Cowboy signings

[Retread]

GAINS: Matt Bartlett (Storm, 2009), Travis Burns (Manly, 2010)

Re-signed: Luke O'Donnell (2010), Ray Cashmere (2009), Shane Tronc (2009), Scott Bolton (2009)

LOSSES: Paul Bowman (retired), Jason Smith (retired), Rod Jensen (Huddersfield Giants), Joe Clarke (Wynnum Manly)

Off contract at end of 2007: Mark Henry, David Faiumu, Brenton Bowen, Justin Smith, Neil Sweeney

[West End Athletics]

Originally Posted by jazman84

Sweet, I was hoping they would get him

Oh and Minto is playing excelent footy!!

Yep agreed......who would of thought???

[Swifty]

Congrats on picking up Travis. He'll be great for you.

Just keep on reminding him who gave him chance.

[Retread]

Bolton stays in North
ANTONY STEWART

STAYING ... Scott Bolton will lace up his boots for the Cowboys for at least another two years

THE Cowboys completed a hectic five days yesterday when they re-signed promising Innisfail product Scott Bolton to the club for a further two seasons.
After announcing at the start of the week that both Paul Bowman and Jason Smith would retire at the end of 2007, North Queensland have wasted no time in turning their attention to the future.
In a major coup, they signed Manly five-eighth Travis Burns on Thursday before Bolton became the latest `addition' yesterday.
At just 20 years old, Bolton, a 187cm, 105kg back-rower, has been identified as an important part of North Queensland's future successes in the NRL.
Cowboys chief executive Peter Parr said the club had high hopes for the Innisfail-born Bolton.
"I think he's got a lot of improvement left in him, he's still maturing as a young man, he's still maturing as a footballer," Parr said.
"He's got a fair way to go, as you would expect as he's only 20 years of age, but he's got the talent and the size to do a fair bit in the game and become a regular NRL player.
"He is a guy with enormous potential and we want him to hopefully realise that potential playing for the Cowboys."
Bolton's retention also continues the Cowboys' commitment to developing and recruiting local players.
"It's a major priority to try and keep good, young North Queenslanders in the region and playing for the Cowboys," Parr said.
"I have said many times that that was why the club was originally set up, to give young people like Scott Bolton an opportunity to play in the NRL without leaving North Queensland."
Bolton has played four games in the NRL for the Cowboys this season after making his debut in North Queensland's round four win over the Wests Tigers.
A born-and-bred North Queenslander, Bolton said he never seriously considered being anything but a Cowboy.
"At the end of the day, this is home, this is where I am and I love being here," said Bolton, who will make his return from a rib injury from the bench against the Sydney Roosters tonight.
"I made a big improvement from where I was last year to where I am now, so I just need to go on with it now I think and try and secure a first-grade spot for the rest of the year.
"The club is going forward in big ways and I just can't wait to be a part of it."
Following the signing of Burns on Thursday, Parr said the Cowboys' priorities would now turn to retaining their off-contact players.
"Obviously we want to try and finalise the roster as soon as we can, so we will be talking to some other guys," he said.
"But we'll be in a retention phase rather than a recruitment phase now."
http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au...0_cowboys.html

[Retread]

