There has been a lot of discussion over the age of some of our recruits, especially seeing as we've released younger players. Hodgson, Rein and if we get him, Tariq Sims, are all over 30.
Now I don't have any real inside information into the ongoing plans of the club when it comes to development and recruitment, however I have a feeling these players are being seen as bridging players.
They are to come in, play a role, and fill a gap in the side until a longer term replacement is found either via our junior system or via outside recruitment.
I am basing this on an article written about the Australian cricket team a few years ago, questioning why so many players are selected on potential instead of form. Rugby league is obviously a bit different because there are 16 other teams looking to recruit, not one national side that can pick whoever it wants.
That being said, NRL teams banking their future on a couple of teenage stars isn't unheard of and happens fairly regularly. Sometimes, at the cost of a veteran player who could fill the same position for a season or two, before the younger edition takes over.
In recent years, Parramatta has utilised these bridging players to an extent.
Makahesi Makatoa is an example of this. A seasoned lower grades veteran given his crack this season over a raw rookie and taking his chance with both hands. It's unlikely Makatoa remains with the club beyond this season as those younger players such as Dave Hollis and Ky Rodwell come into grade.
Andrew Davey is another, and could easily have played most of this season in first grade for Manly if he didn't suffer an ACL tear.
With Reed Mahoney departing for 2023, Parramatta does not have a recognised junior hooker who could shift into the starting spot. For 2022, Mitch Rein will operate as a back up, while Josh Hodgson will arrive for two seasons in 2023.
The club has bought itself time with those two recruitments, which aren't costing a lot, to decide what it will do going into the future. Brendan Hands could develop into a frontline hooker, or it could be a young hooker we steal from another club similar to Mahoney that takes over long term.
Rein and Hodgson will serve two purposes. They'll add further experience to the spine, while being a known quantity. What they do won't be a surprise to their coaching staff or teammates, but there's also fairly little risk in terms of betting the club's future on an inexperienced rookie.
Tariq Sims too could be a similar recruitment. With the departure of both Niukore and Papali'i, the club will need another backrower. Sims is an Origin player, with 202 games of NRL experience. Again, he buys time for the club to either recruit a longer term option or develop a player from the junior system.
For the right price and the right contract length, these aren't bad recruitments. Hodgson has been signed for two seasons. There's no guarantee he'll even be the starter. Mitch Rein won't be starting. What they do is give the club enough time to make a longer term decision, and means it doesn't have to panic in finding another hooker.
Sometimes buying the player in hand is better than splashing the cash on one with potential.
As for Bailey Simonsson, he's a little in between. He's still raw, but has 40 games of experience in the NRL. Without him the Eels backline would be looking at having Haze Dunster and one of Sean Russell, Sam Loizou or Solomone Naiduki. A wing pairing notably low on NRL experience before the return of Maika Sivo.
Simonsson could be a 10 year player if he fixes his hands and improves his performances, or he could simply be a gap filler for a few seasons as the club develops more outside backs.
Replies
Rein will almost certainly be a back up hooker, and one with experience so he is a good depth signing.I believe Hodgson is still a top class NRL hooker and a change of clubs could be just what he needs to power on for another couple of season. He is also very experienced which should be a big bonus to our spine as well as for the juniors coming through. I wouldn't mind seeing him steal the ball for us, instead of off us. Sims is a weapon and if BA can get him firing better than he already is he will be awesome.
The Eels are putting a lot of work into the juniors and these guys can only help make the up and comers better prepared for playing in the NRL. The fact that we have a good number of juniors in the emerging Blues is a big possitive, but they will not only require coaching from the staff, they will also need guidence from the senior players so who better than players with origin and international experience.
I'm really looking forward to seeing how pumped Hodgson is when he runs out onto Commbank stadium wearing the Mighty Blue and Gold with the massive Eels crowd going off. He will be like a kid in a candy store but with the experience to understand what needs to be done to get this crowd going wild. That roar will bring out the best in him and I have no doubt he will put on a show for us just so he can hear it over and over again.
As for Mahoney, He needs to enjoy his time in the Blue and Gold in 2022 because the sounds coming from the stands after that won't be cheering when he runs onto the field.
I couldn't agree more coach Jim.
Coach many older players with smarts and having been coached by a variety of Top coaches can contribute a lot with the development of younger players.
There s a gap in premiership s too
Idk why we need a bridge player when Reece Robson was available. He could easily be like B Smtih.
That's my point though. He's another you'd pick on potential and he may not be at the right price point for us, or the Cowboys may put up a fair fight to keep him. We may not have ruled him out. But securing Hodgson means we don't need to rush into a long term decision now.
Robson has talent but the fact he's only been at shit clubs is a concern.
Dylan Brown should have been developed into a hooker. He has fantastic defence, a great pass and can kick. He certainly hasn't set the world on fire at 6, so why wouldn't we try it? Gutho or whoever can play 6.
I'm glad you mentioned Andrew Davey as it may put Papali'i leaving in perspective. When we lost Davey many people were upset as he found some form and was definitely worth another contract. But when we signed him it was a short term contract which had little risk as he was a depth signing and cheap. His value went up so we looked for cheaper option to fill the gap and provide depth which Papali'i did. So with Davey, Papali'i, Nikure all being developed from cheap contracts to higher value and leaving, I have faith the systems in place for 2nd row or bench foward at the eels is fine and will be interested to see who BA has pencilled in for next year.
I believe Rein may also show similar improvement in his game as Davey and Papali'i did and rediscover his form from saints which wasn't too long ago where he was good in a poor team. If Mahoney is injured next year, Rein could be this year's suprise playing above his contract value.
As for Hodgson signing I was hoping we would look to the Q cup for a hooker to replace Mahoney as there are a few good ones running around in better age bracket of mid to late 20s but I think it points to the faith of upcoming juniors. Due to Hodgson age he may get first go at number 9 in 2023 but feel come 2024 he will be bench/back up hooker to whoever club believe will step up. Hodgson will also be used to captain and lead reserve grade team to help develop upcoming players and provide leadership.
We are a team wheras it's been blatantly obvious we've been in desperate need of some older calming influences on the paddock when under pressure. I like that BAs finally adressing it. We shit our pants in the oppositions 20m and have no idea what to do. Especially when we are behind. However unless we can get either Sims or Hodgson next year , I'm afraid at this stage it seems like it'll be too late. Rein is a good player don't discount his ability.
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