Palu rejects euro lure
By Bret Harris
July 11, 2008
AUSTRALIA star Wycliff Palu has revealed he rejected a lucrative offer to play in France, at a time when players in both rugby codes are following the lure of big money to Europe.
At the start of the year when Palu was renegotiating his contract with the ARU and NSW, he received an offer from French club Clermont, which is coached by Robbie Deans' former Crusaders assistant, Vern Cotter.
But Palu, 25, had not achieved all of his goals in Australia.
"Clermont approached me at the start of the year," Palu said.
"I was in negotiation and stuff. They approached my manager and made an offer. A two to three-year deal.
"I took it pretty seriously. It was good money. A pretty good deal. I had just started to make a name for myself. I didn't want to go overseas and come back again. If I do go, I won't come back. It was too early in my career. I didn't want to have any regrets."
Palu, who has played 19 Tests since making his debut against England in 2006, is determined to cement his position as the Wallabies' first-choice number eight.
"My main goal is just to make the number eight jersey my own," Palu said.
"In the first two Tests (against Ireland and France), I was given an opportunity, but I didn't play as well as I could have. It's still up in the air.
"Hopefully after the Tri-Nations I'll make the number eight jersey my own."
A devastating ball-runner, Palu enjoyed a great Super 14 season with the Waratahs this year.
But he was quiet in the Wallabies' 18-12 win against Ireland in Melbourne and went off with a neck injury in the 34-13 win against France in Sydney, forcing him to miss the 40-10 win against Les Bleus in Brisbane.
"I want to take my Waratahs form into the Aussie team," Palu said.
"There is a big difference between Super 14 and Test rugby. Little things mean a lot. You can't afford to make mistakes or you will get punished. Also the pressure you are under."
The new style of play implemented by coach Robbie Deans should suit Palu's game.
"It's good. I'm really enjoying it," he said.
"A lot of the boys are, too. Play what is in front of you, bring to the table what you do best. But you have to do all the hard work first."
Palu has been cleared to play against the Springboks in Perth on Saturday week and will turn out for Manly against West Harbour at Manly Oval on Saturday to improve his match fitness.
"I could have played (against France last Saturday) if it was a World Cup final," Palu said.
"I'm playing half a game with Manly this weekend. Club rugby is good with the new laws. I'll be ready for South Africa.
"George Smith (Wallabies openside flanker) will play 12 (for Manly). I might play 10. Dummy and go."
Like everyone who has seen the Springboks' 19-8 loss to the All Blacks last Saturday, Palu was struck by the physicality and intensity of the contest.
But he was confident the Wallabies forwards would match the powerful Springboks pack.
"I caught a bit of the first half," Palu said. "It was a pretty physical game. The intensity was the main thing. It will be a step up from France."
Palu and Smith, who came off the bench against France, are expected to rejoin blindside flanker Rocky Elsom in the Wallabies' backrow against the Springboks.
The battle at the breakdown against South Africa's loose trio of Schalk Burger, Juan Smith and Joe van Niekerk is expected to be ferocious.
"We'll go well against their backrow," Palu said.
"In the Super 14, all the Australian sides went well under the new laws. All the boys are looking forward to it."
Palu, who is contracted until 2010, is yet to commit himself to the Wallabies' World Cup campaign in New Zealand in 2011.
"At the moment I'm just trying to focus on now," Palu said.
"I want to play good rugby with the Wallabies."
Hopefully, Palu will knock back any further European offers to help the Wallabies bring back the William Webb Ellis trophy.
