Confirmed Signings

parragirl · Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008 10:31 pm Post subject:

Broncos re-sign rising star

January 22, 2008

THE Brisbane Broncos have extended the contract of boom youngster Dave Taylor until the end of the 2009 NRL season.

Regarded as one of the hottest young players in the game, Taylor has opted to extend his contract with the six time premiers by one season rather than take a multi-year deal.

Taylor, who has been earmarked as a future Australian forward, believes it's in his best interest to prove himself before taking a long-term contract.

But he says his future lies with the Broncos.

Taylor finished last season in blockbusting form, sparking calls from former players for the club to offer him a life-time contract.

However Taylor is happy to continue to learn his craft under coach Wayne Bennett and says his decision to opt for a one-year extension had nothing to do with money.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,23090488-23214,00.html

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parragirl · Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 3:07 pm Post subject:

It's Matty, Not Fatty

Chip off the old block ... Matt Vautin. Photo: Phil Lutton

Matthew with his old man fatty Paul Vautin

Story & Photo By : Phil Lutton
Brisbane Times
Wednesday 16 th January '08

Matt Vautin looks up to his famous dad, Paul. Sort of.

At just 17, the new signing for the Gold Coast Titans has a maturing appreciation of what his old man, the Manly and Queensland legend, accomplished on the football field.

But in terms of physical stature, that relationship is inverted. Standing six-foot three inches tall and with nary a red hair in sight, Matt isn't exactly a carbon copy of the ginger-topped Footy Show front man.

"He's (Matt) six foot bloody three. Fatty reckons the milkman got in there somewhere," says Titans junior recruitment director Tom Searle, who first saw Matt playing for New South Wales at a schoolboy carnival in Townsville before snaring his signature last year.

The lack of a family resemblance is equally as puzzling to Matt, who says the origin of his extended frame is somewhat of a riddle in the Vautin household.

"I don't have the red hair and he's (Dad) about five foot nine and I'm about six foot three. It's a mystery. No one has got any idea where I got the height from," says Matt.

While father and son differ greatly in appearance, the burning ambition on the field remains the same. After playing rugby for St Luke's Grammar School until he graduated last year, Matt is chasing his football dream on the Gold Coast, where he hopes to make his mark in the centres.

Following the move from Sydney's northern beaches, where he was linked to Manly, Vautin 2.0 will have his first chance to impress as part of the Titans' 30-man SG Ball squad in two trial games later this month.

"I've played rugby league since I was 10. At the school we didn't play rugby league, I played rugby union. So I played rugby union for a few years and I wasn't the biggest fan but it was just a bit of fun. I was a fullback," says Matt, who has moved in with dad Paul at Broadbeach.

"I'm deadly serious about football. It's been really good, a really good experience. But it's been a bit boring up here by myself. I don't really know anybody yet. I came up and left all my friends in Sydney."

Despite growing up in Blues-territory, Matt says he's always been a Maroons supporter. The move north will give him the chance to follow in his dad's footsteps.

Matt said his dad had never pressured him into lacing up the boots but was thrilled with his decision to pursue a career in the game that made 'Fatty' famous.

"He doesn't put too much pressure on. He's always been supportive and giving me tips. He's always wanted me to do this. But in saying that, he's always said do what you want to do. It's up to you."Vautin senior has pulled a few strings to help Matt harden up his lanky frame. The youngster is doing one-on-one sessions with Titans trainer and former Queensland hardman Trevor Gillmeister two days a week, with immediate and often messy results.

"Gilly's a great mate of mine and an integral part of the Gold Coast club. He's taken time out to help Matt," said Paul Vautin.

"He had Matt spewing today so that's a good sign. He had him on the treadmill and he had an up and under, so that's good."

While Matt is now seeking his dad's tutelege on all matters football, it wasn't that long ago that the brash youngster wasn't interested in the advice his father had to dispense.

"I've never pushed him. He just does his own thing," Vautin snr said.

"He's making his own way. I'm there to help him as he needs help. As he gets older he comes to me more for a bit of help.

"I said to him once when he was 10 - 'Mate you can always come to me for a bit of help'. And he said 'Dad, what would you know?'.

"I said, 'Mate! Come on! The 80s!'"

Despite growing up on the beach all his life, Matt won't be taking advantage of the Broadbeach waves lapping on his doorstep.

