Tom's word of friendly advice may nab Bronco, Costigan very close to deal
Doug MacDougall
Tuesday, 22 August 2006
Discarded Brisbane Broncos forward Neville Costigan is "a breath away" from signing a two-year deal with the Canberra Raiders, according to his long-time friend Tom Learoyd-Lahrs.
Costigan, sacked by the Broncos for a drink-driving offence, visited Canberra last Friday for a tour of Raiders facilities.
The Raiders officially presented the 21-year-old with a two-year offer - with an option for a third - yesterday.
After having his court appearance adjourned yesterday, Costigan now appears certain to join ex-teammate Learoyd-Lahrs at the Raiders next year.
Learoyd-Lahrs, a revelation for the Raiders since leaving the Broncos last year, has kept in close touch with Costigan since their days spent in under-13 development sides at the Broncos.
The injured second-rower gave Costigan an honest appraisal of the Raiders and was confident the Mackay product would play in Canberra next year.
"He's really keen, I think he considers Canberra his best option," Learoyd-Lahrs said of Costigan.
"He's looking forward to getting a start somewhere for next year and getting his career back on track after what happened - he just wants to play football.
"He rang me and asked me about it and I just told him Canberra's a good spot.
"I just tried to let him know how I felt without trying to push anything upon him - I didn't want him to base his decision around anything I said to him.
"I just said it's a really good club, with good blokes, and it'd be a good opportunity for him here."
Raiders general manager Don Furner said the club arranged for Costigan to meet incoming Raiders head coach Neil Henry today, while the club expected a decision later this week.
Furner said the Raiders would also attempt to acquire Costigan an ACT working driver's licence, pending the outcome of Costigan's court proceedings.
Learoyd-Lahrs said he believed his game would elevate to a new level if he played alongside Costigan.
"It'd be a bonus for me if he comes," Learoyd-Lahrs said. "When I played with him in Queensland we enjoyed playing together, I think we played better football when we were in the same team.
"For my game personally, I reckon it'd be a big help and hopefully I can help his game as well."
Learoyd-Lahrs said the Raiders' Queensland-influenced playing roster would provide Costigan an easy transition from the Broncos.
"The culture is not that far different here than it is in Queensland or at Brisbane," the 20-year-old said.
"If you start operating in a club environment where you know you've got a fair few Queenslanders in the club, it's not a real drastic move to make.
"Canberra probably does cop a bit of bad press from other areas in terms of it not being the most ideal place to live but I just told [Costigan] it's a bit of a myth.
"If you go to North Queensland it's too hot, and you come down here it's too cold - there's always going to be people whinging about something."
The Raiders also have St George-Illawarra forward Matt Bickerstaff and Newcastle Premier League player Dustin Cooper firmly in their sights.
Furner confirmed Bickerstaff, 30, would visit Canberra tomorrow for a tour of the Raiders' facilities, while the club expects Cooper - a 25-year-old outside back who the Raiders intend to develop into a back-rower - to make a decision between Canberra and the Cronulla Sharks this week.
http://canberra.yourguide.com.au/de...ry_id=503728&category=Rugby League&m=8&y=2006
:lol:
