'Jerry goes to Hollywood'
Wed, 07 May 2008 14:16
All Black flank Jerry Collins has denied asking the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) for an early release from his contract to pursue big-money offers from European clubs.
Despite dismissing media reports that he plans to turn his back on his country and the All Blacks, the tough-as-teak loose forward has hinted strongly that such a request might be forthcoming.
The London Daily Mail newspaper reported that Collins was finally ready to move north after making no secret of his desire to take his high-impact, hard-hitting game to the European scene.
"The flank, whose tackling ferocity once earned him the title of the world's most feared player, has asked the New Zealand Rugby Union to release him from his contract at the end of the Super 14 series later this month," the Mail's rugby writer said.
"The revelation will alert every major English and Welsh club."
Collins told the New Zealand media after a Hurricanes training in Wellington that he didn't know where the report came from.
"I suppose it just shows the power of the internet," he told Radio Sport's reporter in Wellington. "The internet could put one and 17 together and turn it into two I suppose. That's probably my reaction to it."
But then Collins all but admitted that a move out of New Zealand was on the cards at some stage.
"It's no secret I'd said I've thought about going overseas. It's my 10th year playing for the same union and my eighth year playing for the Hurricanes. And I've played just as many years for the All Blacks.
"You've got to think if you've worked 10 years in the same job and you're in your 10th year, how many times have you thought maybe I should think about working somewhere else.
"Next week it might be Jerry goes to Hollywood. I'm not too fussed about it. I acknowledge it's out there but at the same time [I'd say] keep it in perspective. It seems to me like there's a new claim every week."
Then just to compound matters Collins confirmed he was "considering my options".
He added: "That's just a fact of life. And I'm entitled to it. I'm not saying my loyalties are divided or anything. But after 10 years doing the same job for the same team in the same city, yeah why not?
"Who's to tell me I'm not entitled to ask for annual leave," added the All Black veteran with a chuckle.
Collins does have another year on his contract, but after all those years of service it's unlikely the NZRU would stand in his way should he seek an early release.
