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| May 16, 2009
Article from: The Australian
THE Brumbies have urged teenage sensation James O'Connor to regard a move to Canberra as a long-term investment as opposed to a short-term grab for cash.
At only 18, O'Connor is the hottest property on the Australian rugby market and is trying to decide between remaining at Western Force or joining the Brumbies.
The Brumbies acknowledge they cannot compete with the Force financially, but they are trying to convince O'Connor he will make more money in the long run if he develops into the best player he can become.
With Wallabies five-eighth Matt Giteau moving back to Canberra from Perth next year to direct a slick Brumbies backline, there is some merit in the ACT side's argument.
O'Connor is more advanced than Giteau at the same age, but the key for his career is to continue his development.
Giteau is one of several backs who are leaving the Force after tonight's game against the Highlanders in Perth, including winger/fullback Drew Mitchell, utility back Scott Staniforth, halfback Josh Valentine and inside centre Junior Pelesasa.
The Force has signed Waratahs reserve halfback Brett Sheehan to replace Valentine, but it has so far been unable to find an import to take over from Giteau.
If the Force is unable to secure an experienced five-eighth, much of the responsibility for guiding the team around the field will fall on O'Connor's young shoulders. But the Force do have strong financial backing from several West Australian companies, which are keen to see O'Connor stay in Perth.
The ARU is also believed to be trying to talk O'Connor into staying to ensure the Force remains competitive.
There was speculation yesterday that O'Connor was leaning towards Canberra, but the Brumbies did not know anything about it.
"James is keen to make a decision in the not too distant future," Brumbies chief executive Andrew Fagan said. "The offers are quite different. The Force are offering a lot of money. I'm not feeling confident. While they continue to offer third-party money, it makes negotiations unpredictable. Players continue to compare apples with oranges.
"We have a compelling rugby argument for James to develop into the best player he can and be a dominant player for the Wallabies in 2011. He has to weigh that up against the financial incentives in the west.
"We are encouraging him to take a long-term view. His earning potential will be maximised by continuing to develop as a rugby player. We think he can do that best here."
A precocious talent, O'Connor became the second-youngest player to represent the Wallabies when he made his Test debut against Italy in Padua last November. Wallabies coach Robbie Deans is almost certain to pull him out of the Australian under-20s squad competing at the World Cup in Japan next month to include him in the senior national team.
O'Connor could start for the Wallabies at inside centre or fullback against the Barbarians in Sydney on June 6, but Deans sees him more as a number 15 at this stage of his career. At the very least O'Connor will command a place on the reserves' bench with his ability to play five-eighth, inside centre and fullback.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...015651,00.html