Lomu dismisses health concerns

SYDNEY – Former All-Black star Jonah Lomu yesterday brushed aside concerns over his health as he contemplated an offer to switch codes and play for new Australian National Rugby League club Gold Coast Titans.

Titans coach John Cartwright said club officials asked Lomu during a visit to the club if he was fit enough to play rugby league immediately and the wing sensation replied “100 per cent”. The 31-year-old Lomu has been unable to command a Super 14 club contract for next season following a kidney transplant in 2004, which ended his dream of a return for the All Blacks.”He looks absolutely better than we expected,” Titans managing director Michael Searle told reporters after the meeting at which Lomu was offered a one-season incentive-based deal.”We’re confident that if there was a game being played tomorrow, Jonah Lomu would be picked in it.”Searle said he was satisfied Lomu was genuine about switching codes but the club had not set a deadline for a decision.Nampa-AFPThe 31-year-old Lomu has been unable to command a Super 14 club contract for next season following a kidney transplant in 2004, which ended his dream of a return for the All Blacks.”He looks absolutely better than we expected,” Titans managing director Michael Searle told reporters after the meeting at which Lomu was offered a one-season incentive-based deal.”We’re confident that if there was a game being played tomorrow, Jonah Lomu would be picked in it.”Searle said he was satisfied Lomu was genuine about switching codes but the club had not set a deadline for a decision.Nampa-AFP