NRL Storm secure EIGHT signatures for 2009
Melbourne Storm has this week secured the signatures of EIGHT players as it looks to build its playing stocks for the 2009 season and beyond.
The new signings compliment the acquisition of Canberra hooker Ryan Hinchcliffe earlier this year, and the re-signings of Dallas Johnson, Adam Blair, Cooper Cronk, Jeff Lima, Sika Manu, Anthony Quinn, Greg Inglis and Aiden Tolman.
As has been reported, backrower Matt Cross has joined from the Gold Coast Titans on a one-year deal, while four other new players will join the club.
Storm football operations manager Frank Ponissi believes Cross can have an immediate impact in 2009.
“The Storm has proven in the past that not only young players get improved within our system, but the culture here as has a history of rejuvenating players mid-career as well,” said Ponissi.
Backrower Louis Fanene has been elevated from the under-20’s squad, while Clifford Manua and promising front-rower Sinbad Kali have signed new one-year deals, rounding out a busy week at the club.
Apart from Cross, the four new faces at the Storm next year include Penrith centre William Isa, former Bulldogs five-eighth Arana Taumata, Souths centre Andre Itula, and James Maloney who captains Wentworthville in the New South Wales VB Cup.
While the salary cap is having its effect on the Storm squad, Ponissi believes the players signed this week will form the basis of a successful team long term.
“There’s no doubt the salary cap is biting us hard,” said Ponissi.
“Over the past couple of seasons we lost a lot of experienced players because of the salary cap, but that’s the reason why it’s there and we’re in the middle of it at the moment. Success is starting to take its toll.
“This year we’ve re-signed the core of our team for the next few years, but the reality is our depth is going to be tested.”
Melbourne Storm recruitment manager Darren Bell believes the new signings will inject an even greater level of enthusiasm when the squad reassembles for pre-season training in November.
“With these signings today, we’ve brought in the next generation of Storm players who we believe can bring us future success,” said Bell.
“We’re confident, while most of these names are low profile now, once they’re within the Storm environment and playing alongside the likes of Cam Smith, Greg Inglis, Billy Slater and the like, their development will be fast-tracked and be future Storm first-grade players.”
Player signings:
| NAME | AGE | CONTRACT LENGTH | POSITION | FORMER CLUBS |
| William Isa | 19 | 2 years | Centre | Panthers |
| Matt Cross | 27 | 1 year | Backrow/Front-row | Titans / Panthers |
| Arana Taumata | 19 | 1 year | Halfback / Five-eighth | Bulldogs |
| Andre Itula | 20 | 1 year | Centre / Wing | Rabbitohs |
| James Maloney | 22 | 2 years | Halfback | Wentworthville |
| Louis Fanene | 20 | 2 years | Backrow | Storm under-20’s |
| Sinbad Kali | 21 | 1 year | Front-row | Storm |
| Clifford Manua | 27 | 1 year | Front-row | Broncos / Sharks / Storm |
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Chris Couch
Media Manager
Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club
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