Stannard raring to go again
Stannard raring to go again
NICK TAYLOR, The West Australian July 19, 2010, 8:55 am
http://l.yimg.com/fv/xp/wan/20100710/13/3198263661.jpgGetty Images / Paul Kane ©
Scrum-half James Stannard has re-signed with the Western Force after a two-year absence, agreeing to a one-season deal.
Stannard will fill the hole left by Justin Turner, who is expected to be sidelined for nine months after injuring a knee in last month's IRB junior world championships.
The 27-year-old, preparing for the Commonwealth Games in October, said he was excited about returning to Super rugby.
"I'm really looking forward to it," he said.
"It's weird how things turn out. I didn't think I'd ever be coming back to Perth but I can't wait now."
Stannard believes he has strengthened his game since he was cut from the Force.
"I think I'm a bit wiser now. I'm not running around like a headless chook," he said.
"I was thrown into the deep end a bit when I was there last time but I've learnt a bit more of my trade since then. I'm just happy to be back to give it a crack. If I get my chance it will be up to me to take it with both hands."
The Force fly-half cupboard is bare for next season although they are hopeful of snaring Hurricanes and NZ Maori playmaker Willie Ripia, who is keen to move to Perth.
But they need a back-up and while he has not played in the No.10 jumper for several seasons, Stannard could be an outside chance.
When he moved to Perth in 2006 from Brisbane Souths, he won RugbyWA's PG Hampshire Award for the fairest-and-best player in the No.10 jumper for Palmyra.
It was only when he was picked for the Force academy two years later that he was turned into a scrum-half.
He made his Super debut the same year against the Cheetahs.
He played a handful of games before being released when the Force signed Josh Valentine and kept Chris O'Young and Turner.
�The Force are in discussions with Melbourne Storm centre/winger Dane Nielsen. He is also being chased by NRL sides Cronulla Sharks, his former club, and NZ Warriors.
Nielsen, 26, played in Storm's grand final side last year. He is coming off contract and may have to be released under the salary cap purge.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/spo...g-to-go-again/
