Will Genia to stay with the Reds – Rugby News Update
Will Genia, the Papua New Guinean born Australian scrum-half, has decided to stay with the Reds, penning a three-year deal and turning his back on Western Force, a team he was poised to join till last week.
Having had a tumultuous last week not being able to make up his mind, Genia explained his decision to stay with the Queensland Reds, a team he debuted for as a 19-year-old in the Super 14, having not played a senior club match.
He said, "It was just a scary thought to think that I may not feel that way about playing for another club. And singing the team song in the change rooms afterwards ... to think I wouldn't have that opportunity again next year was a scary thought.”
The 24-year-old has created an awkward situation for both clubs, as Western Force were all ready to welcome him, while the CEO of the Reds, Jim Carmichael bid him farewell in a press release, two days prior to his re-signing.
Genia has embarrassed both clubs but his decision to stay with the Reds will be welcomed and he felt that in a match, which was a major reason why he resigned. He spoke and said, "I made my mind up, I changed my mind several times, but if I'm going to be
honest the reason I've decided to stay is because after that game against the Blues (last Friday night)."
The scrum-half has a big influence on the Reds with his play, along with being a regular for the Wallabies internationally. After impressive performances domestically, he earned his first international call up against New Zealand, at Auckland in 2009, and
so far he has played 34 times for Australia, starting 29 of those matches. He has also scored 30 points.
In 2011 Genia won the Super Rugby title with the Reds, and after staying with the club he said, “I love the place, I wake up every morning looking forward to coming to training and that's too hard to give away."
Even though it is an embarrassing situation, the Reds will not be complaining, as they have been able to keep one of their own.
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