Should the Eels make Ryan Papenhausen their marquee outside back, when it's highly probable he would not last a full season due to his injury plagued career ?
In the past 4 seasons Paps has only played 46 out of 90 odd games, that's less than 50%.
Papenhausen's injuries include a shattered knee cap that needed screws, ankle injuries that required plates that have come loose and has missed further games this season, and a serious concussion that forced him to miss half a season. He was injured again last night and needs scans to assess the extent.
In my opinion, I can't see Melbourne offering Paps the big dollars he will probably chase due to his surmounting injury toll. There's no doubt Papenhausen will command close to 900k, but is he too high a risk knowing it's very likely his injury history will not allow him to play more than half a season? Melbourne have always been smart with aging players, and players who are accumulating major injuries.
For mine, I would not recommend a player with this sort of injury history, especially with the amount of cap space he would be taking, but Papenhausen has proved to be an absolute game breaker, and could be crucial in the big end of season matches.
Maybe Ryles has realised the risk and since signed Iongi
Replies
Definitely cant take Papenhuyzen. Maybe get him in as a coach in a few years. He cant stay fit, your best ability is your availability. A few games a year is baked into the expectations for most players, however, RP misses way too many games.
With the amount of accumulating injuries he has, it would be a massive risk for any club, especially a rebuilding club.
Why as a coach?
His best days are behind him. Might still have some part to play but not as a full time player. Maybe a mentoring role
If Iongi has a good season there is no need to even think of a fullback.
Papi has lost a lot of his speed. He is a good support player and is flourishing in one of the best teams and systems in the NRL. I personally think he is slightly overrated and way too much of an injuiry risk,
Edwards, Tedesco, Walsh, Ponga, Kini, Drinkwater, Turbo, Latrell, Hammer and Brimson (injury free) are all better than him I recon. Even Faa'lango may over take him soon.
Disagree. Last week Paps with 2 try assists and 5 line break assists plus a bunch of metres himself. Not sure he's lost too much pace. The thing I like about him is he is a really smart footballer. Sums up situations extremely well. He's still got heaps to offer.
People used to say Tedesco was too injury prone.
It amazes me how our supporter base doesn't recognise value.
Papenhuyzen would bring a level of leadership and professionalism the Eels are sorely lacking .
The Eels aren't in a position not to offer his calibre of player a contract.
Paps in an Eels jumper would be an instant fan favorite , bringing in new sponsors and off field opportunities .
The type of player that can change the trajectory of a club for the better instantly driving better standards and we have supporters who would happily pass.
FMD
He'd look great in Blue and Gold. He's a winner and a great role model.
"The type of player that can change the trajectory of a club for the better instantly driving better standards and we have supporters who would happily pass". 1000% on the money Bup .
But if the club could not lure a coach who could of changed the trajectory of the club for the better instantly driving better standards , then how are the club going to lure a player who can do all these things ?
I would think without a substantial TPA we would be no chance
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