Storm brews at Knights kidnap rising star.

[The Colonel]

Source: Big League page 66. Round 19 Edition 15/7/2004

Of all the NRL clubs, the Melbourne Storm have had to work the hardest when it comes to grass roots development.

That's why, when some of Victoria's rising stars were courted by Newcastle at the under-15's Aust, Schoolboys tournament last month, they were understandably upset.

Storm recruitment manager Peter O'Sullivan slammed the Hunter-based club afterhearing promising 15 year old fullback Beau Ryan had signed a scholarship deal with the Knights.

"They have the greatest heartland of rugby league in their own backyard and they come and throw scholarships at kids from Victoria"

"Its ridiculous to say the least. They've recruited from the Northern Territory and Western Australia and now they're trying to recruit from Victoria when they have the best kids in the country running around in the Hunter region".

More available in Big League.

Seems Newcastle love to whinge when players leave their district to play and be developed at other clubs - Luke Burt, Ryan O'Hara, Anthony Tupou, Brett Finch, Willie Mason among others - however they aren't adverse to doing the same to other clubs.

Seems to smell of double standards.....

 

[bartman]

Yep, you live by the sword, you die by the sword...