Confirmed Signings

parragirl · Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2008 3:02 pm Post subject:

Tonga joins the Cowboys

Willie Tonga is leaving the Bulldogs to go to the North Queensland Cowboys. / The Daily Telegraph

By Steve Mascord | April 01, 2008 12:00am

FORMER Australia centre Willie Tonga has confirmed he had signed a four year contract to join North Queensland.

On the same day as the Cowboys snared coach Neil Henry, Tonga told the Daily Telegraph he was looking forward to linking up with Matt Bowen and Johnathan Thurston in Townsville.

"I'm looking at making an announcement tomorrow," the 24-year-old Bulldogs star said last night.

"I went up there a couple of weeks ago and I was very impressed with their setup. I look at Johnathan Thurston and Matt Bowen and I can really see myself in that backline.

"It's tough to make this sort of decision but I just wanted to get it out of the way and concentrate on my football."

The Dogs' loss came on the same day that new chief executive Todd Greenberg asked errant back-rower Reni Maitua about rumours he wanted to quit at the end for the season. Maitua assured Greenberg he would serve out his contract.

He is due to meet Maitua's manager, Gavin Orr, at 10am today.

Tonga said he did not join NQ in the understanding Henry would be coach.

"I've only just learnt about that - I thought it would be him or (Ian) Millward," said Tonga.

"Neil is obviously a very good coach. He's done some great things at Canberra and all the boys have been very impressed with him in the Queensland side."

http://www.news.com.au/dailyteleg.../0,26799,23465572-5006066,00.html

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parragirl · Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 7:52 pm Post subject:

Panthers re-sign Grant

April 09, 2008 12:00am

PENRITH have re-signed promising prop Tim Grant until the end of the 2011 NRL season.

Grant, a 20-year-old local junior, made 11 appearances for the Panthers in his debut season last year. He is currently battling an ankle injury which is expected to keep him out for at least another month.

"Although currently sidelined through injury, the club is confident that Tim will push his way into being a regular first grader,'' Panthers chief executive Michael Leary said.

"Tim is a very good local junior and once the injury has healed we look forward to seeing him force his way into the team from round 10.''

Grant represented NSW from under 17s to 19s.

http://www.news.com.au/dailyteleg.../0,26799,23511877-5012662,00.html
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parragirl · Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 8:05 pm Post subject:

Johnson signs for three years

Good news for Storm...Dallas Johnson has signed a new three-year deal with the club. / The Daily Telegraph

MELBOURNE lock Dallas Johnson has signed a new three-year contract with the Storm that will see him remain with the reigning NRL premiers until the end of the 2011 season.

The Queensland and Australian capped forward said loyalty played a big part in his decision to remain with the Storm.

"I'd like to think of myself as a loyal type of bloke, the club has been really good to me and I've thoroughly enjoyed my time here," said the 25-year-old.

"I see no reason to be looking to play my football anywhere else."

Johnson made his NRL debut with the Storm in 2003 and has played a key part in the club's recent success, helping them to the 2006 minor premiership and grand final, and then the NRL title last year.

He has played in all six State of Origin games since making his Queensland debut in 2006, and last year made his Kangaroos debut against New Zealand last October.

He was later named at lock for the World XIII team for 2007 and currently sits in second place on the NRL tackle count for the 2008 season behind teammate Cam Smith.

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy said Johnson was an integral part of the club.

"You know every time Dallas puts on the Storm jersey he will give everything he's got to win," said Bellamy.

"He is very well respected by the players, coaches and staff.

http://www.news.com.au/dailyteleg.../0,26799,23542800-5012649,00.html
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parragirl · Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 8:34 pm Post subject:

Goodwin a Raider until 2011

April 17, 2008 12:00am

CANBERRA have put their faith in Bronx Goodwin to become the club's long-term solution in the No.1 jumper, re-signing the talented youngster until the end of the 2011 NRL season.

With William Zillman set to move to the Gold Coast next year, the Raiders moved quickly to lock up the son of former St George great Ted Goodwin.

"It's good for me and the club has been kind in giving me three years so I'm happy," Goodwin said.

"I've got the fullback position now, and I've got to keep working on my own game and hopefully keep the spot for a long time to come."

Raiders chief executive Don Furner said Goodwin's re-signing was a must for the club.

"Bronx has always had the talent ... there's a good group of guys here and they're close mates and that's been prevalent in the other guys we've been speaking to as well," Furner said.

"I think we have a really good bunch of blokes here with no big egos and they all get on really well."

http://www.news.com.au/dailyteleg.../0,26799,23554802-5012664,00.html
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parragirl · Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 8:56 pm Post subject:

Lawrence signs until 2011

April 17, 2008 12:00am

BOOM West Tigers centre Chris Lawrence will remain at the NRL club until the end of the 2011 season after agreeing to a two-year contract extension today.

Lawrence, 19, was signed until the end of 2009, but the Tigers moved to lock-up the promising youngster following interest from rival NRL clubs.

Lawrence has played 23 games for the Tigers after making his first-grade debut while still at school against Brisbane in 2006.

In that time he has scored 20 tries and is considered a contender for a City-Origin spot in the opening representative game next month.

http://www.news.com.au/dailyteleg.../0,26799,23554099-5012658,00.html
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parragirl · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 2:32 am Post subject:

$1.5m makes Tupou a Shark

Big money deal...Cronulla have won the race for Test forward Anthony Tupou's signature. / The Daily Telegraph

Exclusive by Phil Rothfield | April 22, 2008 12:00am

IT'S not often the big-spending Roosters are beaten for a player they are desperate to keep, but the Cronulla Sharks have swooped to sign Test forward Anthony Tupou on a four-year deal.

Sources last night indicated it was the opportunity to play under Kangaroo coach Ricky Stuart that swayed the dynamic Tupou the Sharks' way.

"Tupou started his first-grade career under Ricky at the Roosters and that was one of the big factors in his decision," a source told The Daily Telegraph.

Tupou has agreed to terms on a contract worth around $1.5 million after a fortnight of top-secret negotiations with Stuart and Sharks CEO Tony Zappia.

The Sharks had to beat off a massive offer from Manly and a desperate attempt by Roosters boss Nick Politis to keep the strapping forward at Bondi Junction.

"It's a great coup for the club to sign a player of Anthony Tupou's status in the game," Zapia said last night. "We believe he has been the form second-rower in the competition this year and he'll be a huge boost to us.

"He is certainly a ready-made replacement for Lance Thompson."

It's understood the club is also very close to signing a second big-name player within a fortnight.

Tupou, 25, is one of the most explosive forwards in the NRL and is the Sharks' biggest signing since Brett Kimmorley was lured from the now-defunct Northern Eagles.

His arrival at Cronulla will give the Sharks arguably the best back-row in the premiership with Tupo playing alongside Test forwards Greg Bird and Paul Gallen.

The Roosters are bitterly disappointed to be losing the player they signed from Newcastle in 2003.

Tupou and his manager, Darryl Mather, only told the Roosters and Manly of his decision to leave Bondi late last night.

There had been suggestions Roosters officials were so determined to keep him they planned to release several players from their contracts early to free up enough cash under the salary cap to retain him.

Cronulla had the funds to compete against the biggest spending clubs following the retirement of veteran forward Lance Thompson last week who was understood to be on $280,000 a season.

Sharks players were last night pleased with the news. "He is a very good player and will be a welcome addition to our pack," one player said.

http://www.news.com.au/dailyteleg.../0,26799,23578177-5012659,00.html
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parragirl · Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 9:32 pm Post subject:

Raiders sign Flanagan from Wests Tigers

Posted:
Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:49:25

Canberra have signed promising Wests Tigers hooker Stuart Flanagan to a three-year deal from next NRL season.

The Raiders announced the 21-year-old would join them next year after three seasons with the Tigers.

Flanagan has made three appearances for the Tigers this season in place of injured hooker Robbie Farah.

"It's exciting to be going down to Canberra next year, they have a lot of good young players and I think there's a bright future there," Flanagan said.

"Having said that, I'm still committed to the Tigers this year and I'm looking forward to playing some good footy for them."

Raiders chief executive Don Furner said Flanagan's signing was a great coup for the club.

"Stuart is a local product who is returning home after establishing himself as a star of the future," Furner said.

"We look forward to having him here from the start of next season and wish him the best of luck for the remainder of 2008."

Tigers coach Tim Sheens also wished Flanagan all the best.

"He has done his apprenticeship at Wests Tigers and he is obviously looking to establish his own first grade career," Sheens said.

"It was always going to be difficult behind Robbie Farah."

Flanagan made his first-grade debut in 2006 and has played 14 games for the Tigers.

http://www.nrl.com.au/News/Latest/tabid/10244/default.aspx?id=50692
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parragirl · Posted: Thu May 01, 2008 1:41 pm Post subject:

Nathan Friend re-signs with Titans

Posted:
Wed, 23 Apr 2008 06:45:30

Gold Coast hooker Nathan Friend's early season good form has been rewarded, with the NRL club extending his contract for a year.

The Titans have taken up an option in Friend's contract that ensures he'll remain on the glitter strip until the end of next season.

Titans managing director Michael Searle said the club was negotiating with Friend's management to extend Friend's contract beyond 2009.

"We're really pleased to be able to extend Nathan's contract for next year and the fact we are negotiating beyond that highlights how much we think of him and his importance to the club," said Searle.

"He is a key member of the playing staff and a real natural leader."

After playing second fiddle to Test hooker Cameron Smith at Melbourne, Friend has become a mainstay of the Gold Coast forwards, playing 29 of the club's 30 NRL games so far.

The 27-year-old has been a key figure in helping the Titans shoot to the top of the NRL ladder with five wins from six matches.

