Jonah contention

Jonah Lomu has pledged his immediate playing future to New Zealand rugby as anticipation builds over the greatest comeback in the sport's history.

Lomu told the Herald on Sunday he had not made any decisions about which province he would turn out for and said that while he enjoyed his time with Wellington, rugby officials were still to make contact about a possible NPC contract.

"We've had quite a few unions, both here and abroad, talking to us so at the moment things are still on the table," he said.

"I'm very close with the players in Wellington, but it basically comes down to who wants me."

More accurately, it'll probably come down to who can afford him as every union contacted by the Herald on Sunday expressed an interest in Lomu.

That interest was dependent on Lomu proving he can still play at the highest level and, with a salary cap due in 2006, union chiefs warned that his wage demands would need to be realistic.

Waikato chief executive Gary Dawson said: "We have talented wingers at the moment, but we would certainly be interested in talking to Jonah. He played for the Chiefs in 1999 and we loved having him here. But a player of Jonah's stature is obviously going to be quite expensive and we have to be careful knowing there'll be a salary cap in 2006."

Guy Sheppard, chief executive of Counties-Manukau where Lomu first made his mark, said the union would love him back but accepted that as a second division province they were probably not a big enough fish.

"To see Jonah back in a Steelers jersey would be the story all the romantics want. Jonah was at the sevens in Queenstown last week, but we didn't talk about his health or making a return."

Fiona Lomu said her husband was in no rush to make a decision. She confirmed she'd had informal discussions with NZRU chief executive Chris Moller and that the union seezmed excited about Lomu's imminent return.

It had been difficult for them because they'd never had to deal with such a complex situation, Fiona said. "The relationship does need to be rebuilt and they know that and we know that. They are working to mend that with us.

"Their door is open and when the time is right we will sit down and start negotiations."

Saying that, though, she could understand the controversy this week and the comparisons that had been drawn between the NZRU and adidas who had renewed Lomu's contract despite his illness.

He had not ruled out playing abroad eventually, but for the moment his future was in New Zealand, given the NZRU's clear edict that overseas players would not be considered for the All Blacks. If that changed, Fiona said, they would look at their options.

But for the meantime Lomu said: "I know what I want - [World Cup] 07. And I'm willing to do anything to get myself there."

Benefit no-go

Jonah Lomu has rubbished speculation about his involvement in a tsunami benefit match between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Rumours have been rife this week that Lomu has agreed to take part in the match as part of his plans for a return to top-class rugby.

But Lomu told the Herald on Sunday he knew nothing of the match.

His only focus was preparing himself for his much-anticipated comeback match against a Martin Johnson XV at Twickenham in June.

Australian Rugby Union chief executive Gary Flowers reportedly said he would love to see Lomu play in the charity game, likely to be at Sydney's Telstra Stadium in June or July.

"He certainly would be a great drawcard," Flowers said.

Flowers and NZRU boss Chris Moller both agreed it was important to get the world's best players.

"It basically comes down to who wants me."

- HERALD ON SUNDAY