"I can't surf. I'm unco. I run. If I can I'll run down the road or something like that," he said.

And though his dad has never pushed him into football, he is pushing to get him out of the house and into the workforce or study.
"Dad is pretty adamant that I get a job soon. But I'm riding it out as long as I can and having a bit of a holiday."

http://www.ourfootyteam.com/news_....php#mattVautinSignsTitans160108a
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parragirl · Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 12:54 pm Post subject:

Ryan re-signs for Dogs

February 4, 2008

Bulldogs skipper Andrew Ryan has re-signed with the NRL club for a further three years.

The 29-year-old, who has captained the Dogs since leading them to victory in the 2004 grand final, today confirmed his future at the club until the end of 2011.

The re-signing is a major boost for the club, who have lost a host of top level talent in recent years, including Willie Mason, Mark O'Meley and Braith Anasta all to the Sydney Roosters.

"I'm very happy to be running around with the Bulldogs for a few more years yet," he said.

"I've been with the club for six years and it was always my first preference to stay with the Bulldogs for more years to come.

"It's a great club, from the players, to the coaching staff to the administration.

"We've got a very enthusiastic and committed squad and will be giving the NRL competition a real shake over the next few years."

After three years at Parramatta, Ryan made his debut for the Bulldogs in 2003 and has played 120 first grade games for the club.

Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes said: "Andrew is a true professional on and off the field. He hasn't been a NSW and Australian representative over the past few years for nothing."

http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/n...ogs/2008/02/04/1202090309827.html
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parragirl · Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 4:45 pm Post subject:

Wests Tigers re-sign Marshall

Good news for Tigers fans...Benji Marshall has signed until the end of the 2009 season. Picture: Robb Cox.

The Wests Tigers have also signed Leeds and Great Britain forward Gareth Ellis.

February 08, 2008 12:00am

WESTS Tigers today confirmed the re-signing of star five-eighth Benji Marshall on top of the acquisition of Great Britain Test forward Gareth Ellis.

Marshall, off contract at the end of 2008, agreed to a one-year contract extension with both parties hoping to formalise a longer deal further down the line.

The Kiwi international, who has had a wretched run with injury, said he was confident he had overcome the shoulder troubles which which have plagued his career.

"We are very happy Benji has agreed to stay with the club," Wests Tigers recruitment manager Warren McDonnell said.

"The club is very confident about Benji's future and that he can return to his 2005 form and is now over his injuries.

"The one-year extension gives Benji and Wests Tigers some breathing space and give him the chance to get back on the field.

"We are very much still talking to his manager about his future."

Ellis will join the Tigers in 2009 on a three-year deal with the 2007 Golden Boot nominee to finish up with reigning Super League champions Leeds at the end of this year.

The 27-year-old has played 19 Tests for Great Britain and said he was looking forward to testing himself in the NRL.

"This has been a life-changing decision based on my personal career goals to play at the elite level in both Super League in the UK and the NRL in Australia," Ellis said.

"I want to mount the personal challenge of proving myself in the NRL with the Wests Tigers, who have impressed me with their ambition to repeat their Grand Final success of 2005."

http://www.news.com.au/dailyteleg.../0,22049,23179968-5006066,00.html
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parragirl · Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 11:46 pm Post subject:

Waterhouse signs until 2011

February 07, 2008 12:00am

FORMER Test lock Trent Waterhouse has re-signed with Penrith until the end of the 2011 NRL season.

The new deal comes as a welcome relief for the rangy backrower as he looks to get his career back on track after a horror 2007.

Waterhouse was sidelined for four months of last season after breaking his leg in two places while scoring a try against Gold Coast in round four.

He returned to play the final four games of the season.

The local junior, who turned 27 last month, said he hoped the new three-year deal would lead to him becoming a one club player after making his first grade debut with the Panthers in 2002.

"I'd like to think so, and it looks likely. I'll be 30 at the end of this contract," Waterhouse said.

"This is the only club I've ever been at and I'm happy here.

"And the future is looking good with our current set-up, the players we have and the kids coming through."

The Panthers play their opening trial against Parramatta in Albury on February 22.

http://www.news.com.au/dailyteleg.../0,22049,23174598-5006066,00.html
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parragirl · Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 1:13 pm Post subject:

Patten re-signs for Bulldogs

February 15, 2008

BULLDOGS boss Malcolm Noad says the re-signing of fullback Luke Patten shows reports about the NRL club's rapid demise have been greatly exaggerated.

