The player signings are well underway in 2008, with young guns Kris Inu and Dave Taylor re-signing with their respective NRL clubs – the Eels and Broncos. With much attention from rival clubs, these up and coming players were in high demand and their local clubs did well to fend off attacks.
Inu rejected lucrative offers from the Sydney Roosters, Broncos, Sharks and Gold Coast to stay with Parramatta until the end of the 2010 season, with the 20-year-old New Zealand international beleiving that the Eels would be strong contenders for grand final glory in the coming seasons. The Lalor Park junior burst onto the NRL scene early last year, with the talented outside back impressing many with his electric skills in his debut season, recording 12 tries and 34 goals in just 12 exhilerating appearances.The retention of Inu shores up the Eels future playing roster, with fellow backline young gun Jarryd Hayne also agreeing to terms last Deecember. A solid second season also secured giant Brisbane forward Dave Taylor a contract upgrade, with both the towering prop and the Broncos club agreeing to take a measured approach in securing the 19-year-olds playing future.
“We are very happy to announce that the club has signed David with the Broncos until the end of 2009,†said Broncos cheif executive Bruno Cullen today. “Obviously we want him to be a long term player at the club, and David has told us he wants to be here for a long time.
“But both parties felt at this stage of his career it was better just to add the one year to his deal.
The Blackwater junior has made just 13 top grade appearances to date, with the 115kg powerhouse preferring to establish himself before committing to a long-term contract. “I am happy just to sign for one more year and take that small step for now,†said Taylor. “I still have a lot left to prove, which starts with making certain I am part of the club’s NRL team every week.â€