Atelea Vea - Confirmed Signing : Tue Jul 08, 2014 11:03 am  

http://www.saintsrlfc.com/news/page/4151 SAINTS are delighted to have signed big Tongan international second rower Atelea Vea for the next two seasons. The 27-year-old joins from London Broncos for 2015 and 2016 and has an ‘option' for the following season. He made his first-grade debut for Cronulla in 2009, before moving to Melbourne Storm in 2011 and St George-Illawarra a year later. The 6ft, 16 stone forward was then picked up by the Broncos in 2014 and has led the way in making more than 1,150 metres and busting nearly 40 tackles. Atelea, who was born in Sydney, said: "I had offers from many different clubs but once I spoke to Mike Rush and Nathan Brown, and had the chance to view Langtree Park and the training facilities, I felt it was the right fit for me. "Saints have a nice culture and environment and that attracted me to sign. "I played against Saints not too long ago and liked the feeling of the place even though we lost. The crowd were very vocal and it felt like somewhere I would like to be. "I'm looking forward to playing in front of those fans and getting them on my side." He continued: "I want to come there, play my own game and hopefully the fans will embrace me." Saints Head Coach Nathan Brown added: "Atelea had a lot of interest throughout Super League and we are pleased he decided to join the Saints. "He is a similar player to Willie Manu in the fact he is quite robust, has good feet and speed and can use the ball well. "He has the ability to play before and in the line and will be a great addition to our squad." London Broncos head coach Joey Grima said: "I've been liaising with Mike Rush and Nathan Brown and while we're disappointed to be losing a player of Tils' ability and professionalism, I would never stop anyone wanting to play Super League, given where we are at the moment. "Tils has been an ultimate professional to me and personal friend. He accepted my invitation by coming over to play for the London Broncos and I wish him and his partner all the best for St Helens. "I know the type of person St Helens are going to get and they couldn't have picked anyone better than him."

http://www.saintsrlfc.com/news/page/4151 SAINTS are delighted to have signed big Tongan international second rower Atelea Vea for the next two seasons. The 27-year-old joins from London Broncos for 2015 and 2016 and has an ‘option' for the following season. He made his first-grade debut for Cronulla in 2009, before moving to Melbourne Storm in 2011 and St George-Illawarra a year later. The 6ft, 16 stone forward was then picked up by the Broncos in 2014 and has led the way in making more than 1,150 metres and busting nearly 40 tackles. Atelea, who was born in Sydney, said: "I had offers from many different clubs but once I spoke to Mike Rush and Nathan Brown, and had the chance to view Langtree Park and the training facilities, I felt it was the right fit for me. "Saints have a nice culture and environment and that attracted me to sign. "I played against Saints not too long ago and liked the feeling of the place even though we lost. The crowd were very vocal and it felt like somewhere I would like to be. "I'm looking forward to playing in front of those fans and getting them on my side." He continued: "I want to come there, play my own game and hopefully the fans will embrace me." Saints Head Coach Nathan Brown added: "Atelea had a lot of interest throughout Super League and we are pleased he decided to join the Saints. "He is a similar player to Willie Manu in the fact he is quite robust, has good feet and speed and can use the ball well. "He has the ability to play before and in the line and will be a great addition to our squad." London Broncos head coach Joey Grima said: "I've been liaising with Mike Rush and Nathan Brown and while we're disappointed to be losing a player of Tils' ability and professionalism, I would never stop anyone wanting to play Super League, given where we are at the moment. "Tils has been an ultimate professional to me and personal friend. He accepted my invitation by coming over to play for the London Broncos and I wish him and his partner all the best for St Helens. "I know the type of person St Helens are going to get and they couldn't have picked anyone better than him."

Re: Atelea Vea - Confirmed Signing : Tue Jul 08, 2014 11:07 am  

The Yellow Giraffe wrote:

http://www.saintsrlfc.com/news/page/4151

Interesting comments - whats a "nice culture"?

Happy with that, hopefully a few more on the way

Re: Atelea Vea - Confirmed Signing : Tue Jul 08, 2014 11:09 am  

Good signing for Saints in my opinion. His defence can be questionable, but he's been a stand out player in a poor team. I'm confident he'll impress.

Re: Atelea Vea - Confirmed Signing : Tue Jul 08, 2014 11:10 am  

Magic Superbeetle wrote:

Interesting comments - whats a "nice culture"?

Comfortable place to play with no fear of getting dropped if you are dogshi!te?

Magic Superbeetle wrote:

Happy with that, hopefully a few more on the way

Hope so, and in the right positions. We have about 27 2nd rowers now and only 2 half-backs and 1 hooker. We need to address the balance!

Re: Atelea Vea - Confirmed Signing : Tue Jul 08, 2014 11:35 am  

His stats are more than decent given the team he has been playing in.

I would think he'll be the only second rower we bring in.

Prop and 6 for me next and I'll be more than content

Re: Atelea Vea - Confirmed Signing : Tue Jul 08, 2014 11:38 am  

Doesn't mention he virtually changed his mind to become a pie. I think that was more his agent tho.

Decent with potential to be a top class Bargain

Re: Atelea Vea - Confirmed Signing : Tue Jul 08, 2014 11:40 am  

Magic Superbeetle wrote:

Interesting comments - whats a "nice culture"?

Probiotic Greek style Yogurt ?

Re: Atelea Vea - Confirmed Signing : Tue Jul 08, 2014 11:52 am  

The Yellow Giraffe wrote:

Comfortable place to play with no fear of getting dropped if you are dogshi!te?

Hope so, and in the right positions. We have about 27 2nd rowers now and only 2 half-backs and 1 hooker. We need to address the balance!

Do we though? At the moment, were losing Soliola, Manu is "in negotiations", Wilkin is a lock, LMS could be played out wide but isnt, Flanaghan has been told to look elsewhere, and Clough is all but gone. Greenwood is yet to be signed up, Savelio is still raw and the rest of our young forwards are props.

Wilkin Vea LMS (Manu/another) and Savelio, are currently our back row options for next year - Hopefully there are a few more second rowers pushing through (? regular 19s watchers know?) or another top (Kirmond or T'eo) second row coming in.

Hewitt and Charnock should start pushing up as backup next year to Walsh and a new 6 - if the 6 doesnt come in as a replacement to hohaia, he can play interchange hooker - else that would be my priority.

Re: Atelea Vea - Confirmed Signing : Tue Jul 08, 2014 12:22 pm  

Magic Superbeetle wrote:

Interesting comments - whats a "nice culture"?

Holiday camp, with the odd competitive rugby match thrown in to satisfy the fans.

Re: Atelea Vea - Confirmed Signing : Tue Jul 08, 2014 12:22 pm  

I've been keeping my eye on him ever since it was unofficially announced on here. Still not sure but obviously hope he does well.

Next we need a HB