Rebels appeal to Mortlock

Former Wallabies skipper to decide by the end of the month

Last updated: 16th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Rebels appeal to Mortlock

Mortlock: Pondering his future

But at this stage Melbourne seems like a fantastic opportunity and one that I never really thought that I'd be looking into

Stirling Mortlock
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Stirling Mortlock has admitted that the possibility of joining the Melbourne Rebels seems a "fantastic opportunity".

The veteran centre is currently weighing up his options as his current deal with the Australian Rugby Union and the Brumbies expires at the end of 2010.

Although there is a World Cup coming up in 2011, Mortlock - who has won 80 caps for the Wallabies - could opt for a lucrative move abroad.

However the 32-year-old has also been linked with new Super 15 franchise the Rebels, who are coached by former Australia boss Rod Macqueen.

Not sure

"Basically it's the first time in my career where I've generally sat down and thought long and hard about going overseas or staying (in Australia), and I'm really not too sure what I want to do," said Mortlock.

"But at this stage Melbourne seems like a fantastic opportunity and one that I never really thought that I'd be looking into."

Mortlock's manager met with ARU officials on Monday and the player is likely to make a decision on his future by the end of March.

He insists that the current uncertainty is not a distraction, though he is struggling to be fit for the clash with Auckland on Friday due to a neck injury.

"There's always periods of time as a professional rugby player where you are negotiating and involved in talks both here and abroad, and that's just the way it is," he said.

"I'm sure a lot of other players are in that position where they're assessing the situation and looking at the future.

"It doesn't change what you focus on day in day out and for us that's Auckland (against the Blues) on Friday."