Palu considers options

Wallabies back-row has not ruled out rugby league move

By Rachel Griffiths   Last updated: 15th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Palu considers options

Palu: Could move to rugby league

I've heard nothing from rugby league at this stage but I'm sure there would be some interest.

Mark Jones
Quotes of the week

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Australia back-row Wycliff Palu could be interested in a switch to rugby league, according to his manager.

The 27-year-old is out of contract with the Australian Rugby Union at the end of the year and although taking up a new offer or playing in Europe or Japan seem his most likely options, he has hinted a deal with an NRL club could catch his attention.

Palu notched up some rugby league experience when he played for NRL club St George Illawarra in 2004, but failed to establish himself at the top level.

Comeback

He made his comeback to rugby union the following year and went on to represent New South Wales and the Wallabies, earning himself the reputation as one of the world's best number eights.

However, a return to the NRL has not been ruled out by Palu, who feels he left behind unfinished business in the 13-man format.

Family-orientated Palu, who is not keen on the constant travel that goes hand in hand with rugby, could also be tempted by the fact that rugby league would keep him at home.

"I will always listen to offers on behalf of my clients," said Palu's manager Mark Jones.

"He (Palu) follows it (the NRL) closely and has a number of friends involved in the game.

"I've heard nothing from rugby league at this stage but I'm sure there would be some interest.

"But I would imagine the salary cap would preclude any serious offer from an NRL club. I don't think they would be able to compete financially."

Another factor effecting Palu's decision is the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand. The number eight is eager to be involved in the showpiece event, but knows a move overseas or to the NRL would make him ineligible for the tournament.

Discussions

"He's off contract at the end of this year and we're in discussions with the

ARU and we're also talking to a number of clubs in Europe and Japan," said Jones.

"He is keen to play in next year's World Cup and at this stage his future is very much in rugby.

"This next deal will probably be his last and he needs to set both himself and his family up for life after rugby."