Long time reader, first post.
First of all i just wanna say hi to everyone, and that i have read this forum and league unlimited for years.
I'm not here to whinge, moan or groan about rumors or speculation because lets face it, its a public forum. On the other hand i do feel the frustration of people like me who never post and see a blog title reading *eels sign inglis*, then reading on to find it all to be a joke.
Now to set the record straight, i dont have and sources of info, i am not in love with a girl associated with any board members, nor do i have friends of friends close to the club.
I would like to share something with you guys however, and that is i can confirm what has transpired with champion. I spoke with his dad yesterday. Basically it is common knowledge that his manager approached parra, and the terms and conditions of the deal were discussed and the figure put forward by the eels was 250k per year over 3 years. This is more $$$ than his current deal. Parra was his preferred club until the signing of whatuira whom the eels snared on a cheap deal (know nothing about that just what i read in the papers). Once whatuira was signed the eels withdrew their offer to champion, hence what has been said in the media.
Anyways like i said long time reader first time poster, this is the first time i have had any knowledge of the dealings within the club and that is due to the player involved not the club. Just thought to share, and also give a bit of back up to the fella who said he had signed, close but no cigar on that front.
Thats that . . . who is hungry?
Replies
um.... Fats must be nearing 30 on a 1 year deal or Champion mid 20's on a 3 year deal??
I know which one i would take.
Why would you still sign Champion? why is going on at our club?
Welcome Nick eelman.
Thanks for the info.
Thanks nice to be a part of the team. I have no idea as far as the club goes it was just by chance this all happened and involved champion. It has been well documented that SK has full power over players, so in my opinion the only logical reason would be to keep funds available for next year. I mean what you say, i agree 100% i would have taken beau had i had a choice. From what i hear though, beau was happy and even though nothing had been signed or agreed upon, a deal was all but done, until whatuira signed.having said that i havnt read anywhere that whatuira has signed officially, however with him being quoted in that story the other day i guess it is a formality.
In saying that though its hard to get a clear picture of whats happening, new coach, new players, i guess we just have to rid it out and wait till the dust settles to gain a clearer picture.
late night kebab always kills me :)
Good opening Blog Nick eelman, welcome to the madhouse.
Oh and welcome. And to all those who read but dont reply. Come on in and say something. Most dont bite! ;)
Welcome to the greatest site Nick Eelman
I think there is method to this apparent madness. Champion is a good young centre - on the verge of rep honours. Is easily worth $200k plus. We were light on in the backline in terms of depth however with the acquisition of Hicks, Whatuira, Atkins and Walker, along with our juniors, no longer have so desperate a requirement to sign a marquee centre to replace Tahu.
Our principal problem has been and remains our lack of a genuine play-maker and despite the club's best efforts, weren't able to secure a marquee 6 or 7. Furthermore, we have two real prospects in the NYC in Loko and Sio and the club probably feels that those guys will develop into potent backline forces.
So, rather than splashing out on a big money centre signing - and one who'll demand a 3 year contract minimum, the thinking obviously is to acquire a bunch of bargain basement players on 1 year and/or incentive deal so as to keep funds available to top up the contracts of our existing players as well as to lure the likes of Quade Cooper to the club next year. Plus, by doing so, we more than likely will keep Loko long term as well.
All up, not a bad tactic.
This reply from Bourbon Man should go onto the 1Eyed Eels website front page and be compulsory reading for all.
The players they have bought are experienced, hard nosed NRL standard footballers. Barring injuries which come with the age, they will produce a product that is consistant with what SK wants each week. This level of senior member consistancy allows for the impulsiveness of a HAYNE or SIO or LOKO. The old heads will get the business done and get us to where we want to be on the field each game. Experience allows a certain confidence and this will rub off on the younger players. If you have won premierships, played SOO, or clocked up 150+ NRL games it allows you to make decisions in the heat of the battle.
No ad hoc footy this year. STRUCTURE - DISCIPLINE and PLAYING FOR EACH OTHER.
I also agree with you Muttman that Quade Cooper would be a gamble, and to throw the chequebook at an untried union convert is unconventional to say the least. I think Kearney would know this, and if we chase him again it will be with SK's blessing so I'll trust that at this stage.
I'm excited about 2011. I think we're a genuine chance of winning, but I'm looking forward to that 2001 feeling where sides were scared to play us because they knew that we are going to give them a fearful 80 minutes.
I am also looking forward to my tipping comp and tipping the Eels with my head and not just my heart.
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