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Eels speedster tempted by rugby switch as Force offer new opportunity to revive career after Parra swoop on Sea Eagle

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16th October, 2023
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Parramatta centre Waqa Blake is considering making a switch to rugby union after the off-contract Eel spoke with the Western Force.

Unsigned beyond 2023, Blake is unlikely to be retained by the Eels for next season after playing only seven NRL games this year through injury and selection.

The 28-year-old has options both in Australia and overseas, with the most likely scenario being he will be able to remain down under and potentially in the NRL.

But AAP has been told one club Blake has spoken to is the Force.

Blake headlines a raft of players who will officially be out-of-contract in a little over a fortnight, with Corey Allan, Nathan Brown and Charlie Staines also on the list.

Blake was was born in Fiji but spent his teenage years in Perth, and has family in Western Australia.

The outside back also grew up watching the 15-man code, and spent time playing it while living on the west coast.

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Blake’s potential Force move comes after the club closed in on Sydney Roosters star Angus Crichton, before a public breakdown in his negotiations with Rugby Australia.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 09: Waqa Blake of the Eels takes on the defence during the round five NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Parramatta Eels at Cbus Super Stadium, on April 09 2022, in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

(Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Parramatta have added Manly centre Morgan Harper to their 2024 squad.

Harper had been expected to move to the English Super League next year to link up with Warrington after the Sea Eagles confirmed he would depart at year’s end.

However the Eels have now secured the 25-year-old on a two-year deal.

Born in New Zealand, Harper has been selected twice for the Maori All Stars representative team.

© AAP

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