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Mitch Achurch - another NRL debutante
Topic Started: Mar 20 2012, 07:42 PM (938 Views)
Old Magpie Lad
NYC U20's
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There is a possibility another player from last season's Western Suburbs NSW Cup side will make their NRL debut this year. Our vice-captain from 2011, Mitch Achurch has been named on an extended Penrith bench for their clash with Parramatta this friday night.

Mitch played centre, second row and even front row for Wests last year and won the Jack Ashley Supporters Club Award.

Let's keep our fingers crossed for Mitch.
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Old Magpie Lad
NYC U20's
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Terrific NRL debut for Mitch Achurch tonight coming off the bench for the Panthers against the Eels.

He certainly impressed Ray Warren and Peter Sterling with both commentating about his size and strength and "Rabbits" Warren describing the "quality runs" from Mitch.

Congratulations Mitch from everyone at the Wests Magpies.
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1eyedmagpie
NSW Cup
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Peter Sterling even made the comment that Achurch hadnt even filled out to his shoulders which brought a laugh and comment from Ray Warren. Why cant the magpies attract new players like Achurch for this season? Surely this will show players who want to make it to the NRL can do it through playing for the magpies. You dont have to go through the ranks of toyota cup all the time. Of course it helps, but players develop at different ages. No everyone is the same. Im shattered by the performance of our team yesterday. There were guys there who dont deserve to wear the magpies jersey. If they continue to hang their heads and feel sorry for themselves and make excuses then we are really in for a very humiliating year. And just to top it off, it will be our last year. Great way to be remembered. Who are the current talent scouts for Wests Magpies? Lets start recruiting and finding some decent players around Sydney.
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Old Magpie Lad
NYC U20's
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Mitch is off the the English Super League for the next 4 years to play for Leeds Rhinos. Article from their website

http://www.therhinos.co.uk/news/20023.php

Rhinos capture young Australian forward

Mitch Achurch will move to the Rhinos on a four year contract

World Champions Leeds Rhinos are delighted to announce the capture of Penrith Panthers forward Mitch Achurch, 24, on a four year contract from the 2013 season.

Achurch, who previously played at North Queensland Cowboys, broke into the Penrith NRL side this season. The 6'5" 18 stone forward has made eight appearances in the NRL so far this season for Penrith, including this weekend's defeat at Melbourne. His mother was born in London and moved to Australia as a teenager however Achurch is looking forward to coming back to the UK. He can play in the front row and back row but has also played in the centres.

He commented, "I am really pleased to have signed for four years at the Rhinos. It was obviously a big decision for me but my mum still has a lot of family in England and this feels like the right decision for me. Growing up, every kid dreams of playing in the NRL and I have done that now and it was flattering to have both Penrith and Manly keen to sign me. But, having spoken to Gary Hetherington and Brian McDermott, I am really pleased to join up with the Rhinos. I think the Super League competition will suit my natural game and I am excited about coming over to England for the next four years at least but hopefully longer.

"My first focus is coming over and doing my best for Leeds Rhinos but obviously with my heritage that would make me available for England and the World Cup next year. There is a long way to go between now and then and I need to be playing well but training and playing with world class players at the Rhinos can only help me to develop as a player," added Achurch.

Leeds Rhinos Chief Executive Gary Hetherington said, "We are delighted to have signed a young player with outstanding potential on a long term contract from the NRL. In the current market it is becoming increasingly difficult to sign players who are at the peak of their game from Australia however the challenge is to spot emerging talent and we believe we have got an exciting prospect in Mitch, who will fit in well with the dynamic within our current squad."

Head Coach Brian McDermott added, "We are always looking to identify young talent both in Super League and elsewhere and Mitch is someone we were keen to sign once we have spotted his potential. At 24, he is obviously not the finished product but it has been great to speak to him and hear his appetite to develop and fulfil his potential here at the Rhinos over the next four seasons."
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disco stu
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Quite rare a player goes to England early in his career, thought he would have a few good years of nrl before looking at options overseas.
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1eyedmagpie
NSW Cup
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If you want your career to take off, come play with the Magpies!
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