As disappointed as I am with how things are transpiring, with our chances seemingly spiralling out of control, I can see some light at the end of the tunnel! IMO now is a good time to clear the decks & look to build a realistic premiership winning roster. I've enjoyed the ride so far, reaching the finals consistently ive thoroughly enjoyed & I appreciate the job BA has done. I don't want this blog to be about the coach however, enough has been said, & I do appreciate that a change in coach is equally important & can help make this happen. Lets turn our attention to our players. The following players are coming off contract this year & next.
2021: Bryce Cartwright, Blake Ferguson, Samuel Hughes, Joey Lussick, Michael Oldfield, Jordan Rankin, Will Smith, Ray Stone
2022: Jakob Arthur, Haze Dunster, Clinton Gutherson, Keegan Hipgrave, Oregon Kaufusi, Reed Mahoney, Ryan Matterson, Marata Niukore, Tom Opacic, Isaiah Papali’i, Junior Paulo, Hayze Perham
From this years list I would only look to resign Cartwright & I wouldn't be throwing overs to keep him. 2022 becomes a greater challenge. Right now I'd be trying to secure Mahoney, Niukore & Papali'i & ruling out any interest in Hipgrave & id be keeping Matterson only for less. He is one I'm really disappointed in at this stage. As for the others I'd be prepared to sit back & see what unfolds in 2022. But every one of them would be on notice. I've always loved Junior & Gutho but im in two minds.
I know with any major roster adjustment, there comes some turbulent times. I'd be prepared to accept this in preference of equipping ourselves with enough money in the cap to pursue the elite players in our game who will realistically help deliver us a premiership. I feel in hindsight we should have gone hard at a few such players this year. I'm jealous at what the dogs have recruited for one.
Anyway I'm keen to get your thoughts?
Replies
Nice blog mate.
I'm not sold on Cartwright, he's a good player when we are up by 20 but not the impact we need off the bench when we are behind, I'd be letting him go.
If we are going to continue with the big wingers we need more skilful forwards.
Our spine needs a shake up, something isn't right and I'm suspicious that it's Gutherson, I'd be chasing Joey Manu.
Im not a fan of Moses but his long kicking game is just about the best in the game, if he wasn't playing on Friday Night we get 60 put on us.
I don't think Paulo is suited anymore and think we should be letting him look elsewhere unless he's prepared to take a msssive pay cut.
Release Matterson and Lane, very similar and offer very little.
Scott
Thanks mate & yes fair call on Cartwright, I'm probably more hopeful with him then anything! I do like Moses, I like how he has improved his game this year & he has done well considering the lack of attacking players we possess.
I agree with you regarding Paulo, Matto & Lane.
I love Gutho but I think he is better suited to centre where I think he would excel in attack.
Junior and Brown need to think run 1st not run pivot distribution like they do know.
Matto I wouldn't d fused if he left
Reed Isaiah and Marata are priorities
I'm really unsure with Gutho, you may be right maybe centre is his best position. No doubt he is playing highly frustrated at the moment & that has lead to his drop off in form.
Does Melbourne and the Roosters need a roster revamp every few years? I noticed Tepai Moreau played for the Storm last night, that's the type of player they bring in to their system.
How good does that young winger (not Addo Carr) go? I don't even know his name but I bet he was developed by the Storm, not poached from elsewhere.
When was the last time they forked out big $$$$ for an elite player? I'm not sure that they have, ever in their entire history. But many have left the Storm as elite players. The problem aint the roster and thinking that it is won't fix a thing.
Our problem is we are paying massive overs for players.
Melbourne and the Roosters only pay the players what they are worth.
Scott
Who are those three Brissy and what is your source ?
Scott
His own imagination
Brissy I know separating fact from fiction is not your strength. Just to fill you in, because something is reported in the media doesn’t make it factual. Credit to you I did omit Luke keary as well. So that’s Keary, Crighton and Tedesco. Have any of their top 30 played for another nrl club? I’m sure there’s probably one or two more, but that hardly constitutes buying a premiership.
I don’t believe for one second that players want to go to those two clubs and stay where the sole motivator is money, there has to be more to it.
We haven’t bought those 3 players or won a premiership. You need to join the rest of us in reality.
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