The NRL Tweet's Player Movement Analysis for the 2011 NRL Premiership.2011 NRL Grand Final Preview Video - Manly v Warriors
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Original Article... Last Update early Feb. For all the changes pick up a copy of the NSC Rugby League Almanac available March 7.
January Update: It appears Matt Orford has finally secured a release from the Bradford Bulls and will play for the Canberra Raiders in 2011.
December Update: Greg Inglis is FINALLY a Rabbitoh after Beau Champion agreed to move to the Storm in a sign & trade deal. Well we think so... the NRL could still find a way to nix the deal if they tried hard enough!
November Update: Greg Inglis will be a South Sydney Rabbitoh after walking away from a handshake agreement with the Broncos.
With the St.George-Illawarra Dragons claiming their maiden premiership with a 32-8 win over the Sydney Roosters in October, here is a quick look at the Playing Rosters of the 16 NRL Clubs looking to emulate the Dragons in 2011.For a full rundown on each roster - including Scouting Reports, Player of the Year Voting Statistics and plenty more - be sure to get a copy of the brand new NSC Rugby League Almanac due out in late November/early December. To register your interest and guarantee yourself a copy - email this address.
Each Addition is given a NSC Rating Out of 5.
4 = Outstanding addition, important piece of the puzzle.
3 = Great addition, will be a starter for new team.
2 = Youngster with potential to be a starter or veteran who adds depth.
1 = Unknown rookie entity or reserve grade filler.
These Player Movements were originally sourced from MarathonStadium.com with assistance from Player Movement Guru Aaron Winder, and updated independently from October onwards.
All Addition Ratings & Recruitment Summaries are from NSC & The NRL Tweet.
If there are any Player Movements missing - please make a comment with the details.
Finished 10th in 2010, Missed Playoffs.
COMING IN:
4 - Ben HANNANT.
2 - Dane CARLAW.
1 - John TE REO.
GOING OUT:
Israel FOLAU, Ashton SIMS, Korbin SIMS, Tariq SIMS, Antonio WINTERSTEIN, Lagi SETU.
RECRUITMENT SUMMARY:
In a staggering development in early November, Greg Inglis will not be a Brisbane Bronco after walking out on an agreement (but not a contract) with the the club after a legal dispute with his former team the Melbourne Storm saw his earning potential drop if he had moved to Brisbane. Considering Israel Folau has defected to the West Sydney Wombats in the AFL - the Broncos have suddenly gone from an upgrade at centre to a massive downgrade at the position... although a returning Justin Hodges helps. Inglis has since joined South Sydney. The Broncos big signing now becomes Ben Hannant - who isn't chump change yet the Broncos picked him up mid-contract from the Bulldogs for some free tickets to Canterbury members and adds some instant grunt to the Brisbane engine room. Folau is without doubt a massive loss but Hodges should be healthy - so Brisbane will find a way to cope. Setu, Winterstein & the Sims trio departing cost the Broncos some depth but nothing more. Hooker John Te Reo is a former Brisbane junior who gets a second chance a few years after being cut by the club for an off-field incident. In late November the Broncos bolstered their youthful pack with the signing of Dane Carlaw who returns to the club after a number of years in the Super League.
2011 CANBERRA RAIDERSFinished 7th in 2010, Eliminated in 2nd Week of Playoffs.
COMING IN:
4 - Matt ORFORD.
3 - Blake FERGUSON.
2 - Brett WHITE.
1 - Mark IOANE, Nathan MASSEY.
GOING OUT:
Joel MONAGHAN, Justin CARNEY, Adam MOGG, Scott LOGAN, Brett KELLY, Marc HERBERT, Troy THOMPSON.
RECRUITMENT SUMMARY:
Canberra were rocked with the departure of Joel Monaghan after being caught in a photograph scandal in November and he has left the club after a huge public backlash against the contents of the photo. Canberra's biggest concern remains at halfback with Terry Campese out for at least half (if not all) of 2011 with a knee reconstruction and Josh McCrone masquerading as a halfback all year despite being nothing more than a solid five-eighth. The Matt Orford rumours persist (the club now has more cash to spend with Monaghan's departure) and the club better make it a reality or the loss of Campese will crush the momentum this team built up in their run to the Finals in 2010. Ferguson is a talented young outside back with errors in his game, his arrival will see Joel Thompson move to the forwards (although with Monaghan's departure Thompson may remain at centre). Oh yeah and the Raiders signed Brett White - as if they didn't have enough big boppers up front. Canberra would have preferred to keep Carney, while veterans Mogg & Logan were still useful in 2010 but Thompson had no future in Canberra so wisely moved on. The club also secured youngsters Mark Ioane from the Warriors and Nathan Massey from the Bulldogs.
In January Canberra finally secured the services of Matt Orford after the Bradford Bulls released him from his contract. Orford keeps Canberra's playoff chances afloat with the long term injury to Terry Campese and although he's not quite in the elite superstar status - Orford is just the kind of player Canberra needed with or without Campese in the lineup. It is a major coup for the Raiders who only had the money to spend after the Joel Monaghan incident.
