 |  |  | |
 | |||
 | |||
 | |||
 | |||
Grimaldi, Tony |
  Tony GRIMALDI [Player Stats] + Submit additional information or a correction to this player 
Grimaldi set to retire Thu September 14, 2006 by Matthew O'Neill Bulldogs hooker Tony Grimaldi has been ruled out for the rest of the season and will announce an early retirement due to a bluging disk in his neck. Grimaldi has been one of the unsung heroes for the Bulldogs in two stints at the Belmore based club over a period of eight seasons playing a total of 120 first grade games between 1996-98 and 2002-06. A St George junior for the Penhurst RSL Club, Grimaldi played one match for the Dragons in 1995 before heading across to Canterbury. He received limited opportunities in 1996-97 but got his break in 1998 and forced his way into the first grade squad as the Bulldogs made a remarkable run to the Grand Final where he scored a try in the Grand Final. Grimaldi had already signed to play in England for three seasons where he was at Gateshead first and than transferred to Hull FC when the takeover took place. Grimaldi captained Hull FC in 2001 and established himself as a fine competitor for the Humberside club. The lure and challenge of the NRL saw Grimaldi back in Australia for the 2002 season where he linked up with the Bulldogs. He played little first grade between 2002-03 but was never out of the top grade in his final three seasons at Canterbury. Grimaldi played lock in the 2004 Grand Final and this year made the permanent switch to hooker where his form has been sensational. Players like Grimaldi go very un-noticed as the media and public only take an interest in players who look spectacular. The appreciation for Grimaldi came from his team-mates and coaching staff where his appetite for work and his dedication at training stood him allowed him to forge a successful career in both Australia and England. Grimaldi didn't want the news about his neck injury known until after the Grand Final so he can still remain an active part of the squad and allow the focus to remain on the current playing squad, which shows what a fine clubman he is. Whilst he's disappointed at the way he's had to retire, Grimaldi has little complains and said, "It could have been a better way to go out. But I still feel part of it. I'm still part of the team and go to training and help out when I can. "I get nervous watching the games but a premiership win will cheer me up. "The problem is I have had neck trouble before. They told me before that the next time it could be permanent. "I suppose in one way the decision was taken out of my hands. That makes it a bit easier. "At the moment I'm out for the year. I will retire hopefully on grand final day. "I suppose I was the most depressed when I unpacked my bag. It had sat in the garage for a while after the (Broncos) game. "But when I took it out and my boots and mouth guards I knew it was the end. "But I'm getting old and have had a good run." Bulldogs Chief Executive Malcolm Noad said, "Tony is a major loss on the field. He does a lot of dirty work that no one gives him credit for except the players and coaching staff. "He averages over 40 tackles a game. He also provides inspiration and semi-final experience. "Tony is a tremendous club man who has respect from the players and is a player everyone listens to. "He will still contribute in a big way for us through the finals." In a strange twist, the Bulldogs except in 1984 have had one of their favourite sons out injured in five of their six recent Premiership successes. 1980 - Stan Cutler broke his leg in the opening week of the semi-finals against Western Suburbs. Peter Mortimer took his place in the side at centre with Greg Brentnall moving to fullback. 1985 - Terry Lamb suffered a burst blood vessel in his leg in week two of the Finals against St George and was ruled out for the following two weeks. Michael Hagan took his place wearing the No.14 jumper in the Grand Final. Lamb was a non-playing reserve. 1988 - Steve Mortimer broke his arm in the second last match of the season against St George. He was given a soft run at the end of the Grand Final with his arm heavily strapped when the Bulldogs were firmly in control of the match as a sign of appreciation for his service, greatness and loyalty. Mortimer announced his retirement after the game where despite his injury was given a taste of the Grand Final and took part in the lap of honour as a playing member of the side. Hagan who missed much of 1988 through injury took Mortimer's place at halfback and scored the Bulldogs opening try. 1995 - Robert Relf sustained a fractured eye socket injury and blurred vision thanks to Alan Cann in week two of the 1995 Finals series. Steve Price who had only started in one match that season took Relf's place in the starting side and scored the opening try in the Grand Final that year. 2004 - Steve Price was in his final year with the Bulldogs where he had been captain for three seasons. Price was injured the week before the Grand Final against Penrith where Andrew Ryan tookover the captaincy for the Grand Final, which the Bulldogs won against the Roosters. Mortimer had already won three Premierships where he starred in the 1980 triumph and captained the Bulldogs to success in 1984-85. Lamb won his first Premiership at any level in 1984 and returned to win a Premiership in 1988 and captain the Bulldogs to their 1995 triumph. Price was a team-mate of Lamb's in 1995 and Grimaldi was a member of the 2004 success. Unluckily though Cutler and Relf who played in the 1979 and 1998 Grand Finals respectively never got to play in a winning side, although both players were key members of the 1980 and 1995 sides respectively. Grimaldi may have missed out on a chance to win a second Premiership ring but if the Bulldogs are to win on 1st October the players will no doubt give Grimaldi the lap on honour he deserves and carry him on their shoulders as a sign of respect. Congratulations to Grimaldi on a fine career for the Bulldogs and Gateshead/Hull FC. A fine footballer, a great worker and an even better person. Footnote: Grimaldi was made a Life Member of the Penshurst RSL Junior Rugby League Football Club in 2004. Bulldogs injury woes worsen with Grimaldi out of action Tue August 29, 2006 Source: www.bulldogs.com.au Mitsubishi Electric Bulldogs utility forward Tony Grimaldi has been ruled out of action for the next four weeks with a neck injury. The injury (bulging disc) was sustained during the Bulldogs loss to the Broncos in Round 24 and kept him off the field for the narrow loss to the Sea Eagles last Friday. News sent by: www.bulldogs.com.au
|
Privacy Policy | Legals | Terminology | Credits Recommended Screen Resolution 1024 x 768 or higher | All times are Australian Eastern time unless otherwise specified
Rleague.com PTY LTD, operated by Rugby League fans James Stewart (Content, Technical development and implementation), Matthew O'Neill (Content) & Chris Riediger (Content)
Rleague powered by Eight Point Tries
Rleague.com PTY LTD, operated by Rugby League fans James Stewart (Content, Technical development and implementation), Matthew O'Neill (Content) & Chris Riediger (Content)
Rleague powered by Eight Point Tries