Australian Players Off Contract in '07

[Darren]

Brock James and David Te Moana are on the move, with Brocky joining the ASM club in Clermont-Ferrand ( France) and Big Dog heading for Manawatu in New Zealand next week. Josh Graham will become an inaugural player for the second season in a row in 2007 when he lines up with the Gold Coast Titans rugby league side, the new team in the NRL competition. Ben Ward and Gavin DeBartolo have returned to the eastern seaboard to ply their trade in club rugby, while Vitori Buatava will continue to play for Wanneroo as he looks at options overseas. Tim Davidson is back playing with Sydney Uni after leaving WA in early June.

Of course, big John Welborn has hung up his size 14 boots, taking the total of departures to eight at this stage.

RugbyWA would like to thank the guys for their valuable contributions during the team’s inaugural season, and wish them luck in all of their future endeavours.

...

[Burgs]

From Fox/Courier Mail story:

A second backline recruit from rugby league is the final new signing on the 33-man Reds playing roster for 2007 which (Eddie) Jones has now completed.

Centre Charlie Fetoai, 19, is to return to the code he played at Brisbane State High after hardening up this year with Broncos feeder teams Toowoomba Clydesdales and Aspley Devils.

Adding Schifcofske, strong-running Maori centre Ryan Nicholas, lock Ed O'Donoghue, prop Ben Coutts, Australia Schoolboys fly half Quade Cooper and dreadlocked young flanker A. J. Gilbert to the Reds ranks has heartened Jones.

"We've improved the quality of the squad and we've reasonable depth in most positions but all we have is a good start," Jones said.

The Reds have shown faith in re-signing prop Anthony Mathison, who is recovering well after having a bone graft and a plate inserted during surgery to the vertebra low on the neck.

[RugbyFan]

That AJ Gilbert goes alrite. Looks and plays like George Smith.