2011 CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGSFinished 13th in 2010, Missed Playoffs.
COMING IN:
4 - Aiden TOLMAN, Frank PRITCHARD, Greg EASTWOOD.
3 - Trent HODKINSON.
2 - Kris KEATING, Grant MILLINGTON, Jonathan WRIGHT.
1 - Michael LETT.
GOING OUT:
Brett KIMMORLEY, Luke PATTEN, Ben HANNANT, Daniel HARRISON, Danny WILLIAMS, Yileen GORDON, Jarrad HICKEY, Blake GREEN, Nathan MASSEY, Tim WINITANA, Shane NEUMANN.
RECRUITMENT SUMMARY:
Let a host of veterans go and made sure they got the best available replacements - making their 2011 recruitment the best in the NRL. Were forced to release Ben Hannant so they got Aiden Tolman who could be an even better long term player than the Polar Bear - a nickname that Tolman too could inherit. Brett Kimmorley retired to take up a coaching role once the club had secured Trent Hodkinson & Kris Keating, but Kimmorley is in a position where he could come out of retirement if injuries hit the Dogs hard in the halves. Then the club finally addressed it's weakest area - the backrow. Andrew Ryan could move to the front row in 2011 after the club grabbed Frank Pritchard & Greg Eastwood - finally giving them some strikepower on the edge of the ruck. Veteran fullback Luke Patten was encouraged to go to England to allow Ben Barba a crack at the spot in 2011, while Michael Lett & Jonathan Wright will put pressure on the incumbent three-quarters. Grant Millington adds some more depth up front with the departures of Yileen Gordon, Daniel Harrison, Danny Williams & Jarrad Hickey. Canterbury also released Blake Green to the UK, Tim Winitana was released and Shane Neumann returned to the QLD Cup (and may turn out for the Storm). Now all that needs to happen at Canterbury is for Coach Kevin Moore to find his 2009 game plan and throw out the woeful one he installed in 2010.
2011 CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS
Finished 14th in 2010, Missed Playoffs.
COMING IN:
COMING IN:
4 - Wade GRAHAM, Jeremy SMITH.
3 - Colin BEST.
2 - John WILLIAMS.
1 - Ryan TONGIA, Andrew CLAYTON, Kose LELEI.
GOING OUT:
Blake FERGUSON, Trent BARRETT, Kyle O'DONNELL, Josh LEWIS, Grant MILLINGTON, Adam CUTHBERTSON, Luke COVELL, Lancen JOUDO.
RECRUITMENT SUMMARY:
Ricky Stuart's tenure as Coach is over and the club has cleared out some of his signings that didn't pan out - particularly Trent Barrett & Adam Cuthbertson and to a lesser extent Grant Millington who actually showed some promise before defecting to the Bulldogs. Barrett never found his A-Game returning from the UK and Cuthbertson was the very definition of a bust. Blake Ferguson bolted for the Raiders, Luke Covell retired, Lance Joudo is trialling with the Cowboys and U20's standout Kyle O'Donnell headed to the Knights. Coming in for Shane Flanagan's Sharks are Colin Best, Wade Graham & Jeremy Smith - all good signings for a team that needed new blood badly. John Williams is also a handy winger if needed - arriving from the Cowboys, while Ryan Tongia, Andrew Clayton & Kose Lelei join the club looking for an opportunity. Most pressure however falls on the shoulders of Graham - who will be the team's most dangerous ball player unless Tim Smith remembers that playing in a dinner suit equals incredible ineffectiveness at halfback.
Ricky Stuart's tenure as Coach is over and the club has cleared out some of his signings that didn't pan out - particularly Trent Barrett & Adam Cuthbertson and to a lesser extent Grant Millington who actually showed some promise before defecting to the Bulldogs. Barrett never found his A-Game returning from the UK and Cuthbertson was the very definition of a bust. Blake Ferguson bolted for the Raiders, Luke Covell retired, Lance Joudo is trialling with the Cowboys and U20's standout Kyle O'Donnell headed to the Knights. Coming in for Shane Flanagan's Sharks are Colin Best, Wade Graham & Jeremy Smith - all good signings for a team that needed new blood badly. John Williams is also a handy winger if needed - arriving from the Cowboys, while Ryan Tongia, Andrew Clayton & Kose Lelei join the club looking for an opportunity. Most pressure however falls on the shoulders of Graham - who will be the team's most dangerous ball player unless Tim Smith remembers that playing in a dinner suit equals incredible ineffectiveness at halfback.
2011 GOLD COAST TITANSFinished 4th in 2010, Eliminated in 3rd Week of Playoffs.
COMING IN:
COMING IN:
2 - Luke CAPEWELL.
1 - Joe VICKORY, Richie WILLIAMS.
1 - Joe VICKORY, Richie WILLIAMS.
GOING OUT:
Mat ROGERS, Jordan ATKINS, Aaron CANNINGS, Josh GRAHAM, Dominic WALSH, Selasi BIRDIE, Marshall CHALK.
