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Eels in the media

Obscene Assassin

First Grade
Messages
6,083

Few players in those photos:
2: Denzal Tonise (hooker, utility), Dane Auckafolau (outside back), Cameron King (prop)
3: Joey Tramontana (hooker, SG Ball captain, multiple rep honours)
4: Mason Cerruto (centre)
5: Troy Dargan (white shirt, half)
10: Jack Morris (singlet, second-row)
13: Michael Doolan (half)
19: Tui Oloapu (outside back)
22: Atini Gafa (outside back)
 

Delboy

First Grade
Messages
6,812
I don't think that is Cameron King, he didn't make the cut, believe may be at North Sydney, fitness came into play
 

Twizzle

Administrator
Staff member
Messages
150,744
I dont have a subscription

Danny Wicks opens up about being told his unborn child had no chance of surviving
December 4, 2015 10:00pm
CHRISTIAN NICOLUSSIThe Daily Telegraph

IMAGINE being told your unborn child has no chance of surviving.

Halfway through the pregnancy, there’s no more fluid in the womb.

The lungs are unlikely to develop as a result.

If you elect to proceed with the pregnancy, the doctors make it clear the baby will likely be stillborn. What’s worse, you only have a week to decide what to do before terminating becomes a more difficult alternative.

This was the gut-wrenching scenario Parramatta prop Danny Wicks and his partner Leona had to face.

Wicks had served 18 months in jail for drug trafficking. But nothing behind bars could have rocked him like this.

Danny Wicks at his Northmead home with his son Clay, now 17 months.
Leona had encountered problems after undergoing an amniocentesis, a straightforward pre-natal test that involved removing fluid from the sac.

After feeling ill for a few weeks, Leona returned for another ultrasound.

“When ‘Leo’ went for the scans that day, I knew straight away something was up because the lady kept shaking her head and was hesitant when talking to us,’’ Wicks told The Saturday Telegraph.

“She kept taking different pictures. We were at Grafton Hospital and I remember being told by the paediatrician we needed to have a serious think about termination because if there was no fluid for the lungs to develop, the baby would come out a stillborn or with severe abnormalities.

“We were also told we had to make a decision before the 20-week mark because after that it would become much harder.’’

Wicks was stunned.

“I remember being shocked,’’ Wicks said. “But as Leo and I walked out, we both came up with the same decision within a couple of hours, and that was to (proceed).

“We wanted to give this baby the best opportunity to survive. The odds were terribly stacked against us. But we didn’t want to go through life wondering ‘what if?’.’’

Leona was ordered to immediately rest and spent time at the Gold Coast Hospital.


Danny Wicks with his partner Leona Dondon, daughter Chelsea-Laine 4 and son Clay, now 17 months.
Wicks was making the two-hour trip back and forth to Yamba, on the NSW north coast, where he was working as a bar manager. Money had to keep coming in.

After countless tests and sleepless nights, Leona was induced at 29 weeks.

And on July 4, little Clay Gordon Wicks was born.

He only weighed 1.5kg. On the second day, Clay underwent an operation to repair a perforated stomach, which had become so dry from not enough fluid during the pregnancy.

It was also quickly discovered he had a dislocated hip.

But after nearly three months in hospital, Clay was allowed head home.

Now 17 months old, Clay looked a picture of health as he played with his older sister, Chelsea, in the backyard of the family’s Northmead home on Friday.

Wicks will never forget the ordeal.


Clay, Danny Wicks’ son, was born at 29 weeks and spent a lot of time early in his life in hospital.
And it’s why he has become an ambassador for The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. He spent time with some of the young patients on Friday.

“I’ve always had the pleasure of doing stuff for the kids in hospital, and putting smiles on their faces, but when you’ve been in that situation and know what they’re going through, it’s nice to give a bit back.

“I’ve always been a positive person. Jail was a chapter, a couple of boring chapters in what is hopefully a pretty good book. Time will tell.

“I’m realising how lucky I am. I’ve now got two kids and a missus who is clearly batting overs.’’

Wicks proved a revelation for the Eels last season after five years out of the game.

He has enjoyed the pre-season and seeing new recruits Kieran Foran, Beau Scott and Michael Gordon rip in.

Wicks only has a year to go on his deal.

But he’s feeling and looking fit and prepared to back himself. He won’t wonder ‘what if’?’
 

