Force skipper Nathan Sharpe eyes opportunities

[KenyaQuin]

Force skipper Nathan Sharpe eyes opportunities
By Jim Tucker
February 05, 2008 11:00pm

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/s...003411,00.html

WESTERN Force skipper Nathan Sharpe is the latest Wallaby stalwart weighing up the lure of a rich sea-change abroad with continuing his Test career into 2009.

The 64-Test lock admitted yesterday that he faced one of the biggest decisions of his career with two World Cups and a decade of Super rugby behind him.

The Queensland product did make one concrete call – if he stays in Australian rugby there will be no going back to the Reds.

"I loved my seasons in Queensland but I don't think it would be the right thing to do. If I stay, it'll be with the Force," said Sharpe, who will lead the side against the Reds tomorrow night in a full-strength trial in Perth.

What offer the Australian Rugby Union mounts for Sharpe under a clear policy of contract restraint will be interesting.

He will be 30 later this month and a viable 33 when the 2011 World Cup kicks off in New Zealand.

Sharpe's acumen should be prized because the Wallabies have already had Dan Vickerman stripped from 2009's plans with his recent decision to head abroad.

[oxleymoron]

Can we rename Subi as "Sharpie Park", similar to the reds failed attempt in 2005. Of course this time it must work!

[GIGS20]

I remember a section of the red's stadium (not sure if they were playing at ballymore) being named Don't go Latho Hill' way back....That seemed to work out OK

[jono]

i vollunteer to sabotage any plane that tries to take sharpie from aus rugby.
he cant go if he cant get there!!!

[travelling_gerry]

AFP on the phone for you jono.....

[AndyS]

"Hello, is this the Immigration Department? My name is Nathan Sharpe and some buggers pinched my passport!"

[The Lone Hydrangea]

Sharpie is switched on. A couple of board placements, media etc. He can make a motsa outside rugby here, so why would he want to go to the NH. Go there a small fish in a big pond or here a large fish in a small pond. Same deal for Gits, hopefully.

[James]

I have a feeling they will try harder than most to keep him even if just for a year or two. With Vickerman and Al Kanaar definitely gone you are really only left with James Horwill and Mark Chisholm as A grade locks and James Horwill lacks a lot of experience. I don't think he'll be too short of funding from the Force side of things.

[hopep]

Now TLH, you should know that the Force is not allowed to encourage, or arrange any such payments, employment for players. They are only allowed the maximum $100,000 pa fee and whatever the ARU deems them worthy of.
The SMH has said so and only NSW and League players are exempt from these very strictly enforeced guidelines.