This was online at rugbyheaven.smh.com.auOriginally Posted by DIEHARD
with this sort of money being offered he won't come back.
Tuqiri deal may keep him out of league
Rupert Guinness
Thursday, March 1, 2007 Print this article
Email to a friend
The Australian Rugby Union is considering offering Lote Tuqiri a five-year contract in a bid to prevent rugby league ever signing him.
It is understood Tuqiri's management is seeking an extended deal, which, if secured, would almost certainly lock the winger in until the end of his career.
When contacted by the Herald yesterday, the ARU would not comment on the possibility of a five-year deal or negotiations, other than ARU high-performance director Pat Wilson saying: "We are hoping to have final discussions with his representatives in the coming weeks and to bring this to a conclusion."
Tuqiri's business adviser, Les Ross, who is negotiating with the ARU on the NSW winger's behalf, did not return calls yesterday.
But the ARU - having reportedly valued Tuqiri at almost $800,000 a year with $150,000 from the Waratahs, $500,000 from an ARU top-up and $130,000 in match payments - is now thought to be considering three contract options. That is despite the initially strong interest in the 27-year-old from up to six NRL clubs apparently waning due to the fact they cannot match the money.
advertisement - story continues below
After Brisbane and the Gold Coast announced they would pull out of the race, the two NRL clubs left are Cronulla and South Sydney.
The touted ARU option to fend off their raid with a five-year deal from 2008 to 2012 would leave the fight for Tuqiri's signature between the Waratahs and Reds. It would also take him beyond the 2011 World Cup to probable retirement at 33.
The two other options the ARU could put to Tuqiri are:
- a four-year deal starting from next year to the 2011 World Cup;
- a five-year deal that includes an upgrade on this year - the final year on his current contract - also taking him to the 2011 World Cup.
But of the three options, a five-year deal starting in 2008 would be the biggest risk, and not just because it would blow the $3.2 million budgeted for four years. Most players struggle to back up after a World Cup year, let alone when they would be in the last season of a playing career - as Tuqiri probably would be. However, a five-year deal including a topped up final year of his current deal would be viable, as it would also offer a World Cup send-off to his career.