FORWARD STOCKS BOLSTERED
Thursday 16th December, 2004

Port Kembla have strengthened their forward stocks with the re-signing of Daniel Jiminez.

Jiminez played an important yet unassuming role in The Black's 2004 campaign, playing in 13 First Grade games to go along with his 13 appearances in Reserve Grade. Jiminez filled the second row and lock positions and become known to Blacks fans for his consistent approach to the game.

Along with Jiminez, Port have signed Warilla junior Lincoln Hutchison. Hutchison comes to the club with a good reputation in the Group Seven competition for being a tireless worker at the back of the pack. The young Gorilla adds to Port's recent reputation of trying to focus on youth with a view to secure the club's future for years to come.

Port's main youth focus in the years to come will be based on the talented crop of juniors coming through the club's ranks. Already, Port have seen George Webb, Troy Fleming and Matt Skora make the grade, with Kane Armstrong, Oscar Ferreira, Corey Condon and Christian Kupenga expected to step up to grade in 2005 after a sucessful Under 18's campaign. Matthew Michalowski, Keith Lulia and Keiran Jack are also in line for Grade spots when they return to Port from their SG Ball commitments in 2005.

In other news, local media reports have stated that Black's back rower Nick Nikitaras has signed to play with the Kiama Knights in the Group Seven competition next year. Nikitaras had an unhappy end to the 2004 season, playing injured in numerous games which affected his ability to play his best football. If the report is confirmed, Nikitaras will join former Port Junior John Freitas at Kiama who linked with the club at the beginning of the 2004 season.