Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie hopes powerhouse lock Sitaleki Timani will stay in Australian rugby – but he’s not holding his breath.
Timani has signed a multi-million dollar deal to link up with French side Montpellier, but that contract could be withdrawn after the 26-year-old was denied an early release by the Australian Rugby Union.
Even if the deal falls through, Timani has indicated his intention to head overseas at the end of the year.
But McKenzie hopes the 126kg lock will change his mind, especially with the 2015 World Cup within sight.
Timani was initially overlooked by McKenzie for this year’s Rugby Championship.
But with the Wallabies nursing a host of injuries in the second row, Timani was called up for a bench role in Saturday night’s 14-13 win over Argentina in Perth.
McKenzie wants to see a lot more of Timani over the next few years, saying he only overlooked the 203cm giant because he had already signed for an overseas club.
The Melbourne Rebels shapes as an option for Timani if he decides to stay in Australia, but it would mean a major pay cut from what he would have received in France.
“At this point in time he’s signed a contract to do something else,” McKenzie said.
“If he’s not around in the next couple of years, then clearly I’ve got to invest in the next batch of guys.
“There’s World Cup and things to do.
“You’ve got to put your time and effort into the people that are going to be around supporting Australian rugby.
“I’ve made that clear to him. If he says he’s going to be around, well that’s a whole different perspective from my point of view.
“But the ball’s in his court.”