Hockings and Stanford 'Locked' In for 2 Years!

[Darren]

Two of the Emirates Western Force big men, Tom Hockings and Richard Stanford, have committed to the Perth-based outfit by signing new two-year contracts.

The second row duo is secured to the WA side until the end of the 2011 season, with both finalising their new deals this week.

Hockings, who was one of the team’s finds of 2008, has rebounded strongly from off-season shoulder surgery to appear in all six matches for the ocean blues this season.

The 23-year-old lock from the north Queensland town of Proserpine represented Australia at junior level before making a breakthrough performance in the absence of ill-stricken captain Nathan Sharpe in the Super 14 season opener of last year.

Hockings’ discovery was a major boost for the team, adding size and athleticism to the locking division, but that was soon complemented by the addition of Stanford who joined the side from the Brumbies at the end of 2008.

Originally from the NSW country town of Wellington, Stanford joined the Emirates Western Force after two seasons in Canberra, where he earned six caps.

After signing with the club for the 2009 season last October, the 22-year-old eventually debuted in his new colours against his former team in the stunning 25-16 win over the ACT side in February.

Starting on the bench on that occasion; two weeks later he made his first run on appearance at Super 14 level in the 23-all draw with the Crusaders in Christchurch.

RugbyWA General Manager, Rugby, Mitch Hardy said the signing of the two young forwards was a significant milestone for the club.

“We’re delighted to have secured both Tom and Richard for the next two years and we’ve clearly demonstrated that both players are considered important squad members as we build for the future,” said Hardy.

“Both are young, athletic forwards and while Tom has been here for a couple of seasons, Richard has certainly made an impression in his limited game time so far this season,” he said.

“We hope to have more signatures on contracts over the coming weeks but securing two more of our talented youngsters on the back of Sam Wykes’ announcement last month is a good sign for the organisation.”

FACT FILES

Tom Hockings
Position: Lock
Physical: 199cm, 112kg
Age: 23 (Born 22/2/1986, Bowen, QLD)
Super Caps: 16
Super Points: 10 (2t)
Super Debut: 2008 v Sharks, Durban
Representative Honours: Australian Under 19s 2005, Australian Under 21s 2006-07

Richard Stanford
Position: Lock/Flanker
Physical: 198cm, 110kg
Age: 22 (Born 25/4/1986, Dubbo, NSW)
Super Caps: 9 (3 for EWF)
Super Points: 0
Super Debut: 2007 v Chiefs (for Brumbies)
Representative Honours: Australian Schoolboys 2003-04, Australian Under 19s 2005, Australian Under 21s 2005-06

[.X.]

Finally some news to cheer about.

[force addict]

fantastic news! hopefully these signings will help influence others who are off contract this year

[Tazzmania]

Great news, especially Tom, what a year he had last year, a bit slow out the blocks this year with the injury but improving game by game. Richard still needs some game time to show his wares but glad to have both on board and both under Sharpie until 2011.

Three locks in place and Cross in the back line until 2011, we are getting there bit by bit.

[blueandblack]

* Tim Clarke
* April 2, 2009 - 8:49AM

While Western Force big guns like Drew Mitchell and Richard Brown contemplate their futures with the club, big men Tom Hockings and Richard Stanford have signed on for two more years.

With Matt Giteau, Tamaiti Horua, Ben Castle and Scott Staniforth already leaving, Mitchell undecided and Brown taking his time, RugbyWA General Manager, Rugby Mitch Hardy said the signing of the two young forwards was good news for the club.

And he confidently expected more player signings to be announced soon

"We're delighted to have secured both Tom and Richard for the next two years and we've clearly demonstrated that both players are considered important squad members as we build for the future," Hardy said.

"Both are young, athletic forwards and while Tom has been here for a couple of seasons, Richard has certainly made an impression in his limited game time so far this season.

"We hope to have more signatures on contracts over the coming weeks but securing two more of our talented youngsters on the back of Sam Wykes' announcement last month is a good sign for the organisation."

Hockings, who was one of the team's finds of 2008, and even a serious shoulder surgery could not prevent his appearance in all six matches this season.

Hockings' discovery was complemented by the addition of Stanford, who transferred from the Brumbies at the end of 2008.

Originally from the NSW country town of Wellington, Stanford joined the Force after two seasons in Canberra, where he earned six caps.

[SNOB]

Some good news at last! Lets hope we get Brown signed soon.

[laura]

Fantastic!!! Hocko's a great player and it will be great to see him keep playing alongside and learning from Sharpie, hopefully Stanford gets more time as well.
Here's hoping others soon follow suit.

[BaldCunus]

Great news!!! Replace Tamaiti Horua with Stanford for rest of the season get the kid some game time...

[Burgs]

Good country stock, men of their word and loyal.
They don't need all the bullshit and fluff of the bigger cities.
Brownie won't be far behind, we'll turn the Force into the Australian Country XV yet.

[zimeric]

Well done guys, the fans appreciate stayers!

[robyn <3]

Booyah! Thankyou Tom and Richard, you've been fantastic and it's wonderful that your going to stay! I for one love your work Some good news indeed

[lara93]

great news!

[The Lone Hydrangea]

Nice to se a bit of positive press at last. Quality signings.