Twizzle

Administrator
Staff member
Messages
150,744
Power Rankings: Off-Season NRL Recruitment
by Jack Clifton
December 07 2015 9:48AM
A- A+

image: http://leagueunlimited.com/assets/Uploads/_resampled/setWidth200-NRLPower.jpg

The weather is getting hotter, the red ball (or even pink ball) is racing along the grass as the summer of cricket heats up, and the NRL draw has finally been released! This means we are well and truly into the NRL pre season and inching closer to the start of the 2016 season.
What better way to wet the appetite then to delve into the power rankings system and see how teams stack up in regards to the player recruitment. Some teams have been particularly active in the player market desperate to turn around their fortunes. This ranking system is not based on how many players have been signed by each club - but more so the quality of their signings.
16. North Queensland Cowboys
The reigning premiers have been very sparse in the player market and to date have only signed two players in 20 year old centre Shaun Hudson from the Gold Coast Titans and Fullback Jahrome Hughes who is having his second crack at the NRL. The Cowboys have failed to address the depth in the halves (having lost Robert Lui in the offseason and only have journeyman Rory Kostjasyn as a back up). Adding to this is their lack of depth at hooker (after releasing Cameron King to the Parramatta Eels) and the Cowboys would ideally want 1-2 signings in the aforementioned areas to have another tilt at the title and to defend their crown.
Signed: Shaun Hudson (Gold Coast Titans, 2017), Jahrome Hughes (2016)
Losses: Glenn Hall (Retired), Vilame Kakau (Penrith), Cameron King (Parramatta), Robert Lui (Salford Red Devils), Scott Schulte (Parramatta), Kelepi Tanganoa (Parramatta)
15. Brisbane Broncos
Is it just a coincidence that the two grand finalist have been quiet in the player market? Perhaps, or it could be the fact that they are both happy with their squads already. Regardless the Broncos haven't exactly set the world alight with their signings so far in 2015. They have signed big bopper Herman Ese'ese from the Bulldogs who was a mainstay in their NSW Cup side last season that made the Semi Finals. Ese'ese will be hard pressed to secure a 1st grade spot with the class of forwards of the Broncos. They have also signed highly touted outside back Carlin Anderson from the Ipswich Jets but he is unproven at NRL level. Also signed are forwards Salesi Funaki and Caleb Timu who are seen as depth signings. Keep an eye on these guys if injuries hit or during the State of Origin period, however the Broncos have lost Justin Hodges and will need a suitable replacement if they want to challenge again for honours this season.
Signed: Carlin Anderson (2016), Herman Ese'ese (Canterbury, 2016), Salesi Funaki (Wests Tigers, 2017), Darren Nicholls (Mid Season: South Sydney, 2016), Caleb Timu (2017)
Losses: Mitchell Dodds (Warrington Wolves), Jordan Drew (Cronulla Sharks), Mitch Garbutt (Leeds Rhinos), Jon Green (retired), Justin Hodges (retired), Todd Lowrie (retired), Darren Nicholls (released), Jayden Nikorima (Sydney Roosters), Matt Parcell (Manly Sea Eagles), David Stagg (retired), Ashley Taylor (Gold Coast Titans), Daniel Vidot (Salford Red Devils)
14. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
After last season's disappointing end to a promising campaign the Bulldogs needed to hit a home run with their recruitment but so far have barely caused a ripple. The rumored signing of Will Hopoate could improve things slightly however the Bulldogs are still in need of a quality winger to partner Curtis Rona. They will also want to add an impact forward after losing Frank Pritchard who has the ability to break games open. The hooker position is also a position that needs to be addressed as Michael Lichaa missed a large portion of last year and back up Damien Cook has headed South to the Rabbitohs. Without these issues resolved, the Bulldogs could struggle to be up with the "big dogs" come September.
Signed: Brad Abbey (New Zealand Warriors, 2018), Graham Clark (2016), Craig Garvey (St George Illawarra Dragons, 2017), Kerrod Holland (Newcastle Knights, 2017)
Losses: Damien Cook (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Herman Ese'ese (Brisbane Broncos), Trent Hodkinson (Newcastle Knights), Frank Pritchard (Hull FC), Corey Thompson (Widnes Vikings)
13. Newcastle Knights
