Brissy Bulldog
Proud to be a Bulldog
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- Feb 26, 2004
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Tonga's our man
By PETER JENKINS
March 30, 2006
QUEENSLAND have called on the ARU to help them poach rugby league Test centre Willie Tonga.
The Reds have made contact with leading ARU figures – including Wallaby coach John Connolly – wanting a guaranteed contract top-up if the Bulldogs star agrees to switch codes next season.
"We've got to work together on this," QRU chief executive Theo Psaros told The Daily Telegraph.
"All four provinces (in Super 14) need to be strong and if we identify opportunities to boost our squad, then that will also enhance the Wallabies."
Negotiations involving the Reds and Tonga's management are still in their infancy after The Daily Telegraph revealed last week that Queensland coach-in-waiting Eddie Jones was keen to pursue the 22-year-old.
But talks will be stepped up with a face-to-face meeting planned this month between Tonga's agent and Jones, who is in the UK coaching the London-based Saracens club but will take over the Reds after this season.
Several high-profile NRL players, including Broncos fullback Karmichael Hunt, have confirmed they will listen to rugby union offers.
But Tsaros said Tonga was the No. 1 priority for the Reds.
"We haven't progressed with Hunt because my belief is that he's a Bronco through and through," said Psaros.
"But Tonga, and he has played rugby before, is of interest to us."
The ARU has already opened discussions with the world's best rugby league centre Mark Gasnier – through a meeting with Connolly and recruitment officer Michael O'Connor.
But while the parent body is driving those negotiations the Reds have taken the active role in pursuing Tonga.
Queensland could offer him up to $150,000 a season to play Super 14. An ARU top-up would then be required to carry the agreement towards $300,000.
Test match incentives would give Tonga a chance to make more than $400,000 – double his Bulldogs salary. Potential raids on the NRL will also increase with Western Force bosses last night telling The Daily Telegraph they are targeting rugby league in a bid to boost the strike power of their rookie backline.
By PETER JENKINS
March 30, 2006
QUEENSLAND have called on the ARU to help them poach rugby league Test centre Willie Tonga.
The Reds have made contact with leading ARU figures – including Wallaby coach John Connolly – wanting a guaranteed contract top-up if the Bulldogs star agrees to switch codes next season.
"We've got to work together on this," QRU chief executive Theo Psaros told The Daily Telegraph.
"All four provinces (in Super 14) need to be strong and if we identify opportunities to boost our squad, then that will also enhance the Wallabies."
Negotiations involving the Reds and Tonga's management are still in their infancy after The Daily Telegraph revealed last week that Queensland coach-in-waiting Eddie Jones was keen to pursue the 22-year-old.
But talks will be stepped up with a face-to-face meeting planned this month between Tonga's agent and Jones, who is in the UK coaching the London-based Saracens club but will take over the Reds after this season.
Several high-profile NRL players, including Broncos fullback Karmichael Hunt, have confirmed they will listen to rugby union offers.
But Tsaros said Tonga was the No. 1 priority for the Reds.
"We haven't progressed with Hunt because my belief is that he's a Bronco through and through," said Psaros.
"But Tonga, and he has played rugby before, is of interest to us."
The ARU has already opened discussions with the world's best rugby league centre Mark Gasnier – through a meeting with Connolly and recruitment officer Michael O'Connor.
But while the parent body is driving those negotiations the Reds have taken the active role in pursuing Tonga.
Queensland could offer him up to $150,000 a season to play Super 14. An ARU top-up would then be required to carry the agreement towards $300,000.
Test match incentives would give Tonga a chance to make more than $400,000 – double his Bulldogs salary. Potential raids on the NRL will also increase with Western Force bosses last night telling The Daily Telegraph they are targeting rugby league in a bid to boost the strike power of their rookie backline.
