ID :
83888
Fri, 10/09/2009 - 17:08
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Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/83888
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ARL denies forcing Brett White`s hand
Australian rugby league officials say they never forced the hand of Brett White
after the Kangaroos prop postponed his wedding until after the Four Nations
tournament.
White and fiancee Cassie Adland were due to be married on the NSW south coast on
October 17, but those plans were thrown into disarray when the Melbourne front-rower
was named in his first Australian squad last week.
The Kangaroos fly out for the Four Nations tournament in England and France on
October 16.
White denied he would seek permission from the ARL to postpone his departure for the
UK until after the wedding, but the governing body said it would have considered the
request had it been made.
"Had Brett wished to seek compassionate leave from the tour for several days it
would have been considered by the Australian Rugby League," ARL chief executive
Geoff Carr said.
"However Brett and Cassie have now made some alternate plans together and we
certainly wish them the best for their upcoming marriage."
White and Adland will now be married after the tournament, the final of which will
be held in Leeds on November 14.
The Storm prop wasn't the only one to be left juggling dates, with grand final rival
Nathan Hindmarsh postponing his bucks day following a surprise recall to the
national squad.
White, who still has to overcome a shoulder injury to confirm his place in the
squad, said he had the support of his partner to make the trip.
"Cassie and I spoke at length about the issue and, at the end of the day, she has
told me she wants me to tour," White said in a statement.
"It's been an extremely trying time for both of us and it's obviously going to be an
expensive outcome because postponing a wedding at the last minute is not a simple
exercise.
"I am very relieved that I have Cassie's support and that I am able to focus on the
tour now."
The 24-man squad will regather in Sydney on Tuesday, when final decisions will be
made on the availability of injured players White, Hindmarsh (shoulder) and Kurt
Gidley (calf).
after the Kangaroos prop postponed his wedding until after the Four Nations
tournament.
White and fiancee Cassie Adland were due to be married on the NSW south coast on
October 17, but those plans were thrown into disarray when the Melbourne front-rower
was named in his first Australian squad last week.
The Kangaroos fly out for the Four Nations tournament in England and France on
October 16.
White denied he would seek permission from the ARL to postpone his departure for the
UK until after the wedding, but the governing body said it would have considered the
request had it been made.
"Had Brett wished to seek compassionate leave from the tour for several days it
would have been considered by the Australian Rugby League," ARL chief executive
Geoff Carr said.
"However Brett and Cassie have now made some alternate plans together and we
certainly wish them the best for their upcoming marriage."
White and Adland will now be married after the tournament, the final of which will
be held in Leeds on November 14.
The Storm prop wasn't the only one to be left juggling dates, with grand final rival
Nathan Hindmarsh postponing his bucks day following a surprise recall to the
national squad.
White, who still has to overcome a shoulder injury to confirm his place in the
squad, said he had the support of his partner to make the trip.
"Cassie and I spoke at length about the issue and, at the end of the day, she has
told me she wants me to tour," White said in a statement.
"It's been an extremely trying time for both of us and it's obviously going to be an
expensive outcome because postponing a wedding at the last minute is not a simple
exercise.
"I am very relieved that I have Cassie's support and that I am able to focus on the
tour now."
The 24-man squad will regather in Sydney on Tuesday, when final decisions will be
made on the availability of injured players White, Hindmarsh (shoulder) and Kurt
Gidley (calf).