RECRUITMENT SUMMARY:
Made overtures to Greg Inglis when the superstar was available but failed to convince him to pass up the Broncos... err the Rabbitohs to join them. With Mat Rogers retiring and the club letting Jordan Atkins, Dominic Walsh, Aaron Cannings & Josh Graham go, their only signings thus far have been South Sydney utility back Luke Capewell and former Dragon Joe Vickory. Would not be surprised to see them make another signing or two before the off-season ends to add some freshness to the roster. Former Dragon & Panther Richie Williams is training with the team over the off-season.
Made overtures to Greg Inglis when the superstar was available but failed to convince him to pass up the Broncos... err the Rabbitohs to join them. With Mat Rogers retiring and the club letting Jordan Atkins, Dominic Walsh, Aaron Cannings & Josh Graham go, their only signings thus far have been South Sydney utility back Luke Capewell and former Dragon Joe Vickory. Would not be surprised to see them make another signing or two before the off-season ends to add some freshness to the roster. Former Dragon & Panther Richie Williams is training with the team over the off-season.
Finished 8th in 2010, Eliminated in 1st Week of Playoffs.
COMING IN:
COMING IN:
1 - Daniel HARRISON, Tim ROBINSON, Liam FORAN.
GOING OUT:
Trent HODKINSON, Josh PERRY, Ben FARRAR, Chris BAILEY, Lama TASI.
RECRUITMENT SUMMARY:
Will be filthy losing Trent Hodkinson to Canterbury but the man he beat out for the Manly #7 in the 2010 pre-season - Daly Cherry-Evans was outstanding in the QLD Cup all year long, so the club will be optimistic Cherry-Evans can step up like Hodkinson did. Daniel Harrison joins from the Bulldogs and might get some bench time in the NRL but faces a logjam ahead of him in the Manly backrow, while Tim Robinson is a depth signing from the Eels. Losing Josh Perry was a financial decision, while Ben Farrar & Chris Bailey took the extra cash on offer in Super League rather than risk playing reserve grade in 2011. Lama Tasi, a big unit from the Toyota Cup squad is off to the Roosters. Kieran Foran's brother Liam is trying to stick with the Sea Eagles after being released by a number of NRL clubs in recent seasons.
Will be filthy losing Trent Hodkinson to Canterbury but the man he beat out for the Manly #7 in the 2010 pre-season - Daly Cherry-Evans was outstanding in the QLD Cup all year long, so the club will be optimistic Cherry-Evans can step up like Hodkinson did. Daniel Harrison joins from the Bulldogs and might get some bench time in the NRL but faces a logjam ahead of him in the Manly backrow, while Tim Robinson is a depth signing from the Eels. Losing Josh Perry was a financial decision, while Ben Farrar & Chris Bailey took the extra cash on offer in Super League rather than risk playing reserve grade in 2011. Lama Tasi, a big unit from the Toyota Cup squad is off to the Roosters. Kieran Foran's brother Liam is trying to stick with the Sea Eagles after being released by a number of NRL clubs in recent seasons.
Finished 16th in 2010, Missed Playoffs.
COMING IN:
COMING IN:
3 - Beau CHAMPION.
2 - Troy THOMPSON, Jaiman LOWE.
2 - Troy THOMPSON, Jaiman LOWE.
1 - Elijah NIKO, Adam WOOLNOUGH, Maurice BLAIR, Tu'u MAORI, Sisa WAQA, Shane NEUMANN.
GOING OUT:
Greg INGLIS, Brett FINCH, Jeff LIMA, Aiden TOLMAN, Brett WHITE, Ryan HOFFMAN, Blake LEARY, Willie ISA, Luke MacDOUGALL, Hep CAHILL.
RECRUITMENT SUMMARY:
The club has had their wings ripped off since the Salary Cap Scandal but assuming the Storm is a chicken in this metaphor - they can still get around on the ground. Lost a tonne of quality in Jeff Lima, Brett Finch, Ryan Hoffman, Brett White (cough), Aiden Tolman and of course Greg Inglis (to Souths for Beau Champion), but managed to hold onto the remaining big three with Cooper Cronk, Cameron Smith & Billy Slater remaining in Melbourne. Added some veteran depth in Troy Thompson, Adam Woolnough and Jaiman Lowe and rookie Elijah Niko is one to watch in the prospect department from the Warriors. Other players released included Luke MacDougall, Willie Isa and Hep Cahill. In an arrangement with Easts Brisbane former Manly & Canterbury centre Shane Neumann may yet be called up to the parent club during 2011. This club will recover as long as they don't try and keep the team that gets rebuilt together the same way they did in the last 6 or 7 years.
Picked up Beau Champion to a 3 year deal on Christmas Eve in a sign & trade deal with the South Sydney Rabbitohs - allowing Greg Inglis to finally sign a new contract and move on.
