Yorkshire Carnegie
Our Recruitment Drive So Far
First of many?
By Toptyke
June 18 2010
Upon the request of our noble moderator, to enhance our flourishing message board, I have decided to compile a reflection about our summer spending spree so far. It is well reported that our recruitment for next season is not over, but from what I have seen so far, we should not be surprised if a few more recognisable faces end up finding their home at Headingley next season.
Straight after the Worcester game, the message board was rife with who was staying, who was going and who we may sign. The shopping list style threads are always a barrel of laughs, with a combination of unrealistic signings and has-beens being constantly linked with moves to us. However, among all this drivel there is often a few hidden gems that do eventually surface upon the hallowed turf of Headingley stadium.
At the end of last season Andy Key cited that we needed 8 to 10 players in order to be successful in achieving the mission that he and Backy outlined for year 3 - a top 6 finish. From reading the board I get the impression that the general vibe around the club at the moment is positive. Fans seem to believe that with just a few improvements in certain areas of the squad, this goal will become more than achievable.
With around 17 players confirmed as going to pastures new, the management team faced a tough challenge to use the budget wisely to reinforce our depleted squad. Fans were upset that young talent like Joe Ford and Calum Clarke were allowed to fly the nest. While others were worried about the experienced heads that we let go, such as Andy Gommersal and Rob Rawlinson. However,as they say in many trades, when one door closes another one opens. Using this analogy in recruitment terms, when one contract ends this leaves an opportunity for someone else’s to begin.
The first of our confirmed signings for the coming season was Michael Stephenson. From speaking to the Leeds hierarchy and a few contacts of mine who are season ticket at his former club Bath, it transpires that we could have got ourselves a real gem here. They say that Mike possesses real pace, the type which can split the toughest of defences. Even though many people have expressed concerns about his long list of past injuries I feel we must give this guy a chance. Raw pace in the backline is something we have missed in recent times, since the days of Biggs and Vickerman. Stephenson could provide us with the perfect blend of pace and power, something which is desirable in any winger. Let’s just hope that the ball gets passed out wide a bit more often next year so we can see him fulfilling his undoubted potential.
The next person through the revolving Headingley door was Viadana’s 6 ft 8in New Zealand Lock Sean Hohneck. Sean was seen by many as a direct replacement for Biarritz bound Erik Lund. A brief search of the Bristol message board would suggest that fans can expect whole hearted, full blooded performances from the experienced Kiwi (no pun intended). We should be able to utilise his experience and prior knowledge of the premiership. Both of these attributes mean that he should be able to adapt to life at Leeds quicker than someone who is coming from the wilderness. Having previously played at the highest level possible in Italy, Sean will be fully aware of what it takes to be successful both domestically and in Europe. Neil Back stated that Sean was coming to Leeds for the right reasons when the announcement of his signing was made. Bold statements like this auger well for many seasons of success with him as part of our pack.
The third disciple to enter the fray of Leeds Carnegie was the 31 year old England hooker Steve Thompson. Whilst I appreciate that some fans may be disillusioned as regards to the reasons behind this signing, I stand by my opinion that having 2 international class hookers cannot be a bad thing. Playing in the position they do, one hooker cannot be expected to play the full 80 minutes for the whole season. I am aware that we have Phil Nilsen, who will be pushing both Titterall and Thompson to their limits to ensure that only the best man prevails, and receives the privilege of wearing the Leeds number 2 shirt. Steve will add a valuable experience to our pack, whilst also being aware of what is required for a team to shine on the European stage. Perhaps he could perform a similar role to that of Andy Gommersal this season in bringing on younger players in his position. Players like Phil and the younger front rowers will surely benefit from training everyday with someone of the calibre and reputation of Steve Thompson.
The fourth and perhaps most surprising new recruit is James Tincknell from Wharfedale. This 6 ft 4in former cricketer could prove to be one of the shrewdest signings in the clubs history. Our club has a long established reputation for bringing in unknown talent from the lower divisions and making them thrive. You only have to look at our recent history and the likes of Erik Lund to see this happening in front of us. Let’s hope James is the next in a long line of hidden gems that the club have unveiled. He has been given a short term contract to prove his worth but from what the club have been saying he has the potential to become a star of the future.
The latest player to emerge on our inbound list is cross-code Fijian international Semi Tadulala. In his days as a rugby league player Semi was one of the most prolific try scorers in the game. Gloucester coaches were alerted to his potential and gave him the opportunity to have a crack at the fifteen a side game. Whilst his first team opportunities in the West Country were limited, Tadulala was a regular in the Guiness A league. It was here that he was spotted by our dynamic coaching duo who opted to give him a second chance at the highest level. Having previously played at Wakefield Wildcats and Bradford Bulls, and lived in the Headingley area, Semi should settle quickly which bodes well for a blistering start to his Leeds Carnegie career.
Further signings are set to be announced in the coming weeks, with murmurs of Baths Dan Browne and Spanish bulldozer prop Jesus Moreno, being the next duo through the revolving door of Leeds Carnegie. Based on what we have so far and the reasons outlined above, I firmly believe that we can expect a bright future for our great club. In Backy and Kiwi we trust!
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18/06/2010 09:32
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All the signs are positive of a very competent squad, come the start of the season.
Up the Carnegie TYKES !
Onwards and upwards.et amplius deinceps
