https://7news.com.au/sport/rugby-league/panthers-lose-yeo-for-rest-of-nrl-season-c-423540
He's out for thr remainder of the season and unknown if he'll return.
Does this mean the Panthers will pull RCG out of the market and hold onto him?
In that case 2 of the 3 forwards (Welch, RCG and David Fifita) we are chasing are out.
Replies
Idk but if that brings us closer to going hard for Arrow then so be it. I was thinking how ridiculous it seems that we could get Arrow and Fifita in one year then I realised roosters got Tedesco and Cronk in the same year. Welch (could still come) and Fifita would be the perfect signings I’m getting tingly thinking about it
Welch is still a chance depending how he comes back from injury and RCG would be good, but not if we have pay full freight even if it is only for last couple years of contract. There are better fowards coming through every year and with changes to interchange likely before RCG contract ends, it would be a huge risk to take him off Penrith and have to pay massive money in few years time when his form would likely drop.
As for David Fifita I wouldnt worry if the money talked about is true as he is still contracted to broncos next year and not available till 2021. There will be another young foward available for less money or 1 with more experience for a little extra.
The money talked about for young fowards now is ridiculous. Yes they are big, fast and athletic but that is the standard for many young players coming through now. Young players are inconsistent though and we already have a few young players in our side. We need experience and a strong defender to round out our squad.
Look at some of the young fowards in recent times who were labelled the next big thing. Coen Hess, Rhyse Martin, Bryce Cartwright, Angus Crighton, Joseph Tapine are a few that I can think of. I also recall hearing the phrase the next SBW more times than I can remember but yet to see one maintain form for more than a season or 2. After a great season all attracted attention and some got contracts well above what they deserved with many bagging eels management for not chasing them. Right now a couple are good players but all are currently being overpaid. I like how our management has not been baited into ridiculous contracts out of panic believing we need a certain player or accepting the dodgy deals that player managers demand.
There will be another young gun next year and maybe one of the more experienced fowards will raise a level and be a better pick up for us.
I really hope RCG stays at Penrith or goes to a club that is not Parramattaas he represents a massive gamble at top dollar, too. He may prove me wrong and come good but I think we should spend our money more wisely.
Leilani Latu was playing great football at Penrith before he was signed by the Gold Coast where he has only played 9 games in 2 seasons up there. I have no idea why he hasn't had more success up there but he could be a value option that our recruitment team could make enquiries into. Prior would represent value for money for one or 2 seasons while our young talent develop or Russell Packer who is just not in Madge's plans for the future. I know many here have said players like those ive mentioned would be similar to a lot of duds we have signed in the past but I believe the clus is becoming more thoughtful and considered about recruitment and taking better options there.
I just think we should bolster the team with some experienced players who won't cost the earth while our promising young players improve. If we did sign players on expensive contracts BA might feel obligated to keep selecting them in the top grade to justify their recruitment. Spending big money on RCG and hoping he comes good is something we should avoid.