What’s the Buzz: Michael Lichaa has invested in the Sharks’ future despite defection to Bulldogs

WHAT’S THE BUZZ: RISING star Michael Lichaa has invested in the Sharks’ future, despite his defection to the Canterbury Bulldogs.

BOOM hooker Michael Lichaa has invested in the Sharks’ future, despite his defection to the Canterbury Bulldogs.

The Cronulla local junior recently purchased a unit at the club’s new Woolooware Bay development site.

Ironically it was at the same time he agreed to terms for a $900,000 three-year deal plus a car with the Bulldogs.

News_Image_File: Michael Lichaa recently purchased a unit at the club’s new Woolooware Bay development site.

“I’ve grown up in the Shire and I really like the look of the place,” Lichaa told me.

“Even though I’ve signed with the Bulldogs, I’d like to live there myself but I may have to use it as an investment property and rent it out.

“I’m just really excited to have a place there.”

The Sharks development project includes 600 apartments with prices starting from $450,000 for a one-bedroom apartment to $860,000 for three bedrooms.

Club chairman Damian Keogh has also purchased an apartment and skipper Paul Gallen has lodged an expression of interest.

News_Image_File: Michael Lichaa recently purchased a unit at the club’s new Woolooware Bay development site.

The Sharks have been given a huge financial boost from early sales.

The property boom has lifted the club’s projected earnings from $30m to $43m from unit purchases, the extra $13m ensuring the club’s survival in the competition.

On top of that, the Sharks will get a steady income from retail rental in the shopping centre complex.

Building work is expected to start next month

Yet to sign off on Barba

They are slow to move with the times at the Sydney Olympic Park Authority.

We were out visiting the GWS Giants at their impressive new site this week and drove past this slightly outdated billboard.

News_Image_File: Ben Barba still appears on a billboard at Sydney Olympic Park in a Bulldogs jersey.

Giants star Callan Ward is pictured with Rabbitohs superstar Greg Inglis, Swifts netballer Susan Pratley … and a guy called Ben Barba.

Last time we checked he was playing for Brisbane Broncos

Old Sharkie’s tip to land more birdies

IT’S not every day golfing legend Greg Norman is handing out free tips.

When he saw a tweet and photo from stylish Fox Sports presenter Louise Ransome about getting a golf lesson, he was only too happy to jump in.

“Need to work on right elbow position & your shoulder and hip turn will be insync. #easymove,” he tweeted.

News_Image_File: Golfing legend Greg Norman tweeted some helpful tips to Fox Sports reporter Louise Ransome.

FOOTY commentator Andrew Voss is joining the Fox Sports commentary team to call the Warriors’ away games this season.

The deal was done following a request from Sky TV in New Zealand to get continuity in their broadcasts.

Voss has been calling their home games in Auckland since his controversial departure from Channel Nine two years ago. Fox Sports has not announced the signing because of their concern at the reaction from Nine.

News_Rich_Media: In a brutal encounter involving countless head knocks and high shots, Wests Tigers ran out 25-16 victors over South Sydney.

Farah plucks Ryan’s wings

WE loved the Twitter exchange between ex-Tigers teammates Beau Ryan and Robbie Farah this week.

Ryan: “@robbiefarah Good luck this year rob. Hopefully you can force a few more blokes out of the club #sevenandcounting”

Farah: “@therealbeauryan I didn’t force you out champ. Nofoaluma and Koroibete did #theyhaveyoucovered” Ouch.

Hot topic for rev-head Dave

THE NRL’s ridiculous scheduling of a day game on the Gold Coast last Sunday in 40-degree heat saw a number of fans treated for heat exhaustion.

Not that it was a problem for NRL chief executive Dave Smith. He was in Melbourne at the Grand Prix, enjoying the hospitality from an air-conditioned corporate suite.

News_Image_File: David Taylor tries to cool down during the Gold Coast Titans v Wests Tigers game.

I can understand he needs to experience big events but not after one round when crowds and TV ratings slumped so alarmingly.

Gal talent scout

HE might be out injured for six weeks but Origin skipper Paul Gallen is not just sitting around doing nothing.

