O'Connor could be a Force for good

[travelling_gerry]

O'Connor could be a Force for good
BY:BRET HARRIS From: The Australian August 12, 2013 12:12AM

The Force has been talking to James O'Connor since he parted company with the Melbourne Rebels in acrimonious circumstances last month. Source: Getty Images
THE Western Force is hopeful of concluding negotiations with Wallabies utility back James O'Connor by the end of the week.

The Force has been talking to O'Connor since he parted company with the Melbourne Rebels last month.

"I'm still confident it will get done," Force chief executive Mark Sinderberry said.

"I'll be pleased if it is done by the end of the week."

O'Connor made his Super Rugby debut for the Force as a 17-year-old in 2008 and spent four years in Perth before leaving in acrimonious circumstances.

After only two seasons in Melbourne the Rebels decided not to renew O'Connor's contract.

A brilliant individual player, there are question marks over O'Connor's ability to fit into a team culture.

It is understood Force coach Michael Foley has canvassed players as to whether they wanted O'Connor back in Perth.

There is speculation O'Connor talked to the NSW Waratahs and sounded out a possible move to the Queensland Reds.

He has also been linked with English club Saracens.

But it appears Perth will be his destination.

A controversial choice at five-eighth for the Wallabies against the British and Irish Lions, O'Connor is now competing for a place at wing or fullback for the opening Bledisloe Cup Test against the All Blacks in Sydney on Saturday night.

Israel Folau and Jesse Mogg are also options at fullback.

"There's a few options there," Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie said.

"There's plenty of flexibility.

"We know Folau can play there. Mogg has done a great job. O'Connor can play there. (Adam) Ashley-Cooper can play there. Quade (Cooper) can play there. (Bernard) Foley can play there.

"I'm not losing any sleep over who is playing fullback. We've got plenty of options."

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/spor...-1226695209134

[PeterM]

If I had a dollar for every article about JOC maybe coming to the force or not I would be able to buy a Premium Season ticket to the force next season

[Alison]

They're also still pedalling the Saracens non-story! They must be under pressure to fill column space.

[zed]

I'd be surprised if he went to the UK. Season goes from August to May and playing in wet, heavy conditions is not going suit him or his style of play.

[shasta]

Reports out of the ES today say negotiations will not continue until after the Bledisloe matches.
Posted via Mobile Device

[jono]

i havent seen that one - does it elaborate on why?

[wholetruth]

Here it is

O'Connor puts Wallabies before Force talks

The Western Force are likely to be kept waiting another two weeks before finding out if they have done enough to bring wayward Wallaby James O’Connor back to Perth

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/spo...e-force-talks/

[bunter]

How about,

"Wayward Wallaby James O'Connor is likely to be kept waiting for another two weeks, to see if he has done enough to convince the Western Force and their supporters to take the chance on him again"

[WF2006]

Sorry, I know its off topic but this line rankles
"during the disastrous British and Irish Lions series."

Now, we won one, could have one another if Kurtley didn't fall over and yeah, I'll admit, we got rightly thrashed in the last match. How is that disastrous ?? Surely disastrous is a 3-0 drubbing 30-0 each time? No?

[WF2006]

Bret Harris phrase of the week

"acrimonious circumstances"

[Alison]

ABCnews sports reporter - Clint Thomas - has just tweeted this:


"Mail is James O'Connor set to sign on again with @thewesternforce. Expecting confirmation by end of week. #SuperRugby"

Watch this space I guess........

[Ralto]

ABCnews sports reporter - Clint Thomas - has just tweeted this:


"Mail is James O'Connor set to sign on again with @thewesternforce. Expecting confirmation by end of week. #SuperRugby"

Watch this space I guess........

He's on the money, a highly placed sauce just about confirmed this to me. O'Connor has also been here around twice in the last coupla months.

[The Oracle]

Sorry, I know its off topic but this line rankles
"during the disastrous British and Irish Lions series."

Now, we won one, could have one another if Kurtley didn't fall over and yeah, I'll admit, we got rightly thrashed in the last match. How is that disastrous ?? Surely disastrous is a 3-0 drubbing 30-0 each time? No?

Not forgetting the $30m plus the ARU made out of the tour. I'd like one of those disasters!

[hertryk]

Here it is

O'Connor puts Wallabies before Force talks

The Western Force are likely to be kept waiting another two weeks before finding out if they have done enough to bring wayward Wallaby James O’Connor back to Perth

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/spo...e-force-talks/

Here we bloody well go again.. I hope not...

[GAFFA]

First time i havent thought he was a big nob when talking to the media.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dw_jLQAPLUI&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PL9_ssxku-NI_O7Ibvhe6tHCEBjn7jHPqd"]TRC 2013: O'Connor and McKenzie prepare for first Bledisloe Test - YouTube[/ame]