The club has had their wings ripped off since the Salary Cap Scandal but assuming the Storm is a chicken in this metaphor - they can still get around on the ground. Lost a tonne of quality in Jeff Lima, Brett Finch, Ryan Hoffman, Brett White (cough), Aiden Tolman and of course Greg Inglis (to Souths for Beau Champion), but managed to hold onto the remaining big three with Cooper Cronk, Cameron Smith & Billy Slater remaining in Melbourne. Added some veteran depth in Troy Thompson, Adam Woolnough and Jaiman Lowe and rookie Elijah Niko is one to watch in the prospect department from the Warriors. Other players released included Luke MacDougall, Willie Isa and Hep Cahill. In an arrangement with Easts Brisbane former Manly & Canterbury centre Shane Neumann may yet be called up to the parent club during 2011. This club will recover as long as they don't try and keep the team that gets rebuilt together the same way they did in the last 6 or 7 years.
Picked up Beau Champion to a 3 year deal on Christmas Eve in a sign & trade deal with the South Sydney Rabbitohs - allowing Greg Inglis to finally sign a new contract and move on.
Finished 11th in 2010, Missed Playoffs.
COMING IN:
COMING IN:
3 - Neville COSTIGAN, Chris HOUSTON.
2 - Beau HENRY, Siuatonga LIKILIKI, Steven SOUTHERN.
1 - Kyle O'DONNELL, Ryan STIG.
+ Matthew GIDLEY ?
+ Matthew GIDLEY ?
GOING OUT:
Ben CROSS, Scott DUREAU, Cooper VUNA, Steven SIMPSON, Jimmy FAWCETT, Byron FRUEAN.
RECRUITMENT SUMMARY:
Costigan is a quality addition to a pack that lacked some starch when Steven Simpson was forced to retire early in the season. But Henry is the key signing - if Coach Rick Stone is going to get his team to the next level (the playoffs) he has to install Henry in the halves from Round 1 and play Captain Kurt Gidley at fullback - his best position. It remains to be seen if Antonio Kaufusi can ever find his pre-knee injury form (when he was at Melbourne) and Southern is no longer a starting forward in the NRL. Siuatonga Likiliki is an intriguing prospect for the outside backs, while Kyle O'Donnell brings some raps with him from the Sharks' Toyota Cup side. Former Toyota Cup skipper Ryan Stig returns from a one year stint in North Queensland. The club never saw the best of Ben Cross who leaves for Leeds, while Cooper Vuna was forced out by the club's loyalty to James McManus. Scott Dureau played his way out of the NRL with his inconsistent play - but did manage to pick up a contract in the UK Super League.
Interesting to note that former centre Matthew Gidley has signed with the club as a Business Development Manager for 2011... yet one Newcastle staffer said "You never say never" to the club signing Gidley to a contract if they are hit by injuries during the season. Gidley just completed a four year stint with St.Helens in Super League.
On December 17, former Newcastle backrower Chris Houston had drug charges against him dismissed, and he signed a 2 year deal with the club on December 23 (with a 1 year option).
Costigan is a quality addition to a pack that lacked some starch when Steven Simpson was forced to retire early in the season. But Henry is the key signing - if Coach Rick Stone is going to get his team to the next level (the playoffs) he has to install Henry in the halves from Round 1 and play Captain Kurt Gidley at fullback - his best position. It remains to be seen if Antonio Kaufusi can ever find his pre-knee injury form (when he was at Melbourne) and Southern is no longer a starting forward in the NRL. Siuatonga Likiliki is an intriguing prospect for the outside backs, while Kyle O'Donnell brings some raps with him from the Sharks' Toyota Cup side. Former Toyota Cup skipper Ryan Stig returns from a one year stint in North Queensland. The club never saw the best of Ben Cross who leaves for Leeds, while Cooper Vuna was forced out by the club's loyalty to James McManus. Scott Dureau played his way out of the NRL with his inconsistent play - but did manage to pick up a contract in the UK Super League.
Interesting to note that former centre Matthew Gidley has signed with the club as a Business Development Manager for 2011... yet one Newcastle staffer said "You never say never" to the club signing Gidley to a contract if they are hit by injuries during the season. Gidley just completed a four year stint with St.Helens in Super League.
On December 17, former Newcastle backrower Chris Houston had drug charges against him dismissed, and he signed a 2 year deal with the club on December 23 (with a 1 year option).
Finished 15th in 2010, Missed Playoffs.
COMING IN:
COMING IN:
4 - Dallas JOHNSON, Brent TATE.
3 - Gavin COOPER.
2 - Kalifa FAI-FAI LOA, Antonio WINTERSTEIN, Ashton SIMS, Tariq SIMS, Ben JONES, Glenn HALL.
1 - Ricky THORBY, Blake LEARY, Dominic WALSH, Lancen JOUDO.
GOING OUT:
Luke O'DONNELL, Steve RAPIRA, Ty WILLIAMS, Anthony WATTS, Carl WEBB, Willie MASON, John WILLIAMS, Arana TAUMATA, Steven SOUTHERN, Nick SLYNEY, Ben HARRIS.
