Invincible's grandson tipped for Force spot
BY: WAYNE SMITH From: The Australian January 12, 2012 12:00AM
THE grandson of Australian cricketing great Neil Harvey, dual Ken Catchpole medallist Dave Harvey, is at the top of the shortlist of contenders to fill the hole in the Western Force's roster following the abrupt departure of Willie Ripia.
Force coach Richard Graham confirmed yesterday the highly-skilled Gordon five-eighth and goalkicker, an Australian Barbarians and Sevens representative, is his best option from what is available within Australia.
"He has been there or thereabouts for the past couple of seasons," said Graham, who has contacted Harvey's manager to check on his availability.
But Graham has not abandoned hope the Australian Rugby Union will allow him to widen the search to New Zealand in the hope of finding a player to also fill Ripia's slot as the Force's foreign development player.
Usually such players must be signed on a three-year deal so that they become eligible to represent Australia, but given that the Force has had no chance to find a suitable player for such a long-term contract, Graham hopes to get permission to replace Ripia for this season only to make time to find the right candidate.
James Stannard was tipped to beat Ripia for the pivot role anyway and now seems a certainty for the job. Graham has also recruited Manly playmaker Ben Seymour as one of 13 new players.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news...-1226242124794
