Confirmed Signings 2013/2014

[Perth Red]

has a great year last year, not very good this year. Talent is there so maybe an NRL team can get the best out of him.

 

[Rabbits20]

Thanks for that guys.

 

[Twatface Magee]

North Queensland Cowboys sign most talented 15-year-old in Australia - Kalyn Ponga

MEET the most talented 15-year-old athlete in Australia, a red-head whiz-kid chased by six professional clubs across an incredible four sports.

Kalyn Ponga said no to the Brisbane Lions, Queensland Reds, Brisbane Broncos, Sydney Roosters, Melbourne Storm and even ignored a lucrative golf career.

Showing the maturity required to fulfil potential Ponga eventually chose the North Queensland Cowboys as moving to Townsville was best for his family.

A gifted fullback, the Anglican Church Grammar (Churchie) student is already being compared to former pupil Karmichael Hunt.

Ponga broke records in 2012, becoming just the second under-14 player to be chosen for Australia's under-15 league team.

He will be Churchie's First XV fullback this year and Queensland Reds scouts were desperate to keep him in union.

The Brisbane Lions nearly convinced him to commit to Aussie Rules after he starred in their under-18 academy.

Ponga was fast-tracked to the Australian Institute of Sport's Aussie Rules program in Canberra and was rated so highly senior AFL officials were involved in trying to commit him to the Sherrin.

The Broncos, who had Ponga on scholarship last year, offered a four-year deal including a guaranteed place in their NRL squad for 2017.

Oh and Ponga was also the under-13 golf champion of New Zealand, taking out the national tournament in 2010 with a handicap of nine.

However, beyond incredible athleticism is a humble kid who has been through the worst life has to offer and emerged as a credit to his family.

In 2006, Ponga's 18-month-old younger brother Kacey was killed in an accident near Mt Isa prompting the family to move to New Zealand where his father Andre was born.

NKalyn's grandmother and auntie still live in Mount Isa and the four-year Cowboys deal allows them to reunite.

"Kalyn's chosen what is best for his family," Andre said.

"A lot of our family is in Mt Isa so we won't be far away in Townsville. We used to live there but when we lost our son we moved back to New Zealand.

"The Cowboys deal just made sense.

"Everyone was trying to get a piece of him.

"He was going to wait a year and then decide whether he would go the AFL path or stay with league but we wanted to just get it sorted.

"This has given us a sense of relief."

The Lions scouted Ponga at a representative league game last year which led to one on one tutoring and a recommended to AFL officials that he was a potential midfield star.

But last month the Cowboys made an offer too good to refuse.

"Townsville is sort of home for us and we already had plans to move there and for me I'll do whatever is best for our family," Ponga said.

"I had my mind set on signing with the Broncos but everything changed in the last two months with the AFL.

"I started thinking about playing in the AFL but when the Cowboys offer came I thought I need to keep to my dream and make it in league."

[youtube]PEyanmWO1iU[/youtube]

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...alia-kalyn-ponga/story-fni3fbgz-1226793242207

 

[ggmu]

So I'm guessing this will be the last we hear about him like most of the other "next big things"

 

[WaznTheGreat]

Jarryd Hayne > Kalyn Ponga
Jarryd Hayne > Quentin Pongia

 

[Canard]

North Queensland Cowboys sign most talented 15-year-old in Australia - Kalyn Ponga

MEET the most talented 15-year-old athlete in Australia, a red-head whiz-kid chased by six professional clubs across an incredible four sports.

Kalyn Ponga said no to the Brisbane Lions, Queensland Reds, Brisbane Broncos, Sydney Roosters, Melbourne Storm and even ignored a lucrative golf career.

Showing the maturity required to fulfil potential Ponga eventually chose the North Queensland Cowboys as moving to Townsville was best for his family.

A gifted fullback, the Anglican Church Grammar (Churchie) student is already being compared to former pupil Karmichael Hunt.

Ponga broke records in 2012, becoming just the second under-14 player to be chosen for Australia's under-15 league team.

He will be Churchie's First XV fullback this year and Queensland Reds scouts were desperate to keep him in union.

