25 replies to this topic

[Honor James]

Leeds Rhinos have announced that they have signed trialist Joe Vickery, 23, on a one year contract.

The Australian joined the Rhinos back in November from NRL side Gold Coast Titans, initially on a three month trial, but after impressing the Leeds coaching staff he has earned a full time deal with the Champions and will be given the 25 squad number for the 2013 season.

The former St George junior, who can play on the wing or at centre, made his first appearance for Leeds in the Heatshot Festive Challenge against Wakefield and made an instant impact by scoring two tries in the victory.

Prior to his move to the UK he spent two seasons with Gold Coast but did not make his first team debut despite impressive appearances for feeder club, Tweed Heads, where he scored 17 tries last season.

Speaking about his new contract Vickery said, “It was my ambition to earn a contract with the club when I came over here and I backed myself to do that so I am delighted to have signed for the season. It was a gamble to move here on a trial and away from everything I knew in Australia but the hard work has been worth it and I am pleased with my decision.

“I really enjoyed my first run out against Wakefield and the crowd and atmosphere at the Stadium was fantastic. I know there is still a lot of work to do and I want to prove I can step up and play in the Super League and I am really looking forward to getting out there again and the start of the season.”

Commenting on Vickery’s signing Leeds Rhinos coach Brian McDermott said, “We are really pleased to have secured a permanent deal with Joe and he fully deserves this contract. He has trained well and done everything asked of him. He has been very professional since he joined and we were impressed with how he went against Wakefield on Boxing Day and he made a good start to his Leeds career with two tries.”

Phil Daly
Media & Communications Manager
Leeds Rhinos

[Old Frightful]

So they're using that "Champions" word again.

[brooza]

So they're using that "Champions" word again.

If you want them to stop using it, ask Hull to win something

[Old Frightful]

If you want them to stop using it, ask Hull to win something

It was a Leeds fan on here who said they won't use the word because the season is now over.

Anyway, Hull might win summat if they play Leeds in the Challenge Cup final, they usually do.

[foozler]

Am I right in thinking Vickery has English parents or grandparents? Be interesting to see how he goes.

[fieldofclothofgold]

It was a Leeds fan on here who said they won't use the word because the season is now over.

Anyway, Hull might win summat if they play Leeds in the Challenge Cup final, they usually do.

Not at Wembley they wont.Hull dont usually win at Wembley, according to Rovers fans

[Southstander13]

Am I right in thinking Vickery has English parents or grandparents? Be interesting to see how he goes.

Yeah I think so, seem to remember reading that at some point!

He went quite well on boxing day, he started on the wing and scored two, the first was a case of falling on the ball from a good Danny McGuire grubber, the second needing good footwork to score in the corner.

He actually played better imo when he was switched to full back, chimed in the line really well and made a couple of good breaks. He didnt look particularly fast but seemed like more of an elusive runner!

[Old Frightful]

Not at Wembley they wont.Hull dont usually win at Wembley, according to Rovers fans

And according to a certain Hull fan on the "League Table' thread.

[brooza]

It was a Leeds fan on here who said they won't use the word because the season is now over.

That Leeds fan was me.

And to be fair, this is something Sinfield said at the end of 2011/start of 2012 about that season, and was probably only referring to the team/coach etc, not PR

[John Rhino]

So they're using that "Champions" word again.

Consistency and rugby go together like hat stands and jam jars.

[Pie tries]

Just shows too many overseas players...position should go to a local player

[Southstander13]

Just shows too many overseas players...position should go to a local player

Bearing in mind he has been signed as a back up player initially, and will be kept out the first team squad by "local" players, I dont really understand your point.

[Mrbus]

Just shows too many overseas players...position should go to a local player

vickery was born in exeter, granted not local but still the uk

[southstand loiner]

Just shows too many overseas players...position should go to a local player

he is just about as local as the players wigan have signed from wales at least he is english

[Pie tries]

Not a dig at Leeds who do really well producing their own players, feel just too many overseas players in general. At least the Welsh lads are true home grown products.

[barrowraiderskid]

Not a dig at Leeds who do really well producing their own players, feel just too many overseas players in general. At least the Welsh lads are true home grown products.

I think that's abit harsh on them.

They could field a team of:

Hardaker
Hall
Ablett
Watkins
BJB
Sinfield
Mcguire
Peacock
Burrow
Griffin
JJB
Clarkson
Bailey

Ward
Moore
Singleton
Ian Kirke

How many teams can field a full british side as strong as that. Wire with and all english side would get mullered whilst Wigan and Saints maybe close.

[Dave T]

I think that's abit harsh on them.

They could field a team of:

Hardaker
Hall
Ablett
Watkins
BJB
Sinfield
Mcguire
Peacock
Burrow
Griffin
JJB
Clarkson
Bailey

Ward
Moore
Singleton
Ian Kirke

How many teams can field a full british side as strong as that. Wire with and all english side would get mullered whilst Wigan and Saints maybe close.

Wire side:

Ratchford
Williams
Bridge
Atkins
Riley
Briers
Myler
Carvell
Higham
Morley
Westwood
Harrison
Grix

Cooper
Hill
O'Brien
Currie

That is a very strong side.
We no longer have a massive reliance on overseas players.

Edited by Dave T, 29 December 2012 - 11:09 AM.

[The Parksider]

Wire side:

Ratchford
Williams
Bridge
Atkins
Riley
Briers
Myler
Carvell
Higham
Morley
Westwood
Harrison
Grix

Cooper
Hill
O'Brien
Currie

That is a very strong side.
We no longer have a massive reliance on overseas players.

The club have been very smart on this issue, and smart on junior development locally and looking further afield.

[Dave T]

The club have been very smart on this issue, and smart on junior development locally and looking further afield.

Yep - I actually missed off Paul Wood too. Something like 14/15 of the 17 have played rep football at some stage.

[Pie tries]

Problem with wires is few of their players have come through their juniors...how many of those listed at WA born ?