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Stocks rise at the Force

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 08:39

The Western Force have bolstered their squad with versatile Eastern Suburbs outside back Pat Dellit and Australian Under-20 representatives Paul Alo-Emile and Phoenix Battye.

All three will be joining the franchise for the 2011 season.

Alo-Emile and Battye were key members of Australia's U20 team that reached the final of the IRB Junior World Championships in Argentina, playing alongside Perth young gun Justin Turner and Force Academy members Cruze Ah-Nau and Siliva Siliva.

Dellit meanwhile has been rewarded for his outstanding performances in the NSW first grade competition over the past two seasons. This season he has scored 10 tries to date and helped elevate Easts to third on the Shute Shield ladder.

"We're very happy to welcome these three quality young men to our programme," said RugbyWA CEO Vern Reid.

"Both Paul and Phoenix are exciting development propositions who have already shown enormous potential through their performances in schoolboys and the Australian U20 team.

"They're eager to learn and work alongside the high calibre of experienced players we have at the Force and also understand that we're a franchise not afraid to give youngsters their opportunity to shine.

"Pat is a player who has worked hard to become a consistent performer in the tough Sydney franchise competition. Just like Mitch Inman and Ben McCalman who joined the Force last season from the NSW first grade, Pat is someone we hold in high regard and look forward to seeing him grasp his opportunity at the next level," Reid said.

At just 20 years of age Battye is an impressive 204cm and 115kg second row specimen, who has modeled his rugby on Western Force skipper Nathan Sharpe and can't wait to learn from the star lock.

"Sharpie has been a huge influence for me growing up and the way I've played my rugby. Knowing he was at the franchise was a major factor in deciding to join the Force," Battye said.

"He is a great inspiration and leader across the field and also obviously in the specific position I play. I know I can learn a lot from him and I think that will be a huge benefit in the quality and speed of my development.

"Stepping forward into Super rugby with the Force is a tremendous opportunity to take my football to the next level. It's a franchise that has a great track record of helping young players achieve their potential."

Alo-Emile was one of the youngest members of the Australian U20 World Championship squad however his performances left no doubt that an exciting future beckons for the 18-year-old tighthead prop.

One of eight children, the Queensland raised Alo-Emile said the blessing of his family and the opportunity to link up again with U20 front row forwards Ah-Nau (loosehead prop) and Siliva (hooker), as well as developing under the guidance of former Hurricanes prop Tim Fairbrother and Wallabies veteran Matt Dunning was a chance too good to pass up.

"The opportunity to be part of a Super Rugby programme is something I was really hoping to get and with the support of the Force and of my family I'm very happy to be able to take that chance," Alo-Emile said.

"It is a big move and I wasn't too sure what would be best for me but it all became clear once I went across to Perth and saw what the franchise was offering and that WA is a great place to live and play rugby."

Dellit, a 24-year-old outside back who is comfortable filling any of the back three positions, will give Force coaching staff several options next season. The exciting prospect was pursued by a number of franchises but rejected their advances to join the Force, believing the Perth franchise offered the best chance of fulfilling his Super Rugby dreams.

"I was taking to a couple of the other teams but one of the things that was obvious to me was that players selected by the Force don't just sit in the stable, so to speak. If you work hard you're going to get an opportunity which was pretty appealing for me at 24 years of age and going into my first Super rugby season," Dellit said.

"I think the quicker I can get out onto the field and show what I've got the better. All the years that have gone in to developing my game and working towards getting a chance at the top level have paid off and I'm really grateful to the Force for giving me that chance.

"I'm very excited and really just can't wait to get over to Perth and meet the guys and start training for next season."

Alo-Emile and Battye have signed rookie deals while Dellit is on a standard player contract.

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