"I can see something building at the club and I'd love to be around for longer if we could come to an agreement," said Friend.

"It's nice to know where I stand for next year. If I can lock something in further, that would great."

Meanwhile, five-eighth Ashley Harrison (elbow) should be fit to play against the New Zealand Warriors at Skilled Park on Sunday while prop Brad Meyers is still awaiting the result of scans on his injured wrist.

http://www.nrl.com.au/News/Latest/tabid/10244/default.aspx?id=50699
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parragirl · Posted: Thu May 01, 2008 1:52 pm Post subject:

Raiders re-sign worker Thurling

Hard work pays off ... Trevor Thurling / The Daily Telegraph

April 23, 2008 12:00am

CANBERRA have re-signed forward Trevor Thurling until the end of the 2010 NRL season.

Thurling has made 23 appearances for the Raiders since joining the club from the Bulldogs in 2006, including four this season.

He is currently serving a two-match suspension for his lifting tackle on Wests Tigers hooker Stuart Flanagan a fortnight ago.

"It's good to get the contract talks over nice and early in the year," Thurling, 23, said today.

"To get on the field and show some form and get a contract is great.

"Hopefully now I can get back into the side in two weeks time and finish off a successful year with the Raiders."

Thurling made his first-grade debut for the Bulldogs in 2004 before returning to the ACT, where he played his junior football.

Raiders chief executive Don Furner said Thurling's re-singing showed the club rewarded players who worked hard on improving their game.

"Trevor's a local product and we lost him to the Bulldogs a couple of years ago, but we kept our eye on him, got him back," Furner said.

"He's only young and he'll get better."

Thurling has made 23 appearances for the Raiders since joining the club from the Bulldogs in 2006, including four this season.

He is currently serving a two-match suspension for his lifting tackle on Wests Tigers hooker Stuart Flanagan a fortnight ago.

"It's good to get the contract talks over nice and early in the year," Thurling, 23, said today.

"To get on the field and show some form and get a contract is great.

"Hopefully now I can get back into the side in two weeks time and finish off a successful year with the Raiders."

Thurling made his first-grade debut for the Bulldogs in 2004 before returning to the ACT, where he played his junior football.

Raiders chief executive Don Furner said Thurling's re-singing showed the club rewarded players who worked hard on improving their game.

"Trevor's a local product and we lost him to the Bulldogs a couple of years ago, but we kept our eye on him, got him back," Furner said.

"He's only young and he'll get better."

http://www.news.com.au/dailyteleg.../0,26799,23586015-5012664,00.html
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parragirl · Posted: Thu May 01, 2008 1:58 pm Post subject:

Knights sign hooker De Gois

EXCLUSIVE by Josh Massoud | April 23, 2008 12:00am

NEWCASTLE has moved to fill Danny Buderus' sizeable boots by signing Sharks hooker Isaac De Gois for three seasons.

The Knights have been searching for a replacement rake from 2009 onwards since Buderus announced he would finish his career at Leeds last month.

Talks with De Gois have been ongoing for some time, and it is understood an agreement was reached earlier this week. Newcastle officials are hopeful of formally announcing their newest signing this afternoon.

De Gois’ signature comes a day after the Sharks snared sacked Knights hooker Terence Seu Seu for the remainder of this season. Some Newcastle board members were keen to lure Seu Seu back from 2009, but that now appears unlikely given De Gois will be at the club until the end of 2011.

The 23-year-old has played strongly in all six of the Sharks’ NRL games this season.

http://www.news.com.au/dailyteleg.../0,26799,23585664-5012665,00.html
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parragirl · Posted: Thu May 01, 2008 2:40 pm Post subject:

Dogs sign Josh Morris

Josh Morris ... moving from the Dragons to the Bulldogs. / The Daily Telegraph

By Dean Ritchie | April 24, 2008 12:00am

THE Bulldogs have today announced the signing of Dragons star Josh Morris.

Morris' decision to change clubs ends his chances of being coached at St George Illawarra next year by Wayne Bennett.

The Bulldogs made an official announcement on Morris - the son of former Australian halfback Steve - this afternoon.

Meanwhile St George Illawarra have received mix news on the eve of their Anzac Day clash with Sydney Roosters with skipper Mark Gasnier to make a shock comeback from a calf injury but Matt Cooper ruled out with a back complaint.

Gasnier missed last week's loss to the Bulldogs with a torn calf and had initially been ruled out for four weeks, ruining his chances of playing for Australia in the Centenary Test on May 9.

But the star centre's quick recovery means he is almost certain to be named in the Test team when it is announced on Sunday. Dragons coach Nathan Brown said Gasnier's return would boost the side.

"It's definitely a bonus to have Gaz (Mark Gasnier) back in, he is the club captain,'' said Brown. "He has tried hard in the games he has played and gives that added spark to the team.''

Winger Josh Morris will replace Michael Lett on the wing in the other team change.

http://www.news.com.au/dailyteleg.../0,26799,23591596-5006066,00.html

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