Finally, we've given back what we get!

[Johns Magic]

Source: Big League page 66. Round 19 Edition 15/7/2004

Quote:

Of all the NRL clubs, the Melbourne Storm have had to work the hardest when it comes to grass roots development.

That's why, when some of Victoria's rising stars were courted by Newcastle at the under-15's Aust, Schoolboys tournament last month, they were understandably upset.

Storm recruitment manager Peter O'Sullivan slammed the Hunter-based club afterhearing promising 15 year old fullback Beau Ryan had signed a scholarship deal with the Knights.

"They have the greatest heartland of rugby league in their own backyard and they come and throw scholarships at kids from Victoria"

"Its ridiculous to say the least. They've recruited from the Northern Territory and Western Australia and now they're trying to recruit from Victoria when they have the best kids in the country running around in the Hunter region".

More available in Big League.


Great work Newcastle. It's about time.

 

[keeney]

finally :lol:

 

[northey]

 

[Bring it home Knights]

I hate how we have to sink ourselves down to the roosters standards, yet it needed to be done I guess.

 

[Earl]

You should be heaps proud. Stealing a clubs junior. We have plenty of them too :roll: :roll:

 

[Johns Magic]

Sorry Earl

 

[Chicken_Hunter]

Well why didnt melbourne offer him a scholarship first?

 

[Doctor]

You should be heaps proud. Stealing a clubs junior. We have plenty of them too :roll: :roll:

The Storm is essentially made up of Kiwis, former Hunter-Region players and Queenslanders. Of course, this is understandable given the unpopularity of League in Melbourne (or at least Ch 9's reluctance to offend the GFL viewers by showing league matches at a reasonable hour).

The Knights may be sitting on a surplus of talent locally, but we're sure not taking advantage of it. The list of quality juniors who have left the club between the junior ranks and first grade is unbelievably long. Our junior development has failed, to a large extent, to take advantage of the local produce.

If anything, the signing of a Victorian might say something about how depleted the local junior stocks are. The Sydney clubs (and indeed The Storm) have sucked the region dry with their big chequebooks. :roll:

 

[Earl]

Which juniors have Melbourne taken? And I mean in these certain terms. Not players like Howe, Ross etc.

Which 15 year olds have Melbourne stole?

Greg Inglis doesn't count 8)

 

[keeney]

greg inglis....

 

[Doctor]

Which juniors have Melbourne taken? And I mean in these certain terms. Not players like Howe, Ross etc.

Which 15 year olds have Melbourne stole?

Greg Inglis doesn't count 8)

No, I said players between juniors and first grade -- inclusive of both.

The Hunter area players: Howe, Ross, Hill, Orford (C.Coast), B.MacDougall.

Queenslanders: Slater, Smith, King.

N.Z: Kearney, Kidwell?, Moala?

 

[northey]

#-o

 

[Johns Magic]

Queenslanders: King.

N.Z: Kidwell?,

King played for country this year, so he has to be a New South Welshman.

Kidwell played in the Anzac test.

 

[northey]

:lol: got you now :roll:

 

[Ms_Corleone]

LOL, and here we all are constantly criticising other fellow poaches *cough* roosters *cough*. Well you know what they say if you can't beat them join them... It's about time the club starts looking into and planning for the future.

 

[Earl]

King is from Casino.

 

[Misanthrope]

I think he was reffering to the fact he came through Norths Devils in QLD. Or didn't he?

 

[Terminator]

I agree with earl, Victoria is struggling enough as it is