Latimore signs with...

Vodafone Warriors sign prop from grand final club's squad--------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Vodafone Warriors have bolstered their front row resources by signing prop Jeremy Latimore, who has played a role in the Parramatta Eels’ charge into the 2009 NRL grand final on Sunday.The 22-year-old broke into first-grade against South Sydney in round 11 this season, the last of his seven interchange appearances for Parramatta coming against the Vodafone Warriors in round 23 on August 15.Born and raised in Port Macquarie, Latimore represented the Junior Kangaroos in 2005 and New South Wales Residents last year.Vodafone Warriors coach Ivan Cleary said the young Parramatta front rower provides more depth in the club’s front row options for the 2010 season.“We were in the market for a prop and we knew a bit about Jeremy after seeing him play in the New South Wales Cup and also against us in the NRL,” he said.“He’s had a taste of first-grade football and now he has an opportunity to push his cause when he starts with us in the off-season.”He’ll join a propping contingent that includes Steve Price, Sam Rapira, Russell Packer, Jesse Royal and Jacob Lillyman, who all handled front row duties in 2009. Also in the mix is 2008 Vodafone Junior Warrior Mataupu Poching and 2009 NYC prop James Gavet.Latimore, 191cm and 109kg, was a regular for Parramatta’s feeder side Wentworthville, which won the New South Wales Cup premiership last season and finished one win short of a repeat grand final appearance this year. Among his team-mates in last year’s title-winning team was new Vodafone Warriors halfback James Maloney, who moved to Melbourne this year where he, too, has been part of the club’s campaign to make its fourth straight NRL grand final.In his late season outing against the Vodafone Warriors, Latimore gained 101 metres from 12 runs and also made 22 tackles. He has been signed on a one-year deal with the club having an option on him for 2011.While announcing his signing, the Vodafone Warriors have also confirmed halfback Shaun Johnson has extended his contract to 2012 with an option for 2013. Johnson is one of five players from the club’s 2009 NYC squad who have had their contracts upgraded to full NRL status for next season. The others are Elijah Taylor, Alehana Mara, Sione Lousi and Gavet.JEREMY LATIMOREBorn: December 8, 1986Birthplace: Port Macquarie, New South WalesPosition: PropHeight: 191cmWeight: 109kgJunior Club: Port Macquarie Sharks (NSW)NRL Career: 7 appearances for Parramatta 2009NRL Points: 0NRL Debut: Parramatta v South Sydney, ANZ Stadium, May 22, 2009 (Round 11)Other clubs: Wentworthville Magpies (NSW Cup)Representative: NSW Residents 2008, Junior Kangaroos 2005http://www.warriors.co.nz/news/392/vodafone-warriors-sign-prop-from-grand-final-clubs-squad

"Luai inked what could ultimately be a $6 million, five-year deal but it's since emerged he has an option to leave the club after just two seasons. “He's got a clause next year that if he chooses he can pull out the following year, but he's shown no…"

"I think thats the problem. He is too good for NSW cup so we are trying to jut fit him into the NRL team somehow . But in reality he is not a 6 or a 9. Just a fullback right now. During the recent pre-season Papalii only spent time training with…"

"The chances of him being our 6 next year are very low, if he was a serious consideration he would be playing 6 now with dylan at centre. I'll be very surprised if he is our starting 6 next season unless he gets a lot more time there this season. "

Replies

Camo73 October 1, 2009 at 7:48am

Played a part in our premiership campaign? I'm not so sure about that. I guess there must have been a win or two amongst his games in 1st grade.

I really like Latimore but now that we've bought bigger and better players and there's no place for him in our starting side. I hope our substitute players are able to step up next year.
Bosanac October 1, 2009 at 2:24pm

Good luck to him.
- 1Eyed Eel > Aaron Chapman October 1, 2009 at 7:36am
  
  If that's overkill then:
  
  "Vodafone Warriors halfback James Maloney, who moved to Melbourne this year where he, too, has been part of the club’s campaign to make its fourth straight NRL grand final."
  
  Is completely ridiculous! He played like three games before Finch arrived!
Ace Eel October 1, 2009 at 6:48pm

Lats has been ok with limited 1st grade runs...although big ...very soft & not what we need...next years squad won't miss him....like toddy...good luck elsewhere 2010......