By CHRIS RATTUE
All Black back Rico Gear was playing a cautious game last night over his future, which could see him leave the Blues to join Canterbury or Waikato.
The Harbour three-quarter Gear will decide this week where his provincial future lies, and confirmed one option was to join second division
Nelson Bays.
That would allow him to move into the Crusaders franchise. He cannot join Canterbury next year because they have already signed Mose Tuiali'i from Auckland. Each province is allowed only one All Black import a year.
Gear will consider where he is likely to get the most game time, and Auckland are well stocked in the outside backs with Mils Muliaina, Joe Rokocoko, Doug Howlett and Ben Atiga. However, Harbour coach Allan Pollock made a plea for Gear to stay, saying his All Black chances would be best served in the Blues backline where he would be surrounded by All Blacks.
Gear said North Harbour's little-brother status within the Blues - where they often seem to miss out on selections - was a factor.
He had always been treated well by Blues coach Peter Sloane but Harbour players often felt they did not get the rub of the green.
"My chances of staying are good and the chances of going are good. I'm in that position," Gear said.
"I have to see where I'm best suited with the backline I will be running off. My pathway to the All Blacks is something I've got to really consider. Game time is important.
"It's always been hard being in a non Super 12 franchise - it weighs on our players' minds. Some of the senior guys at Harbour talk about it."
If Gear does leave, he will join brother Hosea, Nick Evans and possibly Craig Newby in an exodus.
Pollock, who is always keen to promote his players' best career moves, said: "I would have thought being the Blues No 13 surrounded by others in the All Black frame would be good for him."
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