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Cliff Palu wants early release from contract to accept an offer from Japan
- by:Bret Harris
- From:The Australian
- February 13, 201312:00AM
NSW powerhouse Wycliff Palu is believed to have agreed to terms with a Japanese club. Picture: Mark Evans Source: The Daily Telegraph
WALLABIES No 8 Wycliff Palu is seeking a sabbatical in Japan with a view to returning to Australia in time to play in the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England.
It is understood Palu has agreed to terms with a Japanese club and has sought an early release from his contract so he can leave after the British and Irish Lions series ends in July.
An informed source told The Australian yesterday that if Palu secured the release, he would look to come back to Australia for next year's Super Rugby competition.
If not, his future in Australian rugby would be uncertain.
Palu was not giving anything away when asked about his future yesterday.
"I just want to play a few more games of Super Rugby and make a call after that," he said. "See how the body is and go from there."
While the ARU has never been keen on granting sabbaticals to players, New Zealand has been able to retain key players such as Dan Carter by allowing them to have stints overseas in between world cups.
After two injury-disrupted years, Palu recaptured his best form towards the end of last season and is still an important player for the Wallabies.
Palu was looking forward to this year's Super Rugby campaign with the NSW Waratahs after enjoying one of his most productive pre-seasons in recent years.
"This has been my first pre-season in a while where I have been able to do most of the things," he said.
"It has put my body in good condition. The last couple of years I battled injury and stuff. My pre-season was limited."
Palu will make his first appearance of the year in the Waratahs' final trial against the Crusaders in Sydney tomorrow night, matching up with All Blacks No 8 Kieran Read.
"The last couple of years we had a few easier trials," Palu said. "It's good to have some quality opposition. This should be a good test for us and it will be good to see where we are at."
The Waratahs will be without several big-name backs, including inside back Berrick Barnes, centre Rob Horne and five-eighth Bernard Foley, while winger Drew Mitchell is in doubt.
Horne will be sidelined for four to six weeks with a hamstring injury, while Barnes (knee) and Foley (ankle) may be available for the Waratahs' opening game of the season against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane on Saturday week.
Mitchell has a minor calf injury. While he may miss the Crusaders trial, he is expected to be fit for the Reds.
"Berrick has had a good rate of improvement since we saw him last," coach Michael Cheika said. "Doubtful for round one before. Now I'd say there's a 50-50 chance. Same with Foley. Horne will be out for four to six weeks.
"Drew's injury is real tiny. He could play. It's a matter of whether we want him to play or rest him for Queensland."
The absence of Foley and Barnes means rookie five-eighth Ben Volavola will start at five-eighth against the Crusaders and possibly the opening rounds of the season.
"Ben Volavola is going to get a good chance on Thursday night to take the lead in the race for that No 10 jersey," Cheika said.
"He is a very naturally instinctive player. He is still getting his head around being the main playmaker. He's only very young. He is only a few months into the program as a professional player."
Cheika said it would be great experience for Volavola if he played against Carter tomorrow night.
But Cheika is also looking at bringing former Waratahs, Force and Rebels five-eighth James Hilgendorf out of retirement to provide back-up for Volavola.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/spor...-1226576575668