I mentioned this in another post, but I thought it deserved its own blog.
For whatever was lost during the Stephen Kearney era, I think we'll look back and say at least we got Peter Nolan out of the deal.
I've been pretty vocal that I have a big opinion of the bloke. Straight-shooter, speaks with passion, lot of strong ideas and has a good track record identifying talent.
However, I have to say I was getting a bit worried that we were going to come up short for next year and given a few of our 2012 signings fell short of expectations, I must admit I was having a few doubts. But if he has landed Folau and Hock I think he's done a wonderful job to fill the holes in our roster with the exact right kind of players we needed to make a big, big difference.
Let's remember that neither of these players were on the market. Towards the end of the season, I spoke to him after one of the games in the Firehouse and I said I couldn't see anyone unsigned that could fill the holes we had and he said just be patient and you'll see.
I'm still reserving judgement on the Manly pair who I think have to prove themselves here but I appreciate that we've taken players from a quality system over there and I think that helps when you're trying to build a certain culture. And some of the youngsters and second-tier players we've been linked with, could be bargain buys. And I still think however we use Luke Kelly next year, he's going to be a great pickup. Importantly, we just look to have gained some of that toughness and aggression we've been missing in the last couple of years.
All-in-all I reckon (again assuming we do finalise these deals) Nolan has probably pulled off what could end up being our best recruitment year for a very long time. He's going to have to share the glory on Folau to others who probably need the press more than he does, and I know being the guy he is that won't bother him, but given we're the wooden spooners and have been a basket case at an administration level, quite frankly it's a wonder he's been able to sign anyone at all.
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Mr Nolan is not done yet. Welcome aboard Jimmy.
I'm Ken Crapper
Neutron?
James Tamou?
Sonny Jim?
Yep have to agree Phil, Kearney left us a few things to remember him by - a wooden spoon, The Parramatta Junior Eels Acedemy, and ofcourse it was him who specifically wanted Peter Nolan to come to our club.
And since Nolan has been with us I have seen us sign more young but highly regarded up comers in 2 years than I have in the last 10 and I`m not over reacting on this either.
Plus Nolan has also brought over to us - Luke Kelly, Joseph Paulo, Matt Ryan, Daniel Harrison, the Fijiian connection - "Kamikaze"Kamicamika and "Semi trailor" Radradra, Cheyse Blair,the recent young Kiwis, Connor Broadhurst, a couple of highly regarded young Aboriginal players, Mullaney, Luke Vescio, the Hopoate brothers, the Lussick brothers, the Folau brothers,and I`m sure there are more that I have missed. Oh yeah Chris Sandow too.
Good story Phil. I for one am extremely excited about our future and you only need to check the time of this reply, I still don`t feel tired lol.
PS, I`m gonna have this printed on the back of one of my 20+ Parra jerseys - "Folau & Hayne Minto boys" or Folau & Hayne Minto bros", as I have been living there for the last 26 years.
We just got the spoon and still in last 2 weeks I have seen more Parra jerseys being worn around Minto, Campbelltown and Macarthur Square shopping centre than any other club. So what does that say about the potential of our club ?
We could and should be the "Manchester United" of the Rugby League world, and I would like you to help get us there.
Well written, I hardly know of him or about him though have a heap of respect for him already.
Yep I`m still up lol. I Just wanted to add; the recently signed young Kiwis are - captain of the New Zealand under 16`s residents Kadince Christensen, and Josh Aloiai, both whom are 2nd rowers. Christensen drew the attention of several NRL clubs while playing for Whangarie Boys High, plus club side Northern Swords and junior rep sides.
Josh Aloiai made the New Zealand Schoolboys side as a 17 year old and has alot of potential.
Also less than 2 weeks ago we apparantlysigned ex cowboys under 20`s Michael Parker Walshe who`s preferred position is 5/8th, but can also play halfback and centre and was also going to be trialled at fullback before getting homesick and leaving the Cowboys. He played an important run for the Cowboys Toyota Cup teams run to the 2011 grand final which they were really unlucky to lose.
Has great passing game and an awsome left foot kick with very quick acceleration. He and Ulugia were fastest over 40 metres and has good upper body strength for a half.
The guy who`s post I`m copying this info from is actually a Cowboys fan who says he wishes Michael had never left the club as he will be a very good player for years to come.There is a highlights package of him, just search this blog titled "New Signing.....maybe " and it has the link near the end of his blog.
Also, looks like Nolan might bring pommy international forward Gareth Hock to Parra too.
And let`s not forget it was Peter Nolan who also brought Ricky Stuart, Matt Parish, Dean Pay, and Ken Edwards to Parra too. He really has been our clubs best signing since Brian Smith left us. And all this in just 2 years. I would like to measure his achievements up against the other 15 retention and recruitment managers, I bet he leaves them for dead. Especially if you include his work at the Broncos. It was Nolan who really won all those Premierships for them.
That`s why Wayne Bennett tried to sway him away to join him at Newcastle but Nolan said no thanks I have a job to do here at Parra.
We really are very very lucky to have Peter Nolan at our club.
I've said this all along, he is without the most important man in this club...the guy knows how to stictch out a deal.
1 eyed , i would do everything to get rid of Wille & Esi Tonga, Jacob Loko in my opinion fully fit will be the next superstar, put Isreal Folua in 4 and Jacob Loko in 3, we could have the most devasting centers in the NRL, with the arrival of William Hopaote at fullback in 2104 and Jaryd Hayne to five eigth alongside Sandow, we will have the most lethal backline in the NRL. I would give Luke Kelly a shoot at the hooker (9) , i think he would be a sensation. I urge Stuart to put Hayne in 6 from round 1 2013 and keep him there permantely
A great backline no doubt.
But without a competitive pack and some direction from a good rake, I think we are still short in some key areas. Hopefully a couple more signings, be it for season 2013 or 2014, will see those deficiencies addressed.
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