West Aussie 5/8

[shasta]

For any others who, like me, also enjoy "the other code":

If you've got access to Foxtel have a look at the Bulldogs V Panthers match this afternoon, just before The Force match. Daniel Holdsworth makes his debut for the Doggies at 5/8. He's a product of North Beach RL Club and Aranmore College at Leederville. Scored 2 tries and set up another on debut for St George last year when deputising for injured Trent Barrett.

21yo and might just look good playing fly-half in a blue and black jersey in a few years

[Burgs]

186cm and 95kg, sounds like a good lump of a lad too.
A quick read of their fansite and official site would indicate he is going to get plenty of game time this season. He's on the first of a two year contract so may well be looking for a challange if he hasn't made it not the Kangaroos squad by then.
He is born in the East though so the tie to WA may not be as strong for him?

[shasta]

No. He came over here as a bub. His mum & dad live here and he played all his junior footy here. He played for WA in the schoolboys champs at Dorrien Gardens at 16 and was contracted to Penrith for a couple of seasons of Jersey Flegg then 2 years in Premier League with the Saints. He's good and has the required kicking game. As to whether he's become a "Sydney Boy" or is interested in playing for the Force - time will tell.

[Burgs]

The Bulldogs article from his recruitment mentioned him as a possible heir to El Masiri's kicking throne when he retires so he must have a pretty decent boot on him?

[shasta]

Yeah. He took the place kicks during his time with Saints, even in his first grade games. He has a long accurate punt too - not allowed to kick out-on-the-full

On another note - he may be one of the last WA "leaguies" to go to the NRL, I reckon. The RL colleges all seem to be also running Rugby programs here now so any promising kids are probably going to be offered academy spots by the Force. An offer too good to be refused, compared to what the NRL have offered kids here since "The War" - and that's just about JACK!

[MysticBalls]

Thanks Shasta for the 'league' link. Being a former disillusioned and disenchanted rugby league follower here in Qld following the SuperLeague & NRL withdrawal of the Western Reds from existence , I throw my weight into the survival of the Western Force union team. WA simply must be involved in national rugby, and be successful.
John Welborn is a local . The Force now allows union and league players a professional team based in Perth. The West was poorly treated by league, and the recruitment of Josh Graham from Melb Storm as a starting centre encourages other league players to migrate west. He won't be the last. Look at what Mat Rogers now offers to Tahs-positions 10 to 15 ! Holdsworth would be a good addition. Force should make more enquiries of NRL players.
The recruitment breadth of the Force has been comprehensive, allowing for any developments in the future. Even a Sth African nursery has been mooted.