Dunning heads for Perth
June 13 2009
Matt Dunning has left the Waratahs after failing to secure a new deal, and is on his way west to the Force, according to reports.
Dunning, who missed this year's Super 14 with an achilles tendon injury, has been fretting over his future for months, with the 'Tahs' prop stocks well filled and his current deal expiring.
He had wanted a one-year extension, but after failing to agree on terms, he now looks set to head for Perth on a two-year contract.
Dunning has dropped 7kg during his rehab and came through his third senior club match since his injury on Saturday, playing for eastwood against Sydney University in a 27-18 defeat in the Shute Shield Final.
Former Wallabies coach John Connolly said Dunning was still a world-class prop and his signing was great news for the club.
"He's been a great servant to NSW and Australia, and he'll be a great asset for the Force," Connolly told The Sun-Herald.
"I have no doubt once he gets back to full fitness he'll return to international duties, there just aren't many players who can offer what he can at international level.
"He can play at both tighthead and loosehead, and that make him a pretty rare commodity.
"I think he's a big loss for NSW and a great gain for the Force."