jamesgould
22-01-2006, 03:09 PM
Well the worst kept secret in rugby league is out! Hagan's off to Parramatta on a 3 year contract, 2007-2009 ...
Hagan to coach Eels
Dumped Newcastle coach Michael Hagan has been picked up by rival National Rugby League outfit Parramatta on a three-year deal.
Hagan will join the club for the 2007 season, after his contract with the Knights is complete.
Eels chief executive Denis Fitzgerald said the club wanted to avoid further speculation on the matter.
"The announcement has been made now to end the ongoing speculation in regard to the coaching position next year," he said in a statement.
"It will also enable Michael to play an active role in recruitment for the 2007 season.
"The Board and management are totally committed to (current coach) Brian Smith and the players for the 2006 season, and every possible resource will be provided to ensure Brian's tenth year is a successful one.
"The timing also allows Michael to fully concentrate his efforts on his final year with the Newcastle Knights, without the added speculation on his future."
From: http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200601/s1552631.htm
And just when you thought the Robbie O'Davis saga was at an end, with him signing with a Newcastle Rugby League side, he's at it again, this time gunning for a conversion to union. Good grief ...
O'Davis hot to try for a code switch
http://www.marathonstadium.com/news/robbieodavis_rugbyheaven-portrait__200x358.jpg
Robbie O'Davis, left, for the Knights is pursued by Brett Kimmorley of the Sharks. Photo: Getty Images
By James MacSmith
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Former Newcastle Knights league star Robbie O'Davis is considering a switch to rugby union to keep his football career alive.
The two-time premiership winner left Newcastle in acrimonious circumstances at the end of 2004 and will lead Macquarie United this year in the Newcastle competition.
However, the former Queensland and Test fullback is hoping to be granted an Irish passport so he can play rugby union in England.
O'Davis said English premiership rugby union clubs and UK Super League clubs had shown interest in him and that he was drawn by the challenge rugby would present.
"Rugby is definitely an option," he said. "I still believe I've got a lot to offer and would love to have a crack at rugby. I've never played the game but I've watched it all my life and I've never shied away from a challenge.
"I've always said if I couldn't handle it any more or if I looked like a fool I would give it away but I reckon I've got some good years of football left.
"I'm really looking forward to playing with the young kids we've got at Macquarie United and that will keep me match fit.
"I've been doing triathlons and if I can do those I'm sure I'm fit enough to keep going.
"I was hoping to get to England now and get started but my passport didn't come through in time. But I'll have it before the start of the next pre-season for the rugby and that means I can head over there in September or October."
O'Davis, 33, said his wife Shelley and daughter Keeley, 8, were looking forward to heading to England and a new culture.
"It will be a great experience," he said. "I want to keep playing football for as long as I think I am good enough. I'm feeling as fresh and as enthusiastic as I ever have. All I need is for someone to give me a chance. I'm sure I won't let them down."
O'Davis is working as a real estate agent in Newcastle with an eye to life after football. He said he was also keen to get involved in strength and conditioning training when his playing days come to an end.
His manager Ben Williams confirmed that rugby had expressed an interest in him. "We've had a few nibbles and it is certainly something we are looking at," he said.
From: http://www.rugbyheaven.smh.com.au/articles/2006/01/22/1137864795456.html
Hagan to coach Eels
Dumped Newcastle coach Michael Hagan has been picked up by rival National Rugby League outfit Parramatta on a three-year deal.
Hagan will join the club for the 2007 season, after his contract with the Knights is complete.
Eels chief executive Denis Fitzgerald said the club wanted to avoid further speculation on the matter.
"The announcement has been made now to end the ongoing speculation in regard to the coaching position next year," he said in a statement.
"It will also enable Michael to play an active role in recruitment for the 2007 season.
"The Board and management are totally committed to (current coach) Brian Smith and the players for the 2006 season, and every possible resource will be provided to ensure Brian's tenth year is a successful one.
"The timing also allows Michael to fully concentrate his efforts on his final year with the Newcastle Knights, without the added speculation on his future."
From: http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200601/s1552631.htm
And just when you thought the Robbie O'Davis saga was at an end, with him signing with a Newcastle Rugby League side, he's at it again, this time gunning for a conversion to union. Good grief ...
O'Davis hot to try for a code switch
http://www.marathonstadium.com/news/robbieodavis_rugbyheaven-portrait__200x358.jpg
Robbie O'Davis, left, for the Knights is pursued by Brett Kimmorley of the Sharks. Photo: Getty Images
By James MacSmith
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Former Newcastle Knights league star Robbie O'Davis is considering a switch to rugby union to keep his football career alive.
The two-time premiership winner left Newcastle in acrimonious circumstances at the end of 2004 and will lead Macquarie United this year in the Newcastle competition.
However, the former Queensland and Test fullback is hoping to be granted an Irish passport so he can play rugby union in England.
O'Davis said English premiership rugby union clubs and UK Super League clubs had shown interest in him and that he was drawn by the challenge rugby would present.
"Rugby is definitely an option," he said. "I still believe I've got a lot to offer and would love to have a crack at rugby. I've never played the game but I've watched it all my life and I've never shied away from a challenge.
"I've always said if I couldn't handle it any more or if I looked like a fool I would give it away but I reckon I've got some good years of football left.
"I'm really looking forward to playing with the young kids we've got at Macquarie United and that will keep me match fit.
"I've been doing triathlons and if I can do those I'm sure I'm fit enough to keep going.
"I was hoping to get to England now and get started but my passport didn't come through in time. But I'll have it before the start of the next pre-season for the rugby and that means I can head over there in September or October."
O'Davis, 33, said his wife Shelley and daughter Keeley, 8, were looking forward to heading to England and a new culture.
"It will be a great experience," he said. "I want to keep playing football for as long as I think I am good enough. I'm feeling as fresh and as enthusiastic as I ever have. All I need is for someone to give me a chance. I'm sure I won't let them down."
O'Davis is working as a real estate agent in Newcastle with an eye to life after football. He said he was also keen to get involved in strength and conditioning training when his playing days come to an end.
His manager Ben Williams confirmed that rugby had expressed an interest in him. "We've had a few nibbles and it is certainly something we are looking at," he said.
From: http://www.rugbyheaven.smh.com.au/articles/2006/01/22/1137864795456.html