Force sign All Blacks No.9

[oxleymoron]

Rumours still thick that some existing contracted players will try and be paid out to make way for new signings. I doubt very much that the current 29 players signed will be the same come Round 1.

It's time to go - Dave Harvey

[tdevil]

[NTT]

Should really add some spark around the park.
Welcome aboard Alby!!
Liking the sound of the up tempo style of play Foleys talking up, finally a Aus coach who has learnt something from watching the All Blacks.

[tdevil]

don't like his post try celebrations though, unless they are for his daughter.

Think he only have a son, the bird(ish) celebration might have something to do with the fact that he is a Hastings boy (Hawkes bay).

[Flying 14]

Great signing! I've always rated Alby. Quick, good pass, good kick and a good rugby brain. Just need that inside centre now........

[sandgroperrugby]

Looks like he catches people out with that first burst pace and then puts the gas on not afraid to take it into contact either. Unfortunately a few players need to be paid out to make way for some better options if available. Not nice but hey neither is losing......

[Elf1]

Excellent news just made my morning

[GAFFA]

maybe the plan is to move Mafi to 12 that is his bst posi i feel. and with 2dads harvey and Paddy they feel they can cover full back?

[Tazzmania]

I like that thinking. Mafi at 12 could be dynamic with space from both 9 and 10

[shasta]

This is great. But it does leave some questions going forward. Seeing as Sheehan is staying (ATM anyway) and Matthhewson is only a one year deal under the guidelines(?), we still need to be looking further than 2013 for halfbacks. IF Sheehan stays, sadly he must be injury cover only. Bench must go to either Holmes or Turner. I hate to say it but I'd try to pay Sheehan out and let him collect his Jap super, while JT and Holmes stake a claim to stay here long term.

If we manage to get an extension for Al by that would be good too but that can't be relied on.

[Alison]

Rumours still thick that some existing contracted players will try and be paid out to make way for new signings. I doubt very much that the current 29 players signed will be the same come Round 1.

Wonder if one will be Salesi Ma'afu? He obvs hates being in Perth - even his Twitter profile has his location as being Sydney!

"If you don't love it, LEAVE" I say!

[Alison]

Great video clip tdevil

[SinBin]

Great video clip tdevil

Ditto - impressive stuff, except the Force try ...

[GIGS20]

I LIKE this signing. It answers one of the biggest questions about the backline, now that we'll have a backup scrumhalf who is in contention for the Wallabies jumper we need to follow up with a plan for 12. I like the idea of putting Mafi there, in fact I've been calling for it since about week 6 of the season, but that would leave us exposed in the outside backs.

We need to pick up a quality development back either a 12 or fullback, with a decent fullback I'd be delighted to give Alfi the 12, his stepping game would be lethal outside Matthewson and Ebersohn.

[UNCLE BOOG]

This is great. But it does leave some questions going forward. Seeing as Sheehan is staying (ATM anyway) and Matthhewson is only a one year deal under the guidelines(?), we still need to be looking further than 2013 for halfbacks. IF Sheehan stays, sadly he must be injury cover only. Bench must go to either Holmes or Turner. I hate to say it but I'd try to pay Sheehan out and let him collect his Jap super, while JT and Holmes stake a claim to stay here long term.

If we manage to get an extension for Al by that would be good too but that can't be relied on.

agreed.