MATTHEW GIVES WESTS TIGERS THE HEADS UP
By Wayne Cousins
Wests Tigers today announced the signing of talented half-back Matthew Head for season 2008.
The former St George-Illawarra Dragons playmaker has signed a one-year-deal with the club and is looking to re-establish his first grade career after spending time with Hull in the English Super League competition this year.
Head has played 57 first grade games but knee injuries have haltered his career. He left the Dragons in July to play for Hull.
“I felt I had some unfinished business back here,’’ Head said, of his signing with Wests Tigers.
“I wasn’t too happy playing my last game in Australia in reserve grade. It was a great opportunity to come to the Wests Tigers and to play under coach Tim Sheens.
“When it came up, I jumped at the chance and I am glad that it is all sorted now.’’
Head said any question marks over a suspect knee injury was just media talk.
“All I need is a good off-season and hopefully that is what I can achieve here. I just want to put those injuries behind me,’’ Head said.
“I am doing all the work I can to get over my injuries and that is something I suppose I have got to prove.
“I want to prove I am over them. I left Australia injured. I didn’t want to be known as a player that had injuries and couldn’t make it to what his potential showed.
“I have a new start at a new club and I am looking forward to the challenge.
“I want to show people what I can do. I spoke with Tim last week and he has given me that opportunity to start here at the club. I have now got to train hard and hopefully have some good trials and put my name there to maybe be the number seven.
“Tim has given me no indication as to what he is going to do with the half-back position. I am fresh and ready to go. I will be there for the first trial and I’ve just got to put my best foot forward there.’’
Head said he was already looking forward to playing the Dragons.
“To play the Dragons in round one at the SCG will be pretty special. There is plenty of work to be done before that, though,’’ Head said.
“I’ll set myself those goals down the track. For now, I’ve just got to train hard.’’
Matthew Head file (courtesy of David Middleton, League Information Services)
Age: 25
Born: 9/5/82, Wagga Wagga, NSW
Position: Half-back
First grade debut: St George Illawarra v. Canberra at Canberra 2003 (Rd 3)
Junior club: Dapto
Other information: Played for St George Illawarra in Jersey Flegg grand final 2002
Played for Illawarra in SG Ball Cup competition 2000
Played for Illawarra in Harold Matthews Shield final 1998
Played for Hull 2007
NRL Games: 57
Tries: 7
Goals: 95
Field Goals: 1
Points: 219
