Harbour trio are going nowhere

North Harbour have achieved one of their season goals by re-signing Anthony Tuitavake, George Pisi and Vili Waqaseduadua but are still waiting for All Black Luke McAlister to put pen to paper.

The Herald on Sunday understands McAlister will almost certainly stay with Harbour but that he remains undecided about whether to sign for one year or longer.

Harbour have offered McAlister a three-year deal that offers financial incentives in the second and third years of the contract, while the New Zealand Rugby Union are also pushing for the 23-year-old to re-commit beyond the 2007 World Cup.

The All Black midfielder has made it clear, though, that a one-year deal which would allow him to leave New Zealand after the World Cup carries a lot of appeal.

With Daniel Carter and Aaron Mauger holding such a firm grip on the All Black No 10 and 12 shirts, McAlister is unsure whether he will ever break into the test starting XV.

He wants to be part of New Zealand's World Cup squad next year but, with no guarantees on his level of All Black involvement after that, he is tempted to keep his options open.

Even if he re-commits for just one year, that would represent a massive breakthrough for Harbour who have struggled to retain their best players in recent season.

Nick Evans, Craig Newby and Rico Gear have all been lured away, with Gear even signing with second division Nelson Bays in 2004. All three left because they were unsure whether they would be offered a Super 14 contract with the Blues.

Harbour chief executive Brett Hollister said: "We are delighted these young players have signed with Harbour. All three had significant offers to go elsewhere.

"One of the major challenges for us is hanging on to players. I don't think Luke is that far away from making a decision. He's come back into the squad and been outstanding. We obviously want to keep him here as he is an iconic player and has given really good value to Harbour."

McAlister will have to re-sign with the NZRU by October 13, as all who want to play in next season's Super 14 must be contracted by that date.

McAlister will have the perfect opportunity to test himself against his main rival for the All Black No 12 jersey when Harbour challenge Canterbury for the Ranfurly Shield today.

Mauger is back in the Canterbury starting XV after a two-week rest, as is Leon MacDonald, while Tony Woodcock and McAlister, who will play at first-five, are returning for Harbour.

Canterbury: Leon MacDonald, Scott Hamilton, Casey Laulala, Aaron Mauger, Caleb Ralph, Cameron McIntyre, Andy Ellis, Mose Tuiali'i, Hayden Hopgood, Kieran Read, Kevin O'Neill, Craig Clarke, Campbell Johnstone, Corey Flynn (c), Wyatt Crockett.

Harbour: George Pisi, Vili Waqaseduadua, Anthony Tuitavake, Rua Tipoki (c), Rudi Wulf, Luke McAlister, James Rodley, Nick Williams, Regan Tamihere, Anthony Boric, Greg Rawlinson, Ryan Wilson, Adrian Donald, Roger Dustow, Tony Woodcock.