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Two of the Emirates Western Force big men, Tom Hockings and Richard Stanford, have committed to the Perth-based outfit by signing new two-year contracts.
The second row duo is secured to the WA side until the end of the 2011 season, with both finalising their new deals this week.
Hockings, who was one of the team’s finds of 2008, has rebounded strongly from off-season shoulder surgery to appear in all six matches for the ocean blues this season.
The 23-year-old lock from the north Queensland town of Proserpine represented Australia at junior level before making a breakthrough performance in the absence of ill-stricken captain Nathan Sharpe in the Super 14 season opener of last year.
Hockings’ discovery was a major boost for the team, adding size and athleticism to the locking division, but that was soon complemented by the addition of Stanford who joined the side from the Brumbies at the end of 2008.
Originally from the NSW country town of Wellington, Stanford joined the Emirates Western Force after two seasons in Canberra, where he earned six caps.
After signing with the club for the 2009 season last October, the 22-year-old eventually debuted in his new colours against his former team in the stunning 25-16 win over the ACT side in February.
Starting on the bench on that occasion; two weeks later he made his first run on appearance at Super 14 level in the 23-all draw with the Crusaders in Christchurch.
RugbyWA General Manager, Rugby, Mitch Hardy said the signing of the two young forwards was a significant milestone for the club.
“We’re delighted to have secured both Tom and Richard for the next two years and we’ve clearly demonstrated that both players are considered important squad members as we build for the future,” said Hardy.
“Both are young, athletic forwards and while Tom has been here for a couple of seasons, Richard has certainly made an impression in his limited game time so far this season,” he said.
“We hope to have more signatures on contracts over the coming weeks but securing two more of our talented youngsters on the back of Sam Wykes’ announcement last month is a good sign for the organisation.”
FACT FILES
Tom Hockings
Position: Lock
Physical: 199cm, 112kg
Age: 23 (Born 22/2/1986, Bowen, QLD)
Super Caps: 16
Super Points: 10 (2t)
Super Debut: 2008 v Sharks, Durban
Representative Honours: Australian Under 19s 2005, Australian Under 21s 2006-07
Richard Stanford
Position: Lock/Flanker
Physical: 198cm, 110kg
Age: 22 (Born 25/4/1986, Dubbo, NSW)
Super Caps: 9 (3 for EWF)
Super Points: 0
Super Debut: 2007 v Chiefs (for Brumbies)
Representative Honours: Australian Schoolboys 2003-04, Australian Under 19s 2005, Australian Under 21s 2005-06
Finally some news to cheer about.
Exile
Port Macquarie
"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now if you know what you’re worth then go out and get what you’re worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain’t you! You’re better than that!" - Rocky Balboa
fantastic news! hopefully these signings will help influence others who are off contract this year![]()
Be There. Be Heard. Be The Force Behind The Force
Great news, especially Tom, what a year he had last year, a bit slow out the blocks this year with the injury but improving game by game. Richard still needs some game time to show his wares but glad to have both on board and both under Sharpie until 2011.
Three locks in place and Cross in the back line until 2011, we are getting there bit by bit.![]()
Simon Cron: “People talk about winning and losing all the time and they are critical, but there’s a process to get into and it’s the ability to stay present, do your job and execute skills under pressure.”
* Tim Clarke
* April 2, 2009 - 8:49AM
While Western Force big guns like Drew Mitchell and Richard Brown contemplate their futures with the club, big men Tom Hockings and Richard Stanford have signed on for two more years.
With Matt Giteau, Tamaiti Horua, Ben Castle and Scott Staniforth already leaving, Mitchell undecided and Brown taking his time, RugbyWA General Manager, Rugby Mitch Hardy said the signing of the two young forwards was good news for the club.
And he confidently expected more player signings to be announced soon
"We're delighted to have secured both Tom and Richard for the next two years and we've clearly demonstrated that both players are considered important squad members as we build for the future," Hardy said.
"Both are young, athletic forwards and while Tom has been here for a couple of seasons, Richard has certainly made an impression in his limited game time so far this season.
"We hope to have more signatures on contracts over the coming weeks but securing two more of our talented youngsters on the back of Sam Wykes' announcement last month is a good sign for the organisation."
Hockings, who was one of the team's finds of 2008, and even a serious shoulder surgery could not prevent his appearance in all six matches this season.
Hockings' discovery was complemented by the addition of Stanford, who transferred from the Brumbies at the end of 2008.
Originally from the NSW country town of Wellington, Stanford joined the Force after two seasons in Canberra, where he earned six caps.
"12 Years aSupporter" starring the #SeaOfBlue
Some good news at last! Lets hope we get Brown signed soon.
Fantastic!!! Hocko's a great player and it will be great to see him keep playing alongside and learning from Sharpie, hopefully Stanford gets more time as well.
Here's hoping others soon follow suit.
Great news!!! Replace Tamaiti Horua with Stanford for rest of the season get the kid some game time...
"The only trophy we won this day, was the blood and sweat we left on the pitch.... and it was enough"
"Rugby may have many problems, but the gravest is undoubtedly that of the persistence of summer."
Chris Laidlaw, New Zealand rugby player and sportswriter. Mud in Your Eye: A Worm's Eye View of the Changing World of Rugby (I 973).
Good country stock, men of their word and loyal.
They don't need all the bullshit and fluff of the bigger cities.
Brownie won't be far behind, we'll turn the Force into the Australian Country XV yet.
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
Well done guys, the fans appreciate stayers!
Booyah! Thankyou Tom and Richard, you've been fantastic and it's wonderful that your going to stay! I for one love your workSome good news indeed
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A kick in this game is like a rather nasty alcoholic shooter, only as good as it's chaser...
Courtesy of quality South African commentry
great news!
BOKKE“Let me put it this way, A Springbok team contains Afrikaners, Englishmen, coloureds and blacks. It has parochial foes in Bulls, Sharks, Stormers, Cheetahs and Lions. It is a recipe for war! Yet in all the years of John Smit’s captaincy, there has never been one unhappy customer, not one voice of rebellion against his leadership. He is the glue that holds the Springboks together. The man is a legend!”- Jake White
Nice to se a bit of positive press at last. Quality signings.
the punters friend..... stick with me and you will be wearing