Official Wade Graham

SharkLabelSociety

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:drunk

Willy, it would be very Australian to have a celebratory brekkie schooey... unless it's with a XXXX. Still, your hearts in the right place ; )

My dad told me that when he first came to Australia it was one of the first "traditions" he learned.

It also became one of his favourite ones.
 

Wilson

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This could be a very big hit or a very big miss signing.
 

dhoodle

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I havent seen to much of Graham, but I will trust the judgment of the board.

Actually, I will watch him on the weekend. He should impress against the cowgirls? He is on the bench though.

And a big LOL at "Tropical Paradise" - Townsville is hell on earth.
 

Ramzyv1

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Great to see it's official and that we have increased our half options. Between Smith, Porter, Graham, Lewis, Kelly and Townsend surely we will find two that play well consistently!

It says that what he will add off the field is of value. I wonder what they mean... His attitude can't be great because didn't he want our of the Panthers at the start of last year (or this year) because he wasn't picked for the first couple of games, despite being a rookie. I remember his attitude was criticised by the Fox Sports Team.
 

Louis

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I don't even know much about this kid. Might have to do some research.. Seems young, and from all reports he has a fair bit of potential, but as someone already pointed out, could be a very good buy or a very bad one.
 
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Gallen Wants Old Head To Help New Boy

Paul Gallen has revealed he begged retiring captain Trent Barrett to play for one more year - but now wants the Sharks leader to turn his attentions to coaching new recruit Wade Graham.

http://www.sharks.com.au/?s=article-display&id=28398

Gallen Wants Old Head To Help New Boy
29/07/2010 10:01:54 AM

Paul Gallen has revealed he begged retiring captain Trent Barrett to play for one more year - but now wants the Sharks leader to turn his attentions to coaching new recruit Wade Graham.

Gallen said while Barrett's retirement last week was a blow to the club, it was softened with the capture of Penrith playmaker Graham.

And after going down 20-13 to Canberra on Saturday night, Gallen believes the club is making big steps in ensuring a successful future.

“Obviously Trent’s retiring, we need someone to replace him so (Wade is) certainly the player I want at the club. I’ll admit I actually went to the club and spoke to them about trying to get him,” said Gallen.

“He has a good style; he’s big, strong and not scared to take the line on. I’m looking forward to playing with him.”

“I have been begging Trent to have another season; I think he’s got another one left in him at least.

"I think him (Barrett) and Wade Graham in the halves together would be a great combination.

“Now I’d like to see Trent hang around to coach him and guide him and mould him into a good player because we certainly need a good half or five-eighth next year.”

With the club reportedly chasing Brett Kimmorley from the Bulldogs, and Jeremy Smith from St. George, Gallen said the ambition of the Sharks' hierarchy was showing.

“We’ve got the makings of a good team, we’ve got one of the best core groups of players in the competition we have five or six really good first graders," said the 28-year-old.

"We just got to get one or two players like Wade Graham who can set tries up getting him is a good start.

“Nathan Gardner has been a real find for us and someone who can cement his spot at fullback, so next year will be a real test for him with the second year syndrome of people figuring out his game a bit.

“Ben Pomeroy has come back from hand surgery, he had two months off and he’s been back for four games now and got a try in three out of the four games and he’s getting back into his rep form which is a real positive."
 

Ramzyv1

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Again great and fair summation from Gal. I really hope we can sign a good player or two as I think we are really close to having a good side. An experienced forward, back and half and I would feel comfortable. If Tim Smith started playing well I would considering that the experienced half.
 

Blix

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Yeah well said from Gal.

The team is very close, really just needs a strong 7 and we are sorted. (One more quality 2nd rower would be nice as well though)
 

Ramzyv1

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Yeah well said from Gal.

The team is very close, really just needs a strong 7 and we are sorted. (One more quality 2nd rower would be nice as well though)

I dont think a 7 would be enough. Poms has been good but not good enough imo to be a certain starter next year. We now need a winger to replace Fergo and we are a second rower short as you have said. I think there are a few holes that need to be filled if we really want to change our fortunes. Not dream signings like Inglis or Cronk, but realistic ones like Tighe, Kimmorley and Jeremy Smith.
 

brently

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Realistically, our squad isn't going to change a lot between now and 2011. Graham is a good signing and we might pull off another one yet. Basically, however, I think the halves are the key. Smith and sfp both have positive aspects to their games but are also flawed in other areas. That's tough on an honest, swear in interviews, footballer like ports but ultimately can't be ignored. We have a good pack (and while another quality 2nd rower would be nice, I think we would be better spending $ elsewhere and continue bringing the likes of wright through). Poms is back in form and Gardner has shown great potential. Most of all it's satisfying to see Gal happy with recruitment; that guy has stuck by the club and given it his all through some horrid times and ordinary treatment. A half and a wing - 3/4 would do nicely i think. Go sharks.
 

