Will Genia eyeing NZ opportunities
As if conceding the Bledisloe Cup to the All Blacks for an eighth consecutive year isn't bad enough, now Australia could lose star halfback Will Genia to New Zealand.
Not in the short term and not to the All Blacks - but reportedly to a Super 15 franchise some time down the track.
Genia, who in the space of 12 meteoric months, has risen from Queensland bench-warmer to one of world rugby's most influential performers, has admitted he would give "serious thought" to joining a New Zealand franchise.
"I have never had an offer, so until I receive one we'll never know if it will happen," he told New Zealand's Sunday Star Times.
"But I would be flattered if any of the teams here wanted me and would have to give it some serious thought.
"It would certainly be a great experience, one that could only benefit my game.
"As a rugby player, you want to experience as many challenges you can. If you broaden your rugby knowledge, it makes you a better player and I have always been a fan of the way New Zealanders play their rugby."
Genia is contracted to Queensland and the ARU until after next year's Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and could expect a massive pay rise when he negotiates a new deal.
The 22-year-old signed his current one before he broke into the Test arena.
Even the slightest hint that he may be considering a move across the Tasman would send shudders through the Queensland and Australian Rugby Unions.
Genia, though, has no plans to walk away from his beloved Reds in the foreseeable future, especially after he assumed the captaincy this season following a serious injury to James Horwill.
"It would be hard for me to move away from the Reds," he said.
"I like it there and have unfinished business.
"But you never know."
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