Jonah could be thrown a lifeline in Australia

Jonah Lomu

Could Jonah Lomu carry on his rugby career in Australia? The new national rugby competition across the Tasman could offer a lifeline to Lomu.

It has been revealed each of the eight Australian teams will be allowed to recruit one "marquee" player who will have no restrictions on what they can be paid. That could be a non-contracted Australian who is currently overseas or a foreign player such as Lomu.

The search began yesterday for the 127 club players needed to take part in the new competition by calling for them to register expressions of interest on the ARU website.

It is unclear how many New Zealand players could be enticed over to Australia.

Earlier this week Lomu conceded his dream of playing for New Zealand in next year's World Cup is over because he has been unable to land a contract in the Super 14.

Lomu defied medical advice by making a comeback two years after his kidney transplant in the hope of finishing his career with a World Cup victory.

But the 31-year-old says he now has no hope of making the All Blacks squad after being overlooked for the 2007 Super 14 season.

- NEWSTALK ZB