HULL KR: Mariano made up by one-year pro' deal (video)
WHEN Frankie Mariano played against Sheffield Eagles in the Challenge Cup in June, he knew he would have to work hard to win a Super League contract.
Now, all that blood sweat and tears have paid off after the 22-year-old put pen to paper on a one-year deal at Craven Park.
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Frankie Mariano
Mariano has come a long way since watching Rovers in the east stand every Sunday after playing his matches for Embassy Longhill.
And he intends to repay Rovers for giving him the chance to play for the team he loves.
"A Super League contract is what I've been working so hard for," Mariano said
"After playing, I'd come and stand in the east stand to cheer the players on.
"Playing against Sheffield in the Challenge Cup was a fantastic day.
"All the players made me feel at home and introduced me to the game really well.
"I played as hard as I could to prove I was good enough to Justin.
"I definitely want more first-team action."
Mariano, who can play either centre or second row, admits that first game at Sheffield shaped his outlook towards rugby when he returned to play for the reserves.
"My attitude towards the game changed after facing Sheffield," said Mariano, who was the reserve team player of the year in 2008.
"I found myself helping the younger players that were coming up through the system.
"I felt I had to be a leader to them because I had played for the first team.
"That made me a better player."
The signings of Mariano and Rich Beaumont highlight Rovers' plan to build their squad around the best young British talent.
And Rovers coach Justin Morgan is delighted to have the pair on board for the club's fourth season in Super League.
"Both Frankie and Richard are good, young, home-grown players and they've earned their places in the first-team squad with some impressive reserve performances," he said.
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by ronald mcdonald, town centre
Monday, November 02 2009, 6:34PM
“hammered you are a clown.”
by slammer, EHIW
Monday, November 02 2009, 10:07AM
“Just wondered, I know but I'm looking for some cannon fodder to play cat n mouse with. Looking at Hammered latest 'rant' (he always reverts to type when challenged) I think I'll leave him alone - it seems to me he has been mauled enough by other posters.”
by We'll get hammered next season, Rovers,Caravan Park
Monday, November 02 2009, 9:59AM
“1st team sort of picks it self alright,you will only have 17 players who have played super league next season.Has the season wears on,you are going to get smashed time and again.Your crowds will dwindle,because your fickle fans have been promised big signings.Even further in debt,no stadium improvements.Perfect timing for next round of franchise applications.Bye Bye Dobbins.”
by just wondered, hull
Monday, November 02 2009, 8:57AM
“morning slammer yes your right your wasting your time the kid probably does knot even go to games he,s trying to wind people up but knot that clever he,s using his other name know [eddy] to try and wind the b/w up know you should know by know he,s just a basket case?”
by slammer, EHIW
Monday, November 02 2009, 8:48AM
“hammered, I know i am wasting my time even trying to explain this but here goes. There are a number of reasons why short term contracts (with options) are offered to players, mainly; players given a chance to break into the first grade; players who are approaching there sell-by-date; and then you have those who you want to see how it works out.
Rovers dont need to invest heavily on the first grade team but they do need to develop the future of the club. Hence the reason why they have signed 5 very good prospects.
When you contrast this with FC, who are having to make wholesale changes (something Rovers did a few seasons ago), you are in fact comparing chalk with cheese.
As for Rovers making any 'first grade' signings, Morgs stated he is in the market for a prop but will bide his time. We've all heard the rumours about this player and that player but us Rovers supporters arent too concerned because our Ist team sort of picks itself.”