We all saw last year, how a couple of late-season adjustments resulted in a bundle of dominos falling over and half a dozen centres switching clubs, even though a number of them were still contracted to the existing clubs. This year we have a similar situation shaping up in the halves, with a number of playmakers reportedly unhappy at existing clubs, Kieran Foran’s possible return to the game, not to mention the impact Jarryd Hayne may have on the equation. Meanwhile off-contract halves like Benji Marshall, Sam Williams
Reynolds looking elsewhere
Already the media has touted doubt surrounding the futures of Adam Reynolds at Souths and Ben Hunt at Brisbane. Reynolds is allegedly on the wrong side of Souths coach Michael McGuire while Wayne Bennett is having buyer’s regret as to keeping Hunt over Taylor.
If the unrest is real, what we’re looking for is either of those clubs having options that will let them shift on either player. Souths are always going to have cap pressures in relation to their halves, given they have so much of their cap on marquee players Greg Inglis and Sam Burgess. As such, if Michael McGuire thinks he can get the job done with a cost-effective half, he may be willing to let Reynolds go. That could include picking up a player like Sam Williams or even Benji Marshall. If Souths do let him go, expect Parramatta to pounce given they are looking for a genuine playmaker with a kicking game, and they have the money to spend.
Titans are half-heavy
The Hayne Plane landing at the Gold Coast is sure to have ramifications at the Titans, and this week’s game with Hayne at six, could have a massive impact on the competition. In his opening game with the Titans, Hayne looked menacing as a ball-player and if the Gold Coast are to get full-value out of Hayne, they may consider moving him into the halves, especially given how well David Mead has played all year. What’s almost certain is they won’t be able to keep Ash Taylor, Kane Elgey and Hayne on the books, and they’ve got possible five-eighth/fullback Hoffman and value half Tyrone Roberts on the roster as well. If Brisbane decides they want to go after Taylor, and Taylor wants away badly enough, the Gold Coast may choose to start bedding down long-term combinations. If they can convince Taylor that’s him, they may even decide to let Elgey head elsewhere. And of course, if Ben Hunt leaves Brisbane, he will have no shortage of admirers with a club like St George probably willing to throw massive money at the Brisbane half as they search for direction.
The Foran question
Then there is Kieran Foran. He’s been strongly linked to the Bulldogs, which would likely see Josh Reynolds moved on. Again, a club like St George would go in hard after Reynolds if he became available. At this stage it’s a waiting game to see if Foran does return in 2017, both in terms of his own mental health and the likely fallout from the match fixing allegations. However, if he is able to come back to the game, that will almost certainly set the dominos in motion again.
The other halves
There are a number of off-contract and fringe halves that will play key roles in all of this. I’ve already mentioned Sam Williams and Benji Marshall who will be trying to find starting roles. Kodi Nikorima may also be attractive to a club looking to pick up a value acquisition.
The other factor that will influence club's willingness to shift around the deck chairs is the huge number of big-money halves who are off-contract next year. Next year is certainly going to be a sellers market, and players like Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses could be looking at million dollar paydays if they keep improving.
It will be very tempting for clubs to attempt to get their halves situation wrapped up, so that a) they aren’t forced to spend overs next year and b) they aren’t caught in the distraction of being in the halves market and the uncertainty surrounding that.
As last year showed with the shifting of centres, player managers will shop their players around mercilessly to secure every last dime, so don’t think that there may not be a lot of movement over the next four to six weeks.
Replies
It's a good time for us as a club, the front of house is strengthening, Ba is locked in and our cap is strong!
This is a good blog.
No matter the player movement for next year if we get another good pre season under our belt I'm confident we will have a very solid year.
luke brooks is the one i'd go after if we're gonna plan for it. the tigers don't have TPAs to be able replicate what the storm have done with their big 3. one of them HAS to go. HAS to. like i said earlier i'd stay clear of moses because of his uncle, more trouble than it's worth
He has potential for sure. The only problem I see is they are both instinctive, running style players, we need at least 1 organiser.
I'd hate to see us go for a 7 who defends even worse than Sandow. BA spent so much effort securing a half that could defend (Foran), I don't see him being overly keen on bringing Brooks over. Moses is the one who's looking like the pick of that pair and I don't really care who his uncle is, that's irrelevant IMO
It's interesting that the Titans are now going to have the exact problem that we thought we were going to have when we had Foran and Norman on the books. For Hayne to justify any where near his pay packet he's going to have to play in the halves (and probably take on captaincy duties too) - so which half do you cut for an expensive and unproven half in Hayne? Glad it's a Titans problem now. It's a massive gamble that could pay off big time, or it could end in tears.
I've got a funny feeling Adam Reynolds might end up at the Eels next year . . . .
You always have a funny feeling Kram, i do too mate i'm watching the womens beach volleyball.
The question is does BA play in this year's merry-go-round and go for Hunt or Reynolds, or wait for the off-contract halves next year. If we wait we'll need another Gordon-type half for 2017.
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
-
5
of 5 Next