Melbourne firming for wunderkind O'Connor
Bret Harris The Australian June 07, 2011 12:00AM
THE Melbourne Rebels have re-emerged as firm favourites for the prized signature of Wallabies wunderkind James O'Connor, who is expected to make a decision on his future in the next few days.
The Rebels were regarded as frontrunners to secure O'Connor when he put himself on the open market a few months ago after becoming dissastisfied with his initial offer from the Western Force.
Since then, the Brumbies and the Queensland Reds have joined the race for O'Connor, leaving the NSW Waratahs as the only Super Rugby team to show no interest, even after they lost Kurtley Beale to the Rebels.
The new play by the Rebels is believed to have unnerved other suitors, although no one is giving up hope yet. There is speculation that O'Connor will leave Perth, but that is yet to be confirmed.
It is understood O'Connor was waiting to see who the Force recruited for next year and so far it has signed only Wallabies and Brumbies prop Salesi Ma'afu and ex-Chiefs second-rower Toby Lynn. Brumbies coach-elect Jake White met O'Connor while he was in Australia last month on a reconnaissance mission.
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James O'Connor tipped to remain in Perth
Bret Harris The Australian June 07, 2011 2:10PM
Brilliant young Wallaby James O'Connor has decided to stay in Western Force colours
Source: The Sunday Times
WALLABIES utility back James O'Connor is expected to announce he is remaining with the Western Force in the Super Rugby competition.
The hottest player on the market, O'Connor had been chased by the Brumbies, Melbourne Rebels and Queensland Reds.
There was strong speculation the Rebels had firmed as favourites to secure O'Connor, but it is believed he is staying in Perth where he began his Super Rugby career in 2008.
