Aitken Named on Cowboys Bench

[BeenThere]

A coach .

SPOT on!

 

[blacktip-reefy]

Was'nt Aitken another one who was told last year he probably wouldn't make first grade? By Raper via Burgess? Wasn't Russ more than happy to not get the call up during the second half of last year preferring to stay with the newtown squad?

 

[imasharkie]

He showed enough to suggest he could be a regular first grader IMO.

He now has an advantage. He's got a coach who will spend time with him one on one and work on his game. A coach who is a halfback no less. A coach with ability.

A coach .

A real coach not a pretender.

 

[gavin_miller]

I love how whenever we let go of fringe first graders, its always "Wasn't given the right opportunities" or "Our development is awful compared to all the other clubs"... I know for Russ Aitken to be playing under Noddy it was always gonna be tough for the guy, and i feel for him... but jeez...he did have a few games in firsts and didn't set the world on fire. He played well enough in seconds but again, wasn't consistently amazing...the fact is, for every great first grader there is always gonna be the other guys making up the numbers, out of which hopefully some can give good service to the club. I am not picking on Russ here...he very well may go on to captain the Cowboys for all I know! But I just think its a slight cop out when the club or coach gets blamed for everything everytime a player doesnt realise his potential...Since 03 we have seen a lot of younger guys get a chance in firsts and we have seen a lot of younger guys do sweet f#ck all for us...again, this isnt about Aitken, but it is related to this topic...

 

[shaggs]

i thought he was rubbish. had nothing. everyone raved about him being the next big thing, but i never saw it, not even in reggies. no loss. another player who after 1 or 2 more years will end up playing in the NFP over in england part itme for big bucks.

 

[SharkWings]

He will be lucky to get a game in 1st grade - and if he does I hope its against us!! Loo Loo will sort him out.

 

[coolumsharkie]

Time will tell but you have to admit that all this touting and then blaming the coach and club is a bit much for me also.

Bottom line is the bloke was given a go.. all be it under pressure but thats where it should start to happen for everybody touted future champions. Lets face it he did nothing.

 

[Mr Angry]

I do not believe he was given a go at all.

Bird was given a go in position (5/8) outside Kimmorley.

Atiken never had that chance.

I contend that Russ will get a go @ 5/8 for the Cowboys, outside an experienced first grade halfback and will go great.

He never had the opportunity with us.

As we all know time will tell.

 

[bluebag43]

In the end Russ played better football when he played under Col Murphy at Newtown. I am biased but I don't understand why Cronulla didn't pursue Col instead of Craig Wilson. Oh well, lets see how Cronulla go in Premier League this year!

 

[spirit of league]

i'm not losing too much sleep over this

all the best to him all the same

 

[Mr Sharkie]

Wouldn't be surprised if he takes Firman's spot (but that is more of a dig at Firman than praise for Russ) but this is one player I think had shown all he was going to show at Cronulla, and lets face it - his performances rarely warranted an ovation.

I have often been one of the voices crying out for the club to stop releasing players too early (Matt King) but this is one recruiting decision I applaud.