McAlister a foreign target

EXCLUSIVE - Luke McAlister could be set to join the exodus of All Blacks overseas after next year's World Cup. The star first five-eighths fears he will continue to play second fiddle to Dan Carter and Aaron Mauger and is willing to re-sign with the New Zealand Rugby Union only on a one-year deal.

That would leave him with his options open after the World Cup to consider a big money move abroad or to remain in New Zealand should he advance in the All Black pecking order.

McAlister comes off contract at the end of 2006 and his preference to re-sign on a short-term deal has worried rugby bosses that the inside back is planning to use the World Cup to showcase his skills before taking the highest offer in Europe.

McAlister's father, Charlie, who acts as his son's agent, has hinted that the supreme form of Carter and Mauger is having an influence on developments. McAlister is wondering how he can win a regular starting test berth.

"He [Luke] will always be behind Dan Carter and Aaron Mauger," said McAlister snr.

"Going forward, that is a no-brainer. All Luke can do is keep working on his skills and get himself into the best physical and mental shape.

"We have been meeting with various people and I guess that will continue. Luke will make a decision that is best for him and his family."

The Herald on Sunday has learned that several overseas clubs have been made aware of McAlister's impending availability and are preparing big-money offers that cannot be matched by the NZRU.

But the NZRU is unlikely to stand back and see one of its most talented players drift into the arms of foreign money men at the age of 24.

McAlister is a crucial member of the All Black squad and with Mauger off contract at the end of next year, the NZRU will put the heat on McAlister to commit beyond 2007.

NZRU deputy chief executive Steve Tew said he couldn't comment specifically about McAlister but: "Our preference is to have longer term deals but when it comes down to it you can only get someone to sign something they are prepared to sign."

Both McAlisters have recently met North Harbour and Blues officials and McAlister Snr said they have also talked with other executives, believed to be from Wellington and Waikato.

North Harbour chief executive Brett Hollister said: "We have had two meetings with Luke and Charlie. Andy Dalton [Blues chief executive] was present at one. Retaining Luke is a priority for us but we recognise that he has not confirmed his commitment to the New Zealand Rugby Union or the duration of any likely commitment."

While franchises are not able to sign players, all parties recognise McAlister will barely play provincial rugby and that his final decision will be based on which Super 14 team can enhance his All Black prospects.

The Blues are understood to be encouraged by the early meetings. McAlister is settled in Silverdale with his wife and young child and he told Hollister he enjoys the environment of the Blues and Harbour.

The uncertainty for McAlister is thought to be playing resources at the Blues. This year, he was shuffled between second-five and first-five without being given an extended run in either jersey.

It is thought he would like to spend more time in the No 12 jersey but this year that luxury was denied him when the coaching staff lost faith in first five-eighths Tasesa Lavea.

The Blues are keen to bring in a proven first five-eighths to allow McAlister to play in his preferred position. Sources have confirmed that the Blues enquired about Cameron McIntyre before the Cantabrian entered negotiations with Clermont Ferrand and then finally re-signed with the NZRU.

McIntyre is certain to be involved with the Crusaders next year due to the likely non-involvement of Carter and Mauger in the early rounds and, therefore, not available in the draft.

The options for the Blues, then, appear to be to persevere with Tasesa Lavea, give promising utility Isa Nacewa an extended run at No 10 or persuade Northland's David Holwell to make himself available rather than commit to the Hurricanes.

If McAlister's fears can be assuaged by any of these options, then he could sign for North Harbour, with the Blues using some of their excess profit to top up his contract. Or he could be signed by Auckland and farmed back out to Harbour.

Alternatively, McAlister could be tempted by the Chiefs, who can guarantee him regular football at No 12 playing outside the promising Stephen Donald and inside All Black incumbent centre Mils Muliaina.

The Hurricanes seem possibly the least tempting destination, as they are awash with midfield riches. Wellington are at the salary cap limit and would have to loan McAlister to one of their franchise partners - Taranaki, Hawke's Bay or Manawatu.

But negotiations with the franchises can begin in earnest only once he has re-signed with the NZRU.

Don't go Luke

Five reasons for Luke McAlister to stay in NZ post World Cup:

* He will only be 24.
* He will be learning the game in a country renowned for nurturing quality back play.
* His value will only increase with more All Black caps.
* The market will be flooded with big names after the World Cup.
* There could be a change of All Black coach who rates him ahead of Aaron Mauger.