gong_eagle
First Grade
- Messages
- 7,655
Ballin's chance in No. 9 is now
Zorba
http://manlydaily.com.au/article/2007/11/10/7296_sports.html
10Nov07
FOR a player under enormous pressure Matt Ballin remains calm and collected as he makes a bid to fill the big boots of playmaker Michael Monaghan in the Sea Eagles pack for the 2008 NRL premiership.
The 23-year-old can't wait for official training to start on Monday after a brief holiday in Thailand with his wife Shannon.
``I'm ready to get started for the most important season of my career so far,'' said the former Kingaroy Red Ants junior.
Ballin has been the standout lower-grade player at the Sea Eagles for the past few seasons as he has patiently waited for his crack at the top grade.
He impressed with a man-of-the-match performance in his first grade debut against the Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval.
Ballin knows he is in for a real challenge for the number nine from ex-Roosters hooker Heath L'Estrange, who finished the season strongly with Brad Fittler's side. L'Estrange will join his new teammates at Monday's first official training session.
Other newcomers to the club will include:
* former NSW State of Origin prop Josh Perry who joins the Sea Eagles with a strong recommendation from former Newcastle teammate and Manly skipper Ben Kennedy;
* ex-Norths rugby union back rower Jarrod Waerea Hargreaves who is only 18 but is expected to make a quick transition to league;
* ex-Parramatta utility back David Williams (who is recovering from a shoulder op), and
* South Sydney backrower Tom Browne.
The Sea Eagles are also excited at the signing of junior Kiwi front rower Ken Edwards who is expected to start his career at Manly in the elite under-20s competition.
* * *
MANLY'S newest international Brett Stewart is on crutches following minor off-season knee surgery but it won't stop the flying fullback from attending a kids' camp for children with type one diabetes this weekend at the Crusaders Conference and Recreation Centre at Galston Gorge. The camp is being sponsored by the Lions Club.
Stewy is an inspiration to thousands of youngsters with the problem and is only to pleased to talk to them about how they can best manage the situation. Stewart was diagnosed with type one diabetes when he was 13.
* * *
AN announcement by Manly yesterday of a partnership with the Sunshine Coast-based Caloundra Falcons is a bright step in the right direction by the Sea Eagles.
The side is expected to gain entry into the fast-improving Queensland Cup competition in 2009 and this will be of enormous benefit to the Falcons and Manly.
Most top NRL clubs have feeder clubs playing in the Queensland Cup. The comp is seen as the best outside the NRL and a stepping stone to the main game.
Zorba
http://manlydaily.com.au/article/2007/11/10/7296_sports.html
10Nov07
FOR a player under enormous pressure Matt Ballin remains calm and collected as he makes a bid to fill the big boots of playmaker Michael Monaghan in the Sea Eagles pack for the 2008 NRL premiership.
The 23-year-old can't wait for official training to start on Monday after a brief holiday in Thailand with his wife Shannon.
``I'm ready to get started for the most important season of my career so far,'' said the former Kingaroy Red Ants junior.
Ballin has been the standout lower-grade player at the Sea Eagles for the past few seasons as he has patiently waited for his crack at the top grade.
He impressed with a man-of-the-match performance in his first grade debut against the Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval.
Ballin knows he is in for a real challenge for the number nine from ex-Roosters hooker Heath L'Estrange, who finished the season strongly with Brad Fittler's side. L'Estrange will join his new teammates at Monday's first official training session.
Other newcomers to the club will include:
* former NSW State of Origin prop Josh Perry who joins the Sea Eagles with a strong recommendation from former Newcastle teammate and Manly skipper Ben Kennedy;
* ex-Norths rugby union back rower Jarrod Waerea Hargreaves who is only 18 but is expected to make a quick transition to league;
* ex-Parramatta utility back David Williams (who is recovering from a shoulder op), and
* South Sydney backrower Tom Browne.
The Sea Eagles are also excited at the signing of junior Kiwi front rower Ken Edwards who is expected to start his career at Manly in the elite under-20s competition.
* * *
MANLY'S newest international Brett Stewart is on crutches following minor off-season knee surgery but it won't stop the flying fullback from attending a kids' camp for children with type one diabetes this weekend at the Crusaders Conference and Recreation Centre at Galston Gorge. The camp is being sponsored by the Lions Club.
Stewy is an inspiration to thousands of youngsters with the problem and is only to pleased to talk to them about how they can best manage the situation. Stewart was diagnosed with type one diabetes when he was 13.
* * *
AN announcement by Manly yesterday of a partnership with the Sunshine Coast-based Caloundra Falcons is a bright step in the right direction by the Sea Eagles.
The side is expected to gain entry into the fast-improving Queensland Cup competition in 2009 and this will be of enormous benefit to the Falcons and Manly.
Most top NRL clubs have feeder clubs playing in the Queensland Cup. The comp is seen as the best outside the NRL and a stepping stone to the main game.