The prospect of being a leader at the Brumbies entices Scott Sio, but the Wallabies prop is keeping his options open as he considers his future in Super Rugby.
The World Cup star’s contract expires at the end of the 2016 season and, along with David Pocock, is a priority signing for the Canberra-based outfit.
They have already lost skipper Stephen Moore and Matt Toomua for 2017, but late last month locked in Christian Lealiifano for another two years on a flexible deal.
While Sio said contract negotiations weren’t front of mind just weeks out from the season opener, he hopes to have it sorted out sooner rather than later.
“I don’t think it’s something that you can drag out or rush,” he told AAP.
“But it’s also something that you’d like to have peace of mind with heading into the season.
“At the end of the day, I’ve just got to do what’s best for myself and my family and just keep all options open.
“My focus is on the here and now and playing well for the Brumbies.”
If he does choose to stay, Sio is keen to take on a leadership role.
“It’s definitely something that I’d like to step into, but I know it takes a lot of hard work.”
The 24-year-old, entering his fifth season at the Brumbies, feels he’s come along in leaps and bounds the past 12 months – especially during his time with the Wallabies.
While he walked away from the World Cup with a knee and elbow injury, forcing him to spend most of the off-season in rehabilitation, Sio said he had developed a “good mental approach” to the game.
“It’s something that I hadn’t really tapped into,” added the loosehead prop.
“A lot of the boys helped me with that, and being in a different environment helped shape that as well.
“I feel a lot more level-headed out there within the group, which I hope I can develop and add a lot more to the team this season.”
Having lost the 2013 final and fallen at the semi-final stage the past two seasons, Sio, along with his Brumbies teammates, are eager to go step further and win the 2016 title.
While they don’t lack motivation, the will to send captain Moore – who will join the Queensland Reds next year – is high.
“He’s spent a lot of years at the Brumbies and he’s given a lot to this team, so it’s definitely something we’d like to do,” said Sio.
taylorman
Roar Guru
I hear Poey is looking at taking 2017 off to study in England. Now not many rugby players do that! Good on him.
Not Bothered
Guest
I love it when people just make stuff up. So Poey would go to qld but only if Graham is sacked? Rubbish.
RobC
Roar Guru
I think you're right on that point there, in general. I would like to see the income comparison of Beale vs Holmesy for example
PeterK
Roar Guru
I think tight 5 players are underpaid in oz
RobC
Roar Guru
I suppose so Pete. I believe in the case of Sio, as a the #1 #1 the contract would be competitive
PeterK
Roar Guru
often the aru top up is not large enough for props though to compete with the money on offer in europe.
RobC
Roar Guru
I think Sio is a shoe in, easily. Its a matter of which state wants him the most.
PeterK
Roar Guru
I don't think Robinson is. I would like to know who the ARU contracted players are though. There should be a lot of money available now Kepu, Horwill, Palu, Higginbotham (if he was), Genia, Cooper, AAC all off the payroll. The loosies are paid well with only the openside paid very well i.e. the glamour forward.
Bakkies
Guest
Does Benn Robinson still have an ARU contract? Shifting that money to Sio makes sense as he is more likely to play test Rugby going forward than Robinson is. The other possibility is with Higginbotham, Kepu and Horwill off the ARU pay roll he may see some of that coin. The forwards don't get paid enough full stop.
Utah
Guest
Severely undervalued! Pay up Pulver.
Bakkies
Guest
Probably to the Brumbies knowing how the player movements have worked previously
dru
Roar Rookie
Pocock would go to qld if graham got the sack. The trajedy is that we will lose Gill for the same reason.
Marto
Guest
Yes..Props aren`t valued in Aussie. But weve known that for years and years...The ARU still dont know it.. Oh well..
PeterK
Roar Guru
tahs would gladly have sio Pocock would go to qld if graham got the sack. Brumbies losing their players to other oz super rugby teams does not concern me, losing very good young wallabies to europe does.
Bill Chapman
Guest
The conventional wisdom is that Sio will be a Waratah next year. He and Filau and very close. There are all sorts of negative rumblings about Brumbies management - which explains the Moore and Pocock decisions not to sign for more than 1 year. Another example of 'professional' administrators behaving like rank amateurs. Rugby, sadly, has more than its fair share.
PeterK
Roar Guru
Props are severely undervalued by the ARU. The wallabies FINALLY have a decent set of props in Kepu, Holmes, Sio and Slipper. Kepu gone, Holmes gone next year. Who knows Sio gone as well? European clubs values props and will make very good offers to Sio and they did to Kepu and Holmes.