Star recruits missing but hot talent shines
Adrian Proszenko at Seiffert Oval | January 25, 2009
Canberra 32 Cronulla 12
RICKY STUART picked up a clipboard for the first time since that blow-up. It was also the first outing for David Furner as an NRL coach, although there was not much NRL talent at his disposal at Seiffert Oval last night.
Canberra coach Furner and Cronulla counterpart Stuart used the first unofficial trial for 2009 to cast their eyes over a bunch of youngsters and journeymen hoping to impress before the season proper kicks off in about seven weeks.
It's fair to say that Greg Bird wasn't the only superstar missing from the Sharks line-up. There was no sign of the recruits.
No Trent Barrett. No Anthony Tupou. No Reni Maitua. The trio was spared a hit-out in Canberra's sweltering heat, a description seldom used in describing rugby league conditions in the nation's capital.
Of the 17 men on the Sharks team list only one name was familiar. Tony Caine. Remember Tony Caine? The former Sharks and Dragons hooker destined for superstardom.
That was until the day Steve Price charged down one of his kicks and left his leg hanging at right angles.
Not long afterwards he retired, a promising career seemingly cut short until he resurfaced last night to score the Sharks' second try.
The first was scored by John Mannah, who appears to be as good a prospect as his brother, Parramatta NYC captain Tim.
The Raiders fielded 25 men for the contest. Sadly, they only finished with 24.
Cy Lasscock lasted just 10 minutes, the first casualty of the new year.
The big prop fell awkwardly, dislocated his knee and was carried from the field where it was popped back into place. He will have scans tomorrow.
To say the proceedings were informal is an understatement. Tries weren't converted. A Canberra forward relieved himself on the side of the paddock just before kick-off. There were three orange breaks. And while no one will remember the final scoreline (Canberra prevailed 32-12), a couple of performances were memorable.
Furner enjoyed the experience.
"It signals the comp is just around the corner," he said. "I was pretty excited. I know some of the players were looking forward to the game and the coaches were, too."
Asked about getting one up on his old teammate Stuart, he said, "It is only a trial.
"It would be nice to be in a situation to take a proper two points."
The Raiders scored four tries in an eight-minute burst, two by prodigal son Josh McCrone. The young half returned to the Raiders after a stint at Penrith and appears worthy of future opportunities.
Raiders prop Daniel Joyce attempted to shoulder charge everything in sight, with mixed success. The kid is a monster.
And comeback kid Caine was probably the best on ground.
There was some good talent on show and Furner and Stuart saw some of the stars of tomorrow.
http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/new...t-talent-shines/2009/01/24/1232471659614.html
Adrian Proszenko at Seiffert Oval | January 25, 2009
Canberra 32 Cronulla 12
RICKY STUART picked up a clipboard for the first time since that blow-up. It was also the first outing for David Furner as an NRL coach, although there was not much NRL talent at his disposal at Seiffert Oval last night.
Canberra coach Furner and Cronulla counterpart Stuart used the first unofficial trial for 2009 to cast their eyes over a bunch of youngsters and journeymen hoping to impress before the season proper kicks off in about seven weeks.
It's fair to say that Greg Bird wasn't the only superstar missing from the Sharks line-up. There was no sign of the recruits.
No Trent Barrett. No Anthony Tupou. No Reni Maitua. The trio was spared a hit-out in Canberra's sweltering heat, a description seldom used in describing rugby league conditions in the nation's capital.
Of the 17 men on the Sharks team list only one name was familiar. Tony Caine. Remember Tony Caine? The former Sharks and Dragons hooker destined for superstardom.
That was until the day Steve Price charged down one of his kicks and left his leg hanging at right angles.
Not long afterwards he retired, a promising career seemingly cut short until he resurfaced last night to score the Sharks' second try.
The first was scored by John Mannah, who appears to be as good a prospect as his brother, Parramatta NYC captain Tim.
The Raiders fielded 25 men for the contest. Sadly, they only finished with 24.
Cy Lasscock lasted just 10 minutes, the first casualty of the new year.
The big prop fell awkwardly, dislocated his knee and was carried from the field where it was popped back into place. He will have scans tomorrow.
To say the proceedings were informal is an understatement. Tries weren't converted. A Canberra forward relieved himself on the side of the paddock just before kick-off. There were three orange breaks. And while no one will remember the final scoreline (Canberra prevailed 32-12), a couple of performances were memorable.
Furner enjoyed the experience.
"It signals the comp is just around the corner," he said. "I was pretty excited. I know some of the players were looking forward to the game and the coaches were, too."
Asked about getting one up on his old teammate Stuart, he said, "It is only a trial.
"It would be nice to be in a situation to take a proper two points."
The Raiders scored four tries in an eight-minute burst, two by prodigal son Josh McCrone. The young half returned to the Raiders after a stint at Penrith and appears worthy of future opportunities.
Raiders prop Daniel Joyce attempted to shoulder charge everything in sight, with mixed success. The kid is a monster.
And comeback kid Caine was probably the best on ground.
There was some good talent on show and Furner and Stuart saw some of the stars of tomorrow.
http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/new...t-talent-shines/2009/01/24/1232471659614.html
Last edited by a moderator:
