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![Not allowed!](images/buttons/up_dis.png)
https://westernforce.rugby/news/foll...dvance-2024828
Encouraging that O’Donnell and Amone are both being referred to as "Force players" by the Force, but would be better to see an announcement or other confirmation of extension, as publicly available knowledge that isn't the case.
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
In the Shute Shield final they announced Henry O'Donnell was coming back to the Waratahs. That's a shame.
Smoke me a kipper, I'll be back for breakfast.
Wow, that's a real shame. We're seriously short on outside backs
Why sign someone on a 12 month contract? If it's just injury cover, ok but otherwise if someone won't commit to the Force for 2 years then maybe they are not who we are looking for.
Western Force still has O'Donnel as one of ours in the current article about this weekend's club games, so who knows?
Follow The Force: Academy trio lead Associates into Premier Grade GF
Sun, Sep 1, 2024, 8:39 AM
BS
by Ben Somerford
Fortescue Academy trio Justin Landman, HD Stemmet and Cristiano Tizzano all played their part as Associates booked a spot in the 2024 WA Fortescue Premier Grade Grand Final.
Associates rallied back from 12-3 down in the first half to beat Nedlands 30-27 in an epic Semi Final at Allen Park on Saturday.
Ex-Force fly-half Ian Prior’s kicking was a feature for Soaks, nailing three penalties, including a long shot in the see-sawing second half.
Stemmet marked his return from injury with a power of work in the back row, while full-back Landman’s kicking out of the backline was solid throughout.
Scrum-half Tizzano was his industrious self, with his speed a highlight, while he made a series of second-half line breaks.
Associates will take on Palmyra in next Saturday’s decider after they won 40-20 over Dane Sawers’ Kalamunda at Tompkins Park.
The Grand Final will take place at Hartfield Reserve in Forrestfield on Saturday 7 September.
Elsewhere around the country, Henry O’Donnell scored a double but it wasn’t enough as Norths were downed 36-35 by Easts in the NSW Shute Shield Grand Final at Leichhardt Oval.
Siosifa Amone and Max Burey also both started for Norths, who produced a big second-half comeback led by O’Donnell, only to fall short.
In Queensland’s Hospital Cup on Sunday, Harry Hoopert and Finn Prass’ Brothers will face Wests at Ballymore from 12:45pm WST, live on Stan Sport.
https://westernforce.rugby/news/foll...LN1DxCcW7_OXSg
We could do a lot worse than get Grason Makara back from QLD if O'Donnell goes. He was ace in the QLD club grand final.
Smoke me a kipper, I'll be back for breakfast.
Rugbyrama reporting Tom Franklin to help out Pau.
It does appear only until we start our 2025 season though.
Difficult to clarify as article is in French.
Simon Cron: “People talk about winning and losing all the time and they are critical, but there’s a process to get into and it’s the ability to stay present, do your job and execute skills under pressure.”
Western Force have confirmed Tom Franklin departure to persue overseas opportunity, he will not be with us next year
Wish you all the best Tom. Thanks so much for your injury coverage and fantastic efforts.
4 Locks + Jeremy Williams (195cm) + Will Harris (195cm) + Reed Prinsep (192cm) + Nick Champion de Crespigny (191 cm).
We have excellent options at the line out.
Plus some young blood coming up in the Academy.
Good luck to Franklin, was quite the find this year and probably under reported in his role.
Unfortunately it is strong evidence of where SR currently sits in the Rugby world and the strength (aka weakness) of a Western Force contract.
Players definitely hold the power in the relationship and, regardless of what Goodman is quoted to say, it isn't about "what's best for him" and "good depth" (debatable), it's the Force haven't a strong enough contract or deep enough pockets. He isn't going to be going for playing opportunity, he will be going for financial opportunity at the end of his career.
As previously banging the drum about, if the Force is going to be reliant in part on late career players, we must get better at post-career opportunities, partnering with businesses to keep these blokes in Perth beyond their playing years to avoid this situation.
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.