Maxwell looking for a move

By WYNNE GRAY

Gymnasiums have had questionable rugby connections this week.

After the Rua Tipoki "accident" was exposed as a fake, Canterbury maintain they have re-routed Norm Maxwell to the gym for a month to undergo strengthening work instead of playing in the NPC.

Canterbury do have locking reserves in Todd Blackadder, Brad Thorn and Chris Jack, but dispensing with Maxwell did seem odd after his prominent role in the Tri-Nations.

Sources close to the Canterbury rugby scene suggest Maxwell's detour has happened because the lock wants to transfer out of the province. The 27-test campaigner has been interested in a move to Auckland or Wellington.

It also offers Canterbury more chances to convince Thorn to stay instead of returning to league with the Brisbane Broncos once his contract expires at the end of the NPC.

Meanwhile, Waikato have welcomed five players back to their side to play Auckland at Eden Park tomorrow night after injury, suspension and All Black duty.

Captain Deon Muir, flanker Jonno Gibbes and midfielder Mark Ranby have recovered from injury, tighthead prop Deacon Manu returns from a ban and lineout ace Mark Cooksley is available again.

Waikato: Todd Miller, Roger Randle, Keith Lowen, Mark Ranby, Bruce Reihana, David Hill, Rhys Duggan, Deon Muir (capt), Marty Holah, Jonno Gibbes, Mark Cooksley, Royce Willis, Deacon Manu, Greg Smith, David Briggs. Reserves: Isaac Boss, Mark van Gisbergen, Matt Priscott/Grant McQuoid, Anton Edwards, Tony Philp, Glen Remnant, Scott Couch.