Ioane stuns Force

[Goldmember]

we may see a few more offloads and a lot less knock ons

We had to put up with Digby while he learnt how to offload in the tackle and not to make handling errors, so now we deserve to see him at his best in 2008. I don't think family is the reason behind his decision so I'm sure we can keep him if we pay him more. Unlike many rugby league players signed by the ARU, he's a genuine winger and is actually worth the extra money.

[Ecky]

But, more importantly than all that:

How the hell does he pronounce his surname?

Is it Yo arnie?
or I ownie?

And can someone please tell the commentators when we find out?

[WF2006]

But, more importantly than all that:

How the hell does he pronounce his surname?

Is it Yo arnie?
or I ownie?

And can someone please tell the commentators when we find out?

Seems to be Yo arnie in NZ
and I ownie in Oz (can't remember what the Saffers say!)

[Mtbeaver]

I remember when they were announcing the teams in south (i think) africa they pronounced it properly.

God if i remember how to do that..

[Burgs]

Was told by a Samoan dude up here at the mine that he would say it like the Kiwi's do, "You-are-knee".

[Sagerian]

I-Owe-Arnie from memory in saffaland.

[Jess]

did anyone notice he was wearing one red boot and one blue boot on friday?

A dare by his brother apparently... as he has one foot in both the force and red camps.

(my appologies if someone has already pointed this out)

[Jamie_S]

I agree with what Leon said the other night on SportFM. If he wants to go then let him go - it's no good having a player who isn't happy and wants to play somewhere else.

I know it's the other code, but does anyone remember when Gorden Tallis split with St George a few years back when he wanted to go to Brisbane ('95 or '96 I think). The Dragons wouldn't let him play, so he just hung around the Broncos until his contract was up.

Was there a winner there?

[Skiza]

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...002381,00.html

Ioane facing legal action
By Jon Geddes

April 30, 2007 OUTSTANDING young winger Digby Ioane could face legal action after being caught in a tug of war between Western Force and Queensland Reds.

Force officials were stunned when the 21-year-old told them last Thursday afternoon he had signed a two-year deal with the Reds, two weeks after verbally agreeing to remain in Perth.

Ioane, widely touted as a future Australia player, said he wanted to go home because he missed his family.

His change of heart also coincided with Wallabies player Scott Staniforth re-signing with Force.

"If Digby does go we will look very seriously at our legal options," Force spokesman Tom Baddeley said.

Ioane is due to meet Force CEO Peter McGrath today to reveal his intentions for next season.

Force received some good news yesterday with prop Gareth Hardy signing for another two years after he rejected several offers from European clubs.

[The InnFORCEr]

Mr O'Meara won't be happy to find out McGrath has stolen his job!

Onya Boof you try scoring machine.

[Burgs]

I-Owe-Arnie from memory in saffaland.

I think I'll back a Samoan over a South African in Islander pronounciation

[AndyS]

Great news regarding Hardy - just leaves Doherty to go.

I don't see that there is much to be gained by taking legal action against Ioane. If he has put pen to paper for the Reds, the Force should shrug their shoulders and let him go. If he hasn't, they can talk but there would have to be question marks over his commitment anyway. For mine, the person that the Force should vent their spleen on is Ioane's manager. He may act in his clients best interests, but I wouldn't be putting much faith in him when negotiating with any other player he represents.

[Thequeerone]

Digs is just a young bro too scared to say no to anyone,alot of island boys are like that too shy in certain situations,There is a bloke in the broncos called Tama Tupou who for two years let wayne bennett call him gary because thats what bennett and the organisation thought his name was.Only last year he said itwas tama asked why he didn't tell anyone sooner he said he was too shy!!!

By the way wayne bennett still calls him Gary!!!LOL!!

I hope this explaination is closest to the truth - I would like him to stay - but only if he wants to - great seeing him develop - he could have a long way to go and I wish him well whereever he goes - still worried about the possible fallout over the annoucement method to him and the others - hopefully we here something good for everyone soon

[Ryder]

hello to all u western force supporters.. just thought il let u guys know the low down on why he left.. for the second time in his career he been screwed around.. if u can remember when qld reds were tryna keep wendal sailor wit the club, digby wasnt even wanted.. as soon as wendal jump the boat they tried go back to digby, but too late cause he had agreed wit the the new franchise, the FORCE.

forward it 2 yrs later and it seems that the situation has occured only to be in a diferent circumstance. promised to many things for the future of force digby again relied on what was best for the team. and the signing of scott staniforth sealed the deal. now if u sign someone for 3 yrs and have the best winger running around, we would digby play? won't drop mitchell.. so if u think about it he's only looking out for whats best for him.
im dissapointed he's leaving but the kid deserves his chance somewhere else, and with the signing of staniforth means digby wouldve came off the bench.

maybe we should ask why are u playing pelasasa in the centre when u had this whole year for scott to learn his trade in the number 12 jersey? giteau at 10 and the flyers on the wing? maybe digby wouldve stayed? and him saying homesick? rubbish.. scott re-signed, digby knew he wouldnt get game time

the TRUTH!

[travelling_gerry]

Interesting theory Ryder....and welcome...

Trouble is that Digby agreed to terms BEFORE Stanners had decided to re-sign.