Rugby: Gibson targeted for move up north

By WYNNE GRAY

Canterbury midfielder Daryl Gibson is being hunted to move to Auckland, a chase which might intensify next week when the two traditional rugby rivals play an historic NPC trial on Waiheke Island.

The 25-year-old Gibson has been identified as a solution to the Blues' thinning midfield back resources and a strong target as he comes off contract this season.

But the deposed All Black's decision is laced with difficulties.

With the Crusaders he is in the middle of a logjam of talent where Mark Mayerhofler, Mark Robinson, Norm Berryman and Aaron Mauger scrap for playing time. A switch to the Blues would cut the competition.

But Mayerhofler comes off contract this season and may go overseas, while Berryman, who has finally been courted by the Blues, is being linked to a club in France.

However, the Herald understands the New Zealand Rugby Union has asked for a transfer or release fee of about $100,000 as Berryman still has a year to run on his NZ contract. That request, which is permitted under the new IRB regulations, may end up in arbitration, though Berryman could play during any dispute.

Should Mayerhofler and Berryman sidle off, that would help solve the selection jigsaw and Gibson would be right back in the Crusaders and Canterbury frontline, especially as Mauger broke his ankle in a gym accident 10 days ago.

Sources told the Herald that the ARU have been in touch with Gibson for the last couple of months, trying to lure him north.

If successful, it would reverse the trend which has seen Norm Maxwell, Ron Cribb, Caleb Ralph, Scott Robertson, Greg Feek, Con Barrell, Mayerhofler and Robinson either lured south or picked after being overlooked by other franchises.

Auckland will travel by boat to Waiheke on Monday, while Canterbury will go on Tuesday, for the 3 pm match at the Onetangi Sports Park. It is the first time Auckland have played on the island and is believed to be the first domestic game held offshore. The game is in the middle of a four-day camp Auckland are holding on Waiheke.

"Many people think of Waiheke as being more remote than other areas of Auckland, even though it's just a short ferry journey from here," ARU chief executive Geoff Hipkins said. "But it is much harder for Waihekeans to get to a game at Eden Park, particularly now that many of our fixtures are at night.

"This is one way to ensure that community can participate in their team's development in the fullest possible way."

Meanwhile, foreign contracts are also being offered to Northland five-eighths Tony Monaghan and flanker Justin Collins. A French club is after Monaghan, though the NZRFU wants to retain him for his strong presence in the national sevens side.

As reported in the Herald several weeks ago, Collins is being pursued by the Brumbies. He was born in Australia and meets the necessary Australian Super 12 requirements, while he was also picked for the NZ A side and must be an outside choice for the All Blacks' end-of-year tour to France.

The Brumbies would release him to play NPC next season if he did not make the Wallaby squad.