Patten gave the besieged club come much-needed good news ahead of Sunday's future-shaping board elections after agreeing to extend his current deal for a further three years.

Despite the uncertainty at Belmore with three groups vying for places on the nine-man board, 28-year-old Patten has put pen to paper to a new deal which will see him remain a Dog until the end of the 2011 season.

The announcement followed the re-signing of captain Andrew Ryan last month, with both contract extensions bright spots in an otherwise horrific off-season for the Dogs which has seen Willie Mason quit the club and one of the ugliest build-ups to a board election in NRL history.

Chief executive Noad told Fox Sports News he would be lying if he didn't admit the past fortnight of in-fighting had been difficult, but said the retention of Patten and Ryan showed the club was not in dire health.

“We're faring pretty well, when you look at the announcement made this morning about Luke Patten re-signing with the club until the end of 2011 on the back of Andrew Ryan's announcement that he was staying for the same period,” Noad said.

“So it doesn't seem to be affecting the players.

“There's a lot of conjecture about the club going down the toilet, but you look at the ways the players actually feel about the place, it's a very exciting atmosphere and they're looking forward to the kick-off.”

Patten joined the Dogs in 2001 from St George Illawarra, representing City Origin twice in 2002 and 2004 and winning a premiership with the club in 2004.

He said the turmoil surrounding the club's board had not affected the players' preparations for the 2008 season.

“It hasn't troubled us at all, and I've said to a few people that the board don't come out on the field and play with us so it's not an issue for us,” he said.

“I've read a lot that the club's in crisis and that's just crazy you know, if the club was in crisis I wouldn't be thinking of staying here.

“We've had a great pre-season and we're really looking forward to the season so there'll be no hiccups for us.

“I read this morning that Steve Mortimer was saying the club's bigger than all of us so at the end of the day as long as the club goes on and everything's run smoothly then that's the way to go.”

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,23218677-23214,00.html
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parragirl · Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 1:17 pm Post subject:

Ben Smith Commits Long Term To The Eels

Sunday 17 February 2008

Pirtek Parramatta Eels centre Ben Smith says he hopes to be a one club man after agreeing to a new four year deal with the club.

23 year-old Smith, who has scored 25 tries in 58 matches for the Eels since making his debut aged 19 in 2004, will now remain at Parramatta until at least the end of 2012.

“The future looks pretty exciting for the Eels and I’m very happy to know I’ll be a part of it,” Smith said.

“We’ve got a great squad and a top quality coaching staff and that’s always a good mix to have.

“I’ve spent a great four years here and life at Parramatta is all I’ve known since coming to Sydney, the club’s been good to me and I’m glad to be able to repay that faith.

“I think of myself as a one-club man and now the deal’s done I can just focus on getting myself back to full fitness and playing some footy.”

The Werris Creek product is currently on the comeback trail from shoulder and knee reconstructions and is set for a return to action early in the new season.

Eels head coach Michael Hagan says Smith’s signing was an important one for the future of the club.

“We made no secret of the fact keeping Ben was our next goal after securing Jarryd Hayne and Krisnan Inu,” Hagan said.

“So it’s a great outcome for the club to get the deal done because Ben adds plenty to the footy team both on and off the field.

“It’s also very pleasing to have gotten the deal done quickly and it’s a credit to Ben and his manager Darryl Mather that we managed to do so.”

Known for his maturity despite his youth, Smith is a member of the Eels leadership group and is a tireless worker for charity.

“This is very good news for the Parramatta Eels club,” Parramatta Eels Chief Executive Denis Fitzgerald said.

“Ben is an outstanding young player and an outstanding young man, he’s a member of our leadership group and he’s very keen to get back on the field after an unlucky run with injury.

“I’m sure once he does he’ll waste no time showing coach Michael Hagan that he’s again ready to play a significant role in Parramatta’s quest to go one game further than last season.”

http://www.parraeels.com.au/news/news1692.shtml
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Skyhunter · Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 2:53 pm Post subject:

Good news for the Eels and their supporters with Ben Smith signing a new contact keeping him at the club until the end of 2012.

parragirl · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 1:09 pm Post subject:

Sammut re-signs for two years

Re-signed...Jarrod Sammut. / The Daily Telegraph

February 26, 2008 12:00am

PENRITH have signed promising utility Jarrod Sammut to a new deal that will keep him at the NRL club until 2010.

