Emerging talent added to squad
By RugbyWA Media
Kyle Godwin
Emirates Western Force Coach Richard Graham has brought together a strong cross section of talented players in the club’s five-man Extended Playing Squad (EPS) which will support the Core Playing Squad (CPS) in 2012.
Young West Australian flyhalf Kyle Godwin is joined in the backs by exciting winger Samu Wara while hooker Elvis Taione, backrower Angus Cottrell and tighthead prop Salesi Manu will be added to the forwards.
“The nature of the EPS contracting has been a very competitive and challenging process however in securing the signatures of the five boys I feel we have created a good balance,” Graham said.
“They are eager to be part of a full time programme and I’m confident all of them will work hard to continue their development and compete strongly for places alongside our core Super Rugby squad.”
Godwin has progressed through the Bankwest RugbyWA Academy and was a member of the Senior Academy last season. While a shoulder injury sustained in a trial match against the Australian Barbarians in February saw him sidelined for the entire 2011 campaign, he has worked extremely hard to get back to full fitness and earn a place in the EPS.
Wara and Cottrell benefited from an invitation to take part in the Emirates Western Force tour to Samoa in August where they played two matches against the Samoan World Cup squad. Wara, a handy outside back, scored a try in the opening clash while Cottrell made his impact felt in two starts in the backrow.
The arrival of Taione and Manu, both of whom have been strong performers in the NSW 1st Grade, will add further competition amongst the front row forwards.
Taione was part of a Manly side which progressed to the preliminary finals of the Shute Shield in 2011. He made headlines in June when suddenly called-up to the Waratahs match day 22 for their elimination final against the Blues at Eden Park and that experience has him keen for more opportunities in Super Rugby.
A former Australian U20 and Aussie Schoolboys representative, Manu has played three seasons in NSW, most recently with Warringah, however previously developed under Emirates Western Force Defence & Skills Coach Phil Blake when at Manly.
The EPS has been introduced for the first time ahead of the 2012 season and brings each Australian Super Rugby squad to a total of 35 players. EPS members will train full-time and be available for selection in the match day 22 should injury restrict the availability of CPS players.
PLAYER PROFILES
Angus Cottrell
Position: Loose forward
DOB: 20/11/1989
Height: 191cm
Weight: 105kg
Club: West Brisbane Bulldogs (Premier Grade, Queensland)
Coach Richard Graham says: “Angus earned an opportunity in the EPS on the back of his tour to Samoa with the Emirates Western Force. His athleticism and toughness will give him a good foundation on which to build as part of our professional programme.”
Kyle Godwin
Position: Flyhalf
DOB: 30/07/1992
Height: 187cm
Weight: 87kg
Club: Associates (KWIK Premier Grade, Western Australia)
Coach Richard Graham says: “Whilst it has been a frustrating 2011 for Kyle, the quality of person and his desire to succeed demonstrated to us that he has all the right attributes to make the most of an opportunity in the EPS. His versatility in being able to play at 10, 12 and 15 is also a handy asset.”
Salesi Manu
Position: Prop
DOB: 26/09/1990
Height: 185cm
Weight: 122kg
Club: Warringah (Shute Shield, NSW)
Coach Richard Graham says: “Both Nick Stiles (Forwards Coach) and I spent a lot of time searching for the right prop forward and in Salesi I believe we have found a young man with the right body shape and character to succeed at this level.”
Elvis Taione
Position: Hooker
DOB: 25/05/1983
Height: 180cm
Weight: 110kg
Club: Many (Shute Shield, NSW)
Coach Richard Graham says: “One of the most consistent performers in the Shute Shield over the past few seasons, Elvis will bring a genuine toughness to the forward pack. His tight play is a feature of his game and I believe our programme will continue to develop his all-round performance.”
Samu Wara
Position: Wing
DOB: 24/01/1986
Height: 183cm
Weight: 92kg
Club: Northern Suburbs (Shute Shield, NSW)
Coach Richard Graham says: “Samu’s performances in the Shute Shield first gained my attention when looking for players to join the squad for our Samoan tour and he supported his selection with strong showings against World Cup quality opposition.”
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