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Flairblack <Karaibaby007>

"Keep the flair real!"

	Hey Piri, it's Andrew Johns on the line	257 weeks ago
	All Blacks reject Piri Weepu has been in secret talks with league legend Andrew Johns about switching codes. Sunday News revealed today that Johns - one of league's greatest players - has had several phone conversations with Weepu about the former All Blacks halfback hooking up with the Newcastle Knights in the summer. Kiwi wing Cooper Vuna - who joined the Knights from the Warriors - last night said Johns has told him: "Piri wants to come over again.'' Weepu did some pre-season training with the Knights last year before missing out on Graham Henry's World Cup squad. He impressed the coaching staff in his stint with the NRL club and the Knights' CEO Steve Burraston confirmed he would be keen to sign the 20-test All Black once he's given the greenlight by coach Brian Smith. "I would absolutely sit down and talk with Piri and his manager if our coaching staff signals an interest in him,'' Burraston told Sunday News. "I've seen him play several games and I have no doubt he could easily make the transition from rugby to league. "As long as he would fit within our cap, I'd have no dramas about signing him if that's what Brian Smith wants." Weepu was seen by some at the club as a potential replacement for departing hooker Danny Buderus. But with the Knights having already signed talented young Sharks rake Isaac de Gois for the 2009 season Weepu would have stiff competition for a starting position. Last week Weepu told Sunday News switching to league - the sport he played as a boy - was an exciting prospect. "I guess there's offers on the table but I haven't sat down with my agent and my family to discuss any of that,'' he said. Vuna says there is plenty of excitement about Weepu at the club following his pre-season stint with the Knights. "Our assistant coach Rowan Smith Brian Smith's son said Piri was really good when he came over here and he enjoyed his time training with the Knights. "I wouldn't mind him coming over here and playing for us. It would be great to have more darkies at the club!"
	posted by Flairblack