RECRUITMENT SUMMARY:
The Cowboys were by far the most aggressive players in the marketplace - swooping on two internationals in Dallas Johnson & Brent Tate, an under-rated backrower in Gavin Cooper, some depth in Antonio Winterstein, Ashton Sims & Ricky Thorby - as well as a gun youngster in winger Kalifa Fai-Fai Loa who could be anything. Ashton's brother Tariq is also a highly regarded young forward and former Gold Coast Toyota Cup centre Dominic Walsh is another addition. Overall the recruitment has been excellent as the club jettisoned the likes of Willie Mason, Luke O'Donnell, Carl Webb, John Williams, Anthony Watts, Steven Southern, Steve Rapira & Arana Taumata from the worst team in the competition last year. The club also added Cronulla utility Lancen Joudo to feeder club Northern Pride in late November, so he's an outside chance of featuring with the Cowboys in 2011. In early December, utility Ben Harris chose to retire rather than see out the final year of his deal with the club. North Queensland picked up another utility in Ben Jones from the Sydney Roosters in January 2011 and later that month grabbed prop Glenn Hall after he was released from the UK Super League.
The Cowboys were by far the most aggressive players in the marketplace - swooping on two internationals in Dallas Johnson & Brent Tate, an under-rated backrower in Gavin Cooper, some depth in Antonio Winterstein, Ashton Sims & Ricky Thorby - as well as a gun youngster in winger Kalifa Fai-Fai Loa who could be anything. Ashton's brother Tariq is also a highly regarded young forward and former Gold Coast Toyota Cup centre Dominic Walsh is another addition. Overall the recruitment has been excellent as the club jettisoned the likes of Willie Mason, Luke O'Donnell, Carl Webb, John Williams, Anthony Watts, Steven Southern, Steve Rapira & Arana Taumata from the worst team in the competition last year. The club also added Cronulla utility Lancen Joudo to feeder club Northern Pride in late November, so he's an outside chance of featuring with the Cowboys in 2011. In early December, utility Ben Harris chose to retire rather than see out the final year of his deal with the club. North Queensland picked up another utility in Ben Jones from the Sydney Roosters in January 2011 and later that month grabbed prop Glenn Hall after he was released from the UK Super League.
Finished 12th in 2010, Missed Playoffs.
COMING IN:
COMING IN:
2 - Carl WEBB, Reni MAITUA, Casey McGUIRE, Chris WALKER, Chris HICKS, Paul WHATUIRA.
1 - Brad MURRAY, Paki AFU, Jordan ATKINS.
GOING OUT:
Feleti MATEO, Krisnan INU, Kris KEATING, Nathan CAYLESS, Jonathan WRIGHT, Timana TAHU*, Eric GROTHE.
RECRUITMENT SUMMARY:
Still don't have a halfback... well they do with Jeff Robson but every indication from the club suggests they aren't content with him starting at #7 come Round 1, 2011. Lost Kris Keating to the Bulldogs and Casey McGuire returns from the UK Super League to fill his role off the bench... or if Robson gets punted - starting in the halves alongside Daniel Mortimer. Picked up Brad Murray from the Roosters' U20s but he's not the finished article by any stretch. Veterans Carl Webb & Reni Maitua were purchased under former Coach Daniel Anderson's watch - which makes his sacking even more laughable given the hierarchy at the club gave Anderson the green light to sign both on the assumption he wanted them there in 2011... now Anderson is gone and the Eels have two risk/reward types in limbo as to their role in the team. Veteran three-quarter Chris Walker signed after a short stint in the Super League & Gold Coast outside back Jordan Atkins has also arrived to help cover the departures of Krisnan Inu & Jonathan Wright.
Oh and the club also lost long time skipper Nathan Cayless to retirement and their best ball-player in Feleti Mateo... slightly significant losses.
* Strong mail in December has Timana Tahu leaving the club after falling out with the coaching staff over his training commitment over Summer. His family has also moved back to Newcastle. As of December 8 the Eels have said they will release Tahu from his contract with a view to re-signing him on a reduced deal in February if the former international wants to play again.
On December 13 the club was rocked with the departure of another outside back when Eric Grothe announced he could not overcome a knee injury that cut his 2010 season short and would retire. But the Eels did sign Chris Hicks from the English Super League as an almost immediate replacement after Warrington released him to make way for Joel Monaghan. The Eels then signed centre Paul Whatuira to a one year deal as extra insurance out wide. Whatuira had spent the last few seasons in the English Super League.
Still don't have a halfback... well they do with Jeff Robson but every indication from the club suggests they aren't content with him starting at #7 come Round 1, 2011. Lost Kris Keating to the Bulldogs and Casey McGuire returns from the UK Super League to fill his role off the bench... or if Robson gets punted - starting in the halves alongside Daniel Mortimer. Picked up Brad Murray from the Roosters' U20s but he's not the finished article by any stretch. Veterans Carl Webb & Reni Maitua were purchased under former Coach Daniel Anderson's watch - which makes his sacking even more laughable given the hierarchy at the club gave Anderson the green light to sign both on the assumption he wanted them there in 2011... now Anderson is gone and the Eels have two risk/reward types in limbo as to their role in the team. Veteran three-quarter Chris Walker signed after a short stint in the Super League & Gold Coast outside back Jordan Atkins has also arrived to help cover the departures of Krisnan Inu & Jonathan Wright.
Oh and the club also lost long time skipper Nathan Cayless to retirement and their best ball-player in Feleti Mateo... slightly significant losses.
