League: Union an option for Webb

The Warriors and Kiwis fullback is off contract at the end of the season and has fielded approaches from rugby union officials across the Tasman about a switch of codes.

He's also attracted interest from UK Super League clubs after impressing for the Kiwis in last year's Tri Nations.

"It's just something that's cropped up," Webb explained.

"I don't know what's in the woodwork but if the opportunity did come up, it definitely wouldn't be swept aside.

"I have had no formal offer from the rugby union so it's not an option at the moment but I'm coming off contract at the end of this year and I'm keeping my options open. I'm open to any offers going around."

NRL clubs are becoming increasingly jumpy about raids on their players from rugby union. This feeling has been further heightened with news that Dragons and Australian centre Mark Gasnier is about to sign a big-money deal with the Australian Rugby Union.

Some agencies were reporting yesterday that Gasnier had already penned a A$700,000-a-year deal with the ARU and that, of the four Super 14 franchises, he had ruled out playing for the Western Force only.

It has led to increasing calls from a number of quarters for the salary cap to be increased significantly to help stop the flow of players signing lucrative rugby deals.

With more than 140 NRL players free agents at the end of this season, Australian rugby scouts have a few options to consider.

Talking to Webb, you can sense the enthusiasm for the game after four years living in New Zealand but he admits he knows very little about how rugby is played.

"I have never played it," he admitted. "Growing up where I did [in Cairns], there was no such thing as rugby union. I love the rugby over here. I watch it every weekend and take a keen interest in it.

"I've learned a lot just watching from the sidelines but I wouldn't know where to start in trying to tell you the differences between playing fullback in league and in rugby union. I wouldn't have a clue."

Despite Webb having played 10 tests for the Kiwis, the fact he was born in Queensland means he would be eligible to play for any of Australia's Super 14 franchises and, ultimately, the Wallabies.

It needs to be remembered, however, that talks about a switch for Webb are only in the initial stages and that he is yet to receive a formal offer.

It also can't be ignored that news of a possible switch of codes could spark the Warriors into making efforts to re-sign the fullback.

"If the club is keen on re-signing me, I would have thought talks would have got under way by now," Webb said.

However, Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah said: "We have a number of players coming off contract and it is up to the coach [Ivan Cleary] to determine the make-up of the squad next year. It's too early to say what will happen with Brent but he's certainly a valuable player for us."

The Warriors management last week held their first meeting regarding player retention.

-HERALD ON SUNDAY