Blix

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I dont think a 7 would be enough. Poms has been good but not good enough imo to be a certain starter next year. We now need a winger to replace Fergo and we are a second rower short as you have said. I think there are a few holes that need to be filled if we really want to change our fortunes. Not dream signings like Inglis or Cronk, but realistic ones like Tighe, Kimmorley and Jeremy Smith.

Yeah a 5 would be nice, but if we dont get one I would like to try either Leutele,Tautai or Stapo (Mills won't be anywhere near ready). As for Pom, for mine has been back to 08 form, I am happy to leave him there if he continues playing like he has been.

I would like Smith & Tighe but I think a strong 7 is clearly the most crucial thing for us. The others we could do without and still be successful, but without a 7 I think we are in for another "sad" year at the footy.
 

Wilson

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Stop advocating Tautai for the wing. He's rubbish. No pace.
 

Blix

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Wilson, I can appreciate you not wanting him there, but for mine if its him or Covel, I would prefer to see how Tautai goes that is where he played like the full season for Parra, he kept Grothe in reggies.

As for advocating him for next season whilst definately not ideal I still think the team could be successful with either him or the other 2 there. The same cant be said if we dont get a decent 7.
 

ben

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I dont think a 7 would be enough. Poms has been good but not good enough imo to be a certain starter next year. We now need a winger to replace Fergo and we are a second rower short as you have said. I think there are a few holes that need to be filled if we really want to change our fortunes. Not dream signings like Inglis or Cronk, but realistic ones like Tighe, Kimmorley and Jeremy Smith.

Poms has been great, and i think on his current form he would be starter in any side. Still the occasional lapse in defence but apart from that he is dominating in attack. If we sign another centre for next year I hope the club gives them no guarrantee of starting, I hope its on form - we may even find collis on the outer next year if poms form continues.
 

Blix

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Poms has been great, and i think on his current form he would be starter in any side. Still the occasional lapse in defence but apart from that he is dominating in attack. If we sign another centre for next year I hope the club gives them no guarrantee of starting, I hope its on form - we may even find collis on the outer next year if poms form continues.

Agree with all points (including his' defense)
 
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Poms has been great, and i think on his current form he would be starter in any side. Still the occasional lapse in defence but apart from that he is dominating in attack. If we sign another centre for next year I hope the club gives them no guarrantee of starting, I hope its on form - we may even find collis on the outer next year if poms form continues.

If we sign another centre and Poms form continues i think u will find Poms playing a wide running backrower roll. (Its what he is suited to, wouldnt get caught out in defence as much and most importantly he has staed its where he wants to play) I would be very happy with this as I have called for this for a long time.
 

Ramzyv1

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If we sign another centre and Poms form continues i think u will find Poms playing a wide running backrower roll. (Its what he is suited to, wouldnt get caught out in defence as much and most importantly he has staed its where he wants to play) I would be very happy with this as I have called for this for a long time.

Out of interest where is he on record saying that. I am not doubting you, just saying the only time I heard him speak of positions at all was when Ricky was playing him in the backrow last year and he was disappointed to be playing limited minutes off the bench in the backrow and preferred being an 80 minute centre but will do it for the team.

Ben, other than the "being a starter for any side" comment you are probably right and I may be being to hard on him. I am a big fan of his and defend him often but I guess I have been resigned to the fact that we would be getting rid of him when his contract is up but really that may not be the case and is an unfair position to take. He has been playing well, his running game and cutting back inside has been something we have been lacking and he will likely only get better with time. After a very poor season last year he needs to maintain this form for longer but if he can then I would certainly not be opposed to him being our long-term starting centre.

Don't underrate Collis tho. His defence has been superb and he does make a break when given the opportunity. He does need to do more in attack tho. I just hope a good halfback will do some of the work for him.
 
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