Lee setting the trend

Former all Black halfback Danny Lee has left the heavyweight Otago for the lightweight Hawke's Bay and thinks other big names might follow.

But it's hard to tell whether Danny Lee has committed career suicide or become New Zealand's bravest and smartest rugby pioneer.

He has left the safety of a big-five province for a shot at the unknown with Hawke's Bay. Some reckon he has signed up for endless big hammerings and a ticket to anonymity.

Lee, though, is confident he has given himself a shot at regular premier division one football and a place in the Hurricanes.

He reckons that when others who are edging towards the autumnal years of their career see the wisdom of his move, they may be tempted to do the same.

"There is no way I am going to Hawke's Bay to cruise along," said Lee. "Hawke's Bay have shown that they are dominating the second division and they are recruiting players for next year. I am not going up there to get a hiding every week.

"I still want to play Super 12 and I think I will get that opportunity. Some of that depends on reputation and the fact coaches know what I can do at the next level. The younger guys will probably still look at the bigger unions but I think a lot of guys who are a bit older will be looking at similar moves to mine in the next few years."

The NZRU are desperately hoping he's right.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY