2010 player profiles/photos

[Megashark]

2010 player profiles are now available on the club website:

NRL: http://www.sharks.com.au/default.aspx?s=profile-player

Trent Barrett, Paul Gallen, Jason Bukuya, Luke Covell, Luke Douglas, Johnny Mannah, Grant Millington, Ben Pomeroy.

Kade Snowden, Anthony Tupou, Reece Williams, Blake Ferguson, Lancen Joudo, Kyle O'Donnell, Ben Orcher, Nathan Stapleton.

Mathew Wright, Scott Porter, Paul Aiton, Dean Collis, Adam Cuthbertson, Stuart Flanagan, Albert Kelly, Taulima Tautai.

Siosaia Vave, Broderick Wright, Stewart Mills, Elih Baillie.

 

[Megashark]

Paul Aiton

Height : 175 cm
Weight : 85 kg
Position : Hooker
Rep. Honours : PNG Kumuls 2004-present
Junior Clubs : Caboolture Snakes
Previous Clubs : Penrith Panthers
FG Debut : v Cronulla, CUA Stadium, 28/4/06 (Round 8)

Biography

A former Penrith Panther, Aiton comes to the Sharks after making his debut against the club in 2006. The hooker played with Papua New Guinea in the 2008 World Cup and was named as the Kumuls Player of the Tournament. His experience will certainly complement the talented youngsters the Sharks have coming through the ranks. Aiton has moved to the Cronulla area with his girlfriend and is currently studying website development via correspondence.

Elih Baillie

Date of Birth : 19 January, 1991
Position : Second Row/Centre

Biography

Elih continues to grown in regards to learning the ropes of rugby league after coming from a rugby union background in the QLD Reds. A young and outgoing bloke, Elih's goal for the season is to learn as much as he can under coach Ricky Stuart as well as the experienced campaigners in the side. His favourite travel destination is Stradbroke Island and he loves the taste of salt and pepper squid.

Trent Barrett

Date of Birth : 18 November, 1977
Height : 182 cm
Weight : 94 kg
Position : Five Eighth
Rep. Honours : 8 games for NSW 1997-2005,
17 Tests for Australia 2001-05, World Cup 2000, Kangaroo Tour 2001, Tri Nations Tour 2005,
Country Origin 2003, 2005
Junior Clubs : Temora
Previous Clubs : Illawarra Steelers 1996-98, St George Illawarra Dragons 1999-2006, Wigan UK 2007-08

Biography

Barrett made his return to the NRL last season and has since taken over as captain of the Sharks. After spending more time injured on the sidelines than he would have liked, the representative five-eighth is looking to steer the black, white and blue to their first ever premiership in 2010. A Dally M Medallist in 2000, Barrett has hinted this season could be his last.

Jason Bukuya

Date of Birth : 21 April, 1989
Height : 184 cm
Weight : 90 kg
Position : Back Row/Centre
Rep. Honours : Fiji, World Cup 2008.
Junior Clubs : Apsley/Norths Brisbane

Biography

He was tagged as one of the upcoming promising players but Jayson sustained a season ending ankle injury before the 2009 season had even started. Eager to show his worth in the NRL, ‘Boogie’ has strangely played more games for Fiji than in first grade. The aggressive youngster will add plenty of spark to the Sharks line-up as he looks to cement a place in the top 17. Off the field, Bukuya loves fishing and his favourite sporting idol is Michael Jordan.

Dean Collis

Date of Birth : 21 October, 1985
Height : 181 cm
Weight : 91 kg
Position : Centre
Rep. Honours : City Origin 2007
Previous Clubs : Wests Tigers

Biography

Dean is one of the Sharks new recruits for this season and will inject some much-needed spark into the backline. Plagued by injury over the last couple of seasons, he is keen to get a full season under his belt. Hoping to regain his spot in the City Origin side, Collis rates Greg Inglis as his toughest NRL opponent and eats a bowl of pasta before every game.

Luke Covell

Date of Birth : 9 November, 1981
Height : 187 cm
Weight : 98 kg
Position : Wing
Rep. Honours : Country Origin 2005, 1 Test for New Zealand 2007.
Junior Clubs : Murwillumbah Colts
Previous Clubs : Tigers 2003-04

Biography

One of the more experienced players at the Sharks, Luke will be looking to win back his mantle as the NRL’s leading point scorer after falling short in season 2009. Already a father of two-year old Jayla, the Covell family has another baby on the way. Luke’s pre-game routine involves walking and getting the newspaper.

Adam Cuthbertson

Date of Birth : 24 February, 1985
Height : 183 cm
Weight : 105 kg
Position : Second Row
Junior Clubs : Avalon Bulldogs
Previous Clubs : Manly Sea Eagles

Biography

Adam joins the Sharks after limited opportunities at his previous club and has already proven himself as one of the characters of the team. Rates Cronulla as the toughest side he has played against and gives himself a wrap when it comes to cooking. Favourite player growing up… you guessed it… Kevin Hardwick.

Luke Douglas

Date of Birth : 12 May, 1986
Height : 192 cm
Weight : 110 kg
Position : Prop/Second Row
Rep. Honours : PM's XIII 2007
Junior Clubs : Lower Clarence

Biography

One of the most consistent forwards in the game, Luke is closing in on playing his 100th consecutive NRL game. Despite a disappointing season for the Sharks in 2009, Luke capped off a great season personally by taking home the Monty Porter medal- voted as the Sharks best player. Representative honours are surely around the corner for the Yamba junior. He loves the outdoors, in particular surfing, fishing and spear fishing.

Blake Ferguson

Date of Birth : 20 March, 1990
Height : 191 cm
Weight : 95 kg
Position : Wing/Centre
Rep. Honours : NSW CHS 2008
Junior Clubs : Wellington Cowboys/ Earlwood Saints

Biography

Blake made his first grade debut for the Sharks last season and instantly became a crowd favourite with the ball in his hands. Scored one of the most remarkable try’s ever seen in the NRL and is looking to play every game this year and become the league’s top try scorer. ‘Fergolicious’ was also named as the player his teammates would rather not share a room with because of his untidy habits.

Stuart Flanagan

Date of Birth : 1 May, 1987
Height : 187 cm
Weight : 84 kg
Position : Hooker
Rep. Honours : NSW under 19s, Junior Kangaroos 2006
Previous Clubs : Wests Tigers, Canberra Raiders

Biography

Released from his three-year deal with the Canberra Raiders, Stuart is looking to resurrect his career, which first began as an understudy to Australian representative Robbie Farrah at the Tigers. His attacking ability out of dummy half is second to none and off the field he is a keen wakeboarder. Flanno admires former Manly hooker Geoff Toovey and he is superstitious about putting everything 'left' on first.

Paul Gallen

Date of Birth : 14 August, 1981
Height : 180 cm
Weight : 104 kg
Position : Back Row
Rep. Honours : 8 matches for NSW, 2006-09, 9 tests for AUS, World Cup 2008, City Origin 2006, PM’s XIII 2006-2007.
Junior Clubs : Wentworthville

Biography

Paul has a tremendous work rate in both attack and defence, and fans will be looking for much of the same from him this season. Gal always wears his heart on his sleeve and he was a member of the Australian side that won the Four Nations Tournament against England and also took out the team’s trap shooting challenge whilst on tour. He is said to be one of the biggest pests in the team.

Lancen Joudo

Date of Birth : 2 January, 1989
Height : 180 cm
Weight : 89 kg
Position : Hooker
Rep. Honours : Australian under 15’s, NSW under 17’s, NSW CCC 2006-2007
Junior Clubs : St Clair Comets
Previous Clubs : Penrith

Biography

Lancen made his debut last season for the Sharks and is looking to become a regular member of the side. A big fan of the Manchester United soccer club, Joudo is studying exercise science for a career after football. He enjoys watching the NFL, playing playstation and his favourite sporting idol is Floyd Mayweather.

Albert Kelly

Date of Birth : 21 March, 1991
Height : 177 cm
Weight : 82 kg
Position : Five-eighth
Rep. Honours : Australian Schoolboys 2008, NSW under 18s 2008.
Previous Clubs : Parramatta

Biography

Another former Eel, Albert is the cousin of Storm superstar Greg Inglis and for a kid yet to make his debut, he has already earnt plenty of praise. AK is a bit of a prankster and lists ‘filling his mates shampoo bottle with deep heat’ as his best joke to date. His goal for this season will be obvious to most- to make his first grade debut. Pre-game he calls and talks to his spirits and will listen to music.

Johnny Mannah

Date of Birth : 13 September, 1989
Height : 188 cm
Weight : 108 kg
Position : Prop
Junior Clubs : Guildford Leagues
Previous Clubs : Parramatta

Biography

Johnny started the 2009 season with a bang and was a regular member of the Sharks forward pack. Sadly, his season ended prematurely after doctors discovered lymphoma in his troubled back. Brother of Parramatta’s Tim Mannah, Johhny is hoping to make a full recovery and return to the field as soon as possible.

Grant Millington

Date of Birth : 1 November, 1986
Height : 190 cm
Weight : 108 kg
Position : Prop/Second Row
Junior Clubs : Cabramatta and Wyong

Biography

After a solid season in 2009, Grant is looking to build on from those performances and earn a spot in the starting side. Pre-game he'll put his right sock on first and when he joins forces with Luke Douglas, watch out for a bucket load of pranks to be played on fellow teammates. He'd like to have dinner with comedian Carl Barron and according to his teammates he is a very good public speaker.

Stewart Mills

Biography

A local boy, Stewart has been earmarked to play in the NRL very soon. Quick on his feet, he has a solid offload with a mountain of potential and is looking forward to training with the full-time squad in season 2010. Strangely, 'Millsy' always keeps his mouthguard in his boots before a game. His favourite sport other than league is Tennis and he loves going surfing and chilling out with his mates.

Kyle O'Donnell

Date of Birth : 9 October, 1990
Height : 189 cm
Weight : 102 kg
Position : Wing/Centre
Rep. Honours : NSW CCC 2008
Junior Clubs : Greystanes Devils

Biography

Younger brother of Australian representative Luke, O’Donnell is looking to emulate his older brother as a class back rower. He is a part of Ricky Stuart's apprentices for season 2010 and wil lhope to squeeze his way into the side on form. Kyle rates the time when his trainer, Mark Noakes, was swooped by plovers as the funniest moment in his league career to date.

Ben Orcher

Date of Birth : 23 September, 1989
Height : 184 cm
Weight : 84 kg
Position : Wing/Fullback
Junior Clubs : Enngonia Outlaws

Biography

Personal Note: Ben was one of the Toyota Cup’s most valuable players last season and is looking to make his first grade debut in 2010. With an Indigenous background, ‘Scorch’ is lightening fast and knows how to find the try line. Would love to have dinner with Preston Campbell, Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Phil if he ever had the chance.

Ben Pomeroy

Date of Birth : 10 January, 1984
Height : 185 cm
Weight : 97 kg
Position : Centre
Rep. Honours : City Origin 2007-08, PM's XIII 2007
Junior Clubs : Cambridge Park
Previous Clubs : Panthers 2004-05

Biography

Ben is looking to erase season 2009 and regain his spot in the centre’s. He is a big fan of Chuck Le Dell and rates Nathan Brown passing the ball into Lance Thompson’s head as the funniest moment in league. His favourite player growing up was Mark Geyer.

Scott Porter

Date of Birth : 3 January, 1985
Height : 180 cm
Weight : 87 kg
Position : Halfback
Junior Clubs : Cronulla Caringbah

Biography

Scott made his debut last season at the ripe old age of 24 and after almost giving up the game, history will show that his first game against the Eels helped snap a long losing streak for the side. An avid surfer, ‘Ports’ has had three knee reconstructions, loves listening to The Presets and The Prodigy and enjoys attending music festivals.

Kade Snowden

Date of Birth : 31 December, 1986
Height : 190 cm
Weight : 114 kg
Position : Prop
Junior Clubs : Lakes United
Previous Clubs : Knights 2005-07

Biography

The loss of Ben Ross last season saw Kade Snowden step up to the mark. Snowden’s amazing transformation from being a bench player to producing 80 minute stints won him high appraisal from Ricky Stuart. Together with Luke Douglas, they form arguably one of the most underrated prop pairings in the game. His goal for this season is to make a representative side.

Nathan Stapleton

Date of Birth : 1 December, 1989
Height : 184 cm
Weight : 88 kg
Position : Centre/Fullback
Junior Clubs : Southport School

Biography

Nathan was another Toyota Cup player who stamped his mark on the NRL last season. With lightening speed, fans have high expectations for the 20-year-old and he will look to start off 2010 with a bang. Nathan lists bull riding as his favourite sport other than league.

Taulima Tautai

Date of Birth : 4 March, 1988
Height : 184 cm
Weight : 98 kg
Position : Wing/Centre
Previous Clubs : Parramatta Eels

Biography

Taulima is another former Eel with an exciting future at the Sharks. Looking to cement a spot in the Sharks starting side, ‘Big T’ loves a game of poker and rates himself at playing Guitar Hero. He enjoys eating fried duck and says his funniest moment in league was when “he met Blake Ferguson”. Some say he has the biggest set of ears in the NRL.

Anthony Tupou

Date of Birth : 1 March, 1983
Height : 183 cm
Weight : 100 kg
Position : Second Row
Rep. Honours : 3 Games for NSW 2007-08, 6 Tests for Australia 2006-08,World Cup 2008 with Australia, PM's XIII 2006-07, Country Origin 2005
Junior Clubs : West Newcastle Maggots
Previous Clubs : Roosters 2004-07

Biography

Quietly spoken off the field, Toops’ is one of the most potent running back-rowers in the game. Looking to make his way back onto the representative scene, Toops will look to improve on his 2009 season and help the Sharks win that elusive premiership. He is now the father of bouncing baby boy Rider Maui, he likes to DJ in his spare time and pre-game he listens to UB40.

Siosaia Vave

Date of Birth : 20 May, 1989
Height : 188 cm
Weight : 115 kg
Position : Prop/Second Row
Previous Clubs : Gold Coast

Biography

After making a big impact in the Toyota Cup for the Gold Coast Titans, Siosaia is ready to break into the top grade with the Sharks. His favourite player growing up was Steve Price and he is a big fan of Beyonce Knowles. A character off the field, he lists netball as one of his favourite sports to play- without the skirt. He also enjoys playing soccer and eating pasta.

Reece Williams

Date of Birth : 21 September, 1985
Height : 186 cm
Weight : 100 kg
Position : Second Row
Rep. Honours : City Origin 2007
Junior Clubs : Yarrawarrah Tigers

Biography

After suffering severe concussion and a blood clot on the brain at the back end of last season, Reece is ready to rip in and be a part of the Sharks revival. With a mountain of potential, ‘Bat’ has been earmarked to make his return to the representative scene after playing for City Origin in 2007. Williams enjoys watching replays of Jason Stevens giving his opponent wedgies and unfortunately he has a snoring problem.

Broderick Wright

Date of Birth : 24 July, 1987
Height : 188 cm
Weight : 103 kg
Position : Prop/Second Row
Previous Clubs : Parramatta Eels

Biography

Broderick was touted as a player to watch in 2009 and he didn’t disappoint. Snapped up by the Sharks, the eighteenth man in Parramatta’s Grand Final loss to Melbourne, is ready to sustain a regular first grade spot and play consistent footy. Loves his horse racing and is a big fan of Bart Cummings. Enjoys the odd thai green curry and hopes to have kids one day.

Matthew Wright

Date of Birth : 30 January, 1991
Height : 186 cm
Weight : 92 kg
Position : Centre
Rep. Honours : NSW under 18’s, Australian Schoolboys
Junior Clubs : St Pats Blacktown, NSW
Previous Clubs : Panthers

Biography

Matthew made his first grade debut for the Sharks last season and proved himself in a number of positions. Looks like the little brother of Taulima Tautai and is a big fan of singer Lionel Richie. With some first grade experience under his belt look for Wrighty to feature heavily and make more of an impact this season.

 

[Mark^Bastard]

Nice. I'll update the top 25 thread with links to the profiles later on today.