Winger signs for two seasons
ANTONY STEWART

Anthony Perkins

WHILE they wait for David Faiumu to make a decision on his future, the Cowboys have further shored up their backline depth by signing Norths Devil Anthony Perkins.
Winger Perkins, who is a member of the Melbourne Storm squad, agreed to a two-year deal and will join the Cowboys for the 2008 season.
The 20-year-old from Roma impressed Cowboys coach Graham Murray when he played for the Devils against the Young Guns in April.
Club chief executive Peter Parr said coaching staff were confident they had recruited a star of the future.
"Graham is convinced on the footage that he has seen that he's playing NRL standard at the moment and we have no doubts that he is an NRL-standard player," Parr said of Perkins, who was the Storm's travelling 18th man for their weekend trip to Auckland.
With the Cowboys entering a player-retention phase following last week's prize signing of Manly five-eighth Travis Burns, Parr said Perkins' signature did not mean other off-contract players would be forced to look elsewhere.
Although yet to table an offer to Brenton Bowen, Parr met with the winger's manager on Saturday and said North Queensland were looking to retain the 24-year-old beyond 2007.
The club is also in the midst of a waiting game over the future of New Zealand international hooker Faiumu.
Faiumu, 24, is believed to be weighing up his options after reportedly attracting interest from the Sydney Roosters and the Bulldogs.
Parr said the Cowboys would not rush the Test player for a decision but were hopeful of receiving an answer soon.
"Dave's had an offer now for over a week and ... his manager is telling us that he has got a bit of interest from other clubs," Parr said.
"I think Dave would like to make a decision soon and so would we.
"I will talk to his manager again tomorrow and see how close or far away we are from getting decision."
Parr confirmed he had also spoken with Justin Smith's manager yesterday and said that while it was not out of the question, the Cowboys were yet to offer the utility a contract.
http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au...663_sport.html

[Retread]

GAINS: Matt Bartlett (Storm, 2009), Travis Burns (Manly, 2010), Anthony Perkins (Norths Devils, 2009)

Re-signed: Luke O'Donnell (2010), Ray Cashmere (2009), Shane Tronc (2009), Scott Bolton (2009)

LOSSES: Paul Bowman (retired), Jason Smith (retired), Rod Jensen (Huddersfield Giants), Joe Clarke (Wynnum Manly)

Off contract at end of 2007: Mark Henry, David Faiumu, Brenton Bowen, Justin Smith, Neil Sweeney

[Midnight]

With the signing of Perkins, it's pretty much given that Sweeney won't be with us next season.

[Retread]

Originally Posted by Midnight

With the signing of Perkins, it's pretty much given that Sweeney won't be with us next season.

It sure is looking that way.

[Retread]

Faiumu re-signs
ANTONY STEWART

SETTLED ... crafty North Queensland Cowboys utility will stay at the club until the end of the 2009 season after agreeing to new terms with the club yesterday

WITH a massive weight lifted from his shoulders, David Faiumu is ready to turn his full attention towards helping the Cowboys get back to their devastating best in 2007.
In a major boost to the club following a less than happy fortnight on the field, the New Zealand international agreed to extend his stay for a further two seasons yesterday.
Faiumu had tested his worth on the open market and attracted interest from rival NRL clubs the New Zealand Warriors, the Sydney Roosters and the Bulldogs.
However, with a young family and no real genuine desire to leave North Queensland, the 24-year-old hooker said he was always confident of remaining a Cowboy.
With his future now settled, Faiumu was enjoying the prospect of having nothing but helping the club on his mind.
"I was just interested to see what was out there but, at the end of the day, I was pretty sure I was always going to sign here, just given the fact that I like what is here," he said.
"Probably the group of boys and the people at the club and the lifestyle helped me make my decision.
"I know it is probably a bit of a cliche for people who re-sign up here but it's the truth and how the life is up here is ideal for the family environment.
"My future's been up in the air ... I didn't know what we were all doing together (as a family), so it is a big relief to finally know what I'm doing."
Since making his debut with the Cowboys in 2004, Faiumu has played in 60 first-grade games and scored eight tries.
The Wellington-born No. 9 has also represented New Zealand on seven occasions, including the Kiwi's successful 2005 Tri-Nations campaign.
While the majority of his games at the Cowboys have been from the interchange bench, playing behind Aaron Payne, Faiumu said he was looking forward to building that shared hooking relationship.
"We've had a few years to trial it out and I think it can only get stronger and I like playing the role that I do," he said.
"I know the last couple of weeks haven't been too good but if we keep building on it I think it will be a good combination."
Cowboys chief executive Peter Parr said the club was delighted to have secured Faiumu's services until the end of 2009.
"We're obviously happy that he has decided to stay, he's been an important part of the playing roster for a few years now," he said.
"We first located him at the (Central) Comets in 2003 and he came to us in 2004 and has established himself as a very good NRL player and a Kiwi international."
http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au...9_hpsport.html

