Mickey Paea signs 1 yr deal

[Dragon]

http://stgeorge.yourguide.com.au/ne...big-overhaul-for-dragons-in-2009/1273387.aspx

Big overhaul for Dragons in 2009


BY MICHAEL CARAYANNIS
16/09/2008 9:29:00 AM


ST GEORGE Illawarra will undergo a massive facelift in the off-season as they prepare for 2009.For the first time in the joint-ventures history, the Dragons have been active in recruiting multiple top-ended players.
Under the watchful eye of incoming coach Wayne Bennett the Dragons have signed premiership-winning representative players Luke Priddis, Jeremy Smith and Darius Boyd.

Smith along with Neville Costigan will set up a first-class back row rotation alongside new teammates Ben Creagh, Dean Young and Beau Scott.
After an 18-month sojourn, Mat Head returns to add depth into the halves while former Canberra prop Michael Weyman will ease the burden up-front following the departure of Jason Ryles.

St George Illawarra have beaten off an audacious bid from Canberra to sign Sydney Roosters prop Mickey Paea.
Paea, 22, made his debut for the Roosters in 2005 and has signed a one-year deal.
The Dragons have now set their sights on securing Manly hooker Matt Ballin.
While reluctant to leave Manly, the salary cap may force Ballin to look at other options.
Both the Dragons and Parramatta are keen on securing his services.

Ballin's decision will impact on the future of Stuart Webb who is keen to stay at St George Illawarra.
Negotiations are continuing with outside back Michael Lett while it is unlikely hooker Ben Ellis will be retained. Two to three spots remain on the Dragons roster.


Re-signed: Jamie Soward (two years), Matt Cooper (three), Jarrod Saffy (two), Jason Nightingale (three), Daniel Fepuleai (two), Cameron King (three), Jamie Stanley (two), Matt Prior (one)


Gains: Darius Boyd (Brisbane Broncos) three years, Neville Costigan (Canberra Raiders) two years, Mathew Head (Wests Tigers) one year, Luke Priddis (Penrith Panthers) two years, Jeremy Smith (Melbourne Storm) three years, Michael Weyman (Canberra Raiders) two years, Mickey Paea (Sydney Roosters) one year, Hayden Fepuleai (Hurstville United) three years.


Losses: Josh Morris (Canterbury Bulldogs), Mark Gasnier (Stade Francais French rugby), Ben Rogers (Newcastle Knights), Jason Ryles (Catalans Dragons), Simon Woolford (retirement), Kirk Reynoldson (retirement), Lagi Setu (Brisbane Broncos).


Not sure: Ben Ellis, Stuart Webb, Michael Lett.
ST GEORGE Illawarra under-20s side will play again this week despite a heavy loss against the Warriors on Sunday. The young Dragons side surged to a 14-0 lead early before the Warriors charged home to win 46-14. The Dragons will travel to Brisbane to play the Eels in a do-or-die match on Saturday.

Thoughts?

 

[Ray Parlour]

Yes!!!

Matty Balin is a must. He has been carving up for Manly.

Micky Paea also runs hard, i like him. Good depth in the forward. Our roster is shaping up as a good one.

 

[j0nesy]

sh*t that's a good signing, and if we get Balin I think that would be an even better signing. Fingers crossed.

 

[Godz Illa]

Good for depth, a stocky solid mofo like Thorby. Was more highly rated than Lopini coming through but has not kicked on. I like the one year contract for a couple of reasons – it puts the onus on Mickey to make the step up from good reserve grader to genuine first grader, and it also keeps the path to first grade clear for our gun U20’s props Merrin, O’Brien and Hancock after next year.
Ryles and Setu are big losses but our forwards group for next year is still looking reasonably strong.

Justin Poore
Dan Hunt
Michael Weyman
Ricky Thorby
Matt Prior
Jarrod Saffy
Ben Creagh
Jeremy Smith
Neville Costigan
Beau Scott
Dean Young
Mickey Paea
Luke Priddis
Alex Ranieri

Webb/Ballin

Daniel Fepuleai
Trent Merrin
Rory O’Brien
Tom Hancock
Matt Mundine
Jacob Marketo
Wes Suckley

 

[Gaba]

Lots of people were complaining about signings seems the dragons are doing fairly well

 

[Scott Gourley's Lovechild]

Not too bad at all, for either signing. Ballin could come off the bench for Priddis (or visa versa), and Mickie Paea would probably be either on the bench or pushing for a 1st Grade spot. Good signings.

 

[Jasdragon]

Ballin sounds interesting, I won't get excited till he sign's though other teams will prob chase him now. By the way how many Paea's are there??? there seems to be heaps of them.

 

[Scott Gourley's Lovechild]

There were 3 Paea's at last count (Mickie, Lopini, and the other one at Easts)

 

[Drew-Sta]

Lots of people were complaining about signings seems the dragons are doing fairly well

Due to Wayne Bennett coming on board I would suggest, but not the administrative nous of Doust.

 

[rushndude]

Eddie Paea (the easts one)

 

[Godz Illa]

Lelea was the other brother. Was at the Roosters, played for Gold Coast last year, no idea where he is now.

Eddie Paea is a Souths halfback, I don't know if he's related or not

 

[petetheileet]

Paea = top signing, ballin would be good, if we can get him cheap!

 

[dragonfire]

thats an excellent signing, from what i have seen the guy has potential and runs hard. Ballin would top the cake and make Doust look like a genius

 

[Jasdragon]

Ballin would top the cake and make Doust look like a genius

Nothing on earth could do that! :lol::lol::lol:

 

[Everlovin' Antichrist]

Good signing. My son was mates with the Paea boys growing up and Mickey was always the best of them.

 

[BeeeeeRad]

Good signing, if you are willing to take a gamble. He has plenty of potential, but has really failed to deliver this year and Lopini has outplayed him big time. Maybe the 1 year deal might fire him up and he might get more involved in games.

 

[grandorient]

Sh*t,

What about the backs????

GO

 

[watatank]

We have plenty.

 

[Slackboy72]

This is what I was talking about in my 30 years rant.

Finally getting the chequebook out.

 

[drake]

Awesome news, though I'm still struggling with the idea of the Doustians allowing Bennett to sign players.