No Morris?
No Gardner (Guess that confirms he's not top 25 then)
Kyle O'Donnell is a surprise to me.
Joudo and Orcher as well, I guess this means they are top 25? Seems like there's 27 in total though if you count Morris who is missing and definitely in the 25.

 

[squeak]

was looking through and didn't see garner the young bloke we got from parramatta .did I miss that or has not come over

 

[IronShark]

Have a read of the blurbs on each player, some are hilarious. Someone has got a sense of humour at the Club by the looks of it. My favourite blurb is for Reece Williams, check it out. Wedgies!...always good for a laugh!:lmao

 

[hitman124]

It says cuthbo`s weight is 105 kilos......... he must have dropped a hell of a lot of weight very quickly......

Im really happy with the way that squad looks, it looks so much better than this time last yr actually, even though we had a fit ross and kearney, I think our backs and fowards look a definate improvement.

I have a very good feeling about bukuya and orcher, it may not happen over night, but I do believe it will happen.

Vave looks like a good guy, hopefully he is very, very intense on the training track.

 

[Super Shark]

Looks like some of them dont even know how to smile lol

 

[El Coconuto]

Guys who wrote Pom's blurb, it's Chuck Liddell...not Chuck Le Dell

 

[KELPIE]

Interesting that Stewart Mills is in the top 25.

If I have the right guy, he was one of our wingers in NYC through 2008 then got injured(I think) and missed most/all of '09. He must have impressed all the right people somewhere along the line as he's still young enough to play NYC.

 

[peachey]

Elih Baille is certainly left field, some niff nuff, never heard of him

couldnt baz/gal/snow/toops afford the new jersey?

flanagan looks like nerd

m.wright - "what'ch you say mutha f*cker?"

 

[waterboy]

holy f'ing s***..... Mills, Orcher, Baile, O'Donnell........ If they are some of the best this club has to offer than oh boy it will b a long few years. They are laughable. Not to mention wright I think Im going to support someone else from now on, this does my head in

 

[hitman124]

troll alert.

 

[pandapat]

troll alert.

Yay, was starting to get kinda boring around here.

 

[MattyShArk]

Stewart Mills is a tool, enough said about him

Elih Baille is a great bloke, played for my team half the season

 

[greg_bird]

holy f'ing s***..... Mills, Orcher, Baile, O'Donnell........ If they are some of the best this club has to offer than oh boy it will b a long few years. They are laughable. Not to mention wright I think Im going to support someone else from now on, this does my head in

a tad scary ay, especially when u look at some teams top 25 oh well i just hope ricky knows what he is doing

 

[fitz]

Overall this looks like a pretty good squad to me... nice balance and depth across the park. Lots of kicking options as well. Also, nice combinations of experienced players and youth. It looks like there is more to this squad than just a short-term quick fix - it would seem we're in the mindset of building a dynasty rather than just a team. Bravo!

On to something that I'm not happy about...

The photos are awful!

I think we need to have for each player a much better portrait shot... as well as some top notch action shots as well... and maybe even some "lifestyle" type shots.

The way I see it is that we need to have our Marketing and Media Departments tooled-up with the resources to do their job well. It is much easier to get positive media coverage if you're able to supply quality images and art to the media outlets. Likewise, we need to have a professionally written bio on all of the players and staff so that it then makes it easier for a journalist to write a story and get it published. I'm not saying that it has to be boring and conservative, but some good quality writing doesn't go astray!

I'm sure the Club could find someone with some professional photographic experience to put together a portfoloio of stunning shots and do it for mate's rates.

One very simple thing... put the players in front of an interesting background... very simple and makes a huge difference to the quality of the shot.

For example - check out this very quick and dirty mock-up...

 

[greg_bird]

or atleast get them all wearing the same shirt/jersey

 

[hitman124]

everyone who is bitching and moaning saying "ooooh our squad looks terrible" what the f*ck did you expect a team that finished 15th to look like? A squad full of rep players?

Get real, we are in for a long season, but each win we get will be very cherished.

 

[greg_bird]

look at the dogs last to 2nd in one off season alot of good buys.... its do able

 

[noremac79]

I've noticed the lack of our new signing in John Morris, what is going on there??