* Strong mail in December has Timana Tahu leaving the club after falling out with the coaching staff over his training commitment over Summer. His family has also moved back to Newcastle. As of December 8 the Eels have said they will release Tahu from his contract with a view to re-signing him on a reduced deal in February if the former international wants to play again.
On December 13 the club was rocked with the departure of another outside back when Eric Grothe announced he could not overcome a knee injury that cut his 2010 season short and would retire. But the Eels did sign Chris Hicks from the English Super League as an almost immediate replacement after Warrington released him to make way for Joel Monaghan. The Eels then signed centre Paul Whatuira to a one year deal as extra insurance out wide. Whatuira had spent the last few seasons in the English Super League.
2011 PENRITH PANTHERS
Finished 2nd in 2010, Eliminated in 2nd Week of Playoffs.
COMING IN:
COMING IN:
2 - Arana TAUMATA, Yileen GORDON, Michael WORRINCY.
1 - Nafe SELUINI, Brendon GIBB, Coedi TOWNEY, Shannon WAKEMAN, Dayne WESTON, Junior PAULO.
GOING OUT:
Wade GRAHAM, Gavin COOPER, Frank PRITCHARD, Maurice BLAIR, Daniel PENESE.
SUMMARY:
Arana Taumata will put some pressure on Travis Burns for the five-eighth spot in 2011 but curiously Penrith released the one kid who had future star at five-eighth written all over him in Wade Graham. It may have been a financial thing but Penrith need more playmaking skill outside Luke Walsh & Luke Lewis - and Taumata might offer more than Burns has so far. Penrith also lost talent up front with Frank Pritchard taking the cash at Canterbury and Gavin Cooper heading back to the Cowboys. With Trent Waterhouse on the long term injury list - all of a sudden the Panthers may have some major issues in the backrow outside of star lock forward Lewis. The club did try to address their depth by signing Canterbury cast-off Yileen Gordon, English forward Michael Worrincy from Bradford and forward Brendon Gibb from the Queensland Cup.
Arana Taumata will put some pressure on Travis Burns for the five-eighth spot in 2011 but curiously Penrith released the one kid who had future star at five-eighth written all over him in Wade Graham. It may have been a financial thing but Penrith need more playmaking skill outside Luke Walsh & Luke Lewis - and Taumata might offer more than Burns has so far. Penrith also lost talent up front with Frank Pritchard taking the cash at Canterbury and Gavin Cooper heading back to the Cowboys. With Trent Waterhouse on the long term injury list - all of a sudden the Panthers may have some major issues in the backrow outside of star lock forward Lewis. The club did try to address their depth by signing Canterbury cast-off Yileen Gordon, English forward Michael Worrincy from Bradford and forward Brendon Gibb from the Queensland Cup.
2011 ST.GEORGE-ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Finished 1st in 2010, Won 2010 Premiership.
COMING IN:
COMING IN:
2 - Adam CUTHBERTSON.
1 - Daniel PENESE, David GOWER.
1 - Daniel PENESE, David GOWER.
GOING OUT:
Luke PRIDDIS, Neville COSTIGAN, Jeremy SMITH, Michael LETT, Ricky THORBY, Kalifa FAI-FAI LOA, Beau HENRY, Jarrod SAFFY.
RECRUITMENT SUMMARY:
The reigning premiers have lost a great deal of depth but still have a cracking roster. Mark Gasnier was the marquee signing for 2011 anyway and although they will miss representative forwards Jeremy Smith & Neville Costigan - they had no room for the likes of Jarrod Saffy, Luke Priddis, Michael Lett & Ricky Thorby - nor boom rookies Beau Henry & Kalifa Fai-Fai Loa. Signing former Manly & Cronulla forward Adam Cuthbertson is worth a gamble, while Daniel Penese was a touted backrow prospect with Penrith two years ago but never kicked on there and forward David Gower was a member of the Balmain's NSW Cup Grand Final team in 2009.
The reigning premiers have lost a great deal of depth but still have a cracking roster. Mark Gasnier was the marquee signing for 2011 anyway and although they will miss representative forwards Jeremy Smith & Neville Costigan - they had no room for the likes of Jarrod Saffy, Luke Priddis, Michael Lett & Ricky Thorby - nor boom rookies Beau Henry & Kalifa Fai-Fai Loa. Signing former Manly & Cronulla forward Adam Cuthbertson is worth a gamble, while Daniel Penese was a touted backrow prospect with Penrith two years ago but never kicked on there and forward David Gower was a member of the Balmain's NSW Cup Grand Final team in 2009.
2011 SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
Finished 9th in 2010, Missed Playoffs.
COMING IN:
COMING IN:
5 - Greg INGLIS.
2 - George BURGESS.
2 - George BURGESS.
GOING OUT:
Colin BEST, Luke CAPEWELL, Jaiman LOWE, Garret CROSSMAN, Beau CHAMPION, Jamie SIMPSON.
