Mitchell eyes Wallabies for Perth Super 14 side

SYDNEY - Perth Super 14 rugby coach John Mitchell has started constructing his side for next year's inaugural campaign, admitting four Wallabies are top of his shopping list.

Mitchell was typically coy when quizzed about the quartet though confirmed out-of-favour New South Wales hooker Brendan Cannon was a prime target.

"Brendan has the core values and wide leadership we want to bring along to our group," said Mitchell, who watched Queensland lose 15-18 to the Blues in Auckland on Friday night.

One player apparently not seen as a priority signing is Wendell Sailor, although the colourful Wallabies wing has registered an interest in finishing his career in Western Australia.

It is understood the double international's market value, which saw him switch to rugby union for A$650,000 ($707,140) a year, has turned off Perth in the interim.

Sailor said he would either stay at Queensland or go to Perth rather than go overseas and sacrifice any chance of making the 2007 World Cup.

He is considering an offer from Queensland and admitted it would be hard to leave his home state.

Meanwhile, Mitchell said he understood concerns expressed by New South Wales and Queensland that the new franchise will be looking to entice players during the Super 12.

Waratahs' coach Ewen McKenzie and Queensland's Jeff Miller have been concerned that Perth officials were distracting their pre-match build-ups by contacting players.

"I respect what they are saying and understand," Mitchell said.

"We will make sure now that we speak to players earlier in the week."

The former All Black coach, who officially starts work in Perth next Monday, said he had been flooded with telephone calls from player managers since being appointed last Monday.

- NZPA