ID :
73010
Thu, 07/30/2009 - 21:08
Auther :

Ioane may follow Barnes to the Waratahs

After another day of drama, the reeling Queensland Reds are braced for another
gut-wrenching Super 14 defection with strike weapon Digby Ioane admitting he could
follow Berrick Barnes to the NSW Waratahs.
Ioane indicated all bets were off on Thursday just an hour after Queensland Rugby
Union chief executive Ken Freer announced his resignation.
The powerful three-quarter, who had a handshake deal with Freer to stay at
Ballymore, could opt to follow playmaker Barnes south next week.
While he was keen to stick with the Super 14 battlers, Ioane told AAP that Barnes'
surprise decision put a new light on his prolonged contract negotiations.
The injured Wallabies flyer, worried the Reds backline would be affected by Barnes'
departure, said he would "weigh up" his future again this weekend.
"I said to the Reds that I would stay but there's been a big pause in the middle (of
the contract process) before Berrick going," he said.
"I want to make the right decision for my future.
"That's the hard thing now that Berrick has gone.
"I just have to do what's the best thing for my rugby.
"I thought Berrick was going to stay but I guess he wasn't happy.
"I just need a bit of time to think over the whole thing."
Barnes' one-year deal with the Waratahs, with an option for 2011, puts him squarely
in the picture to sign with the new Super 15 franchise, expected to be from
Melbourne.
Victorian-raised Ioane has been targeted by the Melbourne teams but he played down
thoughts of a return home.
"It's a new team again and you have to think about we're you can play your best
footy," he said.
Ioane's move back to square one has kicked Reds officials while they are sprawled on
the deck.
The Reds, who have also lost Wallabies forward Hugh McMeniman, started the week
believing both Barnes and Ioane, their two best backs this season when they finished
second last, were virtually in the bag through to the 2011 World Cup.
"We're doing as much as we can but (Ioane) has intimated to me that he's staying
here," said Reds general manager Daniel Herbert.
"But until we sign the contract there's the chance he won't, so we've got to be
prepared I suppose."
QRU chairman Peter Lewis dismissed speculation Freer had been sacked and also denied
persistent rumours former CEO and coach Jeff Miller and Wallabies great Tim Horan
were being viewed as replacements.
Freer, who said he decided before this month to finish his three-year stint this
year, will continue in his position until October.
"Ken took this decision months ago and by agreement we wouldn't say anything until
the season was well and truly over and the review was over," Lewis said.
"There was absolutely no rush, he's kindly agreed to stay on.
"We're not sacking him, we're not rushing him out the door.
"He just feels it's time to move on."




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