Huxley transfer wrangle over

By WYNNE GRAY

Five-Eighths Julian Huxley has been cleared from his transfer wrangle and will make his Northland debut tomorrow against Auckland.

Huxley missed the first round of the NPC because of medical insurance issues in gaining his release from his Queensland contract.

"He has completed his side of the bargain and we expect the paperwork here anytime," said Northland chief executive Tim Hamilton.

Huxley had been groomed by Queensland as their first five-eighths for the Super 12.

But the 25-year-old missed the entire series. He broke his jaw in a collision with Blues midfielder Sam Tuitupou in a trial game and then, as he was recovering, tore knee ligaments at training.

Huxley was in just his second game for his Wests club last month when he was concussed. Insurance and obtaining psychometric clearance from that injury were understood to be behind his delayed start to the NPC.

"I need some matches. My motivation is as simple as that because I have missed out on a full Super 12 season," he said before he left Brisbane.

Huxley's inclusion means Northland coach Bruce Hodder has named the side originally picked to play Otago in the opening round.

Hodder went home ill yesterday suffering from the sort of gastric flu that had earlier afflicted his assistant, Mark Seymour. None of the players was reported ill and the side will have a final practice today.


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