Queensland have denied speculation Wallabies winger Digby Ioane is unhappy at the Reds and plans to break his lucrative three-year contract at the end of the current Super Rugby season.
Reds coaching boss Ewen McKenzie and captain James Horwill both disputed a News Ltd report on Monday that Ioane had fallen out with the Queensland Rugby Union administration and would leave the 2011 champions.
The 34-Test finisher is among the best wingers in the world and is currently one of Australia’s highest-paid players.
The newspaper report claimed Ioane was unhappy after being one of several players, including Horwill, taking issue over a third-party payment and was now hoping to play interstate.
But Horwill denied he was in dispute with the Reds over any contractual matters and would be surprised if Ioane wanted to leave.
“That’s completely untrue from my end,” said Horwill, who added his plan is to remain with the Reds.
“I’d find it very difficult to play for another team other than the Reds, in Australia.
“I know Digby and, talking to him throughout the year, he loves playing for the Reds and loves playing for Australia but in the end everyone has their own situation and must weigh up how they feel.”
Ioane signed his three-year contract with the Reds and Australian Rugby Union, set to take him through to the end of next year, in late 2011.
McKenzie was unaware the 27-year-old had any problems and felt the report was typical of the player negotiation game.
“I’m not too stressed about it. Digby is out there playing good rugby for us so I’m happy about that,” he said.
“There’s some journalists out there who like writing speculative pieces without much substance so I will give it that much credence.
“You can’t respond to everything written in the paper otherwise you would be very busy.”
Red Kev
Guest
Dellit? You are outside your mind, that guy is shocking.
Terry Kidd
Guest
G'day Mike ... those that I would select ahead of him on the wing for the Wallabies are Tomane, Cummins, Dellit, Mafi, Folau (even though he is not playing wing), JOC, Speight (if he was eligible) .... all bring as much, if not more, to the table.
Red Kev
Guest
I think Digby's Reds contract has an option for a third year with a clause that prohibits him from playing for another super rugby franchise in that third year without the Reds releasing him. Therefore he wouldn't have to break it to head overseas.
Mike
Guest
Ha ha, so much for my scepticism. He's confirmed he wants to leave.
Mike
Guest
Hi Terry, I am not necessarily disagreeing with you, but just curious - who do you see as the better wingers?
Terry Kidd
Guest
Ioane's contract with the ARU ends this year, his Reds contract ends next year. Ioane will break his Reds contract and go OS. IMO he will be no great loss. He has caused the Reds no end of trouble with numerous áfter hours' incidents plus there are lots and lots of good wingers around. Digby can run hard .... he is good at that .... his defence is ok .... but he has hands like cement, he can't kick, has an atrocious pass and gets isolated often. Many of you will say this is heresy but in my opinion he is over paid and over rated. We have better wingers with just as much energy.
Mike
Guest
Just looking at the SMH article now, Jutsie. Good point.
Jutsie
Guest
georgina robinson in the smh directly quotes digby so I dont think she is fibbing. If she made up a direct quote from a player he could sue for defamation.
Mike
Guest
I agree someone is fibbing, or misinformed, or both. Its very easy for journos to come up with a story like this. Sometimes it turns out to be true, sometimes not. In the latter case, the original journo who started the story has usually been forgotten and is not called to account. We'll know soon enough.
AdamS
Roar Guru
I believe Ant Faianga is going to France.
mania
Guest
isnt gill looking over seas as he didnt get a topup?
jutsie
Guest
If u believe the article by Georgina Robinson today then it appears like link is the one talking bs as the article states digby told link he was quitting before links press conference yesterday.
A Different Cat.
Guest
Barnes, Kahui, Thompson, Palmer, Kimlin, Ioane, Timani, Mitchell!!!!? Who is next?
Blue Blood
Guest
I agree Adam. If it was all bs surely DI would come out and say so himself. Even Horwill was clear that he was only speaking for himself. If they are as close as they all say they are, then surely he would have been happy to clear the air for both of them. Let's hope he isn't lost to an OS club. Although I can't see the ARU releasing him to leave the country. But to another club, maybe. Interesting times
AdamS
Roar Guru
Righto then, just pop digs on the phone to a journo so he can scoop the emphatic denial from the horses mouth. Only take a minute or two.