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Fax Boss Reels In Fisher
HALIFAX TODAY - 19/11/2004
New signing: Ben Fisher about to score for North Sydney against Canterbury. Photo: STEVE LITTLE
The Sydney-born number nine, who spent three seasons on the books of the Roosters before joining the Bears in 2001, scooped the club's 'Best and Fairest' player award this year and was also named as coach Gary Larson's man of the season.
The 23-year-old, who holds a British passport and therefore does not count on the overseas quota, comes highly recommended by a number of sources - notably former teammate and current Fax number seven Ben Black and Norths head honcho Greg Florimo, who played out his career with Fax in 2000.
"Blacky's given him a pretty good reference, and if he makes the same kind of impact then we'll be more than happy," said Fax boss Anthony Farrell.
"He's a pretty solid player, who gives good service from dummy-half and kicks well off both feet.
"We've asked a few people about him, and all the reports are good so we've given the kid a chance.
"I don't regard it is a risk at all though - the biggest recommendation for me is that he is prepared to come over here and have a go at proving himself.
"He's getting very little money out of this but he's backed himself to be a success and earn a better contract the year after."
Farrell made it clear though that Fisher's first job will be to fight his way past homegrown Gareth Greenwood for the hooking spot.
"Just because Ben's coming from Australia doesn't mean he's guaranteed a start," said Farrell.
"That's what the pre-season games are there for, to give people a chance to stake their claim.
"Gareth knows what he needs to work on and he was back here training two weeks before everyone else started.
"I am looking forward to having two hookers fighting for one spot each week."
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HALIFAX TODAY - 19/11/2004
New signing: Ben Fisher about to score for North Sydney against Canterbury. Photo: STEVE LITTLE
The Sydney-born number nine, who spent three seasons on the books of the Roosters before joining the Bears in 2001, scooped the club's 'Best and Fairest' player award this year and was also named as coach Gary Larson's man of the season.
The 23-year-old, who holds a British passport and therefore does not count on the overseas quota, comes highly recommended by a number of sources - notably former teammate and current Fax number seven Ben Black and Norths head honcho Greg Florimo, who played out his career with Fax in 2000.
"Blacky's given him a pretty good reference, and if he makes the same kind of impact then we'll be more than happy," said Fax boss Anthony Farrell.
"He's a pretty solid player, who gives good service from dummy-half and kicks well off both feet.
"We've asked a few people about him, and all the reports are good so we've given the kid a chance.
"I don't regard it is a risk at all though - the biggest recommendation for me is that he is prepared to come over here and have a go at proving himself.
"He's getting very little money out of this but he's backed himself to be a success and earn a better contract the year after."
Farrell made it clear though that Fisher's first job will be to fight his way past homegrown Gareth Greenwood for the hooking spot.
"Just because Ben's coming from Australia doesn't mean he's guaranteed a start," said Farrell.
"That's what the pre-season games are there for, to give people a chance to stake their claim.
"Gareth knows what he needs to work on and he was back here training two weeks before everyone else started.
"I am looking forward to having two hookers fighting for one spot each week."
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