Auckland union chief executive and former All Black hooker Andy Dalton said rumours suggesting Elliot was heading to his union were news to him. However, he pointed out he was scheduled to have a contracts meeting yesterday and there was a chance his name could be mentioned there.
North Harbour coach and former Magpies technical adviser Liam Barry said Elliot wasn't coming his way.
Elliot didn't return calls this week. He was obviously focused on his return to the Chiefs' 22 for last night's match against the Rebels in Melbourne after missing out on a berth the previous week.
Last month, Tamatea club chairman Don Hutana described the loss of Elliot as another blow to a Hawke's Bay club trying against the odds to keep itself afloat in the province's premier competition.
Hawke's Bay Rugby Football Union chairman Brendon Mahony recently replied to several questions on the Elliot issue.
Q1: How does the union intend to help Tamatea in finding bigger/elite players so they can foot it equitably with other teams in the premier grade, because equal stronger teams can only mean better quality competition and a healthier platform to select players to the Magpies?
BM: The union's staff, board members and club administrators have for the past four years put much effort into expanding the colts competition. This has seen an increase from five to 10 teams in the grade. We believe this is the basis for Tamatea and other clubs to build their base of bigger, younger and fitter players to go up to their premier teams.
The rules for this grade have been changed to accommodate the clubs which have been battling for numbers. Late last year myself, chief executive Mike Bishop, president Blair Furlong and directors Neil Pulford and Peter Fleming met with the Tamatea club secretary and committee members to help them get their club's structure better organised to deliver more successful results.
Blair, a very experienced administrator to a national level, has spent time with the club's secretary and has told them he is always available for mentoring. Additionally the union has a rugby development officer, a referee education officer and Magpies coaches going around the clubs if requested to help with the upskilling of coaches and players.
Q2: Tamatea haven't received an import player since George Naoupu in 2007. Is that likely to change and also why were they not on the grid?
BM: Alby Mathewson has been allocated to Tamatea this season. The fact Hika Elliot is not contracted to the Magpies does not preclude him being a member of and playing for Tamatea if he desires.
Q3: Don Hutana said Tamatea club members will be gathering kai moana to boost their coffers. What is the funding situation for clubs and what financial assistance do they receive from the union?
BM: All clubs have received a small dividend from the union's annual surplus during the last two years. This amount is determined by the board annually.
Q4: Has the union heard from the Auckland union or any other union requesting a release for Elliot?
BM: A release isn't required as Hika no longer has a contract with the Hawke's Bay union.
