Dearth of experienced forwards next season?

[philstorm]

With Cross and Donnelly departing, what does this pose in regards to experienced props for 2008?

Sure, we'll have the likes of Blair, Kaufusi, White, Crossman (maybe) ... but who else will there be?

Anderson, Pale Ale and Tolman are all very raw ...

That said, it sounds like the likes of Proctor and Thompson could get their chance next year ...

 

[Johns Magic]

I'm sure you guys will produce some young gun next season. Or even turn a fringe first-grader into a quality prop.

You just seem to churn them out every year.

 

[Captian_Klutz]

Kafusiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

 

[Cloud9]

I think When Newton was signed up for automatic spot in first grade, some of the reserve forwards felt a bit disgruntled that they were overlooked, hence we've seen 3 forwards sign with other clubs. Spose Storm have developed a good reputation.

 

[kia ora storm]

Bellamy is not dumb...he will be eyeing off another prop to steal from under the noses of another club.

 

[Lucas]

I doubt we will even go looking for another prop. We might if Crossman goes as well but with White, Kaufusi, Blair, Vaughan, Anderson, Tolman, we have enough options IMO.

 

[kia ora storm]

Yep but Tolman, Vaughan have not been used and I would be more comfortable with a journeyman in the side...an old head who can settle the boys down in the close games.

 

[Captian_Klutz]

Like Smith, Geyer, Cronk, King and Croker.

 

[kia ora storm]

Like Smith, Geyer, Cronk, King and Croker.

Crocker is injury prone and I am referring to a an old prop who will do the hard yards without being special.

Bellamy's scouts will be on the prowl...watch this space !!!.;-)

 

[Ice777]

This from todays Herald Sun:

MELBOURNE Storm coach Craig Bellamy will embark on a national search for cut-price front-rowers in a bid to boost the club's engine room next season.Storm's decision to hunt for hired muscle was triggered by powerhouse prop Ben Cross signing a three-year deal with Newcastle and Ian Donnelly's immediate defection to the Gold Coast Titans.

The giant pair handed their departure letters to the club on successive days this week, with salary cap issues forcing Cross out, while the chance to seal a permanent first-grade spot lured Donnelly away. Bellamy said Melbourne would continue to develop its current forward crop, but conceded outside help was needed to bolster the ranks.
"At the end of the day we'll bring a couple of guys in, but we don't know how much they'll cost," he said.

Several fringe first-grade players have already notified Storm of their interest in moving south.




It's nice to see players are actually notifying us that they want to move down here instead of having to persuade them. But then again if you were a player, especially a fringe 1st grader at another club you'd be mad not to want to come down and play under the best coach and arguably the best playing list in the comp.

I'm looking forward to seeing who we recruit for next year. They may be fringe players at other clubs but pretty much our entire forward pack now is made up of those type players and they're mixing it with the best of them. I'm sure Bellamy will "do a Bellamy" and turn whoever we get into fully fledged 1st graders who will excel under his guidance. The man just has an uncanny knack of getting the best out of his players and i'm sure whoever we get will be no different.

 

[kia ora storm]

Look at the trend:

Brett White: A struggling forward at St George...now a potential superstar !!.
Garrett Crossman: An average forward at Penrith...now a seasoned player.
Ben Cross: An inconsistent Raiders player...now a representative player.
Adam Blair: A young raw forward...a kiwi rep last year.

Why would you not want to come here and be potentially earning triple in 5 years time after Bellamy kick starts your career ??.

 

[philstorm]

I'd love to get Ashton Simms.

I know we were interested in him a few years back - but we'll probably be outbid by the Dogs.

 

[Lucas]

I doubt we will even go looking for another prop. We might if Crossman goes as well but with White, Kaufusi, Blair, Vaughan, Anderson, Tolman, we have enough options IMO.

Forgot Lima as well. If we can keep Newton we'll be fine IMO.

 

[bula_stormer]

Things not looking good for Dragons next year az well so maybe there is a chance to get Sims if he is even off contract

 

[kia ora storm]

Sims would be a good pick up and would round the forward pack out well...

 

[macavity]

Newton will do a job for you

until something goes against him and he walks out....

 

[Captian_Klutz]

From the team that beat the Warrior to this weeks team against Nth QLD.

In: King, Inglis, C Smith, White, Hoffman and Johnson
Out: Rua, Anderson, Manu, Tagataese, Chambers and Blair

 

[kia ora storm]

Blair and Rua are pretty unlucky but how can you drop Lima, Cross and Smith ???...a good situation really !!!.

 

[Bman26]

Who cares about inexperienced forwards, D Johnson can cover 2 spots with the amount of tackles he'll make, pick an extra fullback!

 

[cronker]

Nothing to get concerned over.