Today the struggling Canberra Raiders have announced a massive player signing. That of the in demand and exciting James Tedesco.
After a horror start to the 2014 competition, the Raiders have targeted new blood to give them the shot in the arm needed for a successful 2015 and beyond.
They were also thought to have signed the Storm’s brilliant backrower Kevin Proctor, with the Daily Telegraph even announcing his signing, before a later offer brought about his re-signing with the Melbourne club.
Bulldogs captain Michael Ennis is expected to sign a big money deal to move to the capital for at least the next two seasons, although he does want a third added to the deal.
Josh Mansour has also been heavily linked with the club after being spotted touring the Canberra facilities last week.
James Tedesco is an obvious replacement for the departing Anthony Milford, after the latter re confirmed his intention to move to the Broncos for personal reasons.
Coming off a huge win against the understrength Cowboys on Sunday, this is a week that Canberra fans will remember.
There has been BIG money thrown around on the young fullback, and although we will probably never hear the exact, and correct, figure, the way the Raiders are currently travelling, you can’t help them for taking a punt on the future star.
The deal is for three seasons, with Tedesco earning a reported $1.9 mil over the duration of his contact.
Tigers fans are split on the news. While obviously disappointed to lose their young star, some seem happy the club did not break the bank to keep him at the Tigers while some wanted the club to pull out all the stops.
A Game Of Halves
Tomorrow’s opening State of Origin game will likely be won in the halves. With big matchups all across the park, none are bigger than the Thurston/Cronk vs Reynolds/Hodkinson battle.
If the young Dogs halves are over awed by the occasion, the Maroons win by plenty. If they can can carry their amazing club form into the biggest game of their careers, then the in form Hayne, Morris and Tupou may get the Blues home.
Queensland head in heavy favourites and should win in front of a big home crowd, but I’m tipping an upset (no bias here people) 18-16. The boot of Hodkinson will be the difference.
Open Letter To The Sharks
Thanks to all those who read, shared and commented on my open letter to the Sharks last night and today.
As a lifelong fan, it’s tough to cop what is being dished up on and off field by a club leaning heavily on excuses.
For those who haven’t seen it yet: http://monstasport.com/?p=2445
Monday Night, Really?
Did they REALLY have to schedule a Monday Night game for this weekend’s fixtures?
With only one game on Friday and Sunday, and two on Saturday, it’s not like they couldn’t have found room for the Origin affected Sharks/Souths game.
The crowd was never going to be great considering how the Sharks are travelling, and the fact that both sides were without their best players, and biggest stars, but the Monday Night timeslot was the final nail in the coffin.
John Morris, who has played 300 first grade games, as well as those fans who did brave the the reserve grade sides, deserve better.