Sammut, 21, extended his current contact by a further two years despite reported interest from rival NRL club New Zealand Warriors.

"It's a great signing for the club," Panthers general manager Michael Leary said today.

"We're always talking about a pathway to the NRL for local juniors - and this is yet another example of that.

"Jarrod will be a great utility player for us."

Sammut broke into the Panthers' first grade side late last year and impressed in place of injured fullback Rhys Wesser.

He is locked in a battle with new recruit Joe Williams for the Panthers' halfback spot made vacant by Craig Gower's departure, and said he saw his future at the club in the halves.

"I'd like to see myself playing somewhere in the halves, whether it be six or seven, but I think just anywhere at the moment - to be on the park is a good feeling," Sammut said.

Sammut was reportedly being targeted by the Warriors as a replacement for their fullback Wade McKinnon who suffered a season-ending knee injury last week.

But he said he always wanted to remain with his junior club.

"I did want to stay at Penrith - I just feel comfortable here with all the facilities and the people and just growing up in the local juniors," Sammut said.

"I couldn't really see myself going anywhere."

http://www.news.com.au/dailyteleg.../0,26799,23278589-5012662,00.html
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parragirl · Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2008 12:56 am Post subject:

Stewart snares $2.5m jackpot

Hot property ... Brett Stewart has re-signed with Manly for five years on a lucrative deal. / The Sunday Telegraph

By Chris Wilson | March 02, 2008 12:00am

HIS credentials as one of the country's most eligible bachelors will certainly soar.

After four months of negotiations, Manly fullback Brett Stewart has finalised a five-year, $2.5million deal with the Sea Eagles, and says he is strictly a one-club man.

But the 23-year-old immediately rejected any suggestions of slipping into a comfort zone, telling The Sunday Telegraph he wants to prove himself as the best fullback in the game during this World Cup year.

Stewart was one of the 50 finalists in Cleo magazine's bachelor of the year contest. Extra riches and job security can only enhance his appeal.

But Stewart said the deal at Manly would give him the platform to improve his game and work towards being rugby league's premier No1.

He rocketed through the representative ranks last year and is the incumbent NSW and Australian fullback. But he acknowledged injuries to Anthony Minichiello and Karmichael Hunt aided his rise. "I probably got (into the Australian team) through injury a little bit more than anything,'' Stewart said.

"If every fullback's on board, to make it then, that's what you want to do. It's a clean slate and I think there'll be some good football played.''

Stewart, who has the incredible strike rate of 70 tries in 88 NRL games, will become the face of the Sea Eagles until the end of 2012.

And his brother Glenn has re-signed at Manly for three seasons, with coach Des Hasler also set to extend that deal.

Both played a part in Stewart's decision, although he also sounded out veteran Steve Menzies for advice.

"I'd like to be a one-club player like Beaver (Menzies) and this is just another step towards doing that,'' Stewart said.

"I know I'm not going to get complacent just because the club has shown this faith in me.

"I now know what I'm doing for the next five years and, if anything, it'll allow me to concentrate even more on my footy.

"I suppose there is a bit of responsibility now, but I'm comfortable with that.''

Unable to run for three months because of a knee operation in October, Stewart turned to the video room to improve his support play.

But he still hasn't watched footage of the second half from last year's losing grand final, when he was knocked out and helped from the field.

Stewart won't play a trial, but insists he will be fit for Manly's season-opener against the Sharks at Brookvale on March 15.

"The last five or six weeks I've got back into things and now I'm back to full strength again.''

http://www.news.com.au/dailyteleg.../0,26799,23304052-5006066,00.html
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Skyhunter · Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2008 11:32 am Post subject:

Great news with the worlds best fullback resigning with the Eagles. And by following Beaver Menzies path and becoming another one club player top stuff. Very Happy

parragirl · Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2008 11:52 am Post subject:

Nathan Merritt re-signs with Souths until 2011

March 06, 2008 12:00am

NATHAN Merritt, the NRL's leading tryscorer of 2006, has re-signed with South Sydney until the end of 2011 season.

Merritt, 24, made his debut for the Rabbitohs in 2002 before playing with the Sharks in 2004 and 2005 and returning to Redfern in 2006.