Instead he’s taking an active role in the Sharks’ recruitment planning, helping out coach Peter Sharp and CEO Steve Noyce in identifying talent for 2015.

News_Rich_Media: Former Bronco Steve Renouf shares his thoughts on Shane Flanagan's potential contract extension at the Cronulla Sharks, as well as how the Broncos will fare in Friday night's clash with the Roosters at Suncorp Stadium.

The trio met during the week to draw up a hit list of possible recruits. They have good money available with the departures of Andrew Fifita and Michael Lichaa plus the salary-cap increase.

Bedsy gets country call up

TRENT Barrett has signed up Newcastle Knights legend Danny Buderus as his assistant Country coach for the annual clash with City in Dubbo on May 4.

The players will love having the former Origin skipper in camp. Peter Sharp helped out last year but is obviously too busy at the Sharks.

News_Image_File: Danny Buderus during a Newcastle Knights training session.

Gallop raids NRL bunker

FOOTBALL Federation Australia boss David Gallop has signed up one of his gun operators from his days as NRL chief executive.

Trish Crews, the woman who launched the game’s outstanding One Community division, has joined FFA.

She has tremendous contacts at the grassroots level where soccer continues to make big inroads.

Erin’s wrecking-ball romance

CHANNEL Nine’s glamorous rugby league personality Erin Molan has fallen in love with a footy player after meeting via Twitter.

The 30-year-old recently began dating Brisbane Lions vice captain Tom Rockliff.

News_Image_File: Rugby League reporter Erin Molan is dating AFL star Tom Rockliff.

It all started when the AFL star tweeted a screen shot of Molan from the Footy Show’s wrecking ball ad. Some cyber banter followed and the pair eventually caught up.

Although Molan is reluctant to discuss the relationship, “it’s early days” we’re told, the long-distance separation has not been a problem. She has been spotted flying to Brisbane on Sunday nights to spend her days off in the Sunshine State.

SAINT

He might have played his last game of footy but Jharal Yow Yeh should never, ever be lost to rugby league. The youngster handled his injury-forced retirement announcement with unbelievable class during the week.

News_Image_File: Broncos fans hold up a sign showing support for recently retired player Jharal Yow Yeh who was forced to retire due to a serious leg injury.

SINNER

Having to watch the Roosters and Broncos on delay with a thousand advertisements. It’s the same with old rivals Parramatta and Manly this afternoon. The TV deal is a disgrace.

SPOTTED

Israel Folau, Jason Stevens, Tim Mannah and J oseph Paulo having dinner at the flash Rockpool Bar and Grill on Wednesday night.

SHOOSH I

Which big name NRL star has been sending photos of his privates to women on his mobile phone? In this day and age, you would think the Origin and test star would know better ... he is dicing with danger ...

SHOOSH II

We mentioned last week how the Bulldogs salary cap miracle workers were chasing Wests Tigers star fullback James Tedesco. The Roosters have beaten them to the punch and will announce his signing in the very near future.

News_Image_File: James Tedesco breaks free from a tackle by Rabbitohs players.

SHOOSH III

If there was a betting market on the first coach sacked in 2014, the Warriors’ Matthew Elliott would be a long odds-on favourite. Some are even suggesting he won’t last until round five.

PAID ON TIME

Coach Wayne Bennett has confirmed he has been paid his monthly salary on time by the Newcastle Knights and is not concerned about their future, knowing the NRL will step in with a rescue package if Nathan Tinkler’s ownership falls over.

News_Rich_Media: Matt Russell and Laurie Daley preview the round three clash between the Storm and the Knights.

DREAM DEBUT

Channel Nine sports director Steve Crawley is raving about the performances of Brett Finch in his debut year as a footy commentator. And we agree. He knows the modern game and delivers his thoughts and analysis like a real pro.

HANDBAG GOES WELL

It was wonderful to see Channel 7 sports personality Jim ‘handbag’ Wilson on the netball court this week in a session with the NSW Swifts. It followed a challenge from wife Chris Bath on Twitter to test himself against the girls. “It certainly gave me a greater appreciation of how tough and physically demanding netball is,” he told me afterwards.