Keating Signed for $180,000 per season

Brett Kimmorley in limbo after Bulldogs snap up Kris Keating

By David Riccio
June 27, 2010

Canterbury-Bankstown veteran Brett Kimmorley is considering calling time on his glittering 15-year career as the Bulldogs bring in more young talent.

Just four weeks after being considered the best halfback in NSW, Kimmorley faces the tough call after the Bulldogs signed Parramatta five-eighth Kris Keating.

It's expected Keating's signature will be announced in the next 48 hours, coming two weeks after Manly halfback Trent Hodkinson signed an $800,000 deal.

Keating's contract is expected to be worth about $180,000 a season. His arrival at Belmore will reunite the two former Cabramatta clubmates.

Canterbury chief executive Todd Greenberg confirmed Keating would link with the Bulldogs but he was unwilling to comment publicly.

Kimmorley has spoken of his desire to move into a coaching role at the Bulldogs while maintaining his role with Fox Sports.

The Bulldogs believe his experience would be invaluable in grooming Keating and Hodkinson next season.

"We need to make sure we've got something specific for him and that's one of the things we're talking through at the moment," Bulldogs coach Kevin Moore said.

He said the club needed to discuss with Kimmorley's agent George Mimis what sort of role he would have in the long term should he retire.

"I've got a lot of respect for the bloke and whatever decision he decides to make, I think he'll make a go out of it and I've pretty much said that to him.

Kimmorley, 33, has had frequent talks with the Bulldogs about his future since December.

The Bulldogs have said they won't pressure Kimmorley into a decision.

Mimis had meeting with the Bulldogs last Thursday and intends to have another one this week.
"We have had many months of transparent discussions with the Bulldogs CEO and coach and we'll continue those discussions this week," Mimis said.

Asked if it was possible Kimmorley could play on, Mimis said: "There's been interest from here and overseas, none of which we've contemplated seriously."

I DONT THINK HE IS WORTH $180K PER YEAR

"My father used to carve heads of wolves on walking sticks carved with floral decoration.He made it for me when I was 6.Very special to me as he passed away when I was 14.. Would I keep a commercially made one from China? You know the answer to…"

"First game against them the wingers both made poor defensive issues to let in tries. Plus Samrani got burnt by McLean, hope thats been addressed. we were in that game till late, gave away dumb penalties.
I think Simonsson will come in late"

"My simplistic take. I also still wear some knitted sock slippers my mum made for me in the 1960s. Helps my bond with the authenticity of my dear mums creation"

Replies

I.A.K June 27, 2010 at 11:27am

This is what I said back in April.. So far the source has been right in regards to resigning our off contract players. Obviously thurston is resigned with the cowboys and orford is out with a shoulder reconstruction.

Who's our next big target? Speculation is Cronk. I hope so!

Reply by D.I.A.K.CReply by D.I.A.K.C on April 28, 2010 at 12:28pmI have heard from a very good source from parra that; we have no intentions to sign Mateo, Inu and Kris Keating.
He said we are making a play to Thurston and the talk is good but if we don't get him were signing Matt Orford...
You heard it here first......
will swain June 27, 2010 at 11:29am

he is not worth that much. but tell me this do you think mortimer is worth what we are paying him? if the media is right we payed more for mortimer than the dragons did for soward. the dragons are currently 1st off the back of soward compares to us? think we payed too much for mortimer because of his name and the dogs wanted him. dogs signed keating for this amount caust they didnt want us to have him. If it was me id sign humble for min wage and maybe even kimmorley for a yr or 2 on low wages. he can mentor mortimer and humble especially with the kicking game.
iamnot June 27, 2010 at 11:32am

Not on his performances this year, I certainly don't think he is worth that much... Mind you, neither is Mortimer
Djl June 27, 2010 at 5:43pm

hes work 50-100k a year, He is a bench hooker at best. PLEASE DANIEL ANDERSON bring in anthony mitchell
- ZipZip > Djl June 27, 2010 at 6:14pm
  
  I agree, Mitchell would do a good job at filling the void left by Kingston, ie. he is a real hooker.
  Robson and the Keatings have been a joke and are playing out of position anyway.
ParraMagic June 27, 2010 at 6:20pm

I don't think Mitchell has match fitness to step up as yet. He doesn't even play 80 minutes in NSW cup.
Eelectric June 27, 2010 at 6:36pm

no loss at all, his form has been just acceptable, we need someone experienced outside Morts. A good number 6. Call me crazy but I reckon Barrett would be a great buy for a one year deal.
- ParraP > Eelectric June 27, 2010 at 7:35pm
  
  barrett would be great, old head and a good ball player.
  
  But i have a feeling michael monaghan is the one the club is after.
1Eyed Eel June 27, 2010 at 8:14pm

Must be kidding. $180k for a half is nothing. As you've seen with the money that has been paid to Hodkinson, Mortimer, etc. What the hell did we offer... *shakes head*
- Parra Mafia > 1Eyed Eel June 27, 2010 at 8:18pm
  
  I doubt Keating will be playing in the halves with the Dogs. He will most likely be on the bench. He is a versatile player who can pay a number of positions, but he isn't a starting halfback.

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