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http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/stor...005401,00.html
THE Western Force will start talks with the Australian Rugby Union tomorrow about the future of star Matt Giteau.
Force chief executive Greg Harris will discuss a number of topics but the `Giteau Affair' is top of the list.
Giteau revealed to The Sunday Times last week that he had refused a sponsors $1.6 million offer to extend his contract with the Force until 2011.
The club is now waiting to hear whether he wants an early release from the final year of his contract.
RugbyWA chairman Geoff Stooke said Mr Harris would also be opening discussions with Giteau's manager James Erskine.
``We will be seeking the thoughts of the ARU about the issue and we will start addressing it next week,'' Mr Stooke said.
``We need to resolve outstanding issues as soon as possible. We need clarification.''
If Giteau leaves before 2009 coach John Mitchell may elevate current back-up five-eighth Scott Daruda to the starting side or throw teenager James O'Connor into the deep end.
The club could go outside Australia and pick up one of their two overseas players allowed under new ARU rules.
One possibility is Southland's Blair Stewart who was not selected in New Zealand's Super 14 squads.
Stewart, 25, the 2008 Air New Zealand Cup leading scorer, is contracted to Southland but has a get-out clause.
Another, but certainly not a long term prospect, could be former All Black Tony Brown.
Brown, 33, capped 18 times by the AB's has been playing with Japanese club Sanyo. He played for the Highlanders until 2004, for the Sharks in 2006 and the Stormers last season.
If Giteau stays for 2009 the club may still use an import spot for the following year.
One player firmly on the radar would be 22-time capped All Black Luke McAlister, 25, whose contract with English club Sale runs out this season.
Another - though less likely possibility - could be the Sharks Francois Steyn.
The Force is understood to have thrown his name up as a possible replacement for Giteau amid reports that European clubs are looking to buy him out of his contract that ends in 2009.
Force management are concerned that Giteau's decision may be the catalyst for a knock-on effect.
They will be keen to talk with Giteau's good mate, Wallaby Drew Mitchell who has one season left on his contract.
O'Connor and newly signed halfback Josh Valentine have signed for one season and both openly said playing with Giteau was one of the reasons they came to Perth.