Western Force in talks with James O'Connor

[sandgroperrugby]

This.......All the focus on signing O'Connor

I want to know about the other potential signings we still have what 5 spots to fill. Has Salesi Manu signed, have Bradley Lacey, Oliver Hoskins or Luke Burton from the under 20's secured a EPS spot at a minimum. What is happening to the Honey Badger etc.......

I dont want much

[kipper_mckinnon]

offer made - response due this week.

any more news Dinky ?

[hertryk]

Why can't he just sign and be grateful someone wants him?

[zed]

He better sign, I've just told everyone in my Facebook World that he's signed and they all seem pretty impressed that Zed is one step ahead of the internet...

[GIGS20]

He better sign, I've just told everyone in my Facebook World that he's signed and they all seem pretty impressed that Zed is one step ahead of the internet...

Very clever Zed, I'm sure he'll sign rather than make you look bad!

[The InnFORCEr]

zed is or twf

[zed]

I also told them the world was going to end last year, so not sure how my creditability is going..

[SNOB]

One out of two should be ok Zed!

[taylor]

If JOC was signed by the Force at 17, still not allowed to drink or vote, would that make him a West Australia junior?

[shasta]

According to what he said when running water for West Harbour on the weekend he's never played a game of club Rugby, let alone juniors. So most probably no. Didn't John Mitchell recruit him straight from the Mungos? He was in Parramatta's junior program so he should have been eternally grateful for that.
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[GAFFA]

He played for Cott a few times.

He was based in Qld before he moved to Perth so not sure he was in the para set up when he came here i think the mungos (and the reds) ruled out recruiting him as they said he was to small.
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[DinkyDi]

From What I hear - Sinders et al have been with him all this week and progress is being made. The feeling in the camp is positive but... many a slip twixt cup and lip

On the EPS front, I doubt you will hear much for a few weeks as no EPS contracts are allowed to be awarded until September after the full squad is set.

However - a number of prominent locals are being actively harassed by the Rebels..... I hope that we can stop the loss of local talent this season.

[shasta]

I hope that we can stop the loss of local talent this season.

Amen to that. Perhaps the "development comp" can help retain some with the incentive of more game time. Do EPS and Acafemy payments count in the cap? Can sponsors step in there?
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[palitu]

However - a number of prominent locals are being actively harassed by the Rebels..... I hope that we can stop the loss of local talent this season.

I have to disagree with that!

how good is it that Perth boy's are being looked at for professional rugby? Even if we filled all EPS spots, that is still only 5 players, wouldn't it be better for people to know that you can progress by playing Perth club rugby?

[shasta]

I have to disagree with that!

how good is it that Perth boy's are being looked at for professional rugby? Even if we filled all EPS spots, that is still only 5 players, wouldn't it be better for people to know that you can progress by playing Perth club rugby?

I don't think you'd get any arguments with that sentiment. But I'm hoping that the development squad can keep plenty of them here rather than being either a non-playing squad member somewhere else, only getting game time in the Shute Shield or some such. Or even worse; showing up in another franchise second 15 playing against ours.