Dean Byrne

[Willow]

Dean Byrne is reported as wanting a release from his contract. Its amazing how rumour takes hold of such thing and in particular how people are willing to soak it up.

Its true that Dean has been approached by other clubs and its also true that he is disappointed. But the fact is, he doesnt want to leave the Dragons.

I first saw Dean Byrne play in a trial at Perry Park in February 2002. He took us by surprise with qld-dragon, Johnsy and myself all taking notice. We all agreed that Saints had found itself a real halfback!
Unfortunately, he had shocking luck after suffering two broken feet and missed out on any chance of playing in the NRL that year.

In 2003, Brett Firman gained favour but Byrne has got his chance when he played his debut against the Eels earlier this year, he impressed enough people to see the offers come rolling in.

This week, Byrne's management have been pushing his case... thats their job. But with this comes misinformation and bargaining. Quite frankly, I wished this was happening next week after the Kogarah match but the truth is, it will keep till next week at least.

Nevertheless, you can believe what you want. My information today is that Dean Byrne wants to play for the Dragons - the first he heard of this 'request for release' was this morning.

 

[imported_Beast]

Saints are just making space in their salary cap for Blacklock..they will have to shed a few more young players..you just have to hope Blacklock behaves hisself and honours a contract for once!

 

This message has been deleted by the manager or assistant manager.

 

[Willow]

LOL.. ok Beast. whatever you say. Love to know your source. My info and opinion differs a little with yours. Blacklock is already coming pretty cheap. Saints really only had to let one or two players go. Kativerata was most likely one of them but I don't think Dean Byrne is the other. As far I know, he doesnt want to go and the club doesnt want him to go. But managers, by their very nature, are always trying to find a way to make aquaintance with Messers Push and Shove.

 

[imported_Saint_Benny1]

Byrne has to buy his time (remember Browny said cause of all his injuries Byrne won't be fully fit till half way through the year)

Next Year

6. Dean Byrne
7. Brett Firman
13. Trent Barrett

 

[imported_midas]

Blacklock will only be cheap for this season as he will have been paid up for his S12 contract (unless the RU seek a release fee.)
For 2004 one would imagine he would be seeking about $150k minimum which will necessitate some shuffling.

 

[Willow]

midas: "For 2004 one would imagine he would be seeking about $150k minimum which will necessitate some shuffling."
Yep... but thats next year. A lot has to happen before then.

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I saw Dean Byrne play again in the Reserves yesterday and again I'm convinced that this kid has it all. He was capatin of the 2nds as well this responsibility didnt faze him one bit.

Scoring and setting up tries is only part of it. He backs himself and to my way of thinking, a player who backs himself is already going to worry any defensive line.
His ability to run at angles and break up and stretch the defence is a sight to behold.

If thats not enough, he can kick... not just in general play but he can also slot them between the uprights. Kicking from the sideline on his bad side he was spot on. It was raining, there was huge southerly that he kicking into and the ball was heavy... but you wouldnt have thought it...the kick never looked like missing.

Apparently his used D Halligan as a kicking coach.

I'm not knocking Firman, he's a good halfback. But I just think Byrne is better. I hope he stays with Saints... imo, his chance will come and when it does, it'll happen big time.
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[legend]

Midas has a valid point and some players will have to go to make way for Blacklock next year. Not sure if that means Byrne but if we are talking 150-200k then I would assume either a couple of the youngsters will make way or players like Perenara, Cross and Saleh will be given their marching orders. The second options sounds the most realistic although, inevitably young players often leave their club in search of a first grade start. Can't really blame them for being enthusiastic. We took Ryan O'Hara from Canterbury and he hadn't even played a game of first division and now he is one of the premier props in the game.

 

[Willow]

Well, to be honest. I can't see the relevance to talk about what might or might not happen next year. How can anyone really know that?

I only talk about Byrne because I think there's a lot of confusion floating around about him. LOL... It never occurred to me that Nathan Blacklock had something to do with it - and as far as I know, it never ocurred to anyone else before now.

But hey, this is all about speculation... draw the bows as long as you like lads.

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[imported_Saint_Benny1]

Byrne is better at the moment but Firman will be better

I have no doubt that Byrne and Firman should be the half and five-eight combination

Byrne looks more like a five eight if you ask me

 

[Willow]

Benny, is this part of the 'Barrett to Lock forward' thing?

Byrne is doing great job in the Reserves at the moment and in a weird way, that may keep him out of the Firsts.

IMO, he has to just wait for the chance. Anything could happen... Firman could get injured or his form could fall away... shit happens.

But at the moment they have winning combo and it will take something radical to push Barrett out of five eighth.

 

[legend]

Well I think there is a certain amount of relevance. Players will have to make way for Blacklock next year (unless he changes his mind again) and it's obvious Byrne is keen to play first grade so a link can be made, albeit a little weak at this point.

So far, I think that is more fact than speculation about both playersand with Parramatta desperate for a halfback right now and for the forseeable future, it seems possible Byrne may be an Eel before season's end, especially with Brian Smith's links to his former club.

Yes, that last part is all speculation but I can't see anything wrong with that. We speculate about players everyday, why should Byrne be an exception? It's not like this is a bona fide media release.

 

[legend]

Now, I wouldn't want to speculate about anything red and white but....ahh, what the hell. I seriously doubt Brown would push Barrett to lock, ever. What would happen to Timmins? This is also an assumption that Timmins will remain fit and injury free and that in itself is drawing a long bow.

If Brown moved Barrett to lock, he would kill of Barrett's rep career and personally, I can't see that happening. Unless there is an injury to Firman, he will remain the first choice halfback and no side runs with two halves in the seventeen man squad.

I know I am speculating here, but it must have been a kick in the guts to Byrne when Saints signed Firman from the Sharks.

 

[Willow]

Legend: Smiths connection to Saints isnt as strong as you think.
Byrne is no exception to speculation...I never suggested that.

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To talk about the game, click HERE - "The Front Row forums"

 

[imported_justme]

Yes, that last part is all speculation but I can't see anything wrong with that.
It's good speculation then as there is a very strong rumour going around that Byrne is heading out Parra way. But then again the same rumour has Wagon heading back to Saints and I'll be stuffed if I can understand why they would want him back.

 

[imported_Noodles]

For what it is worth, there is an article on him and the rumours in today's Illawarra Mercury. I tried to find the story on their website, but I don't think it is there.

He says that he is happy at the Dragons, and hopes they will offer him another contract at the end of the year.

I suppose he'd say the same thing even if he was leaving, but we can only hope that it is true.

 

[Willow]

Noodles... I really wish now you were able to find me at Kogarah last Sunday. The Mercury article is correct inasmuch that its simply catching up. All this speculation was started by an article in the SMH who were more than happy to talk to manager Chris Orr, I believe. Only doing his job but it suddenly brings things into perspective.

 

[Willow]

Dean Byrne interview now published at SOTV and League Unlimited

May 12, 2003:
SOTV interview with Dean Byrne

 

[Willow]

Dean Byrne interview: a future on standby

 

[imported_Noodles]

Great Job Willow

Interesting that he has been a Dragons fan from a young age. Hopefully he we will get a chance to prove himself in 1st grade soon.