The Offseason Octopus
The Wellington NRL bid sounded pretty awesome off the bat, as everything seemed to be put together extremely well. As I said when their bid became public, it's all part of the process and since then we've seen the other bids fighting for NRL inclusion stand up and demand some attention. That's how it's going to be for the next wee while as each group will be out for some publicity and support, so no matter how awesome something sounds, especially with regards to an NRL team in Wellington, take it with a grain of salt until we get word from the NRL. What's interesting is that the Warriors didn't appear to be too keen on the idea and rightfully so. They have a bit of a monopoly over rugby league in New Zealand and are able to bring in a few hefty cash payments when they travel outside of Auckland, so low key, I don't think they'll be too keen on a new kid limiting those opportunities.
We heard whispers a week or two ago that Dale Finucane was in Melbourne, not for a holiday but to check out the Melbourne Storm and a possible buy of the year was soon official. Finucane, along with Josh Jackson formed a ruthless duo of young, tough and smart footballers who can basically fit in to any situation. They appear to be rather plain players, doing their core roles very well which is why I reckon this is a low key steal by the Melbourne Storm.
Finucane will slide seamlessly in to the Storm's set up and will give them the type of forward that the probably need. They have one of the best props in the game in Jesse Bromwich and now they have one of the toughest young forwards joining their ranks. Finucane didn't star with the Bulldogs because they had many a big bopper, but the Storm have lost a few big boys and Finucane fits the bill. He's big but he's mobile which gives them a great advantage especially with blokes like Bromwich and Tohu Harris. Most importantly, he's the exact sort of player that you would expect to thrive under Craig Bellamy. I'd keep an eye on the Storm as they'll be able to offer their big 3 much more than just a solid platform.
The Storm have had to say goodbye to someone though with Justin O'Neil joining the Cowboys. He gives the Cowboys another option out wide, forming a rather formidable crop of outside backs - Mathew Wright, Tautau Moga, Kane Linnett, Kyle Feldt and O'Neil with Lachlan Coote and Michael Morgan in a hot battle for the fullback spot. Depth breeds competition and these lads up in Townsville look to have that sorted.
O'Neil departs the Storm who themselves have plenty of depth out wide, so it's not a huge loss. Mathew Duffie has been out injured for yonks so hopefully he'll come back in to the frame, Marika Koroibete should have a wing spot locked down while Young Tonumaipea was good in his limited appearances last season. Will Chambers, Mahe Fonua, Kurt Mann and Cameron Munster are all floating around in the centres/where ever they can fit in as well.
You have to salute who ever was at the forefront of getting the Papa New Guinea Hunters in to the Intrust Super Cup because it's worked wonders after one season. The Hunters finished 6th last season which is a fine effort in itself, but the real benefits are being seen following that fine effort with a few NRL clubs giving lads a go. The Rabbitohs have signed two lads in Wartovo Puara and Thompson Teteh who both featured for the Hunters on train and trial deals which gives them an opportunity to impress. Should they impress, they might find themselves with a full time contract.
The Panthers also got in on the action signing Stanton Albert, a 19 year old outside back for 2 years. Albert was a Hunter but has slid down the food chain joining the Panthers who had already snapped up his older bro Wellington. How awesome is that? It's only been 12 months or so and the NRL is already catching on to the talent from PNG and the Hunters have shown that they are going about their business in the right way. They've even got a wee song...
Lastly, a bit of an update on Jarryd Hayne's journey. He's back down under! Apparently Hayne had a deal all ready to go but thanks to visa issues, he couldn't get much further so he's headed home for the holiday period. According to Mr Hayne, he had pretty much signed a deal to join a practice squad but the visa got in the way. Which NFL club he was expected to join was left up in the air by Hayne - "you'll find out in due time", but you could read between the lines and say that Hayne could be a Detroit Lion. Not much can happen until after Christmas so Hayne's taking a breather and we should know pretty early in 2015 where his next stop is. That next stop bit is key, as Hayne joining a practice squad could be little more than a stepping stone to another NFL club or it could be a new home for Hayne. At least it's all going well huh?