MacDougal joins storm

[Dani_]

from nrl.com.au

Melbourne Storm has today announced the signing of former Manly centre Ben MacDougall for the 2004 National Rugby League Telstra Premiership season.

MacDougall, who was released by the Sea Eagles at the end of the season this year, will further add to the Storm’s already healthy list of backline players.

After ongoing contractual proceedings with Manly, MacDougall is delighted to have joined the Storm’s ranks and is looking forward to making a fresh start in the NRL.

“I didn’t really want to leave Manly in the first place and it’s a big move but I’ve spoken with (Storm coach) Craig (Bellamy) and I think he can really help me take my game to the next level,” MacDougall said.

The 26-year-old’s intentions for next year are clear and he has started planning for the 2004 season with advice from his older brother Adam, now with the Rabbitohs, ringing in his ears.

“My remember my brother saying to me only a couple of years ago that every player starts at the same point every pre-season regardless of what they’ve done before,” MacDougall added.




“I didn’t come here to play reserve grade, I came here to play first grade and hopefully I can do that next year.”

His move to Melbourne comes just weeks after former Manly head coach Peter Sharp also made his way to the Storm, leading to an unlikely reunion between the two.

“I didn’t know that he (Sharp) was coming down here so it was a bit of a surprise,” MacDougall said.

“I don’t know anyone here in Melbourne so it’s really good to have a familiar face around while I settle in.”

[Thunderstruck]

Ben McDrugs? Damn! We lost Junior Langi for this hack?

[steaming stormer]

I agree, Ben McDougall is nowhere near the player Junior was/is. Also, I don't like signing someone with a drug blemish on their name. The club already had to survive a scandal with Howe and his steroid use, and now we open ourselves up to it again.
He'd better have cleaned up his act!!

[Dani_]

so was he busted for steroid use or some other drug?

[steaming stormer]

When he was selected by ASDA for a random drug test, he took off. He ran out of the stadium, jumped the fence and was gone, refusing the drug test. At a reserve grade game

[Fampa]

Surely we have enough talented backs at the club and at Norths to not have to sign players like this.

[Thunderstruck]

Let's get our sticks, pitch forks, and torches people, burn the house down!!!!

Ben's on crack, he's a hack! Hell no, Ben must go! Hang Bellamy!! just kidding

[Lucas]

Please forgive me, but I am not prepared to slag off at MacDougall just yet. Sure it is disappoiting (if true) that we are losing Langi, but despite his jaded past, MacDougall can certainly play and will be hoping that he can reproduce it in Melbourne.

He certainly faces a tough task to even get a game atm with so much quality and depth in our backline. But at his best, is in our best 17 easily.

[steaming stormer]

Sorry mate, but there is no way he is in our best 17 if we have a full side to pick from... tell me who he gets in ahead of!!!!
Not even close, for mine he would struggle to be in our full time squad of 25

[Lucas]

Sorry mate, but there is no way he is in our best 17 if we have a full side to pick from... tell me who he gets in ahead of!!!!
Not even close, for mine he would struggle to be in our full time squad of 25

All I am saying is give him a chance to prove himself at the Storm before calling him shit or whatever. If he has a shocker, then I will eat humble pie, but he deserves a chance and I hope he can prove people like you wrong!!

[simo]

What makes me mad is Bellamy didnt want Semi cos he didnt fit into Bellamy's plans, and now we buy McGoose and Langis gone???????

WE COULD HAVE KEPT MARCUS BAI WHO WAS BETTER THEN THE LOT OF THEM!

[TC]

When he was selected by ASDA for a random drug test, he took off. He ran out of the stadium, jumped the fence and was gone, refusing the drug test. At a reserve grade game

Well, at least we know he can run

[Thunderstruck]

When he was selected by ASDA for a random drug test, he took off. He ran out of the stadium, jumped the fence and was gone, refusing the drug test. At a reserve grade game

Well, at least we know he can run

hmm... doesn't post much these days but once he does, hell of a funny one that is.

[steaming stormer]

Hey guys, I just read on another forum that it was Scott McDougall who ran away from the drugs test, and not Ben. Could be a case of mistaken identity by myself and others in this thread. If so, I apologise

[Thunderstruck]

Is this the post you meant?

Maybe it was Scott who jumped the fence but Ben was the other MacDougall who tested positive after Adam.

After some thought... we did sign Rodney Howe and he did good by us for a while.