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Adrian Proszenko | April 6, 2008
KANGAROOS back-rower Anthony Tupou is tipped to re-sign with the Roosters this week, although the move could force teammate David Shillington from the club. Shillington, a contender for a Queensland State of Origin jersey after an impressive start to the year, is being chased by the Dragons, Bulldogs, Raiders and Souths for next season.
The Roosters want to retain Shillington but will struggle to fit him under the salary cap if Tupou agrees to a three-year deal to remain at Bondi Junction.
Tupou is weighing up a massive offer from Manly but said it would be almost impossible to leave a club he described as his "family". "My heart's at the Roosters and I really want to stay," Tupou said. "It would be hard to find a family club with all the mates I've got there now. That's hard to find and that's worth a lot in itself. It's where I've debuted and I've grown a lot at the club, hopefully into a leader. That's why I want to stay so much."
Likewise, Shillington wants to stay put. But the Roosters won't be able to match the money on offer elsewhere after signing up big-name recruits Willie Mason and Mark O'Meley during the off-season. "The Roosters have signed a lot of big players around me so it would probably be hard to fit me in there," Shillington said. "I've been here for five years, I love the club and we've got a good future the way we're heading. Freddie [coach Brad Fittler] is taking us in a good direction, but that's not always the way it works out with footy with the salary cap. I'd like to stay here but if I can't I'll look at my next best option."
Shillington said his goal was to get an Origin call-up after being on the fringe of selection in recent seasons. "It would be great to play with Nate [Myles] against Willie and Ogre [O'Meley]. I'll use the things they teach me each week in club games against them in Origin."
We'll have him if he wants to come home.
Adrian Proszenko | April 6, 2008
KANGAROOS back-rower Anthony Tupou is tipped to re-sign with the Roosters this week, although the move could force teammate David Shillington from the club. Shillington, a contender for a Queensland State of Origin jersey after an impressive start to the year, is being chased by the Dragons, Bulldogs, Raiders and Souths for next season.
The Roosters want to retain Shillington but will struggle to fit him under the salary cap if Tupou agrees to a three-year deal to remain at Bondi Junction.
Tupou is weighing up a massive offer from Manly but said it would be almost impossible to leave a club he described as his "family". "My heart's at the Roosters and I really want to stay," Tupou said. "It would be hard to find a family club with all the mates I've got there now. That's hard to find and that's worth a lot in itself. It's where I've debuted and I've grown a lot at the club, hopefully into a leader. That's why I want to stay so much."
Likewise, Shillington wants to stay put. But the Roosters won't be able to match the money on offer elsewhere after signing up big-name recruits Willie Mason and Mark O'Meley during the off-season. "The Roosters have signed a lot of big players around me so it would probably be hard to fit me in there," Shillington said. "I've been here for five years, I love the club and we've got a good future the way we're heading. Freddie [coach Brad Fittler] is taking us in a good direction, but that's not always the way it works out with footy with the salary cap. I'd like to stay here but if I can't I'll look at my next best option."
Shillington said his goal was to get an Origin call-up after being on the fringe of selection in recent seasons. "It would be great to play with Nate [Myles] against Willie and Ogre [O'Meley]. I'll use the things they teach me each week in club games against them in Origin."
We'll have him if he wants to come home.
