Head Might Be Coming To Wests

[alien]

Head halts the Super Drain
Daily Telegraph November 28, 2007 12:00am

FORMER St George Illawarra halfback Mathew Head is poised to halt the NRL's worrying trend of having players quit Australia for the European Super League.

Already this year a staggering 20 players have walked away from the NRL to sign rich deals with British clubs. But Head is now ready to reverse the concerning situation by turning his back on a huge offer from French club Le Catalans to sign a one year deal with Wests Tigers.

The Daily Telegraph understands Head is determined to re-build his career in Australia. Head's manager David Riolo has also pitched his client to the Bulldogs but Wests Tigers are favourites.

Riolo and Head are expected to discuss the Wests Tigers' offer today before making a final decision by the end of this week.

With halves John Morris (chest) and Benji Marshall (shoulder) having off-season surgery, Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens claims his club is chasing Head to "cover all bases.''

"He wants to stay in Australia,'' Sheens said. "We'll talk to him and go from there. He plays our style of football. This has come out of the blue. He would have to re-invent himself and our contract would be minimal.''

It is understood Head, troubled in recent years by knee and shoulder injuries, would have to be cleared medically by the Tigers before being signed.

He spend the past six months with English club Hull, who now though have former Shark Adam Dykes on their roster.

"Mathew is a good organiser who has a great kicking game,'' said Wests Tigers recruitment officer Warren McDonnell.

"We've got some fine young kids coming through so 12 months with Mathew would also give them a chance to mature.''

Sheens may need to re-shape his backline should Head sign. Morris could play five-eighth or come off the bench or Marshall may even move to centre.

"We'll play it by ear. Firstly though we have to make sure he wants to stay in Australia and signs with us,'' McDonnell said.

Riolo confirmed the Tigers' offer was on the table, the Bulldogs however had not shown enormous interest. "We have to see what Mathew wants to do - he has a good offer on the table from France,'' Riolo said.

"Mathew has had a tough couple of months. There isn't much money on offer here in Australia but there might be an opportunity at the Wests Tigers.''




this wouldnt be bad aslong as he doesnt get injured too much


1. hodgson
2. youngquest
3. collis
4. lawrence
5. tuiaki
6. marshall
7. head

 

[Estoboy]

did tigers management suddenly open their eyes or something???
soon it will be "one more year of Telstra left!"

 

[joel caine number 1 fan]

this is huge news if the deal goes through and it will either be good or bad depending if benji and head can stay on the field

Head is just he half we have been looking for

 

[Big Mick]

U should go with Blake Lazerus or Tim Moltzon

 

[Everlovin' Antichrist]

A fit Head is a gun halfback.

 

[Joe's Magpies]

I hope Head signs with the Tigers. It will give me more confidence for next season.

 

[super_coach]

Its a tough one, a couple of bright young kids been pushed back at least one year and will they pack up and leave when its their turn. Or take a risk with a guy who is a gold member at Medicare, who when fit is probably the player we are looking for.
Do you take the short term solution or a bit of pain for long term gain. The club would not be wrong which ever way they went. My slant, his kicking game alone should be enough to clinch the deal

 

[innsaneink]

Its a tough one, a couple of bright young kids been pushed back at least one year and will they pack up and leave when its their turn. Or take a risk with a guy who is a gold member at Medicare, who when fit is probably the player we are looking for.
Do you take the short term solution or a bit of pain for long term gain. The club would not be wrong which ever way they went. My slant, his kicking game alone should be enough to clinch the deal

Its worth it in this situation, head is a class player in a key position, who has lots to offer the young ones coming up that no one else in the club really can.
Not like Moodie holding back Matt Ryan

 

[colonel_123]

U should go with Blake Lazerus or Tim Moltzon

Both those players are in the NYC squad. They've yet to play any first grade and there's no guarantee they're ready to make the step up yet.

I'd rather take a punt on Head for one year at minimal pay. If he doesn't work out then Moltzen, Lazarus or Dunley can get some playing time this during 2008 to ease them into a fulltime position in 2009.

If Head gets back to his best, then he and Marshall could form a very potent halves combination.

 

[weststigerman]

I think Head coming here on a one year deal would be ideal for the club.

As much as we have Dunley, Lazarus, and Moltzen coming through, I think they have only recently turned 19. It might be a bit early for them.

If Head can stay injury free he can be in the top halfbacks in the country as has been mentioned. I think he could teach our young halves a lot while he is here if he in fact comes to the Tigers.

Thumbs up from me.

 

[brooksy19]

Or take a risk with a guy who is a gold member at Medicare, who when fit is probably the player we are looking for.

Sounds alot like a guy we signed in 2004 named Scott Prince.

This is would be a great signing.... GO RONALD GO!

 

[ucantseeme]

I want Head!

 

[netic]

Head would be an awesome signing for us, as mentioned Prnced was considered injury proned when we signed him and he ended up being an Origin Player and Churchill Medal winner.....

Bring it on i say

 

[Eddie.]

Not much to lose in this case. Minimal contract, one year deal. When fit he is a very classy player and the kind of organising half we desperately need. However his knees are a massive worry, he was well behind the pace last season in his few starts in first grade. Confidence and fitness would be a massive issue. However we need to take the punt, a halves partnership or Morris and Marshall, or shifting Farah there simply cannot be played out again.

Not going to get excited yet, especially with the Bulldogs in the race, from a players perspecitive they are probably a more attractive proposition and wouldprobably be offering more money then Ronald's spare change.

 

[Spank]

This will be great if he signs, he can mentor Moltzen for 12 months before he steps in and takes over.

Great kicking game and organisational skills, hopefully he stays injury free !

We all put a lot of sh*t on management, but these last 3 signings have been quality

 

[chopsy_05]

Possiblying signing - Great!
Marshall to centre - worrying!

 

[brooksy19]

Marshall is not a centre, let him play 5/8 for f**ks sake...
1. Hodgo

6. Marshall
7. Head

9. Farah

we will leak points still, but we'll pile plenty on.

 

[hybrid_tiger]

I'm taking credit for this, I suggested him as soon as we lost Prince.

Can Ronald deliver or will the Bulldogs steal him?

 

[bubblesunlimited]

I think the signing is confirmed!

 

[Deleted member 10972]

1. Hodgson
2. Lawrence
3. Collis
4. Morris
5. Tuiaki
6. Marshall
7. Head
8. Payten
9. Farah
10. Gibbs
11. Payne
12. Heighington
13. Fulton

14. Halatau
15. Teo
16. Harrison
17. Galloway

18. O'Hara
19. Harlen
20. D Galea
21. Trimachi
22. Moltzen
23. Flanagan
24. MacDonnell
25. Youngquest