By Andrew Collins
June 8 2007

Cardiff Blues are looking to the Ospreys for help after losing Chris Czekaj for the majority of next season. Tal Selley, who moved to the O's last season from the Scarlets looks set to arrive at the Arms Park on a season long loan, covering both wing and cantre for the 07/08 campaign.

Despite having wingers Rhys Williams, Tom James, Mosese Luvivatasau in their squad, plus Gareth Thomas, Tom Shanklin and Ben Blair who can all cover the position, it looks as though Selley may be drafted in for a 1 season loan.

With Thomas and Shanklin set to miss the opening of the season, both in action with Wales' World Cup squad, it does leave the centre/wing positions a tad bare, but the news that another Osprey's reject is joining the team is hardly inspireing fans in Cardiff.

 The Blues have a bitter rivalry with the Swansea based side after losing Mike Phillips to them in the close season, plus losing out in the Anglo-Welsh semi finals AND finishing 2nd in the league to them by a mere point.

So the news that Selley could follow Jason Spice out the 'Not Needed' door and walk staraight into our squad is almost a slap in the face for fans who are really beginning to despise the new 'Cheque-Book Charlies'!

Having said that, Tal would provide cover for the opening part of the seaon, as he can cover Centre and Wing, with the former the place most hit by the World Cup call ups. Whilst Tom Shanklin, Gareth Thomas and Jamie Robinson will all be called up for that position, it's unlikely a single winger will be following Czek's hideous injury.

That leaves just Nick Macleod and Stitch to play at 12 or 13, whereas Rhys Williams, Mosese and Tom James (unless called up) to cover 14 and 11.

Other options at centre pretty much include the unproven, but highly rated,  Tom Reiley and Daffydd Hewitt.

Selley's arrival looks imminent, with that likely to be the last player set to sign, with only excuses seeming to be the other transfer news. Peter Thomas has recently said there are NO players out there to sign, mainly due to the fact the Blues have already filled their NWQ quota.

With other Europea sides snapping up the likes of Chris Jack, Carl Hayman and Aaron Mauger plus rumours circulating over Luke McAlister, Rico Gear, Ma'a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Anton Oliver and Doug Howlett, it looks as though Cardiff are just taking steps backwards.

 Howlett was close toi signing last year, but after withdrawing to stay in New Zealand, Mosese was snapped up. Short sightedness meant he signed a 3-year deal with the Blues, a move that has pretty much shot ourselves in the foot given the exodus of Kiwi stars, and us unable to sign any of them!

Chris Horseman remains a long-term target, but any move would need to happen sooner rather than later, what with the Worcester star going to the World cup late August.

As yet, there have been no moves for a cover fly half since the collapse of a Carlos Spencer transfer.