Merritt's re-signing means he will join fellow Rabbitohs Roy Asotasi, David Faalogo,John Sutton and Craig Wing as players contracted with the club until the end of 2011.

"In previous years, South Sydney has struggled to keep its juniors but now we see the likes of Nathan Merritt and John Sutton committing to the club for extended periods of time," Rabbitohs Director of Football Operations Shane Richardson said.

"Nathan is the type of player we feel can become a leader at the club. He is a South Sydney junior, he understands what it means to pull on the red and green jersey and the honour that goes with that."

Merritt said: "Souths is my junior club and I've always wanted to play in the red and green.

"We had a bit of success last year but I think we can achieve more. It all starts next week (in the March 14 season-opener at Sydney's Olympic Stadium) against the Roosters and I'm getting ready to make my return to footy in that game."

Merritt missed South Sydney's first finals appearance for 18 years because of a leg injury last season.

http://www.news.com.au/dailyteleg.../0,26799,23327932-5012663,00.html
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parragirl · Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2008 12:38 am Post subject:

Gidley re-signs with Knights

March 12, 2008 12:00am

NEWCASTLE have re-signed Test star Kurt Gidley to a new three-year deal, keeping him at the club until at least 2012.

Gidley had been targeted by several NRL clubs, including South Sydney, but the 25-year-old decided to remain loyal to the Knights after playing his junior football in Newcastle.

Gidley made his NRL debut in 2001 but had a breakthrough season in 2007, gaining selection in the NSW and Australian sides.

The fullback said he wanted to emulate his older brother Matthew, who played his entire NRL career at the Knights before heading to the UK. Gidley has signed for three years and has an option for a fourth season.

"It would always be hard to leave a club like this but I think to be a one-team man is something pretty special,'' Gidley said.

"I think Matt being a one-club man was something that also had a big influence on it, I love Newcastle as a town and also the team so I'm very happy with the decision.''

http://www.news.com.au/dailyteleg.../0,26799,23358333-5006066,00.html
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parragirl · Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 12:13 am Post subject:

Souths re-sign Talanoa

All tied up ... Fetuli Talanoa is staying with the South Sydney Rabbitohs. / The Daily Telegraph

March 28, 2008 12:00am

SOUTH Sydney have re-signed utility back Fetuli Talanoa until the end of the 2010 NRL season.

The Souths junior cemented himself a place in the Rabbitohs backline last season where he was used mostly on the wing and at fullback. He will line up in Sunday's match against Penrith in the centres.

"Fetuli has shown his continued allegiance to the club by re-signing until the end of 2010, and we want to reward our talented young players with extended contracts,'' Souths' director of football operations Shane Richardson said.

"He has proven himself to be a consistent first-grade player over the past two seasons and we believe he can develop his skills even further to higher representative honours.

"Fetuli was chased heavily by rival clubs and he has re-signed with us for less money, showing his loyalty to the Rabbitohs and the confidence there is in the club from the playing ranks.

"He is a great talent and were very pleased he will be wearing the red and green for at least two more seasons.''

Talanoa joins fellow Souths juniors John Sutton, Nathan Merritt and Craig Wing in recently re-signing with the club.

http://www.news.com.au/dailyteleg.../0,26799,23445582-5012663,00.html
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parragirl · Posted: Sun Mar 30, 2008 3:37 pm Post subject:

Broncos sign Folau in $1.6M deal

Teen sensation ... Israel Folau has signed to play for the Brisbane Broncos next season. / The Daily Telegraph

By Steve Ricketts | March 30, 2008 01:00pm

BRISBANE Broncos is set to announce it has signed superstar centre Israel Folau to a $1.6 million four-year deal.

The Daily Telegraph has learned Folau informed his teammates after Melbourne Storm's 10-6 loss to the Sydney Roosters on Saturday night he planned to return home to Brisbane next season.

Folau, who made his Test debut against New Zealand late last year, has been the subject of a drawn-out tug-of-war between Brisbane and Melbourne who meet in next Friday's grudge match at Olympic Park.

The teenager, who is a devout Mormon, has been wrestling between returning to Brisbane to be closer to his family, or remaining in Melbourne with his premiership winning teammates.

Folau would be considered Brisbane's highest profile signing since multiple premiership-winner Glenn Lazarus.

http://www.news.com.au/dailyteleg.../0,26799,23455209-5006066,00.html

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