Despite recruiting Nathan Brown in the off season to hopefully end the merry go round of coaching at the Knights, the Novacastrians are still no closer to fielding a competitive outfit for 2016. The signing of Trent Hodgkinson is a good one but there are very few support networks around him to have success. The signing of David Bhana bolsters the forward and is a solid depth signing but he is unproven at this level. Micky Paea has lots of experience and is a tough nut but do his legs have much mileage left? The Knights need some class out wide to compliment Dane Gagai and with the loss of the impressive Adam Clydesdale at hooker this is another glaring need. However there is still time for Nathan Brown to get it right.
Signed: David Bhana (New Zealand Warriors, 2017), Krys Freeman (2016), Trent Hodkinson (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, 2018), Mickey Paea (Hull FC, 2017), Will Pearsall (Manly Sea Eagles, 2017)
Losses: Adam Clydsdale (Canberra Raiders), David Fa'alogo (retired), Kurt Gidley (Warrington Wolves), Kerrod Holland (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Chris Houston (Widnes Vikings), Joey Leilua (Canberra Raiders), Clint Newton (retired), Chad Redman (QLD Cup), Tyrone Roberts (Gold Coast Titans), Beau Scott (Parramatta Eels), Carlos Tuimavave (Hull FC)
12. Gold Coast Titans
Hard to find some promising signings with the Titans for 2016. Ash Taylor comes down from Brisbane with big wraps and will have huge shoes to fill with the loss of Aiden Sezer. Apart from that there is slim pickings. Tyrone Roberts is a stylish signing but he has his knockers and will be hoping to hit the ground running. The Titans are short up front after losing Nate Myles and need to get some strong forwards to match it with the front runners of the competition. They also need to make sure they re-sign James Roberts as he is a dangerous weapon out wide that gives the Titans a legitimate attacking weapon. If these needs aren't addressed it could be a long, long season for the Gold Coast.
Signed: Nathan Friend (New Zealand Warriors, 2016), Jeff Lynch (Canberra Raiders, 2016), Nene Macdonald (Mid Season: Sydney Roosters, 2017), Nathaniel Peteru (Mid Season: New Zealand Warriors, 2016), Leivaha Pulu (2016), Tyrone Roberts (Newcastle Knights, 2017), David Shillington (Canberra Raiders, 2017), Zeb Taia (Catalan Dragons, 2017), Ashley Taylor (Brisbane Broncos, 2017)
Losses: Caleb Binge (QLD Cup), Jamie Dowling (QLD Cup), Kalifa Faifai Loa (St George Illawarra Dragons), Beau Falloon (Leeds Rhinos), Jamal Fogarty (QLD Cup), Kevin Gordon (retired), Shaun Hudson (North Queensland Cowboys), Mark Ioane (London Broncos), Nate Myles (Manly Sea Eagles), Chad Redman (QLD Cup), Ben Ridge (retired), Aidan Sezer (Canberra Raiders), Dave Taylor (Catalan Dragons), Brad Tighe (retired), Matt White (Melbourne Storm)
11. Wests Tigers
When you lose arguably your best forward and are found to be shopping around the #2 hooker in the game, then you know your recruitment is up the creek. The Tigers have been in trouble for a while and this offseason set the world alight. On the plus side Manly discard Matt Ballin and fellow team mate Five Eight Jack Littlejohn along with backrower Joel Edwards are signings in the right direction and could prove to be astute signings if they can turn their Reserve grade form into NRL form (or in Ballin's case his previous Manly form). However apart from that there isn't much to sing about. The rivalry between Ballin and Farah pans out like a soap opera but that's for another article!
Their outside back depth is ok with Jordan Rankin back from the UK and Justin Hunt moving over from the Dragons. they need help at Fullback if anything happens to Tedesco (Tigers fans praying this never happens!) and also in the backrow where they are going to miss Martin Tau'pau's impact massively. They need help in the forwards so the pressure is on Jason Taylor to deliver the finished product.
Signed: Josh Addo-Carr (Cronulla Sharks, 2016), Josh Aloiai (Parramatta Eels, 2016), Matt Ballin (Manly Sea Eagles, 2017), Michael Chee-Kam (Manly Sea Eagles, 2016), Joel Edwards (Canberra Raiders, 2017), Rod Griffin (2016), Justin Hunt (St George Illawarra Dragons, 2016), Jack Littlejohn (Manly Sea Eagles, 2016), Billy McConnachie (2016), Jesse Parahi (2016), Jordan Rankin (Hull FC, 2017)
Losses: Sitaleki Akauola (Penrith Panthers), Salesi Funaki (Brisbane Broncos), Keith Galloway (Leeds Rhinos), Matthew Lodge (released), Te Maire Martin (Penrith Panthers), Shannon McDonnell (St Helens RLFC), Tim Moltzen (Manly Sea Eagles), Pat Richards (Catalan Dragons), Kurtis Rowe (QLD Cup), Martin Taupau (Manly Sea Eagles), Matthew Woods (Parramatta Eels)
10. Melbourne Storm
Not much to report here for the Storm. Cheyse Blair is their main signing and should slot into Kurt Mann's old centre spot if he can rectify his leaky defence. As long as the Big Three (Slater, Cronk and Smith) are there Melbourne will challenge for honours every year. Look out for Mark Nicholls in 2016. A hard nosed prop from Canberra he has size and a nice offload, wouldn't be the 1st forward that has come down to Melbourne and been made in to a star.
