Where will the New Force Hooker Come From

[AndyS]

I would have thought that it would be a pretty even bet. Couldn't ask fairer than allowing form to decide the issue, with much to play for (being a position of opportunity for the Wallabies).

[Thequeerone]

Actually would have thought Ryan was the stronger contender for that as he doesn't need to serve a residency period - whichever way depth is vital for S14

[AndyS]

Neither does Whittaker, but it is an interesting point. With the prime criteria for the overseas development player being the ability to qualify for Australia, wouldn't giving them loads of game time and development only be likely to get them a contract with one of their "home" teams. And if not, you'd have to ask why. It does raise questions about the efficacy of the program, with the most likely outcomes being limited to training an opposition player on your own dime or the long-term acquisition of a journeyman. It is probably why uptake has been slow.

[Timbo]

NICK TAYLOR, The West Australian January 30, 2010, 11:06 am

The Western Force have been blocked in their bid to sign New Zealand hooker James Parsons from the North Harbour club amid last-minute legal threats.

Parsons was set to sign a two-year contract with the Force but yesterday North Harbour claimed that a "handshake deal" tied him to the NZ provincial club.

Parsons, 23, had been training with the Force since early this month.

North Harbour claim they expected him back for the Air New Zealand Cup competition after Super 14 but under Australian Rugby Union rules an overseas developing player cannot return to his former club.

Force rugby manager Mitch Hardy said: "Everyone had an understanding, North Harbour, the New Zealand Rugby Union, that if James was offered a contract he would not be able to return.

"North Harbour are holding him to a verbal agreement and said that if he takes up a contract they will take legal action.

"A handshake is enough for them to deny him the chance to play Super 14.

"James has no choice but to return. He does not want to get involved in a legal fight." North Harbour chief executive Brett Hollister claimed Parsons had "committed to sign an agreement" to play in this season's ANZ tournament.

When asked whether he held a signed contract with Parsons, Hollister said: "We have a written commitment to an agreement from his management and we sought external legal advice over the matter.

"I have shaken hands with the player as well. Either someone has not understood the contracting environment in Australia or misrepresented the player's intent to stay in Australia if he was offered a contract.

"That is the only conclusion you can draw."

However, Hardy said: "There was no contract, no offer in writing, no acceptance, just an email from his manager, and that's good enough for North Harbour.

"The only person losing out here is James."

Parsons had been picked for the Force's third pre-season trial against the Queensland Reds on Friday at ME Bank Stadium.

The Force will now start the season with Rockingham product Ryan Tyrrell and Australia A schoolboy Ben Whittaker


So - does that constitute a resolution? Can this book now be settled?

[Thequeerone]

Parsons is in the Force Squad picture - giving them till 1st game of the season to see what will happen - doubt the men in black at RugbyWa will let him go w/o a bit of a fight - looks like No suitable hooker found/contracted is now in pole position - didn't expect this saga but it has been a good one to watch

[GIGS20]

At least this pre-season drama is better than last year!

[pieter blackie]

No suitable hooker found/contracted is now in pole position - didn't expect this saga but it has been a good one to watch

No hooker required We have the goods in the squad

[James]

I think the book should stay open until a hooker is signed and even if they are signed for the 2011 season. The book reads "Where will the new Force hooker come from?".

[brokendown gunfighter]

langtrees doesn't appear on the book!

[Thequeerone]

Have they got a contract ?????
Are they new

[palitu]

i reckon the book will be for 2010 season... im not waiting to get my vDollars till next year...

[Thequeerone]

Correct

[Darren]

I think the book should stay open until a hooker is signed and even if they are signed for the 2011 season. The book reads "Where will the new Force hooker come from?".

mm.. the book is for a "new force hooker" which I would interpret as a hooker for the Force (force hooker) who hasn't been a hooker for the force before, ie is new (new force hooker) - new contract not required. But I'm not a bookie ....

[palitu]

yep, the discussion started as we wanted to know who we would be looking at contracting to the force.

going to be an interesting one to pay out

[Sheikh]

As the book was opened after Whittaker and Tyrell had been signed, I'd have said that the book applies to the potential third hooker only, ie, at the moment it'll be either NZ or none - unless Parsons doesn't come and the Force pull out a surprise alternative signing.