Broken Bronco still in demand

[MDBronco]

Broken Bronco still in demand
By Matt Marshall
April 29, 2008 INJURED Brisbane centre Steve Michaels is expected to pen a long-term deal with Brisbane within days.

The development comes after the Broncos reassured Michaels they will keep on the table a three-year deal put to the 21-year-old last week, before his season was ended by a major knee injury.

Michaels, who has already resisted a lucrative approach from the Bulldogs and interest from Melbourne and Gold Coast, is understood to be heavily considering the deal after previously indicating he would activate only a one-year extension clause to remain a Bronco next season. Should Michaels, as expected, opt to commit his future to Brisbane, the deal would lock him up until the end of 2011.

Michaels, due to undergo knee surgery later this week, appears set to back himself to claim a long-term centre spot despite the imminent arrival of Storm sensation Israel Folau at the end of the season.

Folau has been tipped to partner Australia star Justin Hodges in the centres next year even though Michaels has proved a strong performer in the three-quarter line this year.

Broncos CEO Bruno Cullen, who tabled a deal to the Gold Coast junior last week, immediately visited the 21-year-old in the dressing room to assure him the major injury blow would not alter the club's offer.

"We had put a deal to Ralphy (Michaels) last week and on Friday when I went to the sheds and he was visibly upset, I told him this doesn't make any difference to the deal we talked about," Cullen said. "He indicated he'd made up his mind to stay any way. He hasn't agreed to terms yet, but I expect he'll sign when things settle down a bit."

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,865 ... 14,00.html

 

[mick]

Great to hear IMO. Surely this puts the likes of Kemp and Robinson on far less solid ground, but IMO Michaels is a real asset in the backline and will shine, even at wing.

 

[Kris]

I'm a massive fan of Michaels, so I'm happy that he'll stay with us. icon_thumbs_u

 

[mrslong]

What's the Ralphy nickname? A simpsons thing?

 

[Guest]

What's the Ralphy nickname? A simpsons thing?

Try Happy Days

 

[mrslong]

What's the Ralphy nickname? A simpsons thing?

Try Happy Days

ah yes. of course. [icon_lol1.

 

[rnabokov]

Great to hear IMO. Surely this puts the likes of Kemp and Robinson on far less solid ground, but IMO Michaels is a real asset in the backline and will shine, even at wing.

... or centre [icon_razz1

Excellent news about Michaels, and agree about Kemp and Robinson.

 

[td0]

awesome news! very glad he is staying :)

 

[Jeza23]

Thats very good news, we need to try and keep as many youngsters as we can!

I hate to state the obvious but they are our future. They will lead the club forward and hopefully to more success icon_thumbs_u

 

[Coxy]

We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let's start giving

[icon_lol1.

 

[BroncoMatt]

What's the Ralphy nickname? A simpsons thing?

Try Happy Days

ah yes. of course. [icon_lol1.

I thought it was because his Dad, who was a BRL legend, name was Ralph, and some of the coaching staff, including Bennett kept calling Ralph by mistake, becuase he was the spitting image of his old man

 

[Guest]

What's the Ralphy nickname? A simpsons thing?

Try Happy Days

ah yes. of course. [icon_lol1.

I thought it was because his Dad, who was a BRL legend, name was Ralph, and some of the coaching staff, including Bennett kept calling Ralph by mistake, becuase he was the spitting image of his old man

I'll bow to your greater knowledge on that one!

 

[Coxy]

Pffft, as if they'd have a nickname related to some olden day figure from park footy.

*End Footy Show panelist-level ignorance*

 

[mrslong]

Pffft, as if they'd have a nickname related to some olden day figure from park footy.

*End Footy Show panelist-level ignorance*

[icon_lol1.

 

[mal]

I tell you what, I always thought Michaels has _some_ pace but when I saw him screaming down the wing I was very much suprised.

 

[Je$ter]

Probably a blessing for the broncs he injured himself, otherwise other clubs would have thrown big money at him. Really rate michaels looks like he is staying in Brissy which is a good thing, even if he does sit on the wing.

 

[Foordy]

Great news

 

[Alec]

Best news ever. icon_thumbs_u