ARU in secret talks with Grothe and Tahu
RAMPAGING Parramatta wing Eric Grothe could be rugby's next big buy from league, irrespective of whether or not Lote Tuqiri stays with the code. Australian Rugby Union chief negotiator Pat Wilson yesterday confirmed rumours circulating in league circles that Grothe, 27 next month, had made it known he was interested in switching to rugby when he comes off contract at the end of this year.
"It is very preliminary at this stage," Wilson said. "It's a balloon going up, nothing more. We haven't met with him, we haven't discussed anything with him at this point." While Tuqiri's decision on whether to remain with the Waratahs and Wallabies obviously would influence how seriously the ARU pursues Grothe, there is little doubt that he would be seen as a prize recruit to the 15-a-side game.
Grothe, son of Test league wing sensation of the 1980s Eric, is regarded as one of the hardest and fastest runners in the 13-a-side game. At 188cm and 102kg, he has the build to fully exploit crosskicks to the wing. Confirmation that the ARU is chasing Grothe comes a day after it was also targeting his Parramatta team-mate Timana Tahu.
The Eels' bid to negotiate a new deal for Tahu, who has a get-out clause for the final year of his contract next year, is being hampered by the fact the wing is between management companies. Sources yesterday said the sports agency trying to acquire Tahu could be doing so to offer the Eels duo as a package to the ARU.
It is understood The Eels opened talks with Grothe last month and are in the process of tabling a two-year offer to keep the wing. "We are very keen for him to stay at the Eels and we are hopeful or confident of reaching a decision soon," Eels coach Michael Hagan said yesterday. Parramatta is treating the threat seriously, although there is some scepticism as to whether the ARU's interest in Grothe is genuine.
Unlike Tahu, Grothe has never played rugby and is hardly regarded in the NRL as an outside back with any kicking prowess. However, these obstacles did not stop the ARU from signing Brisbane duo Wendell Sailor and Tuqiri.
Grothe enjoyed one of his best seasons last year, being selected to represent NSW in all three games in the Origin series. That eased the pain of his previous selection in 2000 when he was forced to withdraw with a knee injury. "He just played Origin for the first time last year and I thought overall during the season he played some good footy," Hagan said. "He's a damaging outside back in our game and I think he's happy enough at Parra at this stage."
