Thank you, Robbo.
This is from a Foxsport article by Martin Gabor from Newswire
August 15th, 2024 12:02 pm
Roosters coach Trent Robinson has shut down [Hooper driven] speculation he’s trying to sign Mitch Moses, describing recent reports as people “trying to create some news” and that he hasn’t spoken with the Eels halfback at all after missing out on his signature a few years ago.
It adds another layer of intrigue to Friday’s clash between the high-flying Roosters and the battling Eels, with Moses’ future becoming a talking point last week after suggestions he didn’t want to see out the rest of his contract.
The State of Origin star is signed until the end of 2026 with a clause that could keep him in blue and gold for a further two seasons, but the Roosters have been linked with him if he decides to leave early given they have plenty of money to spend with a number of stars leaving.
But Robinson has put an end to those rumours, with the Roosters looking to re-sign Sam Walker as soon as possible.
Trent Robinson has denied claims the Roosters are trying to sign Mitchell Moses. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
“He’s an outstanding player and we tried to sign him a few years ago, but there hasn’t been one conversation about that,” the three-time premiership-winning coach said.
“That’s the madness of our reporting and trying to create some news because there hasn’t been one discussion about that.
“It’s a little bit frustrating because it creates noise in the middle of trying to re-sign Sam and then someone brings up something about someone you’ve never spoken about.
“It creates noise for three or four days, and we’re still talking about it now. That’s our world.”
The Roosters have made it clear they want to extend Walker’s deal beyond 2025, with the young half producing some amazing plays in attack but also showing how he’s matured as a playmaker.The Roosters are keen to re-sign Sam Walker on the back of his brilliant season. Picture: James Worsfold/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
“It’s the best space I’ve seen him in his career with us,” Robinson said.
“He’s really clear on his game, he’s really clear on the team’s game, so I’m really proud of where he’s got to and where he’s working towards.”
Walker isn’t the only one working towards something, with the Roosters to unleash rugby convert Mark Nawaqanitawase this weekend in reserve grade against the Bulldogs at Wentworth Park.
Nawaqanitawase officially started training with the club on Saturday but has already impressed his teammates, with the plan for him to familiarise himself with the sport for the next few weeks having just returned from sevens duties at the Olympics.
Replies
Interesting, Analyst.
They might "try". Who knows? Isaac wouldn't have any qualms about working in the dark arts & screwing us over. None whatsoever. He's a cancer. The Roosters are clever to put him on their terrorist list. I wish we did, too.
As much as the Moses camp is avoiding any public comment, right now, for whatever reasons about the assertions Mitch "is unhappy" and "wants out", is that "silience" in our club's best interests?
Doubt is what festers.
Mitch will have to say something, eventually. His response will be pivotal.
My guess is Moses wants to stay at the Eels, but is having a few moments. Perhaps, a few deep thoughts in his quietest moments? He's human. Dunno.
With the NRL's huge expansions plans, and halves retiring, Mitch could be worth unders on our contract in 2-3 years if he stays healthy and focused. I see our POs probably not taken up by Mitch unless he hits a few issues. Mitch's partner might also push for greener pastures with huge windfalls too.
If I'm the Eels, there's no way he's breaking the next two years. No way in hell.
This make be why Moses hasn't spoken out and denied it, Isaac has told him not to. The reason Isaac told Moses to speak I dont know but maybe it looks like a fuck you to the roosters. Even though you won't deal with me I will still stuff you around play.
Fits the playbook of Isaac as a shit stirring prick who thinks he is bigger then the game and more important then the players.
Well to be fair, how does that stuff Roosters around? Only way it could is Sam Walker negotiations perhaps? But even then Walker knows Roosters intentions as they have been in discussions for months.
It may make Walker take less to stay at the Roosters as competition always creates uncertainty. When there's zero competition ypu could write your own cheque
I think there's been a purposeful leak somewhere
Brisbane are looking at Walker i believe. He will have his suitors for sure. GC would even put a flyer out as they need a 7, so will Dogs.
Roosters and Broncos are only 2. He can get a mil or more Walker, ball is in his court. Linking Moses might cause Walker to go to Brisbane? But doubt it.
If roosters were chasing Moses that may affect a young player like Walker. The difference between good and great players isn't that much and a lot of the difference is the mental side so if Walker is unsure about where he stands of course it could affect his performances. The fact that Robbo has come out so strongly would point towards it affecting the roosters in some way and Isaac would be sitting back thinking he is winning the media battle.
Fake, yes. Perhaps, they were concerned at the optics if they didn't explicitly deny the rumours with potentially all sorts of babbling innuendo about Walker spreading.
It still could (e.g. up north) as Nov 1st is coming, but at least the Roosters took a stand. Admirable.
And it was nice to hear someone take a backhanded swipe at the likes of Hooper, publicly. I would, too.
I can't believe Hooper hasn't been called out over this. Who started the Rooster's rumour?
Just as an aside, Walker is like an adopted son to Politis, the only way he would go home to Brisbane would be family or someone starting up a South Western Brisbane side encompassing Ipswich and even then getting him away from Roosters would be unlikely.\
He will be paid say 800k on the cap and Politis will give him the market shortfall and a house to live in with a buyback clause, probably in the form of an option for all those Parra experts on options. Options do have an intrinsic value you can sell. Calculating the value would not be beyond someone like a Politis associate. i.e sublet an appartment/house or a block of flats with a future price to purchase same.......Fongy what do you think of that idea?
Pops, for sure.
I'd suspect the Roosters would be one of the best for "looking after players" beyond NRL contracts & so-called TPAs that they don't do much of (avoidng a nuisance paper trail for the NRL).
Serious money doing whatever it can to get what it wants in a hugely tribal landscape - which isn't about windfalls for them. The means. The motive. That's a recipe for all sorts of creative and weird, stanger than fiction stuff in the shadows.
Also, I'd add, there are almost certaintly a far darker underbelly filled with almost underworld-minded figures in the game doing their bit to influence various players and decision-makers in the game. I know it happens (even with head coaches). I just don't know how widespread it is.
It's interesting no-one has called out Hooper directly. Robinson did it in a back handed way. I wish we did, too. Perhaps, there are legal implications or risks of directly naming and shaming? Even Fox's loose canoons have to get their lawyers to look over every work.
Hooper would be sitting back laughing at all the articles popping up on this issue. He's keeping his bosses happy with all clicks he's generated.
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