Ben Te’o plots England code hop
BRENT READ THE AUSTRALIAN APRIL 19, 2014 12:00AM
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Te’o plots England code hop
Ben Te'o is exploring his options overseas. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia
SOUTH Sydney forward Ben Te’o is exploring his options in European rugby union — a move which could see him follow teammate Sam Burgess into the England World Cup set-up.
While the Rabbitohs were yesterday celebrating the signing of Penrith prop Tim Grant for next season, it emerged Te’o was weighing up whether to follow Burgess in switching codes at the end of the year.
Burgess has already announced his plans to join Bath in the English premiership as he pursues a place in the England side at next year’s rugby union World Cup.
Te’o, who has an English passport through his mother, has an option in his contract with Souths, meaning he can either stay put or join Burgess in walking away at the end of this year.
Aside from Te’o, Manly’s Glenn Stewart, North Queensland’s Tariq Sims and Melbourne’s Kevin Proctor are up for grabs. The Roosters and Dragons have Sims and Proctor high on their wish lists.
St George Illawarra has also been linked with Stewart, although Souths could yet turn their attention to the Sea Eagles backrower should Te’o depart.
Te’o’s decision could also have ramifications for the Maroons. The Rabbitohs forward played all three games off the bench last year but coach Mal Meninga may decide to look elsewhere should Te’o commit to rugby.
Whatever Te’o decides, the spectre of cashed-up European rugby union is once again hanging over the NRL at a time when the game is in the throes of a salary cap review.
While Te’o ponders his future, Grant will join Souths next season on a four-year deal, a fortnight after the Panthers insisted he was going nowhere.
After initially being given permission by Penrith to explore his options, Grant struck a deal with Souths. The Panthers then responded by withdrawing his permission to leave.
However, the former NSW prop had his heart set on joining the Rabbitohs and Penrith eventually acquiesced, clearing the way for Grant to fill Burgess’s big shoes.
“Tim will see out the 2014 *season with the Panthers and hopes to deliver a solid finish to his *career at the foot of the mountains. The Panthers respect Tim’s decision and wish him all the best,” the club said.
Grant was dropped by coach Ivan Cleary earlier this season but bounced back to reclaim his place in the NRL.
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