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Rumours and Stuff

El Diablo

Post Whore
Messages
94,107
told ya it would be those AFL flogs http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...s/news-story/42a7012cf3f6e52e8f42963735e7c204

Cowboys young gun Kalyn Ponga chased by AFL’s Brisbane Lions
42a7012cf3f6e52e8f42963735e7c204

PETER BADEL, ANDREW HAMILTON, ROBERT CRADDOCK, EXCLUSIVE, The Courier-Mail
32 minutes ago
42a7012cf3f6e52e8f42963735e7c204


COWBOYS wonder boy Kalyn Ponga has become the latest target in the poaching war between the AFL and rugby league.

The 18-year-old sensation is being courted by the Brisbane Lions, who hope to lure him away from the first grade rugby league career which started with a bang against the Broncos in the elimination final on Friday night.

Ponga’s electric footwork in the Cowboys’ 26-20 was reminiscent of a young Brad Fittler as he jinked through the Broncos defence in the biggest game of his life.

The Lions’ association with Ponga started when he trained with their academy as a 15-year-old and was dubbed the best talent they had seen at that age.

Brisbane list manager Peter Schwab said the Lions believed Ponga’s potential to be an AFL player was limitless and the club had remained in regular contact with him since he departed their academy.

He said the club had the capacity to sign him as a category B rookie under the same rules code-hoppers Karmichael Hunt and Israel Folau were signed at the Suns and GWS.

Category B rookies do not take a position on a club’s senior list and their salary does not fall under the cap.

That means the Lions would have the financial capacity to compete with the Cowboys but would not have to sacrifice a proven player to secure him.

However, Schwab said the Lions always understood his first love was rugby league and the challenge to make him switch codes was formidable.

“He would always be welcome here and we could make it happen,’’ he said.

“But it would be a big decision for him. How many kids make their debuts in a final?’’

Ponga is contracted to the Cowboys for next season but has rejected their offer of a contract extension. His father Andre said one of his son’s first priorities in the off-season would be to get a manager and sort out his future.

“That is something he must do,’’ Andre said.

“I had not heard of the AFL approach but there is always speculation he will play rugby union, NFL or AFL but the point is that he right now is playing rugby league for the Cowboys.’’

Kalyn said last week he was not looking too far ahead in his football planning and was even hoping to play some Instrust Super Cup games to see how his body performed against older men.

“Everyone wants to play for Queensland or NSW and represent their country but I just take it as it comes and make the most of it when that opportunity arises,” he said.

Ponga was New Zealand’s under-13 golf champion, and made the Australian under-18 touch side as well as starring for Churchie’s First XV.
 

Chipmunk

Coach
Messages
17,375
told ya it would be those AFL flogs http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...s/news-story/42a7012cf3f6e52e8f42963735e7c204

Cowboys young gun Kalyn Ponga chased by AFL’s Brisbane Lions
42a7012cf3f6e52e8f42963735e7c204

PETER BADEL, ANDREW HAMILTON, ROBERT CRADDOCK, EXCLUSIVE, The Courier-Mail
32 minutes ago
42a7012cf3f6e52e8f42963735e7c204


COWBOYS wonder boy Kalyn Ponga has become the latest target in the poaching war between the AFL and rugby league.

The 18-year-old sensation is being courted by the Brisbane Lions, who hope to lure him away from the first grade rugby league career which started with a bang against the Broncos in the elimination final on Friday night.

Ponga’s electric footwork in the Cowboys’ 26-20 was reminiscent of a young Brad Fittler as he jinked through the Broncos defence in the biggest game of his life.

The Lions’ association with Ponga started when he trained with their academy as a 15-year-old and was dubbed the best talent they had seen at that age.

Brisbane list manager Peter Schwab said the Lions believed Ponga’s potential to be an AFL player was limitless and the club had remained in regular contact with him since he departed their academy.

He said the club had the capacity to sign him as a category B rookie under the same rules code-hoppers Karmichael Hunt and Israel Folau were signed at the Suns and GWS.

Category B rookies do not take a position on a club’s senior list and their salary does not fall under the cap.

That means the Lions would have the financial capacity to compete with the Cowboys but would not have to sacrifice a proven player to secure him.

However, Schwab said the Lions always understood his first love was rugby league and the challenge to make him switch codes was formidable.

“He would always be welcome here and we could make it happen,’’ he said.

“But it would be a big decision for him. How many kids make their debuts in a final?’’

Ponga is contracted to the Cowboys for next season but has rejected their offer of a contract extension. His father Andre said one of his son’s first priorities in the off-season would be to get a manager and sort out his future.

“That is something he must do,’’ Andre said.

“I had not heard of the AFL approach but there is always speculation he will play rugby union, NFL or AFL but the point is that he right now is playing rugby league for the Cowboys.’’

Kalyn said last week he was not looking too far ahead in his football planning and was even hoping to play some Instrust Super Cup games to see how his body performed against older men.

“Everyone wants to play for Queensland or NSW and represent their country but I just take it as it comes and make the most of it when that opportunity arises,” he said.

Ponga was New Zealand’s under-13 golf champion, and made the Australian under-18 touch side as well as starring for Churchie’s First XV.

I watched him last night. I'd be shocked if he turned into the superstar they think he will be.

Looks like a typical player who would be brilliant in the 20s but will do f**k all at NRL level.
 

Gronk

Moderator
Staff member
Messages
77,704
EELS TO SETTLE

Parramatta are poised to settle out of court their $ 1.83 million contract dispute with Will Hopoate, although it remains to be seen if the Eels will need to carry the payout in their salary cap.

The matter has been before the Supreme Court, but the parties are keen to avoid a protracted legal battle and have all but agreed a payout figure. Hopoate, now at Canterbury, alleged the Eels had failed to honour a contract extension for 2016-18. While the settlement will come out of the Parramatta Leagues Club coffers, the Eels will be hoping the money does not count against their salary cap. The NRL's determination is critical as the outcome will affect how much the blue-and-golds have to spend on recruitment and retention for future campaigns.

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...retail-during-nrl-hiatus-20160916-grihba.html
Nothing article. Max has already made an offer and has sais that it makes commercial sense to nip it in the bud rather than the lawyers get most of the spoils. The NRL have already said its not part of our cap.
 

Captain BF

Juniors
Messages
1,973
People who are closer to the club may know better, but I think this Matt Desira bloke has a connection with Hayne, close mates maybe?
 

Delboy

First Grade
Messages
7,550
Crusher lived off the Jamie Lyon recruitment , what isn't told is that John Harvey rang him and told him to get to Wee Waa and sign this kid who was tearing it up

He was a good operator at getting to the parents and talking up the opportunities, he does not have the same aura with other scouts relating to talent identification
 
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