Ron’s Rant I – The Rumour Mill
Not Coming
By Aaron
October 7 2009
Cru XIII is delighted to publish the first column from Aaron, the latest member of our team. It’s been a quiet summer so far – but the rumour mill has still churned out a host of names who could be on their way to Rodney Parade for the 2010 campaign. Aaron reviews the sensible and the outright crazy speculation that have been doing the rounds.
The off-season can be a frustrating time for
everyone at a club; especially the fans, and even moreso after a tough
season where six of your best players are deported. With Head Coach
John Dixon joining 'The Saders Six' on their way back to Australia,
Crusaders fans could be forgiven for hoping we might have heard some
news by now.
Here at CruXIII, we're trying to stay optimistic,
and in this feature we'll break down some of the rumours that have been
flying around this season; from the likely to the downright stupid.
COACHES
Brian Noble - Noble was first
linked with a move to South Wales soon after the Crusaders beat his
Wigan team at the Brewery Field, and the rumours have refused to go
away. Upon standing down after Sunday's playoff loss to St. Helens, the
ex-Wigan boss refused to be drawn on his future, but Newport looks his
most likely destination.
RUMOUR RATING (RR): 9/10 - Expect something
announced soon.
Jon Sharpe - Linked after his dismissal from
Hull FC, the ex-Huddersfield supremo doesn't stand up to Noble in
prestige, but is a well respected coach. It is unlikely that he will
walk into any other Head Coaching job this summer.
RR: 7/10
- Likely to join Noble's coaching team. Could be the answer if the
Noble deal falls through.
Iestyn Harris - The new Wales Head
Coach caused a bit of a stir this Summer when he called Noble's
rumoured move to Wales, 'the worst kept secret in rugby'. At the time
it looked like dual-coder Harris would join him, but after family
reasons led to his return to the North in 2004, this could go either
wat.
RR: 5/10 - Could happen.
PLAYERS
Ben Jeffries - 'The one that
everyone knew about' was heavily linked before the playoffs, with many
fans being told it was a done deal. However, Jeffries signed for former
club Wakefield.
RR: 0/10 - Signed for Wakefield.
Sam Moa -
Crusaders were said to have offered more money than both Hull clubs in
their approach for Moa, but the man from Tonga decided to stay on
Humberside
RR: 1/10 - Still hasn't left his current club, but a new
contract would make any deal expensive.
Clint Greenshields -
Starting off as forum talk, this one seemed unlikely, but salary cap
problems seem to be afoot at Catalans. Watch this space.
RR: 6/10 -
Potential signing of the summer.
Stuart Fielden - One of Noble's
favourites; Fielden has represented Great Britain on 24 occasions,
winning 3 Grand Final at Noble's Bradford team.
RR: 5/10 - The 30 year
old could follow Noble, but wouldn't come cheap.
Danny Tickle
& Paul King - Strong rumours round the forums that these two could
join alongside Jon Sharpe. King has been released, and Tickle isn't
happy on Humberside.
RR: 8/10 - Could happen if Sharpe joins Noble on
the coaching staff.
Paul Sculthorpe - The only man to retain the
'Man of Steel' Award has supposedly agreed to come out of retirement to
play a bit part role in Crusaders' second season in Super League.
RR:
6/10 - Stranger things have happened.
Ben Fisher - More forum
talk I'm afraid, but with Lincoln Withers seemingly ready to move back
into his more natural position in the Half Backs, Fisher could step up
to become a first choice hooker. RR: 8/10
Other names linked with moves to South Wales include
Amos Roberts, Graeme Horne and the iconic Feka Paleaaesina, all who
have links with potential additions to the coaching team.
Crusaders
fans are getting restless, and whilst seeing names like Greenshields
linked with the club can only be positive, confirmation of something
would be nice. The club still seems to be tip-toeing towards their
second year in the big time, and although it may seem very early to get
worried, almost every other side in Super League has their squad set
for next season!
Which rumours do you believe? Join in the debate on the messageboard.
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Paul Sculthorpe playing for our reserves ?
Very interesting.
What next Eddie Hemmings at hooker!!
Whilst there may be financial constraints to stop us recruiting (and paying winter wages presumably) too early we DO NOT want to see a repeat of last year where the Round 1 team is a bunch of strangers.
LOL