So pretty much everyone knows this roster needs an overhaul, pieces pulled out and put in. But there is one area of this squad that has been apparent and needs addressing before anything else and that is age. Our squad is turning into one of the oldest in the competition, particularly in the forwards where decline happens at a faster rate due to heavily contact and workload. But there is one decision that i feel Parramatta need to make, doubt they will do it this year but needs to be done.
Both RCG and Paulo are on big money, both north of $750k. Paulo more so towards $850-900 range apparently. Both also will turn 32 next year. The minutes both play leads to decline happening at a fast rate. The market for Props is slim due to their importance. A decision should be made on moving on one of these two, using the money to make a for Stefano Utoikamanu. Clubs like Canberra, Redcliffe, Melbourne and of course Sydney have interest in Utoikamanu. Canberra to replace Papali'i, Redcliffe to replace Bromwich, Melbourne to replace Bromwich also, Sydney to replace JWH (Despite having Terrell May and Lindsay Collins, but oh well). Why not try to bring him home, we can match the money Wests are offering, give him that leading Prop status, we have a young Prop to go alongside Paulo or RCG and then hopefully Tuivaiti can take over in 2026/2027. We need to get younger.
It can also be argued to make a play on moving Lane or even Matterson and trying to get a younger back-rower. But there are hard decisions, the two Props who are absolute modern day legends of the club, one needs to move on. Out of the two, it hurts me as i love him as a player since he signed, but RCG might be the one. His stats have dropped more than Paulo, he has had more injuries than Paulo and his contract ends before Paulo. He has also mentioned interest in moving to SL once his contract expires in 2025. I mean he will not be getting his reported $750k salary in the NRL post 2025, plus he might only last another year or two after that. In SL he can get close to that money and play 2 maybe 3 years longer than in the NRL, earn a couple more millions of dollars. It makes sense, i would be saying toe Reg, mate if you want to go now to prolong your career we will let you go.
Now, since BA is odds on to get the Leeds job, i think there is a high possibility some of our older players follow. This is where RCG to SL comes in as i believe he will go to Leeds. They have a young forward pack, adding an RCG would help them and BA knows he can play his style. Once you are able to that, if you can of course and both parties agree, then go hard in your chase for Utoikamanu. With Lomax coming it is a start, getting Utoikamanu and it is moving towards a reboot of some sorts based around the halves we already have. Still a long way to go for this roster as need depth, but what would we rather in 2025? Pay $750k for RCG? Or roughly $800k for Utoikamanu? I know which i would rather. Luckily, Utoikamanu wont be making a decision anytime soon, plus he needs to wait til August at least to see if Wests make the semi's before he test the market due to the clause. Around that time is when the new coach will start to say what he would like etc.
Now, some will come to me and say "It wont happen that way" or "it is not a video game trade" It is just me discussing and giving an idea of my case, will it happen? It is not impossible but also unlikely but it is something i feel Parramatta should do before they wait to long again and miss out.
Replies
I'd tell Junior where to go before RCG. Yes RCG is down on where he has been, but it's not been through lack of effort. He has many times clearly tried to lift the team with his effort, where as Junior, has regularly looked lazy and disinterested.
It's the attitude for me that gets Junior booted, made worse by the fact that he's meant to be a leader in the side.
If i had to choose who i would prefer, it is RCG everyday of the week. But the optics are more in our favour releasing RCG. His contract is less and he has one year remaining and already is keen on SL. Paulo has 2 years left, on more money and i bet would want to stay in NRL. Have to give him a sweatener to go more so i would believe. Plus being a co-captain and popular with group, for a new coach it would be a big move.
Paulo might be rejuvinated from a new coach, so would RCG but one has to go.
Yea people prefer Paulo for his X factor and how good he is on his day. However RCG is more consistent. If we offload some of our forwards, I think it is important for the leader of our forward pack to be consistent and also a starter. Paulo days as a starter are over. And when I look at our current forward pack, I don't think we have many starter type forwards. Grieg is struggling to fit into the modern game. Most of our props are suited to bench or impact roles.
Rcg is way more consistent. Paulo used to put in a good game once a month. Now it's every 2 months.
If Paulo is willing to head off to SL, i would be thrilled to keep RCG over him. Just think more possible RCG agreeing to go.
I don't think paulo will am sure I saw something with his son who is playing only ten built like a 14 year old .... doing well in his team - don't think he would uproot that
I'd also keep rcg over paulo for everyone's reasons
reg is more consistent and I see his body type benefitting more from a new coach moving on with the times and change in playing style
Ive been saying this for a while now and been shouted down by the site...Our middles are old and have been in decline exponentially having been forced to play BA Ball collision chasing for a few years now .....
our competiveness to attract young talent is poor so its all on our new "super coach" and Footy head the great O Neil (thats sarcastic).
Jury still out on may things at Parra at the moment
I wouldn't go after Utoikamanu, he will be chasing big money and I think he is massively overrated. We are spending too much on big middles when the game is changing and they are less suitable.
There is nothing on the market, Utoikamanu is definitely not where he should be in his development but man he has some untapped potential.
I wouldn't be surprised if both Lane and Matterson decide to reitre at the end of this year
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