Media Release
For Immediate Release
Vodafone Warriors sign science, brains and power
Auckland, New Zealand, November 16, 2001 – Vodafone Warriors chief executive officer Mick Watson made a double
announcement today with the signing of Wests Tigers centre John Carlaw, and, international nutrition and supplement
company EAS.
Watson said the Vodafone Warriors have been very proactive during the off-season in building both the football and
business departments of the Vodafone Warriors in order to continually move the organisation forward.
‘Our athletes are thrilled about the prospects of working with a world leader and innovator in nutritional sports
science. With EAS Performance Nutrition products our team will join elite athletes around the world in a programme that
includes members of NFL teams such as the Denver Broncos and St. Louis Rams’, said Watson.
‘Daniel Anderson is an advocate of sports science and we deliberately seek peak performing initiatives for our athletes.
EAS Performance Nutrition products will provide us with a base that allows our athletes to train more effectively, grow
more muscle and obtain greater mass for improved performance. This sponsorship perfectly complements the work of our
strength and speed coach.’
EAS Performance Nutrition branding will appear on the 2002 playing strip of the Vodafone Warriors through a 3-year deal
that has EAS joining the family of current major sponsors Vodafone, Bond::Bond, Lion Breweries and Puma.
Meanwhile, power, brains and speed will be added to the already potent backline of the Vodafone Warriors through the
signing of 26-year old John Carlaw.
Carlaw has played 101 first grade games through stints at the Knights, Hunter Mariners, Melbourne, Balmain and Wests
Tigers. He was the Tigers top try scorer for the 2001 season with a tally of 9 (a career total of 35) and recorded third
best in metres gained (1872).
Head coach Daniel Anderson said Carlaw brings both solidity and attacking prowess to his three-quarter line.
‘John is exactly what we were looking for – a big, fast man. For a relatively young man he also has a lot of experience
so I expect our guys to learn from him. He has an excellent attitude to training and is a consummate professional. I
think you will find that he will quickly find his feet and thrive in our settled environment’, said Anderson.
Carlaw is two subjects away from completing his Bachelor of Commerce degree and expects to acheive the milestone prior
to season 2002 commencing.
‘When recruiting athletes we look at the whole man, what they bring to our club and how they can help us reach our
ultimate aim of one day winning a premiership. John fits that mould perfectly - he is bright, articulate and dedicated.
We will help him with his football and business aspirations’, said Watson.
‘The training facilities here are amongst the best I have seen in the NRL. Daniel Anderson has given me a tremendous
opportunity to play alongside some of the most exciting runners in the competition. On my first week, the clubs signs
one of the best providers of supplements in the market – it’s good to be here’, said Carlaw.
Carlaw has signed a two-year contract with a further option for renewal.
ENDS.