O'Donnell confirmed 1yr deal

[Guest]

...and I don't expect him to be breaking tackles and running the length of the field. He probably wont win us a game with a freakish flick pass and he probably wont go 80 minutes anymore. However, his intensity, his attitude, and his approach to the game will have a ripple of positive effects in a variety of different areas that can't be measured.

[Guest]

Who would you suggest we sign to offer those things you mentioned plus aggression mate???

I can't see where Taka or Cherro have offered any of those attributes in the past. Maybe Taka gained yards with the ball on a few occasions. I did see his poor defensive reads cost us at least one game though.

It may very well prove to be a dumb signing. But on your list of reasons you suspect he was signed alone, I can't see how.

He certainly offers more of those attributes than the two said to be moved on for him.

to be honest, pretty much anyone over of a 32yo guy who's been playing in England with dodgy knees who's just had a shoulder recon

David Stagg was available a few months back, I'd certainly prefer him if we need an older head

Anyway, hope I'm wrong but I'll be surprised if LOD produces much of anything

aggression is very overrated

[Guest]

Scratching my head as to how they would've had any previous associations, different ages, different clubs, no rep teams together, doubt they would've played against each other, sounds a bit curious to me, then again it could be complete bulls hit!

maybe it is i thought it strange too. i spoke to someone who is a family member of a player. not mentioning names just passing on what i heard. take it as you want

[Guest]

A comment on Foxsports says it all for mine:

Tough experienced injury prone and a thuggish hot head. Hope the Chooks know what they're doing. As recruitments go it could be a stroke of genius or a major stuff up.

Although watch the video below at about the 2m50s mark, O'Donnell runs straight in to the biggest bloke who had started the fight. Happy to have him if he's willing to support the team.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8uW3_wKW-U

[Vasco]

The coach sets the recruitment policy. Smith's recruitment policy failed. Remember Mullins? This could have similar impact, we need an old hard head in the forwards to lead the younger blokes. If recruitment is based on youth then you end up with no leaders.

Yep, I reckon it's a great signing.

Crocker has worked out well for Souffs even if he is only half the player he was with us and Melbourne.

[SConcierge]

one yr deal is a good choice, lets hope he works hard for another deal

[Guest]

Fu$k the youth policy, it doesn't work. If you want to be competitive in the NRL you have to have experience, proven first graders with talent. Sure every club has some youth but as we've seen with us, no stars means a shit season.

I agree. Ryles had two good years for us and at 34 is going into his second year at the storm after bellamy picked him up.

[Guest]

all of these signings have been for all the right reasons, which is great to see.
also good to see LOD has only been signed for one year, which is a bit odd, but the purpose is there.
as well as this, each new signing takes a lot of attention away from our previous signings.
most people will have completely forgotten we signed maloney, and a few might have forgotten weve signed jennings as well.

[Jacks Fur Coat]

I was more excited when we signed ryles and seen him as a bigger value add.

Losing cherro is a high price IMHO...

We shall see.

[Guest]

I was more excited when we signed ryles and seen him as a bigger value add.

Losing cherro is a high price IMHO...

We shall see.

have we actually lost cherro?

[Guest]

Not yet,,,i dont think

[Guest]

if we had to let go of one of cherro or symonds, id pick cherro.
symonds has played well in the past. the round one games of 2010 and 2011 spring to mind.

[Cockadoodledoo]

I was more excited when we signed ryles and seen him as a bigger value add.

Losing cherro is a high price IMHO...

We shall see.

Losing Cherro to a knee injuries all those years ago is a high price. I am not sure how he could be considered a high price, the guy can barely run these days.

[stephenj]

the long term planning is now in place check mate!

[Guest]

What impress's me the most about this off seasons shopping spree is the variety.

*Ballplayer- Maloney

*Speed- Jennings/Oldfield

*Freakish- Sonny Bill

*Tough as farrken nails- O'Donnell

It's an exciting time to be an Easts fan ladies and gents.