Chieka hope: Sitaleki Timani
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Waratahs head coach Michael Cheika has urged the Australian Rugby Union to do all it can to keep hold of strong Wallaby lock forward Sitaleki Timani.
According to AAP, the powerful second-row is reported to have agreed a deal with Top 14 outfit Montpellier from 2014 but Cheika believes there is still hope of keeping the 26-year-old in Sydney.
"I know we've put everything we can into our offer - we're mindful of the salary cap - and the way the contract system is at the moment it's going to be up to the ARU to do the best they can," he said.
"No one has shown me a piece of paper where he's signed on the dotted line [for Montpellier].
"It's very important for us to maintain locks of Sita's quality in Australia. I'm not saying that to play politics, it's the truth. I'd love to keep him."
Elsewhere at the Waratahs and it seems likely that rugby league convert Israel Folau is poised to run from full-back in pre-season, with the 23-year-old explaining he is keen for the season to start.
"I feel fine with that [fullback]," he said.
"I've been training most of the time at full-back so it doesn't feel any different and I'm looking forward to the challenge on Saturday.
"We'll see how we go in trial games but at this stage I actually have no preferences.
"Full-back is probably the best way to learn and like Cheik says, you can see everything unfolding in attack. There will be a lot of space so that will be good."
Comments
DutchWing says...
Fitzy, this is Sitaleki Timani, a 2nd row forward. Not Israel Folau, lol
Posted 09:59 01st February 2013
Fitzy says...
This guy could rival the likes of Israel Dagg if he can get a consistent run at the back.Can't wait to see his marking skills and everyone in the nrl has seen what he can do with ball in hand.Exciting prospect
Posted 03:41 31st January 2013
firepower says...
good luck mate (Sita)
Posted 19:47 30th January 2013