The Brisbane Lions nearly convinced him to commit to Aussie Rules after he starred in their under-18 academy.

Ponga was fast-tracked to the Australian Institute of Sport's Aussie Rules program in Canberra and was rated so highly senior AFL officials were involved in trying to commit him to the Sherrin.

The Broncos, who had Ponga on scholarship last year, offered a four-year deal including a guaranteed place in their NRL squad for 2017.

Oh and Ponga was also the under-13 golf champion of New Zealand, taking out the national tournament in 2010 with a handicap of nine.

However, beyond incredible athleticism is a humble kid who has been through the worst life has to offer and emerged as a credit to his family.

In 2006, Ponga's 18-month-old younger brother Kacey was killed in an accident near Mt Isa prompting the family to move to New Zealand where his father Andre was born.

NKalyn's grandmother and auntie still live in Mount Isa and the four-year Cowboys deal allows them to reunite.

"Kalyn's chosen what is best for his family," Andre said.

"A lot of our family is in Mt Isa so we won't be far away in Townsville. We used to live there but when we lost our son we moved back to New Zealand.

"The Cowboys deal just made sense.

"Everyone was trying to get a piece of him.

"He was going to wait a year and then decide whether he would go the AFL path or stay with league but we wanted to just get it sorted.

"This has given us a sense of relief."

The Lions scouted Ponga at a representative league game last year which led to one on one tutoring and a recommended to AFL officials that he was a potential midfield star.

But last month the Cowboys made an offer too good to refuse.

"Townsville is sort of home for us and we already had plans to move there and for me I'll do whatever is best for our family," Ponga said.

"I had my mind set on signing with the Broncos but everything changed in the last two months with the AFL.

"I started thinking about playing in the AFL but when the Cowboys offer came I thought I need to keep to my dream and make it in league."

[youtube]PEyanmWO1iU[/youtube]

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...alia-kalyn-ponga/story-fni3fbgz-1226793242207

That article is from January. It's OLD news.

 

[Twatface Magee]

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/a-video-of-qld-schoolboy-prodigy-kalyn-ponga-has-become-an-online-sensation/story-fni3g8pa-1227064204957

This is the more recent article

 

[Son of Minto]

Where are you Twatface McGee and why is it only January there?

 

[Charlie124]

This news is so old the kid is about to retire.

 

[POPEYE]

This news is so old the kid is about to retire.

It was new good news when I first read it mate, the slightly older good news is that the boy is still good news . . . and he only wants to be a Cowboy

 

[Smiley]

Travis Waddell has signed with Bennett's Broncos.

http://dailymercury.com.au/news/waddell-buoyed-by-bennett-call/2398648/

 

[ek999]

Why would Bennett do that?

Lol@Broncos and great news for the Knights

 

[Stranga]

Why would Bennett do that?

Lol@Broncos and great news for the Knights

Depth.

Our current reserve #9 signed with the cows.

 

[ek999]

Sign Srama, Politoni or Romelo then. All are better then Waddell

 

[Stranga]

Sign Srama, Politoni or Romelo then. All are better then Waddell

I'll send an interoffice memo to Wayne ASAP, thanks.

 

[nrlnrl]

Manly re-sign Jamie Buhrer, Jorge Taufua, Brenton Lawrence & Tom Symonds plus Jake & Tom Trbojevic until end of 2016

http://www.seaeagles.com.au/news/2014/09/26/sea_eagles_lock_in_future_of_stars.html

The Kaspersky Manly Warringah Sea Eagles are proud to announce they have recently secured the ongoing services of a number of key personnel until 2016 and beyond. Forwards Jamie Buhrer, Brenton Lawrence and Tom Symonds have all committed to extending their stay at the Club, as well as flying winger and City Origin representative Jorge Taufua.

Sea Eagles General Manager David Perry congratulated the players for their efforts in 2014, as the club looks to continue on from the success of making their tenth straight NRL Finals series. “Each of these players should be proud of their individual achievements in 2014. They’ve not only excelled with their performances on the field but also as role models off it,” he said. “To retain each of these players despite interest from several clubs is a real coup. It’s all part of our evolving recruitment strategy to ensure our club remains highly-successful for many, many years to come.”

