Big Sam buys in!

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Cameron
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He looks awesome

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/leag ... 0t5oc.html

"New team, new Sam."

That was Melbourne Storm recruit Sam Kasiano's response to why he shaved his well-known beard but it could also describe how well the former Canterbury Bulldogs prop has fit into his new club.

When the Storm started pursuing Kasiano last year there were doubts the 195-centimetre prop could adjust to the club's rigorous fitness standards but he won over the leaders over with his words and, more importantly, he has followed with his pre-season actions.

There is no question Kasiano is more streamlined than his time at the Bulldogs, with some reports suggesting he has dropped 10 or more kilograms. But he is not interested in talking about weight loss numbers, but rather his desire to be in Storm's 17 against the Bulldogs at Perth's new Optus Stadium in round one.

"Sam's willingness to buy into how we do things here at the Storm is what has impressed the coaching staff and his teammates," Ponissi said.

"He has made a genuine effort [mentally] and more importantly the way we train, just by seeing him you can see how his body has changed and he has driven that.

"Our performance staff have guided him but he has done all the hard work whether it has been through his training or his diet. He is in great shape."

All that hard work has resulted in a couple of injury hiccups but he also remains a chance to play in the World Club Challenge against Leeds Rhinos on February 16.

He may even have a run in the Storm's closed doors trial game against Newcastle Knights on Wednesday.

"He has had a few niggling injuries during pre-season which has prevented him from participating in full training but that is only because his body is getting used to how how we do things," Ponissi said.

"Craig Bellamy will pick the best 17 against Leeds in terms of where they are right now. If Sam does enough he will get selected, if not he will work his way to round one."

I've adjusted but my kids are like, 'Dad, where is Bulldog, where is Bulldog?'

- Sam Kasiano
The 27-year-old admitted it has been the toughest pre-season of his career.

"That first two weeks of the program was probably the toughest two weeks but luckily the boys just kept pushing each other," Kasiano said.

"I think it was only really me and Hoffy [Ryan Hoffman] who were the older boys there ... but they kept pushing us through it."

Kasiano's family have quickly warmed to Melbourne.

"It's unreal and me and my family love it here, it's home for us now," he said.

"I thought it would be tough [moving] but the boys have been so welcoming and helped me out a lot and the club ... are always checking in with us."

The hardest members of the family to convince has been the prop's preschool-aged children, although Kasiano is confident once they see him playing in Storm colours they will adopt the purple and navy.

"I've adjusted but my kids are like, 'Dad, where is Bulldog, where is Bulldog?'," Kasiano said.

"I have to tell them it's Storm now, my oldest is five and he keep asking about the Bulldog. It's tough to explain it but I think he is starting to adjust to it.

"I just can't wait to play now, that will make it easier."

​While Cameron Smith and Billy Slater still receive the biggest cheers, the Storm faithful have shown plenty of love for their former foe.

"It's usually boos but I'm glad I'm on this side now," Kasiano said.

"It feels right and I'm looking forward to the season."
Cameron
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Worst news from the trial match v Newcastle is Big Sam has hurt his ankle again.

If it doesn't respond to treatment; he might have to have surgery.

A real shame for our big name recruit.

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INJURY NEWS| Concern for new @storm recruit Sam Kasiano after today’s trial. Fears that he might have re-aggravated an ankle injury that sidelined him from training for a month in December. In doubt for next Friday’s #WCC against @leedsrhinos @7NewsSydney
Cameron
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Its the opposite ankle that Sam first hurt, probably good.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport ... 65be0b7197


MELBOURNE’S prized recruit Sam Kasiano is set to miss next Friday night’s World Club Challenge after suffering an ankle injury in the Storm’s first trial match.

The former Bulldog prop made his first club appearance in the Storm’s trial game behind closed doors against Newcastle at AAMI Park on Wednesday afternoon. Played in sweltering conditions in Melbourne, Kasiano came off the bench late in the first half as the Storm fell to the Knights 26-22.


Set to replace North Queensland-bound Kangaroos prop Jordan McLean, Kasiano’s plans for next week’s World Club Challenge against Leeds took a hit with the injury.

He also had an ankle issue that kept him out of training in December but this was unrelated.

“He will probably miss two weeks,” said Storm football director Frank Ponissi. “It’s a different injury to the ankle injury he had in December.”
Scooter
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Cameron Frank said it was a different injury, it doesn't necessarily mean it is the opposite ankle.
Cameron
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Any one know how Sam Kasiano's injury is coming along?

Looking at his Canterbury days; he had a history of ankle injuries so I hope this one isn't reoccurring.
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yourhero
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Nothing directly from the club. Fox Sports provided the below injury update two days ago.

STORM
Sam Kasiano (Ankle, Round 1)
Sandor Earl (ACL, Indefinite)
Billy Slater (Shoulder, Early Rounds)
Jahrome Hughes (Shoulder, TBC)

https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-pr ... e8a0021630
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LESStar58
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Slater "early rounds"

Translation: round 2
Mattpoet
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Serious question: Is he in our best 17 and, if so, who misses out?
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yourhero
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Mattpoet wrote:Serious question: Is he in our best 17 and, if so, who misses out?
Yes.
Kenny IMO but more likely Welch.
Cameron
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We wilt have injuries during the season so it is good to have depth.

Kenny stays in as he can cover a number of positions.
blazza18
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Kenny does cover 11 and 12 so technically you are correct there.
Deadpool
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blazza18 wrote:Kenny does cover 11 and 12 so technically you are correct there.
He can also cover lock, hooker, centres and if we’re really desperate 5/8 and prop. I really rate Kenny, I don’t get why so many of you’s don’t
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yourhero
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He rarely played on an edge last year. When he has over the years, he hasn’t been that great. Last year he came on and played up the middle as a prop/lock. Wasn’t overly effective. If that is where he is going to play when coming on, he should be assessed against the other props in our stockpile. The question should be, “can Kenny do a better job at prop than Welch?”. To most, the answer is a resounding, “no”.

If we want to carry a back row bench player as a risk mitigation for injury to the three starting backrowers/two centres - and that is seen as necessary/worthwhile - so be it. I can see the logic there.

Hooker - Mediocre at best. Brandon should be there as cover each game.
Centre - Should never be considered.
5/8 - Should never be considered.

Look, I do actually like Kenny. I’m just not convinced he is the best bench option we have at the moment. By no means anything personal or absolute.
Deadpool
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Kenny is better then Welch. We don’t need 3 props on the bench, especially with Jesse Bromwich playing long minutes. If Kasiano comes onto the bench then Welch is the logical choice to miss out
Cameron
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Does anyone know if Big Sam has recovered from his ankle yet?

Will he play this week.

If not; the point of Welch v KerKerKerKenny is pretty mute then.

without Big Sam; they both play.
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