Murray to weigh up offer for ITM Cup

Northland's Bronson Murray is keen to return to play for his beloved Taniwha, but with lucrative offers being dished up from other unions, the prop is weighing up his options ahead of the 2011 ITM Cup season.
The local rumour mill has hit full throttle, and it is true - the 28-year-old prop was contacted by several unions recently, including Bay of Plenty, trying to lure him with enticing deals to join them in time for the national provincial competition, kicking off in July.
Murray confirmed yesterday, that he was in the middle of negotiations with Northland Rugby Union, looking to renew his contract which ended last season.
"I definitely want to come back up North. I'm only four games away from 100 games. I've played for Northland since I was 18-years-old and I've only missed five games in the 10 seasons I've played for them - either because I was banned or injured," he said.
Murray, who is in Dunedin, playing his second season with the Highlanders, said he hoped to know where he would be playing his 2011 ITM Cup season by the end of the week.
There is no shortage of motivation for Murray to return to Northland for another stint.
"There is a good bunch of guys up there for what is a big year for the side ... I think the main goal is to win so they can move up into division one."
Playing under the direction of coaching duo Adriaan Ferris and Derren Whitcombe was another drawcard for Murray. "I've played with Derren before and although I've had nothing to do with him as a coach, he was a good player. I'm stoked for Adriaan he got the job as head coach - he's from Northland and he came through the ranks and I think he'll do well."
Ferris, who took over from Bryce Woodward this year, said they had put an offer to Murray and were waiting for his decision.
"We've made no secret about the fact we want him back. He's a true blue Northlander, and we know exactly what we have to do this year and he's a huge part of that. But, at the end of the day, he's a professional rugby player and he has to do what is best for him - unfortunately we have limitations as to what we can offer," Ferris said.
After spending the past five months in Dunedin, which had turned "very chilly", Murray said the warmer Northland climate would come as welcome relief.
The forward said his past two seasons with the Highlanders had been a learning curve, and one that he has thoroughly enjoyed, thanks to the great team culture created by the coaching staff.