So according to reports we've paid about $250k per year. The Dragons paid $300k for Soward. Given Soward was in line for rep honours and finished third in the Dally Ms, I think the Dragons have gotten a very reasonable price.
Given Mortz hasn't yet played a full first grade season and isn't earning much less, and indeed I'm tipping after a third party agreement may even be earning more, it's got to be asked whether this was too much money.
The Dragons have a pretty firm policy in place of not overpaying for players. I think they have now got a culture where players know if they stay there they will be well-paid but could probably get more elsewhere. But the fact that they have Wayne Bennett and will always be amongst the contenders mean players are willing to do that. However, it also means they don't necessarily have any of those special players that I believe win you comps.
When we signed Jarryd we set a precedent for how much we were willing to pay and I don't think this signing is going to help that. It was reported that Feleti's contract was $250k when he agreed. So is it any wonder that a player like Feleti would look at the reports of what Mortimer was paid and think if he's getting that well then he should be on considerably more.
Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying we DID sign Mortimer for more than we should. We're clearly paying for potential and if he's as good as the club clearly believes he is, next year that figure may be looking like a bargain.
However, I think Osborne's challenge is that all the players are going to be looking at what each other is earning and be thinking 'Well I should be on more'. That deal would have brought a smile to the face of Kris Keating's manager I'm sure. And how does a senior player like Luke Burt feel about probably being paid less than a 21 year old rookie?
This kind of thing tore the Bulldog's premiership side apart and it's going to take some very good man management from the club to ensure its not an issue for us.
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If it was backended based on performance then I'd be happy, there's some incentive to really perform then.
The media love affair with Morts worries me as far as bang for your buck goes. This is the same love affair the medai has had with Mitchel Pearce and Mullen..... who both ended up playing origin and both of whom are not at the level they should be if you beleive the hype.
Morts is nowhere near a 7 IMO and nowhere near origin. His true value for mine is 150K maybe a bit more if his form develops... but it doesn't make the resigning wrong.
I could be proven wrong but I am 100% satisfied with the club's decision to pay that much for him. We would be screaming the house down if he went to the dogs. As Kevin Moore said on Fox Sports News & Views last night, their is not that many quality kids in that position (5/8 & Halfback) coming through at the moment, so that is why the dogs went so hard for him.
In my opinion we need a qualtiy 1, 6, 7 & 9 (like the storm with slater, inglis, cronk & smith - refuse to say Finch is good haha) to be the spine of your team & pay good $ for them. Mortimer is quality & we now have 2 of these positions covered along with Hayne. Paying big $/overs for Tahu & Poore is more of a concern for me more than paying $250k for a Halfback or 5/8 in Mortimer.
I trust ozzy & DA will keep the right players, I think everyone (including me) was spooked by the early 2000's where we lost class players thanks to Denis & Brian Smith not retaining the correct players. One thing is for sure that we must enjoy 2010 with the GREAT squad as we will not have this cattle in 2011 and beyond, the salary cap makes sure of that. Losing K Inu will not create as much debate as losing Hayne or Mortimer as we should now not focus on paying $300k for an outside back
Look at the lemon Manly have on their hands in Tony Williams, now paying $150,000 for him is a problem that justifies paying $250,000 for a playmaker in morts
Love your work 1eyed & other bloggers, as you guys are as passionate about parra as I am!!
correct me if im wrong but isnt shackleton on 275k a year? im not doubting hes a very solid player but thats a bit rich dont u think?
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