NRL 2016: Newcastle Knights player Akuila Uate not interested in move to Japanese rugby

THREE years ago Newcastle flyer Akuila Uate knocked back an advance from the Australian Rugby Union and he’s prepared to deny the code again.

Akuila Uate in action during round 1 of the NRL season between the Gold Coast Titans and the Newcastle Knights at Cbus Super Stadium, Robina. Pics Adam Head

THREE years ago Newcastle flyer Akuila Uate knocked back an advance from the Australian Rugby Union, prompting them to chase the signature of Israel Folau.

The move from the ARU was serious and one that forced Uate to weigh up his options before deciding to commit to the Knights for a further four seasons.

Now the rumour mill has again kicked into gear linking the former Test and Origin winger to rugby once more, this time in Japan.

Uate is contracted until the end of next season and on big money, making recruitment difficult for new coach Nathan Brown.

Despite the talk, Uate’s manager Darryl Mather told The Sunday Telegraph his client will remain at the Knights until his current contract expires in 2017.

“No, that (Japanese) rugby is not the case and Aku be completing his contract,” Mather said.

“I can definitely assure you he isn’t being shopped there and we’ve had no interest either. But Aku has received interest from rugby in the past. I did get a call from an agent they could assist to get him to Japan, but nothing eventuated.

“When he didn’t show interest, the Australian rugby union directed their intentions to Folau just a few weeks later. But Aku won’t be going anywhere and he is just trying to work hard as a senior player to help the club and the coach to bring the young players on and hopefully playing well again.

“He is very committed to completing his contract at Newcastle.”

Uate was once one of the most feared wingers in the NRL.

Back in 2012 the Fijian-born flyer represented New South Wales and Australia and he was Newcastle’s leading tryscorer with 18.

The winger is a long way from his best, which led to him representing NSW and Australia.

He has struggled to reach those grand heights in recent seasons, but has worked overtime in a bid to rediscover his best.

This is good news for Knights fans, especially given Uate is one of the club’s highest paid players, on a contract worth $500,000 plus a season.

The explosive winger also has a stellar record against Sunday’s opponents Wests Tigers.

He has scored eight tries in seven games against them and has amassed 58 tries in 75 games at Hunter Stadium — the most at the venue.

It’s the type of form Mather hopes Uate can recapture again to continue his career beyond his current deal.

When playing good footy, Uate is tough to stop.

“Aku wants to play at the highest level, so hopefully he can do that,” he said.

Meanwhile, Newcastle faces a fight to retain back-rower Robbie Rochow.

The Maitland-born back-rower has received interest from Parramatta, Manly, Cronulla and Penrith.

Rochow’s manager will meet with the Knights this week to discuss options moving forward.

It’s understood the Sea Eagles are genuinely interested in the Country representative, but want to work through off-contract players like Tom Symonds and Feleti Mateo before making an offer.

The Sharks remain a strong chance to land Rochow’s signature, especially with off-contract veteran forwards Chris Heighington and Luke Lewis nearing the back end of their careers.

Originally published as NRL 2016: Newcastle Knights player Akuila Uate not interested in move to Japanese rugby