Player contracts

[Guest]

Tremendous signing.

Very talented and skillful player. Tall, rangy, a lot like Karmichael Hunt. With Towers retained, I assume that Ford and Foran will be the Jets halves combination.

Sorry Mack, and I don't know if i've read what you've said wrong, but KHunt is the last person that could be described as tall and or rangy.

The bloke is deadset built like a T-Rex. Massive head, stubby legs and short dwarf like arms.

[Kingbilly]

Sorry Mack, and I don't know if i've read what you've said wrong, but KHunt is the last person that could be described as tall and or rangy.

The bloke is deadset built like a T-Rex. Massive head, stubby legs and short dwarf like arms.

and the brain of a duck .....

in fact let us discuss the conjecture that Khunt had the body of a rolltop desk and the brain of a duck

[Sydney_Roosters_4_Life]

Just another Ryles article

Melbourne Storm forward Dallas Johnson joins Catalans Dragons

By Guy Hand
November 12, 2009

Melbourne Storm have not ruled out another high-profile departure at the end of 2010 after losing Dallas Johnson to an offer the Test lock says was "too good to refuse".

Johnson has been granted an early release from his Storm contract to join French-based Super League club Catalans Dragons on a three-year deal.

Melbourne reluctantly agreed to free the Test and Queensland State of Origin lock.

And Storm chief executive Brian Waldron admitted NRL salary cap constraints meant “once-in-a-career” financial opportunities could mean similar situations arose in future seasons.

“We've always said with our players if they get opportunities overseas which would put them in a better position financially long-term that we would look favourably upon it,'' Waldron said.

“It's very disappointing from a team perspective, but it's totally acceptable and understandable ... it's not the first and it probably won't be the last, unfortunately.

“We know there'll probably be another Dallas-type situation in a year or two - we accept that's part of life.''

The Storm have been able to work miracles to re-sign most of their stars and keep them happy under the NRL salary cap.

Greg Inglis, Billy Slater, Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk are all currently locked away on long-term deals.

Waldron said despite freeing up salary cap space with Johnson's departure, the club would not attempt any to bring in any short-term replacement, preferring to look to youth to plug the gap.

Johnson was a key player in the Storm's two most recent premiership wins, and said leaving was the toughest decision of his career.

“I made my debut in Storm colours, represented Queensland and Australia while playing for them, and have made some life-long friends,'' Johnson said.

“Storm members and supporters are the most devoted in rugby league and I want them to know that I am indebted for the support they have shown me throughout my career.

“But there are other areas of life I want to explore and living abroad and travelling is absolutely up there on the list.

“The opportunity to continue my rugby league career with the security of a long-term deal and in such a beautiful part of the world was one that I couldn't refuse.''

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy described Johnson as the toughest rugby league player he had seen.

“For a guy his size, to do what he does on the field week after week is simply incredible,'' said Bellamy.

“He's the toughest player I have ever seen ... he will be missed by all.''

Johnson's move looks certain to clear the way for fellow Australian Jason Ryles to leave Catalans Dragons and return home.

Ryles is likely to announce a deal to join the Sydney Roosters in the next few days.

[Pass the Ball]

Has there been anything official about Setiamata Sa????

[Guest]

and the brain of a duck .....

in fact let us discuss the conjecture that Khunt had the body of a rolltop desk and the brain of a duck

hahahahahaha

[Guest]

Related to Byron?? Looks like him

No im pretty sure he isnt,but then again i could be wrong..dont think so though

[Guest]

Anyoen know whats happening with:

Iwi Hauraki
Ray Moujalli
Khalid Deeb?

[Guest]

No idea what is happening with any of them.

The only confirmed retaining from the Newtown Jets is Liam Foran, who I believe in contracted until the end of either 2010 or 2011 as a backup half/utility. From what I have heard, he is essentially a fallback option in the case of problems surrounding Pearce and Carney.

[Guest]

Alrighty, thanks alot for that!

[Guest]

Tinirau Arona from the Penrith Panthers has been added to our fulltime squad, although I don't know the details of whether he is on trial or has a contract with us. A bit of info on him, he is front rower who can play in the backrow and was in the recent Cook Islands team that played in the Pacific Cup. He had a great start to this season, got injured and then was not quite the same although towards the end of the year he was running back into form. If developed and coached properly, which under Brian Smith will be most likely to happen, he can turn out to be a pretty good first grader IMO.

[Guest]

Tinirau Arona from the Penrith Panthers has been added to our fulltime squad, although I don't know the details of whether he is on trial or has a contract with us. A bit of info on him, he is front rower who can play in the backrow and was in the recent Cook Islands team that played in the Pacific Cup. He had a great start to this season, got injured and then was not quite the same although towards the end of the year he was running back into form. If developed and coached properly, which under Brian Smith will be most likely to happen, he can turn out to be a pretty good first grader IMO.

read some stuff about him written last season on him on a penrith forum. Rated very highly by those on the forum, generally regarded as close to their best player last season in toyota cup

[Guest]

Tinirau Arona from the Penrith Panthers has been added to our fulltime squad, although I don't know the details of whether he is on trial or has a contract with us. A bit of info on him, he is front rower who can play in the backrow and was in the recent Cook Islands team that played in the Pacific Cup. He had a great start to this season, got injured and then was not quite the same although towards the end of the year he was running back into form. If developed and coached properly, which under Brian Smith will be most likely to happen, he can turn out to be a pretty good first grader IMO.

Outstanding player, HUGE workrate, one of the best props in the U20's.

Tinirau Arona (Panthers NYC) - 20 games, 4 tries, 4 linebreaks, 35 offloads, 58 tackle breaks, average 18 runs for 153 metres, average 27 tackles for 3 missed

Absolute machine of a player who is just as good as, if not better than NYC metre eater Siosaia Vave (Titans, signed to Sharks).

Not as good as JWH, Jesse Bromwich, Andrew Fifita, Martin Taupau, Trent Merrin or Leeson Ah Mau, but is still easily in the top 10 U20s props from the 2009 season.

Expect the Jets team to be:

1. Luke Towers (retained from Roosters NYC)
2. Steve Naughton (signed from Raiders NYC)
3. Kane Linnett (signed from Dragons NYC)
4. Sonny Tuigamala
5. Ryan Williamson/Sandor Earl (retained from Roosters NYC)
6. Nick Kouparitsas
7. Liam Foran (retained from Jets NSW Cup)
8. Martin Kennedy
9. James Aubusson
10. Tinirau Arona (signed from Panthers NYC)
11. Aiden Guerra (signed from Storm NSW Cup)
12. Daniel Conn (signed from Titans QLD Cup)
13. Jason Baitieri (signed from Eels NYC)

14. Johnathon Ford (signed from Knights NYC)
15. Brad Takairangi (signed from Souths NYC)
16. Mose Masoe (retained from Roosters NYC)
17. Ray Moujalli/Khalid Deeb/Iwi Hauraki (retained from Jets NSW Cup - unsure)

That is a very powerful set of reserves to back up an already strong looking first grade team featuring former NSW reps like Anasta, Pearce, Ryles, Minichiello, QLD rep Nate Myles, and NZ reps Perrett, Kenny-Dowall, Waerea-Hargreaves and Nuuausala.

Good times ahead people, good times. Keep the faith in the might Red, White and Blue!

[Guest]

Mack,you already posted on page one Sandor Earl has been released.Whats doin?

[Guest]

yeh i thought Sandor Earl was goneskies??

Iwi Hauraki is staying i hope..

[Guest]

POS told me that he was released, however he was possibly joining Newtown.