What's new
The Front Row Forums

Register a free account today to become a member of the world's largest Rugby League discussion forum! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Crocker ----> Storm

Tap Twist Snap

Juniors
Messages
1,030
Source: Melbourne Storm
Melbourne Storm has made its first new signing for the 2006 season with the acquisition of tough Sydney Roosters back-rower Michael Crocker.

Crocker, 25, has been a key member of the Roosters team in recent years, playing 86 games and competing in the past three Grand Finals, including the 2002 Premiership. He is a player of the highest calibre having represented Australia, travelled with the Kangaroos in 2003 and represented Queensland on five occasions during the 2003 and 2004 State-Of-Origin Series’.

His uncompromising nature and aggressive play has been an inspiration to his current team mates and will be a welcome addition to a talented Melbourne Storm squad. He has created a reputation throughout the NRL as one of the toughest competitors around, something the Storm has been searching for to add to their ranks.

“Michael will provide the missing link to our team in terms of his toughness and his experience at the highest level,” said Melbourne Storm manager of football operations Peter O’Sullivan.

“He’s played in three grand finals and has plenty of representative experience which will help take our team to the next level.

“He is a great personality for the club, he loves Melbourne and he can’t wait to get here to be with his family and forge a career with the Melbourne Storm.”

Crocker is excited about the opportunity of playing with good friends and people he has a high regard for.

“Considering all of the options, I thought the best future for me was at the Storm,” said Crocker.

“I’m really excited about joining a list that includes players such as Origin stars Billy Slater and Matt King, and my good friend Cam Smith. I can’t wait to join the boys for what should be a pretty successful period in the club’s history.

“I’m also a big admirer of (coach) Craig Bellamy. He’s done some great things with the club and I’m looking forward to joining up with him.”

Not only is Crocker an admirer of Bellamy, the coaching staff are also fans of the hard-hitting back-rower.

“It’s great news for us to have someone with Michael’s toughness joining us for the next four years,” said coach Craig Bellamy.

“For us to be able to attract an international player of Crocker’s calibre goes to show what a great club we have here and the confidence he has in our future success.”

Part of the appeal for Crocker joining the Storm was his family connections in the city. Both of his parents live in Melbourne, as well as his sister and nephew.

“A key attraction for me was obviously the chance to join my family in such a great city. My family keep telling me how much they enjoy living here and from my experiences in Melbourne, I’ve had a great time as well,” said Crocker.

Although Crocker had friendship, admiration and family as his main reasons for signing with the Storm, his manager Jim Banaghan was also thinking of his future.

“I thought the opportunity for Michael to take up a four year deal with a top eight team was too good to knock back,” said Banaghan.

“In the current climate, a club needs good coaching staff, a good back room staff and stable ownership, an environment the Storm can definitely provide.”

News sent by www.melbournestorm.com.au
 
Messages
3,986
RainMan said:
Did he have a falling out with Stuart at all?

Not so much a falling out. BUt at the start of the season he did upset a few people within the organisation with his ill disciplined behaviour in certain instances. But the simple fact is the Roosters have a plethora of backrowers and really need a play maker. But to get Anas (oops a playmaker) they needed to free up some money. Mick Crocker is due a rise and has family down in Melbourne so the decision was made to let him negotiate with Melbourne and he has gone down there. Good luck to him the Storm have made a very good purchase there. He will bring aggression to the Storm which they seem to be missing at present.
 

Tidus_Raider

Bench
Messages
2,576
He will be labelled a salary cap victim by Phil Gould.

Good pick up for the storm, agressive player that doesn't back down.
 

Raider_69

Post Whore
Messages
61,174
if you believe what is said Chris Flannary would be a happier man today than he was yesterday... good signing for the storm, he will add another dimension to there game, f**kwit or not a f**kwit he is a tremendously talented player.
 

oldmancraigy

Coach
Messages
11,900
Southern Rooster said:
But to get Anas (oops a playmaker) they needed to free up some money.

If the Roosters sign Anasta (and I hope they do, for big bucks!) then your 'oops a playmaker' gag may well cry true!!!

Because Anasta is no playmaker!!!

This season he has tallied a whopping 3 try assists - and that is on the back of a good season last year for him, where he managed a paltry 10 in 26 games as the pivot of the most lethal attacking team in the competition!

Over the same period of time, Sherwin has racked up 35 try assists - putting beyond doubt the question as to who runs the offense at the Bulldogs!

Heck - even Corey Hughes has 4 try assists this season, despite not playing at pivot until the last few games...

I hope the release of Crocker to the Storm means that Anasta signs with the Hens, and for big cash - because he is certainly not the playmaker you are seeking!
 

bluesbreaker

Bench
Messages
4,195
Raider_69 said:
if you believe what is said Chris Flannary would be a happier man today than he was yesterday... good signing for the storm, he will add another dimension to there game, f**kwit or not a f**kwit he is a tremendously talented player.

*cough Johns cough*

Anywho, dog Crocker gone from the Roosters is going to go a long way into me liking them again! Do Melbourne wanna take Finch and Ricketson as well? :\
 

bluesbreaker

Bench
Messages
4,195
Yeah oldmancraigy, for real. Getting rid of one backrower who can play a bit of 5/8th for... Another backrower who can play a bit of 5/8th :).
 

bluesbreaker

Bench
Messages
4,195
To continue this conversation i'm having with myself, wasn't Flannery pretty alright at playing 5/8th? Weren't they saying he'd play first grade at any other club but Roosters?
 

The_Coach

Juniors
Messages
862
I'd liken Flannery to John Morris. If given the shot at 5/8th he would prove he has the talent.

Back on topic though. Firman and Crocker released definately means Anasta is moving to Bondi.
 
Messages
3,471
bluesbreaker said:
*cough Johns cough*

Anywho, dog Crocker gone from the Roosters is going to go a long way into me liking them again! Do Melbourne wanna take Finch and Ricketson as well? :\


NO, we don't want scummy Finch and Ricketson!!!.


Crocker will be a sad loss for the "c**ks" but a excellent signing for the storm
 
Messages
3,986
When he first played first grade Chris Flannery was Brad Fittler's back up during Origin and actually was a 5/8. I remember he scored his first try against Saints to win a Sat night game and I thought OK we have a decent player here. In 2002 he played fullback when Phillips was out injured and then went back to the bench.

Ricky Stuart I have a lot of time for as a coach but he really needs to decide on a halfback, 5/8 combination. Rather then muck about constantly changing it. We cannot tackle our way to a premiership.
 
Messages
3,986
The_Coach said:
I'd liken Flannery to John Morris. If given the shot at 5/8th he would prove he has the talent.

Back on topic though. Firman and Crocker released definately means Anasta is moving to Bondi.

I keep hearing Ash Harrison is also. Although with him now an Origin player who knows.
 

The_Coach

Juniors
Messages
862
Southern Rooster said:
I keep hearing Ash Harrison is also. Although with him now an Origin player who knows.

I think Harrisons only options now are stay at Souths or Gold Coast.
 

Latest posts

Top