Damon Alley Tovio, has signed with the Dragons on match payments, as per the SMH today 13-10-05. Should be an ok back up provided he gets his discipline together.
Thompson may be shown the door after walkout
By Brad Walter
October 13, 2005
Save Lance
Dick Caine's protest at Carss Park yesterday.
St George Illawarra officials may attempt to use Lance Thompson's reaction to his proposed axing next season as grounds to cut the long-serving Dragons stalwart from the club.
Dragons management is angry Thompson walked out of last Friday night's presentation awards at Sydney Town Hall after being told by a director, Bruce Spaul, he was not wanted next year. The 27-year-old second-rower then went public with his fears.
Thompson had left by the time Dragons chief executive Peter Doust was due to make a presentation to him for recently reaching the milestone of 200 first-grade games in the famous red V. An emotional Thompson had not wanted to make a scene on stage but officials say his absence caused the club embarrassment.
Doust and Dragons coach Nathan Brown flew to the US on Monday with the matter unresolved but it is believed they are planning to take disciplinary action against Thompson upon their return in two weeks' time that may involve attempting to terminate his contract.
Despite releasing hooker Michael Ennis to Brisbane and centre Albert Torrens to Cronulla, it is understood Doust still needs to cut a further $200,000 in player payments to prevent the club from exceeding the salary cap next season and wants Thompson and former Test lock Shaun Timmins to consider their playing futures.
While the Dragons are attempting to cut Thompson and Timmins, former Sharks back-rower Matt Bickerstaff has been signed on a one-year deal believed to be worth about $60,000. He will join Cronulla Jersey Flegg pair Bryson Goodwin and Reece Blayney, and Canberra's Damon Alley-Tovio at the club next year. Bickerstaff, 29, played in France this year and had been expected to play next season for the new Perpignan-based Super League team Les Catalans.
Brown has also promoted second-rower Willie Tupou and props Charlie Leaeno and Danny Wicks from this year's Jersey Flegg premiership-winning team to next seasons's top 25-man squad along with Australian Schoolboys rugby union breakaway Lagi Setu.
After rejecting an offer to join English club Hull next season, Timmins approached Brown last Saturday about rumours he was set to be cut and was assured he would not be forced to leave. Timmins, 29, said he planned to see out the remaining 12 months of his contract and Thompson, who took a massive pay cut two years ago so the club could re-sign other players, is also adamant he does not want to leave. The pair attended medical assessments for the team last Friday.