The Steadying of the Ship

[James]

Seems like Greg is having a steadying influence so far. Looks like Pocock has joined Hockings on the definite but not yet signed list. I think the Reds game has proved that we desperately need to re-sign those props too. Hardy is great and is completely underrated and is the only experienced prop in our squad whereas Pek is still young and could be great in a few years if he has a quality prop there to help him out. I'd love Tim Fairbrother to sign too. I remember way back when when the Australian swimming team brought in some dude from South Africa I think. Not to poach but to lift the intensity of training and to help out the young guys. I don't see why we couldn't do the same prop-wise.

Force move closer to nailing Cross

April 21, 2008 WESTERN Force are close to re-signing rugby league convert Ryan Cross after the ARU made him a satisfactory top-up offer.

Cross has been in fine form at outside centre in his second season of Super rugby after leaving NRL club Sydney Roosters.

Overlooked by the Australia selectors in his first season, Cross has put himself in strong contention for a gold jersey this year.

New chief executive Greg Harris and coach John Mitchell met Cross's agent John Fordham in Sydney and came away feeling positive.

"I'm pretty confident we'll have an agreement with Ryan Cross soon," Harris said. "In the next couple of weeks we'll get it done.

"He's pretty keen to stay. It's just a matter of agreeing on the terms."

Harris was also confident about re-signing several other players, including openside flanker David Pocock, second rower Tom Hockings, inside back James O'Connor and props Gareth Hardy and Pek Cowan.

Pocock and Hockings are expected to reject offers from Queensland Reds and remain with the Force, while Hardy and Cowan have received interest from overseas. Hardy carries a British passport, which makes him eligible to play as a local in Europe, while Cowan is of New Zealand heritage.

The Force have recently re-signed props Troy Takiari and AJ Whalley, but it is also interested in Hurricanes specialist tighthead Tim Fairbrother, who is eligible to play as an Australian in the Super 14.

They are also looking at Waratahs halfback Josh Valentine, who has been relegated to a third-string No.9 behind Luke Burgess and Brett Sheehan.

But Valentine is waiting for the Waratahs to make a decision on their new coach before he commits himself.

Waratahs chief executive Jim L'Estrange is expected to have a coaching nomination for the NSWRU board by the first week of next month.

"I'm doing a lot of looking around," Valentine said. "Everyone is a good option for me at the moment.

"The Waratahs are doing well and they've got some good cattle. I can't talk to the Waratahs until they appoint a coach and I know what he thinks of me."

If Valentine decides to leave New South Wales, he may have played his last game for the Waratahs after sustaining a knee injury in a club game for Randwick on Saturday.

[laura]

So Force is looking at;
Josh Valentine(halfback)
Rocky Elsom (flanker)
Steve Moore (hooker)

Who will this take the spot of, if we do get them?
Who else are we looking at bringing in to the mix?
How many in the academy will we be allowed to play in next year's season?
Who will be back from injury that we can play?
Who are we losing at the end of the year?
-Sitaleki Timani
-Jimmy Hilgendorf

[chiselhead]

Josh Valentine isn't the Tahs 3rd choice for no reason. He is slower than my old mum and he has two dicky knees. Get somebody out of the crowd if necessary. Don't sign Gosh

[James]

So Force is looking at;
Josh Valentine(halfback)
Rocky Elsom (flanker)
Steve Moore (hooker)

Who will this take the spot of, if we do get them?
Who else are we looking at bringing in to the mix?
How many in the academy will we be allowed to play in next year's season?
Who will be back from injury that we can play?
Who are we losing at the end of the year?
-Sitaleki Timani
-Jimmy Hilgendorf

Josh Valentine, if signed, would probably push Adam Clarke (who is coming off contract and injured) out of the Force mix. If not he is a possibility for coming back from injury.

Rocky Elsom is probably a no go at this point. But Sam Wykes is off contract so if he left and Elsom came it would be a swap there.

I think Stephen Moore is Brumby-bound. If he wasn't he wouldn't displace anyone in the squad as we only have 2 hookers.

Pat O'Connor and Junior Pelesasa will be back from injury next year hopefully. O'Connor had a pretty good locking partnership with Sharpie in 2006 but didn't play at all I think in 2007.

I think you've mentioned everyone who is definitely going (though I don't know what Hilgendorf is doing). As for the academy I think a lot of guys in there are still teenagers and would be looking at 2010 as their first big opportunity. But if injuries come you never know. I suppose we will see how they all go on this development tour to the UK.

[Thequeerone]

Pat O'Connor has been injured this season don't know what his future is.

Pelesasa was being fast tracked from injury to add depth for the last few games - however today's West reports that as this is no longer required he will get a better recovery time.

Hilgendorf should be fit any day now - but he will leave at the end of the season - possibly for overseas.

[lmaag]

- however today's West reports that as this is no longer required he will get a better recovery time.

It is the West, so no news on Pelasasa then?

[shasta]

The Kiwi commentators on Fox were hinting Robbie Deans will try to bring Ben Franks to Oz with him. Wonder where he'd end up if that does eventuate?

[James]

The Kiwi commentators on Fox were hinting Robbie Deans will try to bring Ben Franks to Oz with him. Wonder where he'd end up if that does eventuate?

He was born in Melbourne so perhaps the Brumbies for closeness. Or if he doesn't really care about that then maybe the Force where he is almost definitely going to get a start and might be more comfortable under John Mitchell? I don't know.