MATT Burke's next move will be about rugby not money -- that assessment comes from Worcester's director of rugby John Brain who is still hoping to lure the Australian to Sixways.
Rob Andrew's Newcastle Falcons have also put an offer to the Wallaby veteran and Brain believes that the 31-year-old's sole motivation will be a rugby one.
"It won't be about money," said Brain. "Matt Burke's decision will be about the rugby and about where he lives. A lot is said about Worcester and the money we can offer but, as I've always said, we don't offer silly money.
"Newcastle can offer European rugby and a back-line which includes Jonny Wilkinson whereas I think Matt was impressed with the set up here at Sixways so it will be interesting to see."
Burke made a belated arrival at the Australian rugby team training camp in Coffs Harbour yesterday following his three-match stint with the Barbarians. He said he was determined to make the most of his opportunities with the 27-man squad who are preparing for tests against Scotland, England and the Pacific Islands after being brought in as cover for injured ACT Brumbies captain Stirling Mortlock.
Brain is expecting a decision from the former New South Wales Waratahs man by the end of the week but is not about to put everything on hold while the Aussie makes up his mind.
"We have a number of options in that area and we are pursuing them," he added. "You cannot afford to put all your eggs in one basket in this game and we never do.
"We've made an offer to Matt and he is now making his mind up."
Brain could yet add another three players to his summer shopping spree with a full back, a hooker and possibly another winger still on his hit-list. The newly promoted side have already brought in 11 new faces for their Premiership baptism with Pat Sanderson, Clive Stuart-Smith, Siaosi Vaili, Dale Rasmussen, Tom Bowman, Phil Murphy, Brad MacLeod-Henderson, Leon Greef, Steven Sparks, Thomas Lombard and Chris Horsman signing on.
Meanwhile, Ben Hinshelwood is set to play against his new team-mates on Friday in Wellington. The Scottish centre has been named at 13 to face Samoa who include Worcester's recent signings Rasmussen and Vaili.
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