James O'Connor, one of the brightest emerging talents in world rugby, is on the verge of announcing he will stay in Perth by agreeing to a new two-year contract with the Western Force.
James O'Connor, one of the brightest emerging talents in world rugby, is on the verge of announcing he will stay in Perth by agreeing to a new two-year contract with the Western Force.
Following a four way fight for the precocious teenager's services - which resulted from offers from New Zealand rugby, the Queensland Reds and the NSW Waratahs - O'Connor is expected to tell the club by Thursday that he wants to continue his rapid rise through the ranks with John Mitchell and the Force.
And a similar offer has also been made to emerging prop Pek Cowan, who is currently playing for Australia A in the Pacific Nations tournament.
Former force CEO Mitch Hardy, who is dealing with contract negotiations, told WAtoday.com.au revised offers were made to both players yesterday and he would be chasing them up "like a rabid dog" today.
But a Force spokesman said details of the new deal were not likely to be finalised by Thursday, when the club will hold a press conference.
O'Connor became an instant star for the Force this season, forcing his way into selection contention before becoming the youngest ever Super rugby player - and then its youngest try scorer the following week.
The Western Force, who snaffled the diminutive playmaker on a one-year contract from under the noses of the Reds and the NRL last year, were confident of retaining the services of the youngster - who has already been compared with teammate Matt Giteau and Wallaby great Tim Horan.
But with O'Connor in the unique position of qualifying to play for all three SANZAR countries, through New Zealand-born parents and a South African grandmother, overtures from the NZRU grew louder after Queensland tyro Quade Cooper cooled on an offer to follow his Waikato bloodline.
It is believed the presence of Matt Giteau in Force colours was one of the major reasons for O'Connor wanting to stay.
He recently told a newspaper in his native Gold Coast the chance to play alongside Giteau, and under the former All Black coach, was too good an offer to turn down.
"He's done a lot for my game, as has the coach John Mitchell," said O'Connor.
"Matt is an awesome player, he controls the game so well and you couldn't learn from anybody better. He opens holes and is so unpredictable - he's also a great talker. I'm picking up a lot from him."
