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Man this Mataele story is gaining some momentum. I haven't seen anything more than speculation but everybody's talking about it!
C'mon the
Bit more than speculation according to Nick Taylor in The West
Western Force have made an audacious bid for former State of Origin winger Blake Ferguson and snared Crusaders flyer Manasa Mataele as they rebuild for next season.
Ferguson, who is out of favour with Parramatta Eels coach Brad Arthur, has slid from Origin reckoning to reserve grade, and remains unsigned for next season.
The 31-year-old has played seven times for Australia, made nine State of Origin appearances for NSW and also played for Cronulla Sharks, Canberra Raiders and Sydney Roosters.
He has represented the Indigenous All Stars and Country NSW in a 12-year NRL career.
Mataele, 25, who returned to the Crusaders last year after a lengthy stint on the sidelines with injury, made his debut for the Christchurch-based side in 2017.
He played for the Fiji under-18 side before moving to New Zealand, joining the Taranaki academy and being selected for their provincial side.
He is set to make his debut for Fiji against the All Blacks next month after a breakout season with the Crusaders.
The Force did not want to comment about their move on either player.
Meanwhile new signing, second-rower Izack Rodda will play in the clash with New Zealand NPC side Bay of Plenty at HBF Park next month as he pushes to re-ignite his international career.
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has already selected his squad for the three Test series against France but Rodda could be in the mix for a Rugby Championship return.
The former Queensland Red has been quarantining in Brisbane after returning from France ahead of his return to Australian rugby with the Force.
Rodda, Isaac Lucas and Harry Hockings were released from their Reds contracts last May after refusing to accept reduced salaries during the coronavirus pandemic.
Rodda, 24, signed with Top 14 side Lyon on a short term deal.
He already has 25 Test appearances and wanted to stay in Australia after falling out with the Reds but the move was blocked at the time.
He reportedly turned down approaches by the Waratahs and Rebels to return, and lucrative offers to stay in France or move to Japan, in favour of the Force for the coming season.
I've seen that one WT, but it remains a lone voice at the moment. I haven't seen an acknowledgement from the team yet and I can't see any reason why they'd delay if they have a signature.
Will Genia has taught me never to speculate until the team announces a completed signing. The year he backed out of a solid agreement with a letter of intent to then go and sign a contract with Queensland showed me that some Rugby Players aren't worth pissing on.
I'm not saying Mataele is a soulless money-grubbing arsehole like Will Genia, but I still won't count that chicken until there's iron clad proof
C'mon the
I read claims on GAGR over the weekend that the Fergasaurus is being considered for an off-field indigenous liaison role. It brings to mind reports that Andrew Forrest would chuck in a $100K-a-year TPA for Greg Inglis to act as a liaison for indigenous employment in 2010. Said to be part of the bid by Russell Crowe and Peter Holmes a'Court to lure GI to Souffs. Don't know if that grew legs; but he did go to Redfern.
"The main difference between playing League and Union is that now I get my hangovers on Monday instead of Sunday - Tom David
Its only chatter on GAGR, AFAIK. But such a position should be outside any cap if genuine employment. I don't think anyone could argue that there is a huge talent pool being left untapped by Rugby. Not sure of AFL, but the NRL indigenous presence is large and for the most part well respected, on and off field.
"The main difference between playing League and Union is that now I get my hangovers on Monday instead of Sunday - Tom David
Exile
Port Macquarie
"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now if you know what you’re worth then go out and get what you’re worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain’t you! You’re better than that!" - Rocky Balboa
Jeez; I only said this is a bit of chatter on GAGR. I didn't expect the Spanish Inquisition.
"The main difference between playing League and Union is that now I get my hangovers on Monday instead of Sunday - Tom David