Super Cronk
12-07-06, 09:35 AM
heraldsun.com.au
MELBOURNE Storm lock Jamie Feeney could be forced out of the NRL next season.
Melbourne has told Feeney it will not exercise an option on his contract for next season.
Trapped behind Queensland lock Dallas Johnson, Feeney, 28, has managed just seven first-grade games this season.
The former Bulldog said a lack of first-grade exposure was killing his chances of a new deal.
"My manager is looking around, but I'm not sure what the future holds," Feeney said last night.
"I am pretty disappointed the way it has all played out, but I probably saw it coming.
"I haven't had the best run since coming to Melbourne (in 2005).
"I got a bad start with injuries, this year I've had a few setbacks and the form of Dallas Johnson and some of the other back-rowers has been pretty good."
Feeney has scored 24 tries in his 131-match first-grade career. He is a qualified PE teacher but said he was not ready to retire.
"I still have plenty to offer at NRL level but, in the end, that's up to the clubs," Feeney said.
"I'd hate to think this will be my last season but it is about getting the opportunity to show I can compete at this level.
"I'd like to think my experience could be handy for a club, but when I'm not playing regular first grade in Melbourne, it is hard to get noticed."
Feeney's management is understood to have approached the new Gold Coast Titans franchise, and with his wife expecting the couple's third child, Feeney said a move to Sydney could also be attractive.
"My manager has sounded out a few clubs but I think most are looking at the more high-profile younger players on the market," Feeney said.
Asked if playing out his career in England was an option, Feeney said: "Not really. It is getting harder and harder to qualify to play over there.
"You need to have played 75 per cent of the past two seasons in first grade to qualify and I miss out by a couple of games."
Storm coach Craig Bellamy said Feeney was a victim of circumstance.
"Jamie is a great guy and has made a positive contribution to the club," Bellamy said.
"Unfortunately, back row is an area where we are quite strong and, with salary-cap restrictions, sometimes you are just forced to make these tough calls.
"Hopefully, he picks up something next year."
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Pretty sad to see that Feeney wont be kept ive always been a fan of his...he isnt a headline player who will get 3 dally m points every week...but he really works his **** off and puts in his best effort..all the best for the future!
MELBOURNE Storm lock Jamie Feeney could be forced out of the NRL next season.
Melbourne has told Feeney it will not exercise an option on his contract for next season.
Trapped behind Queensland lock Dallas Johnson, Feeney, 28, has managed just seven first-grade games this season.
The former Bulldog said a lack of first-grade exposure was killing his chances of a new deal.
"My manager is looking around, but I'm not sure what the future holds," Feeney said last night.
"I am pretty disappointed the way it has all played out, but I probably saw it coming.
"I haven't had the best run since coming to Melbourne (in 2005).
"I got a bad start with injuries, this year I've had a few setbacks and the form of Dallas Johnson and some of the other back-rowers has been pretty good."
Feeney has scored 24 tries in his 131-match first-grade career. He is a qualified PE teacher but said he was not ready to retire.
"I still have plenty to offer at NRL level but, in the end, that's up to the clubs," Feeney said.
"I'd hate to think this will be my last season but it is about getting the opportunity to show I can compete at this level.
"I'd like to think my experience could be handy for a club, but when I'm not playing regular first grade in Melbourne, it is hard to get noticed."
Feeney's management is understood to have approached the new Gold Coast Titans franchise, and with his wife expecting the couple's third child, Feeney said a move to Sydney could also be attractive.
"My manager has sounded out a few clubs but I think most are looking at the more high-profile younger players on the market," Feeney said.
Asked if playing out his career in England was an option, Feeney said: "Not really. It is getting harder and harder to qualify to play over there.
"You need to have played 75 per cent of the past two seasons in first grade to qualify and I miss out by a couple of games."
Storm coach Craig Bellamy said Feeney was a victim of circumstance.
"Jamie is a great guy and has made a positive contribution to the club," Bellamy said.
"Unfortunately, back row is an area where we are quite strong and, with salary-cap restrictions, sometimes you are just forced to make these tough calls.
"Hopefully, he picks up something next year."
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Pretty sad to see that Feeney wont be kept ive always been a fan of his...he isnt a headline player who will get 3 dally m points every week...but he really works his **** off and puts in his best effort..all the best for the future!