Goodes commits to Lions
4 Feb 2009
Barry Goodes has signed a contract with the Lions and could stay longer than just the Super 14.
Goodes, the former Cheetahs centre who returned to South Africa after playing club rugby in Italy last year, was initially on a trial period in Johannesburg. However, chief executive of the Lions Manie Reynecke confirmed that Goodes had proved his worth to coach Loffie Eloff and he had signed with the union.
“After the Super 14, we’ll consult with him and see if he stays on for the Currie Cup,” Reynecke told Die Beeld.
This is more bad news for in-form No 12 Walter Venter, who was last week relegated from the Lions’ 33-man squad for the competition.
It is still unclear how Goodes will be used. Eloff told keo.co.za that the reason for selecting Goodes ahead of Venter was due to the latter’s lack of versatility.
Barring injuries, Doppies la Grange and Jaque Fourie will start in the midfield, Goodes can cover both centre positions as well as flyhalf if necessary, while Venter is only a specialist No 12.
The Lions do not have the all-round quality of the Sharks, Bulls and Stormers, but Eloff told this website he is happy with the depth in their squad.
“I’ve got a very interesting selection nightmare on my hands,” said Eloff, “with many guys to pick from and pushing for places – it’s a good place to be in.”
18 Comments
4 Feb 2009, 10:06 am
Good dragons?
4 Feb 2009, 10:07 am
Another ex Freestate Dragon plying his trade elsewhere.
4 Feb 2009, 10:07 am
I hope your’e doing the right thing Loffie.
FFS, we Lions supporters deserve some Super 14 results.
Now just don’t lose Walter.
4 Feb 2009, 10:17 am
#3 Boelie:
Sorry chomma, dit pynig my om te se, maar ek weet nie of julle Lions hoer as 9de gaan eindig nie. Hoop egter vir die beste!
4 Feb 2009, 10:20 am
#4 Greenpoint-Gunner:
Na die vorige paar jaar lyk 9de op tye na ‘n goeie posisie
4 Feb 2009, 10:25 am
I really hope the lions put up a good showing in this years competion, hopefully midtable.
4 Feb 2009, 10:48 am
Is this good news?
I would play Walter in the S14 and drop Doppies or even better I will sell Doppies to the Sharks.
Then we can earn a little something and the Sharks can get a replacement for Steyn.
4 Feb 2009, 10:58 am
This year’s Super 14 champion will be the Hurricanes. You heard it here first.
4 Feb 2009, 11:37 am
The Goodes, the Bad (The lions team) and the Ugly (Varkhond Grobler)
4 Feb 2009, 11:38 am
Can’t really remember Goodes with Cheetahs. Is he any Goodes
?
Punning aside, we need cover for Andre at flyhalf, and almost anyone is better than Rose, who can be brilliant and useless in the space of 30 seconds.
4 Feb 2009, 11:39 am
Howzit!
Whats the pool number for the muppets challenge on superbru?
4 Feb 2009, 12:22 pm
Walter Venter will join the Sharks as soon as Steyn leaves after the Super 14.
4 Feb 2009, 13:25 pm
It could have helped if you stated his age and value of his contract.
Come on guys earn yo keep. Damn!
4 Feb 2009, 15:07 pm
#12 PissAnt: hey – did you just read that somewhere?
4 Feb 2009, 17:25 pm
That midget of a coach have no idea…sorry LIONS you will end last again. And this only due to bad coaching and kak team selection. Walter will end up at another Union and than play / tackle tha kak out of the Lions players. History will just repeat itself, we loose players to other unions and they become stars!!!!
4 Feb 2009, 17:40 pm
Why can the Lions not contract decent players? Goodes is an average player.
4 Feb 2009, 20:23 pm
What the heck????
Walter Venter out???
He was the only decent player in teh LIONS backline in last years S14 until he got injured….
4 Feb 2009, 20:26 pm
I cannot believe Barry Goodes for nothing is picked ahead of Venter!??!
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