Post by bazal on Jul 14, 2018 6:37:10 GMT
The North QLD Dolphins have been a huge surprise packet in 2018, with the return of prodigal coach Nick Bailey driving a mass of player signings to assemble a squad that currently sits second in the ASRL.
Now, chief league reporter Donny Wideload can reveal that the Dolphins are already moving and shaking for season 2018/19.
With the expected departure of staid journeyman Berrick Barnes, the Dolphins are in desperate need of a half for next season, and Wideload can exclusively reveal they have secured the services of former QLD Origin representative and premiership winner Michael Morgan for the upcoming season.
Morgan will fly north as one side of a trade that sees new signing Andrew McCullough head to reigning premiers Adelaide. It is believed that the continued development of Kaysa Pritchard, coupled with the ability of Nathan Brown to fill in at hooker, meant that Bailey saw signing a quality half as a greater area of need for his team.
Morgan has struggled to replicate the form that won him a maroon and Australian jersey, but there is no denying his class and Dolphins fans will be excited at what he can potentially bring to their side. A strong ball runner with a very astute kicking game, Morgan is expected to form one part of a halves pairing that may yet include utility Clint Gutherson, although Wideload also notes that the club are still very much in the market for another half/five-eighth.
Following Morgan from Adelaide will be youngsters George Jennings (25), Salesi Fainga'a (19), Dane Aukafolau (21), Tui Afualo (18), and Greg Lelesiuao (21), as Bailey looks to improve a desperately neglected RSC squad and ensure the future of the club.
Jennings, whose career has been punctuated by injury, has had a break out year and will be looking to cement a spot in a potent North QLD backline.
Lelesiuao and Afualo, too, have had injury issues, but have been given a chance by the North QLD club to realise their undeniable talent, whilst Aukafolau is seen as a project player.
Talented ball-playing back rower Fainga'a has represented Fiji already in his short career, and North QLD will be hoping that his development continues.
Whilst the club has been active on the market, the future of star fullback Billy Slater is still up in the air. Slater has spent much of the season playing RSC after injury and poor form pushed him out of a backline that is playing scintillating footy, and there are rumblings from the club that the coaching staff are unsure if he can ever regain his best form. Sources suggest that Slater may well be let go if a suitable halves partner can be found for Morgan, but the club remains tight-lipped on his future and it would seem they have adopted a "wait and see" approach to negotiations with their ageing star, who may also be considered as part of a trade deal.
Now, chief league reporter Donny Wideload can reveal that the Dolphins are already moving and shaking for season 2018/19.
With the expected departure of staid journeyman Berrick Barnes, the Dolphins are in desperate need of a half for next season, and Wideload can exclusively reveal they have secured the services of former QLD Origin representative and premiership winner Michael Morgan for the upcoming season.
Morgan will fly north as one side of a trade that sees new signing Andrew McCullough head to reigning premiers Adelaide. It is believed that the continued development of Kaysa Pritchard, coupled with the ability of Nathan Brown to fill in at hooker, meant that Bailey saw signing a quality half as a greater area of need for his team.
Morgan has struggled to replicate the form that won him a maroon and Australian jersey, but there is no denying his class and Dolphins fans will be excited at what he can potentially bring to their side. A strong ball runner with a very astute kicking game, Morgan is expected to form one part of a halves pairing that may yet include utility Clint Gutherson, although Wideload also notes that the club are still very much in the market for another half/five-eighth.
Following Morgan from Adelaide will be youngsters George Jennings (25), Salesi Fainga'a (19), Dane Aukafolau (21), Tui Afualo (18), and Greg Lelesiuao (21), as Bailey looks to improve a desperately neglected RSC squad and ensure the future of the club.
Jennings, whose career has been punctuated by injury, has had a break out year and will be looking to cement a spot in a potent North QLD backline.
Lelesiuao and Afualo, too, have had injury issues, but have been given a chance by the North QLD club to realise their undeniable talent, whilst Aukafolau is seen as a project player.
Talented ball-playing back rower Fainga'a has represented Fiji already in his short career, and North QLD will be hoping that his development continues.
Whilst the club has been active on the market, the future of star fullback Billy Slater is still up in the air. Slater has spent much of the season playing RSC after injury and poor form pushed him out of a backline that is playing scintillating footy, and there are rumblings from the club that the coaching staff are unsure if he can ever regain his best form. Sources suggest that Slater may well be let go if a suitable halves partner can be found for Morgan, but the club remains tight-lipped on his future and it would seem they have adopted a "wait and see" approach to negotiations with their ageing star, who may also be considered as part of a trade deal.
