Seems like every week there are good quality players coming onto the market or that are available that would add something to our team and roster but we aren't seeming to be as active in the player market as we were earlier this year. EG Keon. Barnett
Has anyone heard anything or have any news on any potential signings for 2027 /2028 we may look at? I still believe there is the basis of a very good football side at the Eels but we defintely need 1 or 2 additions of quality players at the absolute least
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We certainly have been poor in recruitment for many many years. I certainly don't have a wrap on the current R &R committee . But it is such a tough environment . Our salary cap turmoil has our club hyper vigilant to auditing, compliance , medical retirements and exchange or loan programs . We are literally relying on being competitive financially and vague connections to club, coach or current players . Every player signs for their own reasons , some purely money , some to develop their game and some to win premierships .
It is well accepted practice that to build a premiership winning squad , you need 2-3 locally produced pathways players on the upper projectile and no more than minimum wage . You need few journeyman who are resilient , not top dollar and can play multiple positions . To get the marque player lots of things must come to the fore front . Players need to have additional incentives to sign on. Media connections and/or clear transitioning programs for players is huge . Roosters are the kings of this evident with recent players Keary ,JWH , Cronk and this is a massive advantage .
looking at our situation , we are banking on 4-5 local pathway boys to not only aim up but exceed expectations . Our cycle timing has never been great either . We are now backing into the final years of a premiership winning ability half in Moses and Prop junior . To add to the woes, the emergence of Perth and PNG adds even more pressure.
A critical selection criteria is matching the coach to the player and playing style . Getting the correct blend of ethnicity is vital . A pre disposition for Polynesian athletes can severely play with a team year to year . The rules changes has certainly thrown a spanner into the works . Big powerful Polynesian men need to have power and stamina . Fijians whilst natural athletes are only coming through in drip feed numbers . Some clubs Also have links to indigenous bloodlines ,such as South Sydney .
We need to get 4-5 players that meet and exceed the criteria . The final peice in the puzzle .
tough job recruitment . Not for the feint hearted .
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