Matt Mcilwrick

[Rooster_6]

Looks like we'll be signing him from the Raiders in exchnage for FPN.

That gives us 3 decent options at dummy half with Friendy out the beginning of the season.

[Horry]

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/l...03-11yx5l.html

The Canberra Raiders have signed Sydney Roosters prop Frank-Paul Nu'uausala for the next three years, but have released backrower Matt McIlwrick to the Bondi club in an effective player swap.

Nu'uausala✓ has agreed to terms with the Raiders and will join Canberra in pre-season training from as early as next week.

The Raiders have also agreed to release McIlwrick to the Roosters immediately, given the Roosters have been trying to find a back-up to hooker to Jake Friend, who will miss up to the first 10 rounds of the 2015 season with a shoulder injury.

Linked in the media to Jared Waerea-Hargreaves for 2016, the Raiders have pounced to immediately sign his teammate Nu'uausala, also a premiership-winning prop with the Roosters and a New Zealand test representative.

Nu'uausala's addition could be just the start of an aggressive recruitment campaign as the Raiders target more high profile players ahead of the 2016 season.

Nu'uausala's signing is an important one for the Raiders, given they lost experienced props Brett White and Tom Learoyd-Lahrs at the end of last season.

Nu'uausala, 27, is a 114kg wrecking ball who has played 153 NRL games for the Roosters, including the 2013 premiership, and 15 Tests for New Zealand.

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has spoken of his desire to add grand final and representative experience to his squad.

It is the second late signing for the Raiders since the close of the 2014 season, with Canberra also adding Wests Tigers five-eighth Blake Austin.

[fletch]

anybody know if Friend has been able to have his shoulder reconstruction yet?

if he doesn't have it soon a round 10 return will start to look optimistic.

[Horry]

I saw a reporter tweet a few days ago saying he had his op so back in April

[fletch]

I saw a reporter tweet a few days ago saying he had his op so back in April

thanks Horry, at least we know the infection has been cleaned up and he can begin his rehab.

[Guest]

I read in the article that was provided further above that Frank Paul Nuuasala was referred to as a "Wrecking Ball"

[Guest]

Woohoo! Very happy to see the back of FPN.

Matt McIllrick is a poor mans Jake Friend, but I'm sure he will suffice.

[roostersrule2]

Is McIllrick any good?

[Headless Chook]

Matt McIllwrick is one of the fittest players at the Raiders and has never really been given a decent crack at playing hooker in the top grade. Will be interesting to see how he goes. Not expecting miracles but hopeful that he will do a job for us until Friend returns

[Bigchook]

If you can't get a crack at the raiders you're struggling. We'll be fine anyway. Ten rounds is nothing.

[Horry]

http://www.raiders.com.au/news/2014/...mcilwrick.html

[Guest]

Is McIllrick any good?

YES he is a very good pick up

[Guest]

YES he is a very good pick up

So was Steve Naughton apparently.

[Guest]

If you can't get a crack at the raiders you're struggling. We'll be fine anyway. Ten rounds is nothing.

Ten rounds is almost half of the season.

[Guest]

So was Steve Naughton apparently.

Not in my books he wasn't