Signed: Cheyse Blair (Manly Sea Eagles, 2016), Jeremy Hawkins (Canberra Raiders, 2017), Mark Nicholls (Canberra Raiders, 2016), Matt White (Gold Coast Titans, 2016)
Losses: Matt Duffie (rugby union), Mahe Fonua (Hull FC), Ryan Hinchcliffe (Huddersfield Giants), Tom Learoyd-Lahrs (retired), Kurt Mann (St George Illawarra Dragons), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (New Zealand Warriors), Dayne Weston (Leigh Centurions)
9. Sydney Roosters
The Roosters were red hot last year and disappointingly fell away at the most important stage of the season. To make matters worse they lost their best player in Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and classy half James Maloney. Their signings have been modest in this off season. Question marks still hang over the fullback role, will they add depth there or go after a young talent? Veteran Ian Henderson returns to bolster the forward pack and they also get talented former Wigan man Joe Burgess to throw in the backs. What the tri colours need to address is some forward depth particularly in the back row where they missed Cordner and Guerra during the origin season.
Signed: Paki Afu (2017), Joe Burgess (Wigan Warriors, 2018), Mitchell Frei (2016), Ian Henderson (Catalan Dragons, 2016), Ryan Matterson (Parramatta Eels, 2017), Jayden Nikorima (Brisbane Broncos, 2018)
Losses: Nene Macdonald (Gold Coast Titans), James Maloney (Cronulla Sharks), Suaia Matagi (Penrith Panthers), Matt McIlwrick (Cronulla Sharks), Willis Meehan (released), Taane Milne (St George Illawarra Dragons), Lagi Setu (rugby union), Nathan Stapleton (London Broncos), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (New Zealand Warriors)
8. South Sydney Rabbitohs
I feel like I'm going to be lambasted here as the signing of Sam Burgess has been big news. However apart from that the Rabbits have been awfully quiet. Add to this they have lost Dyan Walker, Isaac Luke, Glenn Stewart and Ben Lowe who were influential for them last season. The hooker position is addressed with Damien Cook moving over, however the back line is still thin. Walker although at times a little erratic had tremendous talent and was explosive. Another quality winger/centre is needed if they expect to challenge. With rumors of Chris McQueen moving North, then the Bunnies need to go out and get an imposing forward to assist Burgess in the back Row (similar to what Ben Te'o was back in 2014). Improve in these areas and Souths will be back and challenging in 2015.
Signed: Sam Burgess (2018), Damien Cook (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, 2017), Michael Oldfield (Catalan Dragons, 2016)
Losses: Ben Lowe (retired), Issac Luke (New Zealand Warriors), Darren Nicholls (Brisbane Broncos), Glenn Stewart (Catalan Dragons)
7. St George Illawarra Dragons
The Dragons have been very active in the player market moving quickly to add some starch to their forward pack. Duinamis Lui, Russell Packer, Mose Masoe and Sebastian Ikahihifo give them a legitimate chance to match it with some of the bigger forward packs. The Dragons need some help in the back line as despite the signing of Kurt Mann, the Dragons back line doesn't have many points in them as evident by their 2014 record. Josh Dugan needs some help so the rumored signing of Tim Lafai is music to Dragons fans ears.
Signed: Kalifa Faifai Loa (Gold Coast Titans, 2017), Siliva Havili (New Zealand Warriors, 2017), Sebastine Ikahihifo (New Zealand Warriors, 2017), Dunamis Lui (Manly Sea Eagles, 2017), Kurt Mann (Melbourne Storm, 2017), Mose Masoe (St Helens RLFC, 2017), Tyrone McCarthy (Hull Kingston Rovers, 2017), Josh McCrone (Canberra Raiders, 2017), Taane Milne (Sydney Roosters, 2017), Russell Packer (2017), Adam Quinlan (Parramatta Eels, 2016)
Losses: Shannon Crook (released), Addin Fonua-Blake (released), Craig Garvey (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Nathan Green (Manly Sea Eagles), Dan Hunt (retired), Justin Hunt (Wests Tigers), Mark Ioane (London Broncos), Jack Kavanagh (released), Kris Keating (released), Heath L'Estrange (retired), Trent Merrin (Penrith Panthers), Eto Nabuli (rugby union), Dane Nielsen (released), Rory O'Brien (Parramatta Eels), Luke Page (QLD Cup), Charly Runciman (Widnes Vikings), Adam Tuimavave-Gerrard (released), Shannon Wakeman (released)
6. Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
