If I add the numbers up for players available in 2016, I get 44 names & that's before anymore signings. I have tried to not double up but I may have done so.
NRL is allowed 25 in the top squad, leaving 19 players from the above list, which could mean the whole of the Wenty team is 2nd tier, however I have noticed when both NRL & Wenty play on same weekend there are players not included in either team, which seems to indicate that a proportion of the NRL 25 are kept in reserve for the team, as just in case players.
It would certainly add up to a good squad, & with the possible inclusion of Hiku, would certainly strengten it further, making for an extra strong squad. However, given the amount of coin that Hiku is likely to be asking, unless Manyly contribute which I doubt would happen, its likely player/s may have to be cut. So does a 12month contractee get cut loose or a 2 yearer who's likely on more money, so who would go?
A deal could however be possible between the dogs & eels for a swap of Hopp for Laisi & court proceedings be dropped with Hoppa. Which could make for a better financial aspect for both dogs & eels, although its not likely, so who is likely to feel the sharpness of the razor for Hiku
Replies
I think regardless of where Hoppa goes there will still be a case of breach of contract.
It is good to see competition for spots.
I think this year one of our junior outside backs needs to step up.
John Folau
Vai Toutai.
One of these guys needs to fire or they are out.
Just saying if a player isn't good enough at 23 means he'll never be good enough is incorrect because players peak in their late 20s. It's just a matter of how long the player is happy to remain a backup and develop his game. Most of them retire by their mid 20s if they aren't top 17. The reason isn't because they're not as good as the backups coming straight out of the NYC; it's because they want to get a real job and get on with their lives.
This is why someone like Rory O'Brien has an NRL contract but didn't for a few years - because he's hit his peak and is now good enough to be an NRL backup.
The answer is we don't need to cut anyone. We may not have to pay Hoppa anything to play for Bulldogs. You could also speculate as to how Manly who have just signed 13 new players including tapau myles brown walker lussick, and still have an international back-line, and same with the Roosters all-star side, or how do Souths fit in Burgess. We have lost a lot of big name players who were on massive contracts - sandow hoppa lussick between them was 1.8 million. Hayne's up-graded contract would have been a million. We also let go of Robinson Matterson Fa'aso Champion from our top 25. Of course we have room for Hiku.
Firstly we can't swap Hoppa and Lafai because Hoppa isn't contracted to the Eels and hasn't been since the 1st of November 2015. We currently have 40 players in our first grade training squad with one being on a train and trial contract.
I reckon there may be a few outside backs culled if Hiku were to come across, the ones that will be cut will be the ones that will be able to get offers from other clubs. The preference would probably be the ones who aren't doing too well in pre-season training.
Nice run down Ham.
Ham, Thanks for putting up that well done script.
The part with Hoppa though in many ways is an unknown owing to the supreme court application which based on Hoppa's application being he has a valid contract, if he wins then it puts the club in a sticky position. No doubt he wont want to come back to the club so a deal has to be worked out with him regarding a pay out, or swap with another player. If Parra wins, then clear playing field.
Tuha is on a train & see contract, out of all the others, those I would prefer seeing off would be Toutai in the backs, a 2 year deal freed up. Terepo, Ualesi in the forwards have not done a lot in what I've seen of them, likewise Edwards, while others like him I have not seen enough owing to injuries in each season to warrant a contract in the top tier. If another had to go, then it would be Kelly.
Maybe they are saying this because by signing with the Bulldogs he has proven he was able to get a new contract and therefore has no case against Parramatta? I guess we will see later.
If we get rid of those 5 players we probably wouldn't be able to get much better.
I hear ya Poppa... I just cant get my head around Peni's hands ever improving or mistakes he makes when playing the ball. I hope he proves me wrong in 2016.
-
1
-
2
-
3
of 3 Next