RECRUITMENT SUMMARY:
Souths had stood still in the player market after an aggressive recruitment campaign 12 months ago... until early November. Well they thought they had... given Greg Inglis had signed a contract with the club after walking away from a handshake agreement with the Broncos - but in mid December the NRL said they wanted all 3rd Party deals fully explained, but eventually Souths managed to convince Beau Champion to head to the Storm to open cap room and Inglis IS a Rabbitoh. Even though the deal costs Souths a promising centre in Champion, Inglis is a gigantic addition for the Rabbitohs and makes them an instant premiership contender. They have let Colin Best, Luke Capewell, Jaiman Lowe & Garret Crossman go but they do get healthy Ben Ross - who didn't play a minute in 2010 due to neck complications and he has since been cleared and signed a new deal with the team. There was a rumour floating around that boom English forward Sam Burgess will be joined by his brothers at the club and on November 29 the club announced the signing of George Burgess on loan for the 2011 season from Bradford.
In January the club cleared more Salary Cap space when utility Jamie Simpson headed to UK Super League club Huddersfield.
Souths had stood still in the player market after an aggressive recruitment campaign 12 months ago... until early November. Well they thought they had... given Greg Inglis had signed a contract with the club after walking away from a handshake agreement with the Broncos - but in mid December the NRL said they wanted all 3rd Party deals fully explained, but eventually Souths managed to convince Beau Champion to head to the Storm to open cap room and Inglis IS a Rabbitoh. Even though the deal costs Souths a promising centre in Champion, Inglis is a gigantic addition for the Rabbitohs and makes them an instant premiership contender. They have let Colin Best, Luke Capewell, Jaiman Lowe & Garret Crossman go but they do get healthy Ben Ross - who didn't play a minute in 2010 due to neck complications and he has since been cleared and signed a new deal with the team. There was a rumour floating around that boom English forward Sam Burgess will be joined by his brothers at the club and on November 29 the club announced the signing of George Burgess on loan for the 2011 season from Bradford.
In January the club cleared more Salary Cap space when utility Jamie Simpson headed to UK Super League club Huddersfield.
2011 SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Finished 6th in 2010, Eliminated in 4th Week of Playoffs (Runners-Up).
COMING IN:
COMING IN:
3 - Mark RIDDELL.
2 - Justin CARNEY, Anthony WATTS.
1 - Willie MATAKA, Byron FRUEAN, Rhys PRITCHARD.
2 - Justin CARNEY, Anthony WATTS.
1 - Willie MATAKA, Byron FRUEAN, Rhys PRITCHARD.
GOING OUT:
JP DU PLESSIS, Jason BAITIERI, Brad MURRAY, Nick KOUPARITSAS, Lopini PAEA, Ben JONES.
RECRUITMENT SUMMARY:
Justin Carney & Anthony Watts (who will likely miss 2011 with a knee injury suffered early in the pre-season) will be good additions to the Grand Finalists and both should push for selection in the Top 17 come Round 1. Watts seemed the logical bench hooker until he did his ACL shortly after joining the Roosters, while Carney needs to have a big pre-season to force his way onto the flank ahead of Phil Graham & Joseph Leilua. South African import Du Plessis never advanced past Toyota Cup before heading home, while team-mate Brad Murray was targeted by Parramatta as a possible long term solution for their halfback woes. Veteran Nick Kouparitsas was released, while Lopini Paea is off to France with lower grader Jason Baitieri. Ben Jones was released to the North Queensland Cowboys in January 2011.
December Update: Contrary to earlier reports Mark Riddell will not end up at the Tigers after all... He has signed a one year deal with the Sydney Roosters after they lost bench hooker Anthony Watts to season ending knee surgery last month. Former Tiger part timer Willie Mataka was also given a trial with the club over the pre-season.
Justin Carney & Anthony Watts (who will likely miss 2011 with a knee injury suffered early in the pre-season) will be good additions to the Grand Finalists and both should push for selection in the Top 17 come Round 1. Watts seemed the logical bench hooker until he did his ACL shortly after joining the Roosters, while Carney needs to have a big pre-season to force his way onto the flank ahead of Phil Graham & Joseph Leilua. South African import Du Plessis never advanced past Toyota Cup before heading home, while team-mate Brad Murray was targeted by Parramatta as a possible long term solution for their halfback woes. Veteran Nick Kouparitsas was released, while Lopini Paea is off to France with lower grader Jason Baitieri. Ben Jones was released to the North Queensland Cowboys in January 2011.
December Update: Contrary to earlier reports Mark Riddell will not end up at the Tigers after all... He has signed a one year deal with the Sydney Roosters after they lost bench hooker Anthony Watts to season ending knee surgery last month. Former Tiger part timer Willie Mataka was also given a trial with the club over the pre-season.
2011 WARRIORS
Finished 5th in 2010, Eliminated in 1st Week of Playoffs.
COMING IN:
COMING IN:
4 - Feleti MATEO.
3 - Krisnan INU, Shaun BERRIGAN.
2 - Steve RAPIRA.
GOING OUT:
Steven PRICE, Brent TATE, Siuatonga LIKILIKI, Nafe SELUINI, Ian HENDERSON, Elijah NIKO, Mark IOANE, Jesse ROYAL, Patrick AH VAN.
