Potential Halfback for Parra next year

Parra clearly need to find a halfback for next year,and we would all love Cronk to be that person, but in case we don't get him there is another option from Storm....Luke Kelly. I've seen him play and he seems to have what it takes to be a longterm halfback at a Club...why not at Parra?

Luke Kelly

Date of Birth : 13 October, 1989

Height : 181 cm

Weight : 86 kg

Position : Halfback, five-eighth

Rep. Honours : Nil

Junior Clubs : Katherine Bushrangers

Previous Clubs : Nil

FG Debut : v Parramatta, Parramatta Stadium, 20/7/89 (Rd. 19)

Club Debut : v Parramatta, Parramatta Stadium, 20/7/89 (Rd. 19)

Career: After starting out at the Katherine Bushrangers, Kelly moved to Sydney to boarding school, where he starred as a playmaker at fame league nursery, St Gregory’s Campbelltown. Kelly was discovered by Storm scouts at a NSWCCC tournament and, after one year with Wests Tigers SG Ball side, moved to Melbourne to play under-20s. Kelly captain the Storm’s under-20s side to the premiership last year, where he was also named man of the match, and made his NRL debut against Parramatta earlier in the season.

Preview: Kelly will learn rapidly under Australian halfback Cooper Cronk. Expect Kelly to press for an NRL spot this year with an eye on a permanent berth in 2011. He continues to impress all the right people.

Replies

Shire Eel July 1, 2010 at 9:29pm

and also a hooker

Ryan Hinchcliffe
Date of Birth : 7 October, 1984
Height : 182 cm
Weight : 90 kg
Position : Hooker, lock
Rep. Honours : Nil
Junior Clubs : Temora Dragons
Previous Clubs : Canberra 2005-08
FG Debut : Canberra v Penrith, CUA Stadium, 28/4/07 (Rd 7)
Club Debut : v Dragons, Olympic Park, 13/3/09 (Rd 1)BIOGRAPHYCareer: Hailing from Temora, NSW, Hinchcliffe was snapped up by Canberra as a 20-year-old. He spent four years at the Raiders, making his debut against Penrith in 2007, before joining the Storm at the start of 2009. Hinchcliffe showed his utility value in 2009, switching between hooker, second-row and lock during the season, with only a minor suspension robbing him of playing ever game. He overcame a knee injury to play a key role in the Storm’s premiership win over Parramatta and secure his status as one of the buys of the season.

Preview: After a breakthrough season in 2009, Hinchcliffe, a true professional, will be looking to advance his game even further next year. The likeable utility will again start the season in a back-up role to skipper Cameron Smith, with his versatility invaluable, given his ability to switch positions with Storm’s forward pack.
SacDog92 July 1, 2010 at 10:08pm

Because we already have an up and coming halfback in Daniel Mortimer! What we need is an experienced half who can lead our pack around and guide Morts...
- big black guy > SacDog92 July 1, 2010 at 10:23pm
  
  BINGO!
- Shire Eel > SacDog92 July 1, 2010 at 10:38pm
  
  Morts isn't a halfback. He is either a 5/8 or potentially a hooker. He doesn't know how to direct a team around the park. It clearly doesn't come naturally to him. Just because his Uncle was a halfback doesn't make him one. He is more like his Dad who wasn't a halfback. Kelly has no problems directing a forward pack around and providing room for his backs. First grade isn't a training camp.
- YDIDISAYIDO > SacDog92 July 2, 2010 at 7:30pm
  
  Morts is not a 7.... In the context of what's available... do we have a choice but to look for a young guy?
Bourbon Man July 2, 2010 at 9:24am

No Shire Eel, DA has stated time and time again he sees DM as the long term half back option and with all due respect, I'll take the coaches opinion over your learned opinion.

Luke Kelly may yet prove to be a boon to Parramatta in so far as the Storm - who will absolutely have to get rid of at least one of the big 4 if their being fair dinkum - might consider that Kelly, under the tutelage of Cam Smith, might be ready to take the step up to first grade and 'do a job' allowing them to free up Cronk's salary.

We could then make a competitive offer to Cronk. We need experience, not a promising young halfback who excels in the Under 20's - we already have two of those!
- blueNgold > Bourbon Man July 2, 2010 at 12:43pm
  
  I agree with Shire Eel that from an outsiders point of view that Morts looks like he is stuggling big time in the 7's role. Although he may have the confidence and leadership qualities of a number 7, I think it comes down to the fact that he just isn't that all round skillful as a player.
  
  Alot of kids come up and play first grade and don't have great energy and attitude like Morts shows, yet they still show ability to throw a effective passes and have an accurate short kicking game. Iv'e never seen Morts throw a pass either long or short and thought 'sweet'. He does kick well on occasions but comparably he is very poor compared to other play makers at an NRL standard.
  
  However I do definetely agree with you Bourbs that we need a player with ilk such as Cronk and not Kelly's potential in the team. I think Luke Kelly is a good young player as well, but right now he is inexperienced and only showing potential. Wev'e already tried a young halves combo which has failed, why would we want to try it again?
  
  Your theory that Kelly may be able to step up into Cronks shoes I also agree with. What worries me however is that I think its a given that Finch will be moving on at the end of the season, thus leaving the Storm with the predicament of having to blood a new halves pairing. Which would leave more doubt that they would be willing to let go of Cronk.
  
  Finally though the do have that young pom kid Gareth Widdop waiting in the wings of Billy Slater, obviously he won't be getting a run over Slater any time soon. I supremely doubt that the storm would let go of Slater so perhaps they will move Widdop into the halves to partner Kelly?
  
  So many scenarios could occur, as Iv'e said we will have to wait and see.
- Shire Eel > Bourbon Man July 2, 2010 at 9:12pm
  
  Bourbon Man, if Parra really thought Morts was a longterm halfback why would they be interested in Cronk? Obviously if they bought Cronk it would be on a longterm deal to play halfback...therefore Morts would most likely play 5/8. Parra don't seem to be trying to buy a 5/8 to play outside Morts do they?
  Obviously my first choice would be Cronk to Parra, but if he isn't available we need to look at other options. There could be some value in Kimmorley or another older player but personally I think that is a short term fix. I'd prefer to get a young guy to combine with Morts in the halfs. We might take a couple years to be a major threat but the longterm benefits would be there.
  Anyway, whatever they do I just hope they find a good organiser because clearly at the moment that is what we lack.
Parra Mafia July 2, 2010 at 9:34am

I was dead set against it at first, but I am starting to warm to the idea of making a play for Brett Kimmorley if we can't get Cooper Cronk. Obviously Cronk is by far the preferred option, but having Kimmorley around for a season might be just what Daniel Mortimer needs. He is highly respected as a family man and a team player and has a great football brain. Best of all he would probably come fairly cheap and there is also the possibility of utilising his skills in some form of coaching capacity after he retires. It's certainly not the worst option.
- PM www.sportfirstnambucca.com.au > Parra Mafia July 2, 2010 at 10:36am
  
  yes if we miss out on cronk then kimmorely would be good, would even keep him on as a halves coach. Orford would be good also but Cronk must be 1st choice.