England stint for Newby

By CHRIS RATTUE

Craig Newby has taken a punt on restarting his career with a short stint in England rather than hoping for a late Super 12 call-up.

The sevens star, who played impressively for the Highlanders this year, will turn out for Newcastle until May.

Newby was left out of the Blues for 2003 and may have been another selection "victim," similar to Harbour captain Mark Robinson.

Some sources suggest that Highlanders coach Laurie Mains was interested in Newby's return, but believed he would be picked up by the Blues, who instead left the lanky loose forward in limbo.

Newby was reticent yesterday about his English move, saying only: "The Super 12 is where you really want to be playing ... but it is a bit of a long shot hoping to get picked now."

Newby could have waited in the pool for an injury call-up, but his representative, Lou Thompson, said that apart from hooker and halfback, there had to be two injuries in a position before a Super 12 team sought a replacement.

Thompson added: "The standard over there is very good and there is a bit of a trend developing ... going to England doesn't mean your career is finished here. Craig's only 23, and the idea at the moment is he will return for next year's NPC.

"The Super 12 development competition has lost its spark, if it ever had it. But it's going to get harder for players to find clubs in England with things like changes in legislation. The quota for each club will be reduced to one for 2004."

Newcastle, who are coached by Australian Andrew Blades, have veteran Springbok lock Mark Andrews as their other overseas quota player.

Harbour back Mark Mayerhofler, who has an Austrian passport, and Aucklander James Christian, who has a British passport, are also with Newcastle, who are last in the 12-team English premiership.

Thompson sought a deal allowing Newby a return to New Zealand if a Super 12 place came up, but Newcastle wanted him confirmed until May.