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Mortlock on his 'fantastic opportunity'

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:32

Stirling Mortlock's position in the Brumbies team to play against the Blues on Friday is in doubt, as is his marquee position at the Melbourne Rebels.

Mortlock is keen to take up a multi-year offer to help pioneer the Rebels admission into the Super 15 from next season.

The former Wallaby skipper would be a huge catch for the new franchise but they cannot compete with the money on offer abroad without significant top-up money from the Australian Rugby Union (ARU).

Rebels officials say Mortlock's value as a drawcard is invaluable to the start-up franchise which at present has only English international Danny Cipriani contracted.

But the ARU is not prepared to grant the 33-year-old, who missed the last half of 2009 through leg injuries, anything more than a single-year deal.

Mortlock's manager, Nick Johnston, met with ARU officials on Monday to seek clarity over his offer but it appears the national body is unwilling to budge in a time of growing financial constraints.

"It's the first time in my career I'm genuinely thinking about going overseas or staying," Mortlock said, adding: "I'm not really sure what I want to do but at this stage Melbourne is a fantastic opportunity and one I didn't think I'd get."

It appears the only way the Rebels can lure the 80-Test centre is by digging deep and paying him extra in the second and third years of his deal.

Mortlock is suffering a neck injury but is looking likely to be replaced by Tyrone Smith if cleared to meet the Blues in Auckland on Friday.

Smith made an impressive impact off the bench after replacing the battered Mortlock, who has endured a slow start to 2010, in the 24-22 win over the Sharks.

Coach Andy Friend admitted Wallabies tourist Smith could start even if Mortlock, who missed training on Monday, responded well to treatment.

"There's no need pushing a bloke like Stirling if he's not right," Friend said.

"What we know is when he's on his game and got real energy the whole team feeds off that. If he hasn't got that energy, he doesn't have the same vibe and the team doesn't get that same feeling."

While there was no word of Rebels signings, Friend declared the Brumbies would "up the ante" in keeping their off-contract players.

AAP

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