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Tigers’ young gun Dwyer vows not to be one-hit wonder Glenn Jackson
December 17, 2010 - 6:58AMTHEY missed out on the signature of Mark Riddell, but Wests Tigers were never going to let young hitman Simon Dwyer out of their grasp.
The second-rower yesterday re-signed with the Tigers until the end of 2013, before declaring: ‘‘They’ve always stuck by me, so I’ll stick by them.’’
‘‘I’m really happy,’’ Dwyer said. ‘‘It gives me a bit of security for the next three years. I was pretty comfortable here, so I was always looking to stay here. They gave me the chance to play first grade, so I’m happy to stay here.’’
Advertisement: Story continues below Dwyer enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2010, playing 18 matches - as well as producing the hit of the season on Roosters forward Jared Waerea-Hargreaves in a finals match. But he said he was determined not to succumb to second-year syndrome in 2011.
‘‘I don’t want to be known as the one-hit wonder,’’ Dwyer said. ‘‘I’ve heard that a few times. It was good to get my name out there. I always wanted to make my impact in the NRL, and that was the way that I did it - make people realise that I am a part of the Wests Tigers team. But I’m looking to pick it up, and I reckon I’ll achieve that.’’
Dwyer had been contracted until the end of next year, but the club was quick to ensure the 21-year-old could not be targeted by other clubs. His re-signing follows new contracts for experienced heads Todd Payten and Chris Heighington. Dwyer was one of several Tigers youngsters who turned heads this year - alongside Ben Murdoch-Masila and Andrew Fifita. Dwyer said he was confident he could improve significantly given he was in the middle of a rare pre-season training program.
‘‘I haven’t had one for three or four years,’’ Dwyer said. ‘‘I’ve had shoulder ‘recos’, hips, knees, glandular fever. I’ve been pretty unlucky.’’
He was confident the Tigers could produce a better season than the 2010 one, in which they were beaten in the preliminary final by eventual premiers St George Illawarra.
‘‘We’ve got a pretty good mix, and we’ve got pretty much the same team as last year, so we’ll be looking to go that one step further next year,’’ Dwyer said. ‘‘I reckon we’ll do it next year. I reckon we’ll go all the way to the grand final. We’re in good hands.’’
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SIMON DWYER RE-SIGNS FOR TWO MORE YEARS
By Wayne Cousins
17/12/2010 6:21:36 AM
Wests Tigers has re-signed one of the game’s brightest young back-rowers in Simon Dwyer for a further two years.Off contract at the end of next season, Dwyer will continue to develop under Wests Tigers and Australian Coach Tim Sheens. Dwyer was recognised for his fine season off the interchange bench by being named Wests Tigers Rookie of the Year for 2010.
A Western Suburb junior, Dwyer came through the Wests Tigers Cubs program and played for the U20s team in 2008 and 2009 before breaking into the NRL side. Dwyer played 18 matches this season in the NRL after making his first grade debut in 2009.
His bone-rattling tackle on Sydney Roosters forward Jared Waerea-Hargreaves in the preliminary final at the SFS rates as one of the best hits of the year.
“Simon is one of the next generation of quality young forwards we have at the Club. He still has plenty to learn but is developing nicely,’’ said Wests Tigers Coach Tim Sheens said.
“It shows that the junior system we have in place is working.”
Dwyer said he was proud to sign the new deal after working his way up the ranks.
“I was looking for a bit of security and Wests Tigers stuck by me so hopefully I can do them proud,’’ Dwyer said.
“I am hoping to push for a starting spot next season, so if that comes along, I will grab it with both hands.”
Footnote: Wests Tigers supporters can congratulate Simon Dwyer on his new deal in person when he appears with Nu Akeripa at Gearzone Campbelltown this Saturday, December 18, from 12pm to 2pm.
Dwyer and Akeripa will be available to sign autographs and pose for photographs.
Wests Tigers is also offering a special jersey deal at Gearzone.
Puchase any 2010 jersey and choose one of the Burley caps and it will cost supporters just $125, a saving of $60 on the normal retail price.
You’ll have to act fast though as there is only limited stock available.
Gear Zone Campbelltown is located at Shop 234, Brands on Sale Outlet
32 Queen Street, Campbelltown. -
First article from SMH and the second from the official Tigers Website.
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That sure is one serious photo!
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I hope he doesn’t think that he is a one-hit wonder and starts going for hits every time possible. I’m sure Sheens will take care of it though.
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another Wests junior signing on,I love it,Rowdy you are the next Wests junior,hurry up ol’ son.
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Great news :slight_smile:
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Great news, excellent….looks like he may have the goods, definitley has the size
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Great news, excellent….looks like he may have the goods, definitley has the size
I think he does Ink …… reckon he has state of origin written all over him
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Great news, excellent….looks like he may have the goods, definitley has the size
I think he does Ink …… reckon he has state of origin written all over him
Congratulations, you’ve just put the mock on him
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Check out the interview on WTV.
Funny - He is very nervous and doesn’t answer the questions.
I’m glad he knows ho to play footy.
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@Cultured Bogan:
Great news, excellent….looks like he may have the goods, definitley has the size
I think he does Ink …… reckon he has state of origin written all over him
Congratulations, you’ve just put the mock on him
Thanks for the vote of confidence CB !
