Raiders into the race for Kimmorley...

[Timbo]

Raiders keen to sign up Noddy

CANBERRA has turned to Brett Kimmorley as it continues its search for an experienced halfback to mentor its young backline.

Raiders chief executive Don Furner yesterday confirmed his club had expressed an interest in the 33-year-old, who is weighing up whether to continue playing next season or accept a coaching position with Canterbury.

Kimmorley, squeezed out of the Bulldogs next year by the signing of Kris Keating and Trent Hodkinson, has also attracted interest from Parramatta and Cronulla.

"We would love to have him for a year," Furner said. "We would love to have him for his experience and to help bring Joshy (halfback Josh McCrone) through.

"In terms of helping with our young halves, it would be great."

The Raiders, who have also shown an interest in retiring Cronulla five-eighth Trent Barrett, face an uphill battle to secure Kimmorley's services given his burgeoning media career in Sydney.

However, Canberra coach David Furner was a teammate of Kimmorley in the NSW side in 2000 and could use their previous relationship as leverage.

The former NSW and Australia halfback, who wore the No 7 jersey for the Blues in the opening game of this year's State of Origin series, would appear a perfect fit for the Raiders.

The club's backline is littered with emerging stars, most notably Josh Dugan and Joel Thompson, yet Furner has struggled to find a consistent halfback to complement Terry Campese.

Kimmorley is yet to announce his plans for next season.

Meanwhile, St George Illawarra captain Ben Hornby is expected to ink a new deal with the Dragons next week.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sp ... 5890013049

 

[GC_Gladiator]

I hate these rumours.. lol. And the fact that Furner still see's potential as a half in McCrone, and that Kimmorley would be signed to help bring 'Joshy' through.

I personally would like to see Wade Graham brought to the club. He can play inside Campo until Sam Williams is ready, and at that time Williams in 7, Graham in 6, and Campo in 13.

Graham isn't the complete package yet, but either are Kimmorley or Orford.

 

[typicalfan]

Wade Graham is the same as McCrone, same problems would emerge. Raiders should look also at signing Roosters reject James Aubusson as a cheap hooker option.

 

[aussies1st]

About time we got linked to a halfback, I was dying hearing the amount of backrowers and backs we are trying to get.

 

[GC_Gladiator]

Wade Graham is the same as McCrone, same problems would emerge. Raiders should look also at signing Roosters reject James Aubusson as a cheap hooker option.

In no way is he the same as McCrone. Graham is a junior champion who has carried his form through to first grade and played instrumental roles in some of his teams victories. While he will one day be a great five eight, he is perfectly reasonable while deputising as a halfback, as seen in the panthers victory over the Dragons. I have much more confidence in Grahams short kicking game, and he has one of the best passes around.

Kimmorley would have once been a fantastic option for us, but his ship is sailing as the sun sets on his career.

 

[Raidersrawesome]

Sammy williams is the man. He is young and maybe just not ready for FG. But he is a geniune halfback with all the skills.

Anasta was giving him big wraps today , so he might be rooter in a few years time :lol:

 

[Squae]

Sammy williams is the man. He is young and maybe just not ready for FG. But he is a geniune halfback with all the skills.

Anasta was giving him big wraps today , so he might be rooter in a few years time :lol:

Is he under contract ?

 

[Raidersrawesome]

Is he under contract ?

Im not sure of his contract status , Im sure we will wrap him up for years to come.

 

[Cryptic]

We have a young half with all the skills not ready for first grade... Why would we want another?

 

[GC_Gladiator]

Options?

We currently have 1 legitimate NRL level half at our club. We have another who would be better suited to five eight, and while he played well tonight hasn't done so consistently. Further to this, Campese is a player who would be just as well suited to 13. For next season our halfback options are McCrone and Williams. Five Eight is Picker and Campese.

I think another young player adept at playing both five eight and halfback would be useful to our squad, especially when you consider the quality of the young guy who is off contract.

 

[Raidersrawesome]

Options?

We currently have 1 legitimate NRL level half at our club. We have another who would be better suited to five eight, and while he played well tonight hasn't done so consistently. Further to this, Campese is a player who would be just as well suited to 13. For next season our halfback options are McCrone and Williams. Five Eight is Picker and Campese.

I think another young player adept at playing both five eight and halfback would be useful to our squad, especially when you consider the quality of the young guy who is off contract.

Mick Picker isnt the answer. He will be a reserve grader.

Campo and McCrone are 5/8's
Williams is the halfback , unless we get Kimmorley then Williams may have to wait a year.

 

[GC_Gladiator]

Yeah, thats why I was suggesting Wade Graham as a guy I'd like to see in our squad. To me, Kimmorley is on his last legs and will put just as much pressure on Campo as McCrone does (on bad nights ).

 

[mrpwnd]

Piss off raiders.
Kimmorleys ours.

 

[Raidersrawesome]

Piss off raiders.
Kimmorleys ours.

Im assuming you're a Parra fan , i think your club is after orford now.

 

[Nth-Qld-Raider]

If Mick Picker gets any where near First Grade i'll shot someone.

After yesterdays game in the Qld Cup for SL, Picker and Herbert were to say the least, bloody pathetic, they were an embarrassment.

 

[Macko8]

I know ive said we dont need kimmorley and his past his "best" days

But i wouldnt be pissed off if we were to sign him

He'd be a great mentor for the younger halves at the club,kind of like a jason smith type role if you like

 

[nqcowboy87]

i reckon itd be an astute buy for the raiders, sort of a jason smith thing, the knights could also do something like that bring the prodigal son home and help bring jarrod mullen to reach his potential

 

[Cryptic]

I was also happy to read we are after Cronk and possibly Finch (although even the report said that was unlikely).

 

[Mullins_y2k]

Yeah we should defo aim for Cronk then finch

 

[Timbo]

Cronk is one of the 4 players (with Smith, Inglis and Slater) who the Storm are focussing on holding on to.

Finch would be good, but as much ad I deathride McCrone, with a year or twos mentoring by a great half like Kimmorley he could evolve into a top player.