Danny Ward a Titan?

[DeeGan]

I know as much as what has been reported here.

All I will add is the Gold Coast Titans will look at 'signing the person before the player'. If Ward is not suited to the culture we are bringing to the NRL in 2007, he won't get a start with the Titans.

DeeGan

[SOLIOLA]

These alcohol issues in Rugby League are getting more and more serious.

[The Original Idiot]

Remember Craig Wing talking about the strictness applied to NFL players? I don't think it's merely a coincidence that American Football is stronger than ever and basketball and its oft-badly behaved players are sinking in popularity.

Something like that should come into league to stop morons like Gower.

[Titanium_BD1103]

Ok just one thing I want to say.. I don't want Danny Ward at the GC as I reckon it will ruin the image we are trying to create as a club that is for the community, that supports the community and tries to do the best for its community.. and that can only be a bad thing..

[DeeGan]

Originally Posted by mirror.co.uk

19 January 2006
WARD'S SORRY TO RHINOS
By David Burke

SHAMED Danny Ward has apologised for his behaviour which prompted his sacking by Leeds Rhinos.

But Ward, 25, wanted by Aussie new boys Gold Coast for their launch next year, is likely to join a rival engage Super League club before the start of the season.

Wakefield, who have a space left on their quota for a player earning more than £20,000, are emerging as favourites, with champions Bradford Bulls ruling themselves out of any deal for the Great Britain prop after having reached the salary cap limit.

Promoted Castleford Tigers could also be keen if Aussie centre Ryan McGoldrick decides to move to Wests Tigers from Cronulla.

Ward, 25, is understood to have been given two warnings last season for drink-related incidents and he was axed after a third recent event.

He was banned from driving last year and Ward's agent Ron Hill said: "Danny is deeply embarrassed and upset by the termination of his contract with Leeds.

"He would like to apologise to all the supporters and all his colleagues at Headingley for any shame he has brought upon the club."

I will see what I can find out re: the article.

As per the comment from Carty yesterday, I think the same applies here.

DeeGan

[Eel 33]

No, p*** off you poor excuse for pommy journos. We don't want your outcasts in our new team. Titans management, don't do it.

[DeeGan]

This potential signing has me in two minds, why?



1. Danny Ward is what I like to call a "young bull" (young prop with that grunt you need up front and he will get better as he matures) with big match experience at club and international level. We as a new club are looking for the "cream of the crop" and as far as props go he is one of the best available for 2007.

At the minute we have Luke Bailey who IMO is the best prop in the game when fit. We also have the emerging Anthony Laffranchi who is a local boy destined for perhaps higher honors in this game after a breakout season in 2005 with the Wests Tigers. Laffranchi if need be can pack into the second row as well.

I believe a contending NRL team needs a really good three man prop rotation in the modern game, signing Ward gives us that. If we are looking at what will help find success in 2007, the Ward signing does make sense.

2. "We will sign the person before the player", a quote I agree with though I would like to think we are not going to toe the line of being morally above a player guilty of a making a mistake that better players in the past have made e.g. Brad Fittler when as Australian captain was arrested for a alcohol related instance. There is a fine line here.

I don't know the FULL STORY on Danny Ward. I know of the drink driving conviction, I know of a run in with coach Tony Smith when in France - whilst the drink driving is inexcusable, do we have the right to label him "damaged goods"?

edit - After re-reading the article, I notice there is two drink related instances prior to the drink driving charge - hmm.

"Damaged goods" at 25? I don't think so. A mate of mine from school beat worse demons at the age of 33 and is now a successful real estate agent in Sydney. The trappings of being a professional sportsman though is a different kettle of fish.

The IRL board needs to come down on the NRL and Super League ensuring tougher penalties are handed out to players who are guilty of alcohol related offenses that damages our game.

"One bitten, twice shy"

If Ward comes back a better person after this recent sacking, I believe he is deserving of a second chance. For all we know he may just look at community initiatives in the UK promoting awareness about drink driving.

Will signing Danny Ward damage our reputation? IMO no - from memory he is not a serial offender, he is a young guy guilty of making an inexcusable error in better judgment.

edit - there is potential for 'egg on our face' here due to the player in question striking out three times' though. Do we believe a new team, a new country can steer this guy in the right direction?

Again, if Michael and John think Ward will not fit in with the culture we are bringing to the NRL, he won't be signed. We as fans IMO should be looking at this from all angles, not just the one reported recently.

This will be every bit as interesting as the possible signing of Prince and Mathers.

DeeGan

[Kingytek]

Very True Deegs,
If Titans felt that he would be a good signing then they could possibly look into a 1 Strike option rather then 3 because of previous behaviour. Make it publically known if we have to and have it written up in the contract etc. If this was the case and we offered the edited contract to him, he may not accept knowing that his actions can result in a sacking.

[DIEHARD]

Please Titans, just put a big red line through his name and move on.

[DeeGan]

BTW, the same quote from Carty can be used re: the possible signing of Ward which simply put is "There has been no pre-contract agreement signed by any of them. We'll continue to monitor the positions we need to cover as we get closer to June 30"

DeeGan