We got a Queenslander!!! The Coast sign Nathan Friend!

[DIEHARD]

Friend signs with Gold Coast

18 August 2005


Melbourne back-up hooker Nathan Friend has signed a two year deal with the Gold Coast from 2007, becoming the seventh player to join the new NRL franchise.

The announcement came barely 24 hours after Parramatta utility player Luke O'Dwyer also signed on with the Queensland team for 2007-08.

Melbourne football manager Peter O'Sullivan said Toowoomba-raised Friend had become frustrated with his limited chances behind Queensland Origin hooker Cameron Smith.

"He's a big loss but it's good for Nathan. He was behind Cameron Smith so there weren't too many opportunities for him here," he said.

"He's only played four games this year so we understand that he has to move on to try and further his career and play NRL.

"He's been great for us, there is always a home for him here, but it was in his best interests that he moved on.

Friend, 24, is set to sign a one year extension with Melbourne until the end of 2006.

He has played just 14 first grade games to date since his 2002 debut.

The Gold Coast - which will debut in 2007 - has also signed Penrith pivot Preston Campbell, Dragons and Test prop Luke Bailey, British winger Brian Carney, Wests Tigers' Anthony Laffranchi and Parramatta flyer Matt Petersen to date.

SOURCE: NRL.COM

 

[DIEHARD]

From GoldCoastRugbyLeague.com.au

Nathan finds Friends at Gold Coast!

Melbourne Storm’s Nathan Friend will have the chance to stamp himself as a fulltime first grade hooker when he runs on for the Gold Coast in 2007. Currently caught behind Cameron Smith, Friend has had to rely on injuries to win a place in the Storm’s starting side.

“It has been frustrating at times”, said Friend. I don’t regret my time with the Storm and I am really excited about going to the Gold Coast”.

Coach in waiting John Cartwright said, “it has been tough on him to be in that position. You can see it will enhance his chances of stamping himself stepping out of the shadow of one of the most respected hookers going around. There is definitely the opportunity here for him to play a lot more first grade.”

Nathan was born and bred in Toowoomba and started playing at the age of 5 for West Juniors. He played one season with the local A Grade competition for Gatton then joined the Broncos feeder club the Toowoomba Clydesdales. In 2002 he moved to Brisbane to train full time and made his debut with the club later that year.

Cartwright believes the young Queenslander will add good depth to the side and his assertiveness will be an attribute.

“He’s very competitive, good out of dummy half and has solid defending capability. But the most pleasing thing from a coaching point of view is his competitiveness. He’s not the biggest build but he makes up for that in enthusiasm and competitiveness and that is a key factor for me.”


Managing Director Michael Searle said, “We were introduced to Nathan after a chance meeting with Craig Bellamy before the Storm’s Round 17 clash against the Bulldogs. It was his glowing endorsement ‘as someone we should look at’ that grabbed our attention. It is great to have another Queenslander coming home.”

 

[perverse]

good to see, it's shaping up to be a good team.

 

[DIEHARD]

good to see, it's shaping up to be a good team.

Yea mate! I'm so excited.

We will get even more players next year and who knows what young guns are waiting just to blaze onto the scene!

 

[Kingytek]

Holy crap, things are coming together so well. High Fives to the GC Club for it's excellent recruitment drive....

 

[Iafeta]

Top signing.

I think this bloke is one of the most underrated players in the NRL, great talent. Great defensive work ethic.

 

[Shaun Hewitt]

If these great and probably bargain signings continue and the warriors management continue to suck apples, i may just be rooting for 2 teams in 2007 (am currently supportin the Warriors obviously, but im joining the Wests band-wagon)

 

[DIEHARD]

If these great and probably bargain signings continue and the warriors management continue to suck apples, i may just be rooting for 2 teams in 2007 (am currently supportin the Warriors obviously, but im joining the Wests band-wagon)

Sorry mate, no Kiwis allowed. ;-)

Joking! Rugby league loving Kiwis....slightly welcomed. :lol:

 

[perverse]

im very impressed with the GC approach to this new team.. there's a lot of buzz around it, everyone is interested in the recruitment drive and the naming of the team has had quite a campaign.

they've created A LOT of interest without any real advertising or marketing... well done whoever is in charge. i'm actually looking forward to seeing their first game.

 

[Phillips]

Michael Ryan would have been a better option

 

[Iafeta]

I watched a bit of Queensland Cup, there was a lock for Redcliffe, I thought he looked a top quality player. Anyone know his name and if he's contracted elsewhere?

Could be another bargain buy for the Coast with the most.

 

[elyod138]

Bloody good signing, friend is a top hooker.

 

[Sun_Down]

Good signing. Solid player, should go well.

 

[Thunderstruck]

Congrats for the signing. As I said here, he'd be great for you guys. He's been knocking on 1st grade's door for 2 years now and would've have been a starting hooker in the NRL if he wasn't a backup up for Cameron Smith.

 

[nqboy]

Michael Ryan would have been a better option

Good player. Cheap too, if you're looking for depth.

 

[Kingytek]

We have 3 great utilities now. Preston, O"Dwyer and Friend!!!!
Those 3 players can cover any position on the field except ref!

 

[freeridermx]

does any one know what the story is with greg eastwood and steve michaels if they have/ havent or going to sign with the the coast they would be great signing.