A couple of thoughts by our CEO on our mid year progress. Intesting enough I guess, without saying much.
CEO Sarantinos :
Dear Members,
As we head into our first bye for the season and the Origin period, I would like to provide an update on our football programs.
NRL Update
The first 12 Rounds of the competition have seen our team get off to a good start to the season as we build nicely heading into the second half of the year. There have been some strong performances and great wins against tough opponents, but one of the key positives of this period has been the ability of the squad to perform at such a high level while withstanding some key injuries.
Thankfully as we head into the second half of the season, we have now seen the return of Waqa Blake, Marata Niukore, Sean Russell and Maika Sivo, which provides the squad with much needed depth as we head into the most important part of the season.
Origin Representatives
In a major positive for our Club, we have had three players – Junior Paulo, Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Ryan Matterson, named for the NSW State of Origin team with all three on track to play in Origin 1.
In addition to Junior, who already has 7 games under his belt, we are especially pleased to see Reagan return to the Origin arena on the back of some great form so far this year. It is also exciting to see the NSW debut of Ryan Matterson – Ryan has previously been included in an extended NSW squad during his career but this year he has earned himself a well-deserved place in the final 17. These selections are a tremendous achievement for the individuals and also a testament to our Club’s ability to develop players to representative quality.
NRL Squad Update
The Club this week announced the signing of J'maine Hopgood and the extension of Mitch Rein which continues our build towards the 2023 season. J’maine is a good up and coming player who had interest from a number of NRL Clubs and we are pleased that he will be joining us in 2023. We now have 24 of our NRL Top 30 squad committed for next season.
Ryan Matterson’s form so far this season has been very impressive and whilst he has attracted interest from other clubs, we have made a strong offer for him to continue at the Eels for another four seasons beyond 2022.
Salary Cap Management
I wanted to make some brief comments on how we as a Club approach recruitment and retention.
As a development club, our recruitment strategy is underpinned by producing local talent whilst also building a roster to compete for premierships every year. Inherent in our strategy is responsible salary cap management to ensure funds are appropriately spent to maximise our chances of success.
We have demonstrated our ability for improving players through our coaching, performance and supporting programs. Since 2019, 7 players have played Origin for NSW with 5 of those having made their debut resulting from strong performances for the Eels. We also expect there will be further Eels representation in the mid-season test matches.
Our junior development system has seen many players progress through the ranks, and we continue to apply a dedicated focus towards this area. Currently, we have 15 players in our NRL squad who have come through our elite pathways program and proudly identify as an Eel. Additionally, there are a number of players who join our Club knowing that we can improve their careers.
Whilst we make every endeavour to retain all of our elite talent, a player’s value increases as they develop and perform at a higher level. The upshot being that a salary cap limit makes it challenging to retain everyone.
Might be feeling the heat with our stars leaving. Is this a big hint at what is about to happen to Matto. Perhaps we cant compete with the Dolphins and Sarantinos is trying to get ahead of the carnage about to come his way from fans. Peoples thoughts what do you read into this.
Replies
Sounds very much like it
if they bring back will all is forgiven 🤔🤣🤣
There you Go Carlo just for you. Will waving goodbye to Matto, or saying hello to you.
Can't I have both of them 🤔🤷♀️
Haha... Brilliant, Carlo.
Thats it, right there, Carls has jinxed Matto, expect an announcement very soon he is leaving.
and if he stays you can all bloody thank me too
blind And deaf could be hotdogs tonight for dinner
Are they your toe nails carls? look a bit overdue for a trim?
Omg I had my docs on they are 15 year old boy
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
-
5
of 5 Next