Just a little something to hopefully get us a bit pumped up and excited ahead of the pre-season and next year...
Recently some of my Melbourne based colleagues were up in Sydney, and I got talking with one who just so happens to be a Melbourne Storm Corporate Member (I wasn't expecting to engage in any water cooler conversations about Rugby League with any of them so I was a bit taken back when asked who I supported). He also just so happens to be good friends with Gareth Widdops' parents.
The Storm were absolutely devastated to have to let him go (naturally squeezed out due to the salary cap). They believe his potential to be better than any of the other "Big 3" and that his work ethic, especially on the training paddock, will be sorely missed. Case in point was him absolutely working his guts out to try and get himself right to play in the finals and make the World Cup for England. He is a natural leader.
They are still very much feeling the on-going effects of their cheating and are finding it hard to re-generate. They were playing out of there skins to win that comp in 2012. While the greatness of the "Big 3" (along with Bellache as coach) will keep them in good stead for another couple of years, they're not getting any younger and increasing workload on them will surely start to take it's toll sooner rather than later.
Despite any deficiencies which may exist with our coaching staff and playing roster for 2014, don't underestimate the value that this guy alone will bring to our club both on and off the field. Even if he does (god forbid) pick up an injury, his work ethic to recover and get back will still hopefully be an inspiration to the others in group.
Bring on 2014!!
Recently some of my Melbourne based colleagues were up in Sydney, and I got talking with one who just so happens to be a Melbourne Storm Corporate Member (I wasn't expecting to engage in any water cooler conversations about Rugby League with any of them so I was a bit taken back when asked who I supported). He also just so happens to be good friends with Gareth Widdops' parents.
The Storm were absolutely devastated to have to let him go (naturally squeezed out due to the salary cap). They believe his potential to be better than any of the other "Big 3" and that his work ethic, especially on the training paddock, will be sorely missed. Case in point was him absolutely working his guts out to try and get himself right to play in the finals and make the World Cup for England. He is a natural leader.
They are still very much feeling the on-going effects of their cheating and are finding it hard to re-generate. They were playing out of there skins to win that comp in 2012. While the greatness of the "Big 3" (along with Bellache as coach) will keep them in good stead for another couple of years, they're not getting any younger and increasing workload on them will surely start to take it's toll sooner rather than later.
Despite any deficiencies which may exist with our coaching staff and playing roster for 2014, don't underestimate the value that this guy alone will bring to our club both on and off the field. Even if he does (god forbid) pick up an injury, his work ethic to recover and get back will still hopefully be an inspiration to the others in group.
Bring on 2014!!
