http://www.parraeels.com.au/news/2015/02/04/wicks_given_green_li.html
Forward Danny Wicks has this week received clearance from the National Rugby League for his one-year deal with the Dyldam Parramatta Eels.
Wicks joined the club for pre-season training in November, and has impressed on the training field, topping the team’s leaderboard in a number of strength and fitness metrics.
Eels CEO Scott Seward says the new recruit’s attitude hasn’t gone unnoticed at the Blue and Gold.
“Danny’s dedication over the last few months of training has been exceptional,” Seward said.
“He’s shown he’s prepared to work hard to earn his place at our club, and to work with us and the NRL throughout the process of managing his return to the game.”
“I’m very thankful for the NRL’s help and professionalism over the past few months to reach this outcome, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him pushing for an opportunity in 2015.”
For Wicks, the pre-season started even earlier than his teammates as he put in his own tough training sessions before joining the Eels squad in November.
“I started a couple of weeks early to catch up,” Wicks said when he joined the Eels.
“But I’ve got faith in myself: this is the fittest I’ve been and I’m really excited. [This] might only be my second chance, but it’s my last and I’ll make something of it.”
“This is the opportunity I needed in my life.”
The 106kg forward says the opportunity to play under Head Coach Brad Arthur was an added incentive when it came to inking a deal with Parramatta.
“I’m at the point in my career where it’s nothing but straight down the line [and that’s what Brad is],” Wicks said.
“He’s a gentleman and I’ll play for him.”
To the fans, Wicks’ message is short and simple.
“Just give me an opportunity.”
Replies
I dont want to be a wet blanket but i can just see Danny struggling with injury this year, its been a long lay off and he has come back with basically a new shaped body, built plenty of lean Muscle, ive got a feeling his body might struggle this year so im calling it early.
Hope im wrong, i rate him and want to see him at his best for us.
Losing fat and gaining muscle would usually mean his body would handle the impact of competition better. With less dead weight and more functional mass his body would probably be more efficient than it previously was.
Agree Snake Wicks could do with a little more padding to absorb the hits, also at the speed he runs more weight would ensure he makes more line breaks, gee I hope he knows how to pass a ball.
Don't expect it to be long before the 1ee start demanding he be moved into FG
Love his attitude,Shows a lot of character to fight his way back.Bring on 2015 and see you earn yourself a new extended deal.
A terrific attitude. Should definitely be competing for a FG spot as the season progresses if attitude & determination r anything to go by. Another interesting thing to watch in 2015 as to wether Wicks has the ability & capability to play FG if given the opportunity.
I think he will surprise plenty. You dont lose ability. Once he gets used to the impact and pace he will be a great asset. His attitude is what will get him a long long way.
106kg for a frontrow is very light in the modern game. As Wicks looks bigger then Lussick and Mannah in the latest photos what is the real weight of Lussick and Mannah, particularly Mannah?
The very recent changes to the ruck rules making the ruck faster just may be a blessing in disguise as our pack is very lean with the exception of Jr Paulo and Pauli. Was it a coincidence that Wayne Bennet who is on the NRL Rules Committee was pushing for this rule change to the ruck when he himself has a small mobile Brisbane forward pack.
Should be interesting with these new rule changes to the ruck for Round 1 as Manly have bought some big forwards and we have gone the other way stripping weight off?
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
-
5
of 5 Next