RECRUITMENT SUMMARY:
Made their three signings early on and haven't added any outside names to the list. Feleti Mateo adds instant quality to the back of the scrum and he could find himself playing in the second row where he could thrive with the extra running responsibility. Krisnan Inu is an enigma who will get a nice paycheck but the Warriors need him to be a difference maker rather than an in the game/out of the game player he was at Parramatta. Steve Rapira is a depth purchase who could struggle to find a permanent spot in the 17. The money for these buys was available when Steven Price retired and Brent Tate, Siotonga Likiliki, Ian Henderson, Patrick Ah Van & Jesse Royal either moved on or were released.
In January of 2011, the Warriors grabbed Shaun Berrigan from Hull FC. Berrigan can play any number of positions but he will likely play at hooker for the Warriors and split time with Aaron Heremaia.
Made their three signings early on and haven't added any outside names to the list. Feleti Mateo adds instant quality to the back of the scrum and he could find himself playing in the second row where he could thrive with the extra running responsibility. Krisnan Inu is an enigma who will get a nice paycheck but the Warriors need him to be a difference maker rather than an in the game/out of the game player he was at Parramatta. Steve Rapira is a depth purchase who could struggle to find a permanent spot in the 17. The money for these buys was available when Steven Price retired and Brent Tate, Siotonga Likiliki, Ian Henderson, Patrick Ah Van & Jesse Royal either moved on or were released.
In January of 2011, the Warriors grabbed Shaun Berrigan from Hull FC. Berrigan can play any number of positions but he will likely play at hooker for the Warriors and split time with Aaron Heremaia.
2011 WESTS TIGERS
Finished 3rd in 2010, Eliminated in 3rd Week of Playoffs.
COMING IN:
COMING IN:
2 - Matt UTAI.
1 - Jacob MILLER.
1 - Jacob MILLER.
GOING OUT:
Taniela TUIAKI, Daniel FITZHENRY, David GOWER, Tame TUPOU, Willie MATAKA, Rhys PRITCHARD.
RECRUITMENT SUMMARY:
No movement at the station for the Wests Tigers until late November when the team featured the acquisition of 18 year old halfback Jacob Miller from the Sydney Roosters. The Tigers made it to within a Beau Ryan brain snap of the Grand Final with the current squad and the likes of Andrew Fifita, Mark Flanagan, Blake Ayshford, Simon Dwyer and mid-season pickup Wade McKinnon should all make even greater contributions to the team in 2011. This roster is entering their 'premiership window' years as a unit and they'll rely on what they've got for another tilt at the Premiership.
The Tigers looked set to add Mark Riddell to their roster for the 2011 Season in an December move but he is now heading to the Sydney Roosters after they lost bench hooker Anthony Watts to season ending knee surgery last month.
The Tigers lost powerhouse winger Taniela Tuiaki to retirement after he lost a battle with a long term ankle injury and the club had offered a trial to former Bulldog Matt Utai.
Want More Rugby League Analysis?
This article on Player Movements is just one element of the NSC Rugby League Almanac that will be available in late January via wdnicolson.blogspot.com - to make sure you get your copy email wdnicolson@optusnet.com.au to register your interest and you will be updated with the release date.
This is the 4th NSC Rugby League Almanac and the first since 2007.
The 2011 NSC Rugby League Almanac Includes:
+ NSC Scouting Reports on Each NRL Roster.
+ Detailed Synopsis of your Team's 2010 Season.
+ Gain/Loss Analysis for 2011.
+ Best Lineups for 2011.
+ Feature Articles.
+ 2010 Player of the Year Awards + Full Voting Results for Each NRL Team.
+ And much more...
In the mean-time follow The NRL Tweet for Rugby League News & Opinion.
No movement at the station for the Wests Tigers until late November when the team featured the acquisition of 18 year old halfback Jacob Miller from the Sydney Roosters. The Tigers made it to within a Beau Ryan brain snap of the Grand Final with the current squad and the likes of Andrew Fifita, Mark Flanagan, Blake Ayshford, Simon Dwyer and mid-season pickup Wade McKinnon should all make even greater contributions to the team in 2011. This roster is entering their 'premiership window' years as a unit and they'll rely on what they've got for another tilt at the Premiership.
The Tigers looked set to add Mark Riddell to their roster for the 2011 Season in an December move but he is now heading to the Sydney Roosters after they lost bench hooker Anthony Watts to season ending knee surgery last month.
The Tigers lost powerhouse winger Taniela Tuiaki to retirement after he lost a battle with a long term ankle injury and the club had offered a trial to former Bulldog Matt Utai.
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| 2007 NSC Almanac Cover |
This is the 4th NSC Rugby League Almanac and the first since 2007.
The 2011 NSC Rugby League Almanac Includes:
+ NSC Scouting Reports on Each NRL Roster.
+ Detailed Synopsis of your Team's 2010 Season.
+ Gain/Loss Analysis for 2011.
+ Best Lineups for 2011.
+ Feature Articles.
+ 2010 Player of the Year Awards + Full Voting Results for Each NRL Team.
+ And much more...
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