Chris Houston signs with the Widnes Vikings

Doubt Buhrer would leave his bum chum DCE at manly.

James, there are clubs in England interested in Houston, Widnes for 1. Everyone on here going on about how he was the worst obviously have high opinions of Snowy, Beau, Doof & Newto.
All in all, the last 2 years have been terrible for a number of reasons, Howzo's hardly been the problem. He & his wife are due their 1st kid around Xmas time so it's a bit awkward timing at the moment, wouldn't be leaving till early Feb most probably if he does sign overseas.
 
I assume given he's not at training that we aren't interested in him even in NSW Cup in 2016 if he does stay. Just my guess though.
 
Houstons close to signing with ESL team, he's been over there this week. I hope Jimmy Mac retires for his own sake, he has not been well since those head knocks he suffered this year. The hold up from what I understand is that he is trying to get compensation for not only 2016 contract payout but also loss of future earnings because he was close to signing a 2/3 year deal with an ESL club to finish his career. NRL failed with their duty of care so it is more about negotiating with them than the Knights I'm told.
 
I don't have an issue with that, medically he is entitled to some sort of compensation if the head damage is true. But I don't think he has much of a case of 'was going to re-sign here, or sign with ESL' befoee the injuries, especially if there was no offer in place
 
I don't have an issue with that, medically he is entitled to some sort of compensation if the head damage is true. But I don't think he has much of a case of 'was going to re-sign here, or sign with ESL' befoee the injuries, especially if there was no offer in place

Why not? He's effectively ended up with brain damage because the NRL were run like a joke on this side of things for many years.

Doctors back in the 50s would have recommended people take a week off after the types of hits league players ran straight back onto the field with until a year or so ago.
 
I have no problem him getting Compensation. But it's hard to give compo on a hypothetical contract they may have signed

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Why not? He's effectively ended up with brain damage because the NRL were run like a joke on this side of things for many years.

Doctors back in the 50s would have recommended people take a week off after the types of hits league players ran straight back onto the field with until a year or so ago.

We would have taken all the necessary tests to clear him, I fail to see how we failed anything.

If his injuries were mounting up its his choice to continue or not and this crap over potential future deals should be irrelevant.
 
We would have taken all the necessary tests to clear him, I fail to see how we failed anything.

If his injuries were mounting up its his choice to continue or not and this crap over potential future deals should be irrelevant.

Yeah, like the NRL concussion rules/tests are really legit & enforced properly. There were numerous times this season where clubs disregarded or flaunted them. Not like a professional footballing organisation like the NFL are facing the prospect of paying out $1billion over the coming years for concussion related injuries or anything. Wonder how'd you feel if it was you or someone in your family that got brain damage. I sure wouldn't mind getting compensation if it was me.
 
I have no problem him getting Compensation. But it's hard to give compo on a hypothetical contract they may have signed

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Yep that's the point I was trying to make. I don't think it would have been a big deal with the contract as it wouldn't have been a big one but you know a last contract and all...
That said compensation for being unable to do his job and maybe other jobs in accordance with the nrls insurance policy he is most definately entitled to
Considering how much he is freakin' Loved in Newcastle there are opportunities post footy anyway
 
Yeah, like the NRL concussion rules/tests are really legit & enforced properly. There were numerous times this season where clubs disregarded or flaunted them. Not like a professional footballing organisation like the NFL are facing the prospect of paying out $1billion over the coming years for concussion related injuries or anything. Wonder how'd you feel if it was you or someone in your family that got brain damage. I sure wouldn't mind getting compensation if it was me.

Its a Dr that looks after a player mate not some trainer. If I saw a family member get knocked out repeatedly I'd be asking them to stop.

I am fine with my oppinion James McManus is responsible for James McManus.
 
Back to the thread. Has Houston got a contract yet? It worries me we will be carrying again next season. Who would want him?
 
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Back to the thread. Has Houston got a contract yet? It worris me we will be carrying again next season. Who would want him?

Apparently he's in England right now, if he's over there I'd say he must have some interest. I actually don't think he'd be too bad over there. He plays 80 minutes, works hard, lanky & tall, might be a bit harder to tackle over there with the less physicality. Wouldn't be surprised if fans love him over there.
 
Houston departs Knights

Tue 1st December, 07:00PM

The Newcastle Knights has released forward Chris Houston from the final year of his contract, effective immediately.

Houston joined the Knights in 2008 and has played 160 games for the Club, including a number as stand-in captain.

“Chris has been a wonderful player over a long period of time and we thank him for his contribution to the Club,” CEO Matt Gidley said.

“We wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”

Houston has signed a two-year contract with Widnes Vikings in the English Super League. The 30-year old departs the NRL after playing 176 games (16 matches for St George Illawarra Dragons in 2007).

A note from Chris:

I want to start by saying thanks to the Knights for giving me an opportunity to play the sport I love from 2008 to 2015.

I have met some great people in Newcastle, both through football and in the wider community. Everyone has been welcoming and supportive throughout my eight years and I have some lifelong friends.

To the sponsors, fans and Members of the Club, thank you for your support. Running out onto the field at Hunter Stadium and hearing that 'Newcastle' chant is something I will definitely miss.

Thanks to the coaching staff who have developed my game, body and most importantly developed me as a person over the years.

To the players, both past and current, I've loved pulling on the jumper and taking the field with you and I wish you well this season and in the future. I'm already looking forward to Old Boys Day.

Once a Knight always a Knight.

Chris Houston


http://www.newcastleknights.com.au/news/2015/11/30/houston_departs_knig.html
 
Before everyone jumps in to smash Houso, I just want to thank him for the effort he's put in for the Knights. Despite his faults, he's a great club man. Want to wish him all the best for his future..
 
Before everyone jumps in to smash Houso, I just want to thank him for the effort he's put in for the Knights. Despite his faults, he's a great club man. Want to wish him all the best for his future..

I'll second that. We saw some good times come from him, some bad too but that's bound to happen in an eight year relationship.
I didn't think he was bad enough for the hammering he copped in recent times either.
Thanks for your services Chris, you gave it your best & that's what I like from a player.
I hope he goes well over there
 
He earnt his pay most years.
If all our players did that, we'd have won a few premierships.
 
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