Rugby League: Well-travelled Simon in his biggest move of all

By Peter Jessup

If John Simon thought his days in top-grade league were over, he would not be crossing the Tasman with his partner and three children to set up a new home in a new country.

Simon has been a Steeler, a Rooster and an Eel and now he is a Warrior. The 27-year-old flew into Auckland late on Sunday keen to revive his National Rugby League career.

If he did not think he had something to offer he would not have been able to front his new team-mates at weight training in the morning.

He had a run at standoff as the squad trained in the afternoon, an indication that coach Mark Graham would bring him into the fray against Penrith in Sydney on Saturday.

"They've welcomed me with open arms. They're a friendly bunch and they get on well so it seems there is a good team spirit," Simon said.

On his injury-blighted start to the 1999 season, repeat quad tears sidelining him for the early games and then Parramatta coach Brian Smith choosing others, Simon said: "I didn't think my career was over by any means. I'm glad of the opportunity."

Of his thoughts on the Auckland club, he said: "I wouldn't be here if I didn't think there was potential in the side. There are a lot of young players - I see it as exciting."

On playing outside Stacey Jones: "He's a brilliant attacking player so I expect he will take some of the pressure off me."

On the injuries: "I came back too early the first time after hurting the leg while kicking. I'm over it now. It's better than ever."

Of Aboriginal descent and from Dapto, in the Illawarra district, Simon was targeted by the Warriors management. A first approach was made after the Auckland side were in Parramatta for the first of two encounters between the clubs this season.

At that stage he did not think much of the idea of coming to New Zealand. And money was not an incentive.

Warriors football manager Hugh McGahan talked him into thinking about it. His fiancee, Amanda, talked him into seeing it as an opening. Now he reckons it could be a good move.

He is staying in a hotel for a week or so, and looking for a flat. Amanda and sons Carlin, aged 3 and nicknamed "Footyhead" because he walks around with a ball all the time, Coen, aged 15 months, and seven-week-old daughter Allira, will move over later in the year when he has found a home.

The Simons will be here for the rest of this season and next and through 2001 if the club takes up a third year option.

He is happy with his form, confident of a good showing.

Simon has played halfback and hooker to State of Origin level but hasn't been a regular at standoff lately. That is clearly where the Warriors want him.

Gene Ngamu, still recovering from surgery to aid blood flow to his calf muscles, is the big loser. The club has told him he is free to go, England propabbly his best option.