Have the Tigers......

[Dragon Fanatic]

Resigned Robbie Mears? I have a soft spot for the Tiges and he is a really good player and really got them going from dummy half when they needed it. Can anybody help me out?

 

[King Tigerman]

hes signed with mittagong

 

[Dragon Fanatic]

Thats too bad. Did the Tigers try and hold on to him?

 

[Davester]

Former Tiger joins Lions
Thursday, 4 November 2004

Mittagong Lions have announced the signing of Wests Tigers veteran Robbie Mears for next year's Group 6 campaign.

It is Mittagong's biggest signing in more than a decade and Lions president Jason Costigan couldn't be happier.

"Robbie Mears will be a catalyst for bigger and better days for local Rugby League, not only for Mittagong but right across the Southern Highlands," Costigan said.

"With his playing background at an elite level, Mears is the best signing for a Southern Highlands Rugby League Club since Olsen Filipaina signed with Bowral in 1988."

The Lions have struggled in Group Six Rugby League and were almost forced to pull out of the competition.

"We have been in dire straits and while we have a long way to go, this landmark announcement will help us to get things back where they should be," Costigan said.

The Lions had been in discussions with Mears for almost two months before he decided to sign with Mittagong after his contract with the Wests Tigers expired.

"I've always loved footy and I knew Jason before he took over the Lions. He first mentioned it to me mid-way through this year. We then had four or five discussions about it and a couple of meetings," Mears said.

"My father played Group 6 Rugby League and I'm originally from Campbelltown so I have a lot of history in the area," he said.

"The Lions have had it tough in the last two seasons and I'd like to help the club out in any way possible, particularly the young kids who are coming through the ranks."

The 30-year-old hooker considered a second stint in the UK, having previously played with current Super League champions Leeds, but instead settled on a season with the Lions.

"I'm getting to the point where I'd like to move onto the next part of my life. This gives me a chance to continue playing football, while also pursuing other goals," he said.

Mears is intent on helping Mittagong Lions to make an impression on the Group Six competition.

"It will be a bit different, but I'm looking forward to the challenge. Group 6 has always been a good comp.

"In the last five years teams like Narellan and Camden have been up there and the southern sides have struggled as bit.

Thats too bad. Did the Tigers try and hold on to him?

I don't think so, I think they informed him that his services were no longer needed at the club. Something like that.

 

[Trollhammaren]

I must have been living in a cave. First I've heard of it. But Mittagong??? :shock: I have to assume he wanted to play in this far more laid back lifestyle, because he definately would have started in the NRL for the Tigers next year, with Farah still injured, and he can still tear it up. He was sometimes inconsistent but did some brilliant things over the years.

 

[ozzy_ozman]

Robbie Farah wil be the new hooker for the tiggpies

 

[God-King Dean]

Robbie Mears plays against my mate in a OzTag comp ATM

 

[bulldogs = #1]

no hooker carved canterbury up as much as robbie mears did this year in the first game we played the tigers.

goodluck son.. he's got my respect.

 

[innsaneink]

no hooker carved canterbury up as much as robbie mears did this year in the first game we played the tigers.

goodluck son.. he's got my respect.

That happened to be his best game for the year as well....if he did stuff like that all year I'd be even less impressed with Wests admin for lettin him go but unfortunately those displays were few and far between.

 

[Everlovin' Antichrist]

Yeah, his displays when we needed to win toward the end of the season left a lot to be desired.

But he wasn't alone.

 

[brook]

Robbie, like Darren Senter, was a good player

Neither were offered new contracts because this year the tigers decided to put their faith in a player with the potential to be much more.

Lets hope Rob Farah repays the faith (as I believe he will given an injury-free year) because while we do have other players capable of filling in at hooker (halatau, fitzhenry, galea) I wouldn't want to see any one of the three having to fill the role on a full-time basis

 

[lolesi]

Robbie Mears plays against my mate in a OzTag comp ATM

Mate what comp is that??
cause i could of sworn i played against him on thursday night

 

[gregstar]

after having shed hill last year & now senter, the tiggers are my second team!

 

[CULLUS.ONLINE]

I must have been living in a cave. First I've heard of it. But Mittagong??? :shock: I have to assume he wanted to play in this far more laid back lifestyle, because he definately would have started in the NRL for the Tigers next year, with Farah still injured, and he can still tear it up. He was sometimes inconsistent but did some brilliant things over the years.

Its been posted around the official forum for ages

Shame to see him go. He always seemed to lift the team when he came on! I will never foget his effort this year against the doggies! He won us that game!

 

[LeagueNut]

Onya Robbie ... all the best.

 

[Ferocious Dogs]

He was a good player onfield for us. Will never forget that game earlier in the year where he destroyed us. Unfortunately inconsistency and offield issues have cut his career short. Good luck to him in the sticks.

 

[stubbsie]

He had a fair this year and was one of the Tigers best attacking weapon im suprised ther didn't renew his contract.