing to say, but Dunny is looking pretty fit!

He looks petty small as well... get him a meal...

[travelling_gerry]

Arthur McCarthur!!!

[The Lone Hydrangea]

Try and get Fatty on board tomorrow nite at Burswood, and Sheehan also. Hopefully before the turps kicks in! Im having a bucketfull for Gerry.