Jamie Buhrer was one of Geoff Toovey’s most consistent performers in 2014. Having spent most of his career playing off the bench or as a utility, Buhrer took his game to another level with increased minutes, metres, tackles and runs for the side. His season cruelly ended when he tore his ACL in Round 25 but after having undergone reconstructive surgery already, the always-positive Buhrer now has his sights set on an early return in 2015. “Things didn’t end the way I would’ve liked this year but I’ve been taking all the necessary steps within my rehab in the hope that I’ll be ready to go in round one next year,” Buhrer said. “It’s been a big year for myself in terms of playing 100 games for a club I’ve always dreamed of playing for. To have my future sorted for another few years is an awesome feeling. We have a fantastic playing roster with some truly elite players and some talented youngsters coming through who I know are committed to building on the club’s success,” he added.

Like Buhrer, front-rower Brenton Lawrence took his game to another level in 2014. His efforts didn’t go unnoticed as he won the team’s Best and Fairest for 2014 as well as taking home the Clubman of the year award for his tireless work in the community. “I’m glad that the Club has shown faith in me. It’s been a great move for me to move to Manly and I’m happy to say I’ll be here for a little bit longer,” Lawrence said. Sea Eagles coach Geoff Toovey believes Brenton’s determination and desire to succeed has got him to the level of where he is at today. Brenton has continued his fine form in 2014, leading from the front every week for us,” Toovey said. “His dedication to get to this point in his career is an example all young footballers should look to and his selection this week in the Australian Kangaroos train on squad is a testament to that,” Toovey said.

Like Lawrence, Tom Symonds is another player who has relished the move since arriving in 2013. The back-rower had an impressive back-half to the season and is looking forward another two years in the maroon and white. “Although our season ended earlier than we had hoped, to know that I’ll be coming back is already a really exciting prospect for me personally,” Symonds said. “Manly is a great club and I love playing here, so I'm glad I can be a part of it for at least a couple more years. Thanks to all the members and supporters for their unwavering support for both me and the team.”

Jorge Taufua once again proved why he is one of the most damaging, young wingers in the game with an impressive 2014 despite playing with shoulder and ankle troubles for a large part of the season. The Sea Eagles powerhouse, who has played 65 NRL games for the club, said he was happy to extend his time with the club. "Manly is a great club with plenty of success. I’ve been a part of that already in my short career and I want to be part of that going forward too," Taufua said. "While this year ended sooner than we wanted, I’m confident we’ll be back up there again.

Finally, local brotherly-duo, Jake and Tom Trbojevic, have also extended their stay on the peninsula with deals ensuring they remain at the Club until the end of the 2016 season. Jake, who made his first grade debut in Round 26 2013, started 2014 in Luke Williamson’s NSW Cup side despite still being eligible to play Holden Cup. His early season form saw him represent NSW U20’s in Origin before a serious injury abruptly ended his campaign and forced him to undergo surgery on his ankle. Meanwhile, Seventeen-year-old brother Tom was a deserved winner of the Kaspersky Sea Eagles Holden Cup Player of the Year after he set the Club’s under 20’s record with 20 tries in 17 appearances this season.

Recruitment Manager Dave Warwick said re-signing players the club has raised is always pleasing. “Jake and Tom are both fantastic young men from the local area who have come through the Club’s development system with flying colours. They’re outstanding prospects,” he said. “It’s a testament to the what we’re continually building here at Manly. We’ve got some impressive young talent in the likes of Liam Knight, Jesse Ramien, Rhys Armstrong and John Hopoate (Jnr) at present. Our junior ranks are looking as good as ever.”

 

[Evil Homer]

Remi Casty -> Catalan Dragons

http://www.sportinglife.com/rugby-l...-casty-will-return-to-catalan-dragons-in-2015

 

[ek999]

Poor Albert will be shattered

 

[whall15]

First Frenchman to score in Super League after returning from the NRL.

 

[East Coast Tiger]

Pretty sure Jerome Guisset would have scored plenty of tries after he went back.

It's a shame for the NRL actually. A presence from around the world might help to show insular fans and commentators that rugby league does actually exist outside Sydney. At least for now.