http://www.rugbyheaven.com.au/news/news/mo...9223099726.html
In-demand Waratahs five-eighth Daniel Halangahu has revealed he's considering forgoing a massive European payday if coach Chris Hickey can assure him a regular start next season and beyond.
The talented 25-year-old playmaker has had offers from four European clubs more than trebling the two-year deal tabled by the Waratahs, but said he could be willing to work through terms with NSW Rugby should they indicate the former ACT junior is part of their long-term plans.
"I'm really enjoying my footy at the Waratahs, and they're a great bunch of blokes. But if I'm not an integral part of the starting side for the future then I'm probably better off playing overseas for better money where I can play some good footy and be a starting 10 consistently," said Halangahu, who came close to leaving the Waratahs in December to join Welsh club Llanelli Scarlets.
"For me to stay, I want to be seen as a priority signing for the Waratahs, a guy they really want to keep around," he said. "There's a huge financial sacrifice to stay, and if I did, I want to know that I'm actually wanted by the people asking me to stay.
"It's not an ego thing, it's a footballer's reality. If I'm going to stay, I want to be part of their vision for the future. I don't want to be someone they'd like to have hanging around just in case."
With cashed-up strugglers Ulster and even the Western Force believed to be vying for the Sydney Uni premiership-winning five-eighth's signature, Halangahu insisted while money was a factor, it was not as big an issue as personal satisfaction.
"It's not just a financial thing, but overseas it's upwards of triple the money, and while I'm not driven by money, you'd be a fool not to consider that," he told
The Sun-Herald.
"It's a big deal to leave, too, because you sacrifice boyhood dreams of winning a Super premiership and playing for the Wallabies. But you can set up your family for life so there's a lot of things that come into it. It's not just looking at dollar signs."
The modest No.10 had little chance to show his wares in the first six rounds of the season, his game time off the bench totalling just 49 minutes, and conceded he had thoughts his Super 14 career could have been over after just 30 games.
"It was pretty frustrating at the start of the season … I had a good pre-season and the coaches were saying all the right things, that I was going to get some [game] time, but it just wasn't happening," he said.
"It was definitely in my mind that going overseas was more than likely. It was basically just a matter of trying to find the right club.
"I've had a couple of frustrating years here, things have never really fallen my way, in way of selection. But I'm a big kid, I can handle that. It's just good finally to be in a position now where I'm in control of my own destiny. If I play good footy then I'll get picked. I'm happy with that and I'm backing myself.
"It's almost thrown a spanner in the works actually playing now, and starting has inspired a bit more interest overseas. I have a few more opportunities now than I did have."
But his preference is to nut out a deal with the Waratahs that recognises his worth to NSW rugby.
"If I can make this No.10 jersey my own, or if I have to shift somewhere else to accommodate Kurtley Beale, I can see myself leaning towards sticking around if I'm in the starting side somewhere. But if I don't think it's my best opportunity, I'll head off somewhere where I can be a regular No.10 and earn some good money," he said.[/b]
