http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...m/news-story/0fe25b756953cc5f8807e40435093256
Sandor Earl set to return from ASADA ban, reportedly on verge of joining Melbourne Storm
DAVID RICCIO CHIEF SPORTS WRITER, The Sunday Telegraph
an hour ago
SANDOR Earl has described the possibility of joining the Melbourne Storm as a “gift” vowing to return with a desire to become the best winger in the game.
Just 48 hours ahead of his four-year ASADA ban being lifted on Tuesday, Earl has spoken for the first time about the ‘privilege’ of joining the NRL’s most dominant franchise.
The NRL have advised Earl that they wouldn’t stand in his way of registering a new contract once the ban is lifted.
And while he’s yet to seal a deal, the 27-year-old has held formal and informal discussions with several NRL clubs, including the Storm.
“For me, there’s no doubt they would be my number one priority,’’ Earl said.
“Had I not received this ban, I would’ve had years and years and years to be that best player I could possibly be, but now I’ve really only got one more chance.
“So if there’s ever going to be a time when you want to go to a club and see how good you really want to be, it’s the Melbourne Storm.
“Every player would vouch for this. They’re all so intrigued about what goes on at Melbourne. It’s getting to the point now, where it’s a gift to be given a position there.
“Look what happens to anyone that goes there, it’s ridiculous.
“They’re doing something right there, be it the way they treat the players, the culture of the club and I think you’d be mad not to be a part of it.
“I honestly think that they’ll take a liking to my approach and how I want to come there and work hard.
“There’s enough people in the club who will respect that and it’s up to me to make the most of that opportunity.
“If I don’t come back with the intention of being the best in my position, then I’m wasting everyone’s time. That’s my intention.’’
Earl said it was a case of unfinished business after four years out of the game.
“I could never finish on that note,’’ Earl said.
“I did it before (played NRL), and in my opinion as half the man, with half the knowledge and half the physicality, so what’s stopping me now?’’
Under the rules of his ASADA sanction, Earl isn’t permitted to be involved in any team sport or training.
However, over the course of his suspension he has sort advice from the best high performance staff in their field including, former ARU strength and conditioning coach John Pryor, Japanese rugby union strength and conditioning coach Keir Wenhamm-Flatt and Melbourne-based conditioner Christian Woodford.
Earl has also undertaken jujitsu wrestling classes in readiness for the contact he’ll be forced to requaint himself with.
“Those guys have been key in this journey, they’ve taken my focus to another level,’’ Earl said.
“The one thing about this (coming back) that I’m excited about, is getting to training with everyone again.
“That team environment is something I’ve really missed.
“The ball is rolling as far as clubs are concerned and I’ve got the best in the business looking after me.
“There’s opportunities, it’s just about taking the right path. I know I’ll be somewhere come November.’’
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...radra-at-parramatta-eels-20170825-gy4p2z.html
Sandor Earl the surprise contender to replace Semi Radradra at Parramatta Eels
Sandor Earl is a surprise contender to replace rugby-bound winger Semi Radradra at Parramatta next season.
Earl's four-year ban for taking and trafficking performance-enhancing drugs expires on Tuesday and the Eels are one of four clubs considering throwing him an NRL lifeline.
Parramatta, St George Illawarra, Melbourne and Canberra have expressed interest in signing Earl for 2018. Given it will be four years since his last game, it would be one of the game's most extraordinary comebacks.
Earl has spent part of his sabbatical in Thailand, but recently moved to Melbourne, where he opened up an F45 Training franchise. That would make the Storm an ideal fit and there have already been discussions with their officials about the prospect of playing under Craig Bellamy.
Earl, 27, has already played with Canberra and the Raiders are open to giving him another crack in the lime green. The Dragons, a club with a proven track record of giving players a second chance, are also an option. The departure of Josh Dugan and Taane Milne has freed up salary cap space and back line spots, which could provide an opportunity for Earl in the Red V.
But perhaps the most intriguing option is Parramatta. The blue and golds have at their disposal Radradra, the most devastating winger in the world. The "Semi Trailer" scored four tries against Brisbane on Friday night to underline his value, but will depart at the end of the season to link with French rugby outfit Toulon. The Toulon deal is for one season, with an option in Radradra's favour for another, meaning he could potentially return to the Eels before the June 30 transfer window closes next year.
Regardless, Parramatta will need a replacement for the start of 2018 and Earl is being considered. It would be unrealistic to expect a man who hasn't played for four years to adequately replace the destructive Radradra, but an Eels move may give Earl the opportunity he's been looking for.
Parramatta have an outstanding three-quarter prospect in Greg Leleisiuao, but Earl could potentially fill the void until he is ready for first grade or when Radradra returns.
In a recent interview with Fairfax Media, Earl said he was keen to be remembered for more than just his drugs dramas.
"We are nearly four years in, all the facts are out there," Earl said.
"The public had their perception based on some pretty crazy media articles during the first six months. But now people have got the facts and the perception has changed.
"I don't want people to feel sorry for me, but at the end of the day, I was hard done by. I think everyone gets that. People around me want to see me get back into doing what I enjoy doing and have a crack. Once I start playing, everything else can be put into the past. Then I can go out on my own terms, that's a big motivator."