[Retread]

GAINS: Matt Bartlett (Storm, 2009), Dane Hogan (Illawarra SG Ball),Travis Burns (Manly, 2010), Anthony Perkins (Norths Devils, 2009)

Re-signed: Luke O'Donnell (2010), Ray Cashmere (2009), Shane Tronc (2009), Scott Bolton (2009), David Faiumu (2009)

LOSSES: Paul Bowman (retired), Jason Smith (retired), Rod Jensen (Huddersfield Giants), Joe Clarke (Wynnum Manly), Ben Lowe (South Sydney), Brenton Bowen (Titans)

Off contract at end of 2007: Mark Henry, Justin Smith (released), Neil Sweeney

[Nrlchick]

Originally Posted by Ripercorra

Justin Smith (released)

What happened here?

[Retread]

Originally Posted by Nrlchick

What happened here?

Apparently the Cowboys don't have enough money under the cap to keep him. So he is free to join another club at the end of the season.

[chillyred07]

Originally Posted by Ripercorra

David Faiumu (2009)

when did they re sign faiumu

[Midnight]

I think we'll probably re-sign BB than let Henry and Sweeney go. It's a shame, Henry deserves to be playing first grade.

[Retread]

Originally Posted by chillyred07

when did they re sign faiumu

FAIUMU’S A COWBOY FOR 2 MORE YEARS

Today the NQ Toyota Cowboys announced that hooker David Faiumu had extended his agreement with the club until the end of season 2009.
The New Zealand International number nine has been in sparkling form for the club in the past few seasons.
“We first found him at the Comets in 2003 and now he has turned into a very good NRL player and New Zealand international. We are very pleased he has decided to stay here,” said CEO of the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys Peter Parr.
David will start from the bench for the Toyota Cowboys when they take on the Canberra Raiders this Saturday at Canberra Stadium kick off 5.30pm.
http://www.cowboys.com.au/default.php

[Retread]

Originally Posted by Midnight

I think we'll probably re-sign BB than let Henry and Sweeney go. It's a shame, Henry deserves to be playing first grade.

I would rather keep Henry but I reckon he'll go back to Canberra.

[Harko83]

King's the reson he came north to the Comets than further North to the Cowboys in the first place, much like Dave Faiumu, so I to can see Henry heading back to Canberra.

[Retread]

Originally Posted by Midnight

I think we'll probably re-sign BB than let Henry and Sweeney go. It's a shame, Henry deserves to be playing first grade.

B.Bowen to the Titans

[Harko83]

That confirmed tread?

[Retread]

Originally Posted by Harko83

That confirmed tread?

Nope, just something I heard

[Retread]

Faiumu stays with Cowboys
Karl deKroo

CONFIDENT . . . David Faiumu in a recovery session. He is happy about the Cowboys' prospects.

KIWI international David Faiumu yesterday pledged his future to the Cowboys, believing the club is on the verge of its first premiership.
But the tough hooker concedes North Queensland must quickly arrest its recent defensive problems if that goal is to be achieved this year. Faiumu, 24, signed a new two-year deal to cap a strong signing period for the Cowboys who have also retained Test forward Luke O'Donnell and snared the promising Travis Burns from Manly.
"I'm excited to be staying at the club," Faiumu said last night.
"The playing roster is getting stronger all the time and I definitely think we can win a premiership, if not this year, then soon, and I'd love to be part of that.
"I had a few offers to go to Sydney, but I love the lifestyle up here. It is a bit more laid-back and I really enjoy that."
Chief executive Peter Parr said Faiumu had become an important part of the Cowboys' set-up.
"We first found him at the Central Comets, playing Queensland Cup in 2003. Now he has turned into a very good NRL player and a New Zealand international," Parr said.
"We're very pleased he has decided to stay here."
The retention of Faiumu is almost certain to close the door on off-contract duo Brenton Bowen and Justin Smith.
Bowen is set to announce a move to the Gold Coast, while Smith is assessing his options in the NRL and abroad.
Faiumu, who has played seven Tests for New Zealand, is used essentially as a bench weapon for the Cowboys, with Aaron Payne entrenched as the starting hooker. But he said the interchange role was one he was happy to fulfil.
"Everyone would love to start, but I also think Aaron and I are building a really good partnership," Faiumu said.
"If the best role I can play for the team is off the bench, then I am happy to do that."
Asked if it was still realistic to aim for a premiership this year after conceding 122 points the past two weeks, Faiumu said: "I think it is, but obviously we've got to fix a few things up.
"We spent yesterday reviewing where we've been going wrong and it was very constructive.
"There was no finger-pointing. We just all accepted that individually and as a team we have to take a lot more pride in our defensive line.
"We are always going to be able to score enough points to win games, but we can't just expect to outscore sides.
"We've got to really step up in defence. We are all searching for reasons for what has happened in the past two weeks, but there is no quick fix."
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/s...003409,00.html