The Sharks have impressed me with their signings of both Chad Townsend and James Maloney to help their faltering attack. If they can work up a good combination then the Sharkies could have a fair bit of success. They have picked up some unproven backs in Josh Cleeland and Kurt Capewell from the Ipswich Jets National Championship winning team who will no doubt be given chances throughout the season. That said, the Sharks still are void of a real attacking weapon out wide and will need to find or sign someone if they want to have a genuine shot at the premiership (Peta Hiku/James Roberts springs to mind). The Cronulla forward pack looks in good shape yet again especially with Jesse Sene-Lefao and Joseph Paulo joining the ranks.
Signed: Kurt Capewell (2016), Josh Cleeland (2016), Jordan Drew (Brisbane Broncos, 2017), James Maloney (Sydney Roosters, 2018), Matt McIlwrick (Sydney Roosters, 2016), Joseph Paulo (Parramatta Eels, 2017), Jesse Sene-Lefao (Manly Sea Eagles, 2017), Chad Townsend (New Zealand Warriors, 2017)
Losses: Josh Addo-Carr (Wests Tigers), Tinirau Arona (Wakefield Wildcats), Blake Ayshford (New Zealand Warriors), Michael Gordon (Parramatta Eels), Jeff Robson (New Zealand Warriors), Kyle Stanley (retired), Anthony Tupou (Wakefield Wildcats)
5. Canberra Raiders
Not a whole lot of signings by the Raiders but they have struck gold by luring both Adam Clydesdale and Aiden Sezer down to the nation's capital. Both players have class and will improve the club ten fold. The signing of Eliot Whitehead is a master stroke by Ricky Stuart who will be delighted with the signing of the England International who was one of the strongest players in the club at Catalans Dragons. Veteran Forward Jeff Lima adds some more starch up at prop and Canberra are going on the right track to an improved effort in 2016 especially with their talented back line. However, they are short at Fullback so if Jack Wighton goes down with an injury they could be in trouble.
Signed: Adam Clydsdale (Newcastle Knights, 2016), Joey Leilua (Mid Season: Newcastle Knights, 2018), Jeff Lima (Catalan Dragons, 2016), Aidan Sezer (Gold Coast Titans, 2018), Elliot Whitehead (Catalan Dragons, 2017)
Losses: Mitch Cornish (Parramatta Eels), Mitchell Cronin (QLD Cup), Joel Edwards (Wests Tigers), Jeremy Hawkins (Melbourne Storm), Andrew Heffernan (Penrith Panthers), Jeff Lynch (Gold Coast Titans), Josh McCrone (St George Illawarra Dragons), Mark Nicholls (Melbourne Storm), Luke Page (QLD Cup), David Shillington (Gold Coast Titans), Dane Tilse (Hull Kingston Rovers), Bill Tupou (Wakefield Wildcats)
4. Penrith Panthers
Trent Merrin leads the way as the Panthers marquee signing which again has seen the boys from the West sign a lot of young and upcoming talent. Zack Docker-Clay has huge raps on him as a talented half back who dominated in the Holden Cup with local neighbors Parramatta. Adding to this are fellow boom youngsters Sione Katoa and Viliame Kikau. Penrith have covered a lot of holes they had in their squad from last season and their injection of youth is certain to pay dividends in future years. If I was a Panthers fan, I'd be excited by the current signings.
Signed: Sitaleki Akauola (Wests Tigers, 2016), Zach Dockar-Clay (Parramatta Eels, 2017), Benjamin Garcia (Catalan Dragons, 2017), Josh Hall (2017), Andrew Heffernan (Canberra Raiders, 2017), Viliame Kikau (North Queensland Cowboys, 2017), Te Maire Martin (Wests Tigers, 2018), Suaia Matagi (New Zealand Warriors, 2017), Trent Merrin (St George Illawarra Dragons, 2018)
Losses: Lewis Brown (Manly Sea Eagles), Adam Docker (retired), Jamal Idris (released), Isaac John (Manly Sea Eagles), Brent Kite (retired), Apisai Koroisau (Manly Sea Eagles), Sika Manu (Hull FC), Kieren Moss (Parramatta Eels), Ben Murdoch-Masila (Salford Red Devils), Nigel Plum (retired), David Simmons (retired), Shaun Spence (retired)
3. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
After a tumultuous season in 2015 it was vital that Manly got back on the horse and hit the ground running in the transfer market. This is exactly what they have done by bringing in some classy signings and it has the fans on the Northern Beaches very happy indeed. Lewis Brown has moved over from Penrith and the underrated utility player can fill various holes for the Sea Eagles as well as being a superb tackler.
Nate Myles has experience and guile and adds some much needed punch to the Manly forward pack which was accused of being soft last season in periods. Matt Parcell who has huge wraps on him from his Brisbane days will fight it out with Apisai Koroisau for the hooker spot and that competition will only benefit the Sea Eagles. Manly have improved so far with their current signings and the rumored signing of talented Centre Dylan Walker will only enhance their chances in 2016.
Signed: Lewis Brown (Penrith Panthers, 2018), Fabian Goodall (Parramatta Eels, 2016), Nathan Green (St George Illawarra Dragons, 2016), Isaac John (Penrith Panthers, 2016), Apisai Koroisau (Penrith Panthers, 2018), Halauafu Lavaka (Parramatta Eels, 2016), Darcy Lussick (Parramatta Eels, 2018), Tim Moltzen (Wests Tigers, 2016), Nate Myles (Gold Coast Titans, 2018), Matt Parcell (Brisbane Broncos, 2018), Martin Taupau (Wests Tigers, 2019), John Walker (2017), Tom Wright (2018)
