Where there is smoke there is fire I believe.
His deal goes up due to clauses, two more years left. But he's not performing how he should be.
Plus, he is getting older and has a chronic toe injury from last year that will effect him further.
I have always said, one of either RCG or Paulo need to go. We cannot have both due to their age and salary.
I think, as i reckon everyone else here, and weirdly enough everyone agrees, that Paulo would be the one we would choose to let go over RCG.
The issue is: Paulo is so well liked in the squad, and so much so he is a co-captain. Do you want to piss off everyone further more with trying to release him? I think it should not matter but players are human and Ryles needs to make a good first impression. I am not saying the players should do this, more so they more likely will.
Now, if he is to be shopped around, where will he go? Well Dogs and Dragons are the two main candidates. Issue is we more likely will be paying half of his deal which would be around $450-500k for 2025 and 2026. Do we feel we will be able to replace Paulo? I am not sure. Would i be open to seeing how Ryles, a former test and Origin Prop forward, can try and get him going? Of course.
https://www.zerotackle.com/parramatta-eels-address-junior-paulo-exit-rumours-212493/
Replies
The hype around this guy - I don't know why🤷♂️.. He has been a plodder for 2 years.. I'd be tapping him on the shoulder and say goodbye. $950,000 for the next 2 seasons.Our management is embarrassing!!
It's a huge amount on the cap if true, 2 more season at that value when his underperforming difficult calls need to be made - the alarm bells should be ringing when contracts start going past the age of 30 - dont forgot at his Jr peak he would be playing in excess of 30 game per yr including SOO and internationals - ideally the club medically retires him off-loading Jr provides much needed cap relief
I think we're forgetting it will be hard to simply get rid of players, unless another club is interested and we're willing to chip in.
I don't mind if Paulo and RCG stays, provided Ryles changes the way they play and the minutes they get . Put away the off loads. Both big bodies with big motors. Change their running style, when and how they get the balls, avoid being rolled or wrestled in tackles, provide quick plays. A real 1-2 punch up the middle like Fischer-Harris and Leoto does so well for Panthers.
There's no doubt that Ryles would be looking to understand some of the issues that are leading to the relatively poor form from Paulo this past season. I would be very surprised however if his first conclusion was to shop him around, especially without fully understanding all the underlying issues. Ryles would be looking at whether Paulo can play to his salary expectations, and if not, what are the options. If he is merely jumping to conclusions, he is not the coach we need (and I doubt very much this to be the case).
We can't get rid of everyone. But Jnr at $950k is nuts. If we can find another home we definitely should. Keep RCG
Mutt would you get rid of junior if we had to pay 400k plus frieght?
of course, im sure i can find a decent 20-25yr front rower that offer more then junior for $550k and the longer you hold him the more his value drops
Fair enough if thats your call. We need to stop making this stupid deals. There's not many good ones coming through hence why they are paid so much.
Junior on $950k P.Y for the next 2 years is crazy money.
Why aren't we talking about MON the moron who signed him on a 4 year deal? He should be the one moved on ASAP.
Axel, you are spot on. This guy seems to have no flies on him from what we see. The club should have some foresight here but I guess time will tell.
Mixof blame here with MON, BA and the board.
We have too many highly paid fwds but the other issue is Brown who for me is not consistent and now we have Gutho who seems a yard slower due to injuries.
I think two or three tough calls to be made but we need some good ones to come in and upgrades too along with a back up half.
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