BENJI/SMITH/MEAD - Market Watch - Eels Blogs

BENJI’S NEXT MOVEBenji Marshall’s time in the Red V will come to an end in four weeks.Market Watch can now confirm the veteran playmaker is searching for a new NRL club after St George Illawarra and Marshall’s management terminated talks about a new deal.Marshall turns 32 next year but is eager to play on in the NRL and ruled out a move to England.After the Dragons tabled him an extension worth $300,000 earlier in the year, the halfback has backed his ability to earn himself a new deal, although his season has been disrupted with injury.Benji Marshall of the Dragons in action.Benji Marshall of the Dragons in action.Source: News Corp AuBENJI’S NEXT MOVEBenji Marshall’s time in the Red V will come to an end in four weeks.Market Watch can now confirm the veteran playmaker is searching for a new NRL club after St George Illawarra and Marshall’s management terminated talks about a new deal.Marshall turns 32 next year but is eager to play on in the NRL and ruled out a move to England.After the Dragons tabled him an extension worth $300,000 earlier in the year, the halfback has backed his ability to earn himself a new deal, although his season has been disrupted with injury.Benji Marshall of the Dragons in action.Benji Marshall of the Dragons in action.Source: News Corp AustraliaSo where will he end up?Parramatta is one club considering making a play for Marshall as they search for someone to replace Kieran Foran.The Eels have spoken with Marshall’s management about bringing the former Kiwi international to the club in 2017 although no offer has been made as they juggle their finances.EELS CHASE BARGAIN HALFThe premature departure of Kieran Foran has opened the door for Jeff Robson to play on in 2017.“I always had the intention this was going to be my last season (but) since I’ve come back to Parra, I’ve really enjoyed playing alongside this playing group and started to enjoy my footy again,” Robson said.“I’m just going to have to weigh up over the next couple of weeks whether it’s worth going on again and sit down with (coach) Brad (Arthur) and see what his plans are and we’ll go from there.”With Corey Norman set to stay on for another three years on a deal worth $700,000-a-season, the Eels are looking at cut-price halves options to partner him next year.Penrith utility Will Smith has emerged as a cheap halves option with his asking price only around the $100,000-a-season mark.Market Watch understands his management has been in talks with the club.The Panthers’ Intrust Super Premiership skipper, Smith also provides versatility as a centre and fullback.But it’s not just the Eels interested in Smith with Manly attempting to lure him to Brookvale before June 30.The Panthers did not grant him a release and he tore his ACL a fortnight later and will miss the rest of the season.***DAVID’S NEXT DEALThe Gold Coast are in serious danger of losing David Mead as interest from Sydney NRL clubs intensifies.Having already attracted the attention of Manly and Canterbury, Market Watch can reveal Parramatta have had informal discussions about luring Mead south, with the versatile outside back looking to continue his journey as a No.1.The arrival of Jarryd Hayne at the Titans will result in player casualties but Mead won’t necessarily be one of them with the veteran player allowance the club’s best chance to keep the 27-year-old.Mead qualifies for the salary cap exemption having spent more than six consecutive years with the one club.The PNG product has been at the Titans since 2008 where he was part of their NYC side before debuting in first grade a year later.But the Sea Eagles and Bulldogs are favourites to land his signature.With Curtis Rona eyeing an early exit from his Bulldogs deal in order to join rugby franchise Western Force, Mead could hold the key.Rona is under contract for 2017 but able to earn more money if he switches codes.The Bulldogs are likely to grant the New Zealand product a release if they can snare Mead’s signature.***http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/tigers-eye-new-hooker-eels-rebuild-plan-whats-next-for-benji-marshall--nrl-market-watch/news-story/e872da5bd6ac6c5d9e0573e6c580f122

"Need way more than that, majority of the players signed would be their depth. Even that is rubbish. As Johnny mentioned too, juniors will be hard to come by.
Look at their last two signings. Sorensen and Talakai. Sorensen is a fine signing for…"

"Precisely. Just makes me think someone at NRL HQ - and we all know who - got a very large suitcase of cash from the WA state government for agreeing to this. "

Replies

luk3_182 August 10, 2016 at 9:19am

Obviously none of this means anything as we will no doubt be linked to every player. Thought id just share it around to see what people think.
Carl August 10, 2016 at 9:24am

Will smith would be handy
Marshall is a no
I'd give Robson another year

If we have keep Robson and get will smith, and maybe keep Cornish as a back up then there's a lot money saved to get a good forward and a hooker
- Glenn Lifetime Eel > Carl August 10, 2016 at 11:30am
  
  Marshall is a huge NO. Saw his performance last week and he made 5 (that I counted) crucial errors on or near the 5th tackle denying the Dragons to put their opponents under pressure.
Carl August 10, 2016 at 9:25am

I'd say yes to mead as well
Mitchy August 10, 2016 at 9:27am

Luk3, I think Parra has been linked to the census cyber attack too. In all truth Will Smith is good attacking but I worry about his defence. Robson has decent defence.
- Monster Eel > Mitchy August 10, 2016 at 10:49am
  
  I don't really rate Will Smith...thought his last movie was shit....errr we are talking about the actor, aren't we?
Sir Col "THE NODDY MUSHROOM" August 10, 2016 at 9:41am

I refuse to be sucked in to media BS over the Eels.

BS
Tin Tim August 10, 2016 at 9:42am

Benji a step backwards!
- Optimistic eel > Tin Tim August 10, 2016 at 9:47am
  
  id take benji for a year if he came cheap enough just to solidfy other positions because there is plenty quality halfs off contract next year
- Tin Tim > Tin Tim August 10, 2016 at 9:58am
  
  Agree in regards to better halves coming off contract, but Benji always having a week here, a were there off. Allow a young halve to have a go that has a good kicking game. If Robbo plays on, him & Norman might be alright for a year together.

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