Losses: Matt Ballin (Wests Tigers), Cheyse Blair (Melbourne Storm), Michael Chee-Kam (Wests Tigers), Kieran Foran (Parramatta Eels), Clinton Gutherson (Parramatta Eels), James Hasson (Parramatta Eels), Justin Horo (Catalan Dragons), Jack Littlejohn (Wests Tigers), Dunamis Lui (St George Illawarra Dragons), Will Pearsall (Newcastle Knights), Ligi Sao (New Zealand Warriors), Jesse Sene-Lefao (Cronulla Sharks), David Williams (released)
2. Warriors
The huge marquee signing of Fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is huge for the Warriors. That signing itself has bumped them so high in this list. He is a match winner and one of the best (if not the best) Fullback in the game. His record breaking 2015 season showed his natural ability and the warriors are very lucky to get him. Jeff Robson's signing brings stability to the halves, something that has been lacking in recent years, Robson has the ability to organise his forwards and get things moving. He did it a lot with Todd Carney in 2012 and 2013 when the Sharks made the playoffs. He will help Shaun Johnson a lot. Isaac Luke is another big signing and helps cure the number 9 issue which has lacked attacking spark for a long time, fits a hole for the Warriors. Luke's leadership will be invaluable for the NZ boys. Ali Lauitiiti and Blake Ayshford have been signed for squad depth and will bring much needed experience to this young squad. The Warriors are a sleeper in 2016.
Signed: Blake Ayshford (Cronulla Sharks, 2017), Ali Lauitiiti (Wakefield Wildcats, 2016), Issac Luke (South Sydney Rabbitohs, 2018), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Melbourne Storm, 2017), Jeff Robson (Cronulla Sharks, 2016), Ligi Sao (Manly Sea Eagles, 2017), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Sydney Roosters, 2018), Henare Wells (2016)
Losses: Brad Abbey (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), David Bhana (Newcastle Knights), Glen Fisiiahi (rugby union), Nathan Friend (Gold Coast Titans), Siliva Havili (St George Illawarra Dragons), Sebastine Ikahihifo (St George Illawarra Dragons), Ngani Laumape (released), Suaia Matagi (Penrith Panthers), Nathaniel Peteru (Gold Coast Titans), Api Pewhairangi (rugby union), Dominique Peyroux (St Helens RLFC), Sam Rapira (Huddersfield Giants), Sam Tomkins (Wigan Warriors), Chad Townsend (Cronulla Sharks)
1. Parramatta Eels
Parra take the top spot with a huge amount of signings as they desperately look to turn the corner and make a finals push in 2016. Kieran Foran comes over from Manly and the NZ international is a class player that Parramatta have lacked in the halves since Brett Kenny and Peter Sterling were running around. His kicking and passing game is almost unrivaled and will help the Eels so much in 2016. He will be ably assisted by some very handy co-workers in Half Mitch Cornish from Canberra, Fullback Michael Gordon from the Sharks who despite being a bit older is still a very handy runner and good goal kicker. The signing of Beau Scott is one of the most important as he adds some mongrel to their pack as well as improving their defence ten fold. Clinton Guntherson has been injury prone so is hoping of cracking Parramatta's back line, Cameron King moves from the Cowboys and adds depth at hooker and Kieran Moss has huge wraps on him from Penrith and will start behind Gordon in the Fullback battle.
Overall the Eels have signed really well and it will be down to Brad Arthur to get the best out of his new recruits (of which there is plenty). If he can then we could be talking about the Eels as a top 4 team. They have made a step in the right direction so far.
Signed: Mitch Cornish (Canberra Raiders, 2016), Kieran Foran (Manly Sea Eagles, 2019), Michael Gordon (Cronulla Sharks, 2016), Clinton Gutherson (Manly Sea Eagles, 2017), James Hasson (Manly Sea Eagles, 2016), Cameron King (North Queensland Cowboys, 2016), Kieren Moss (Penrith Panthers, 2016), Rory O'Brien (St George Illawarra Dragons, 2016), Scott Schulte (North Queensland Cowboys, 2016), Beau Scott (Newcastle Knights, 2018), Kelepi Tanginoa (North Queensland Cowboys, 2016), Matthew Woods (Wests Tigers, 2016)
Losses: Josh Aloiai (Wests Tigers), Beau Champion (retired), Ben Crooks (Castleford Tigers), Zach Dockar-Clay (Penrith Panthers), Richie Fa'aoso (retired), Fabian Goodall (Manly Sea Eagles), Tui Kamikamica (rugby union), Halauafu Lavaka (Manly Sea Eagles), Darcy Lussick (Manly Sea Eagles), Ryan Matterson (Sydney Roosters), Joseph Paulo (Cronulla Sharks), Adam Quinlan (St George Illawarra Dragons), Reece Robinson (rugby union), Chris Sandow (Warrington Wolves)