[bcn44777]

If we lose Brenton Bowen to the Titans it wouldn't be a big loss but we could end up being light on for outside backs next year. I hope we can retain Mark Henry. I don't care too much for Neil Sweeney but we might need to hang onto him.

Anthony Perkins could prove to be a very good signing but he doesn't come with any first grade experience. He is only 20 years old and missed all of last season with a severe back injury. From the Storm website:

"Known to the players as Tex as he hails from Roma in western Queensland. The likeable country kid has taken to the Melbourne off-season program with great enthusiasm. He is a centre who has represented Queensland at state and schoolboy level as he heads into his second season with the Melbourne Storm. Anthony's size, toughness and work ethic make him a player of the future. Anthony unfortunately suffered a severe back injury in 2006 which saw him miss the entire season. We look forward to seeing Anthony back on track in 2007."

He is listed on the Storm website as a centre but played wing in every game he has started for Norths this year bar one.
He started the year for the Devils with 4 tries in their first 4 games including a double in round 4 against the Comets.
"Impressive forward Matthew Bartlett finished the game with a double for the Devils, as did resurgent winger Anthony Perkins, showing promising signs after a 2006 season plagued by injury."

In round 5 he got himself put on report and subsequently suspended for three games for a dangerous throw on Scott Minto.

In the next game he played against Burleigh he scored another double.
"Perkins was another clear standout, posting two tries and making good yardage from dummy-half."

And from the qrl.com.au preview of their round 13 game against Wynnum:
"Anthony Perkins has been one player who has impressed in the Devils' lean campaign to date, proving incredibly difficult to contain one-on-one."

Sounds promising.

[Midnight]

Apparently BB is very close to signing with the Titans. Won't be much of a loss IMO.

[González]

We really should have tried to re-sign Justin Smith. Great player.

[Retread]

Originally Posted by Harko83

That confirmed tread?

It is now.

Bowen signs two-year deal with Titans

NORTH Queensland winger Brenton Bowen today signed a two-year deal with NRL club Gold Coast from 2008.
Titans coach John Cartwright said Bowen had blistering pace and would add to the squad's depth.
"Brenton is another player that we spoke about early in the piece when first starting to assemble the team," Cartwright said. "He reads the game very well and he offers blinding speed on the flank.
"He's proven to be quite a try-scoring machine when given the opportunity and he'll add great depth to our squad with his ability to slot in at wing or in the No.1 jumper."
Bowen, cousin of Cowboys fullback Matt Bowen, has scored six tries from 13 games for North Queensland this season.
"The club has a big future and I want to be a part of it," he said about the Titans. "I'm hoping I take my game to the next level at the Titans and with the staff at the club, I'm confident I can."
The wing position has been cursed for the Titans this year, with Melbourne's Steve Turner and Great Britain international Brian Carney walking out on the club before the season had started.
Former Queensland Origin flyer Chris Walker broke his thumb in the opening round match and was later suspended by the Titans for eight weeks after becoming involved in an alcohol-related incident at a Gold Coast nightclub.
AAP