Read more at http://leagueunlimited.com/news/27152-power-rankings-off-season-nrl-recruitment#CVZG6Ig5oJDpRS8G.99
 

Obscene Assassin

First Grade
Messages
6,083
I'd say it's neck and neck between us and the Warriors as the best recruiters. Warriors probably slightly ahead of us on paper. Would have had the Raiders in third, Elliott Whitehead is a top notch player and their second-row will be one of the best in the comp.
 
Messages
19,103
no Baz, err didn't we do this some where else ?

he's actually a doggies fan

I would have thought that with your super administrator powers it would have been pretty simple to work out that Gutful and I are not the same person (or at least very unlikely to be the same person).
 

Poupou Escobar

Post Whore
Messages
84,161
I'd say it's neck and neck between us and the Warriors as the best recruiters. Warriors probably slightly ahead of us on paper. Would have had the Raiders in third, Elliott Whitehead is a top notch player and their second-row will be one of the best in the comp.

The Warriors have done better for stars, but we've done better in covering our weaknesses.
 

Twizzle

Administrator
Staff member
Messages
150,744
I would have thought that with your super administrator powers it would have been pretty simple to work out that Gutful and I are not the same person (or at least very unlikely to be the same person).

I was referring to Bazal who posted the identical post in the NRL forum

you aint the only Baz on LU
 

Bigfella

Coach
Messages
10,102
The Warriors have done better for stars, but we've done better in covering our weaknesses.

Agreed, assuming we get lafai or hiku.

I think he last four or five signings, taken collectively, have been sensational.

I've never really seen us acknowledge areas where we are lacking and systematically address them like this.

We are really working toward genuine depth and having fixed some massive weaknesses.

Fullback and right edge look to be the most improved on last year.
 
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