Recruitment and Retention for 2025

[Dragons Chris]

Not a big deal to lose either. But if the club can rid of those you mentioned above, I'd be in favour of keeping both. Just as long as it's short term, especially Tom given the number of young forwards coming through. I hate the talk about how he has been good this year and earned himself an extension. Really? In which game? Seems the bar is set so low for some players.

Amen!

 

[GCRV]

All sounds pretty accurate.. coupla points:

o Justa mentioned the current RCG offer is 2yrs + an Option for a 3rd, but no clarity yet on what sort of option were talking , nor should we know those details until its agreed on, and I do think even if we sign RCG this week, it would make more sense to announce it either after the round or even after the season.. just 1 less headline for Parras last home game.. and also their spoonbowl which will be a huge game.

o Bird, Lawrie, Rava and im almost certain Fifita will be tapped to go.. Fifita and Bird r on 1yr deals I think we could break even on both, the 2yr ones r tricky.. I think Rava would be a good prospect for the UK.. I think his big runs would get bums on seats.. whats letting him down is his defence in nsw cup.. and its 2yrs left on his contract.. hopefully it wasnt huge money... Lawrie I dont know how were gonna move him.. I rly dont.. we might just need to suck it up.. maybe we can frontload the money into 2024 where I'd say theres a reasonable chance we cant spend all our cap dollars... not sure if thats allowed though.

o Ramsey is tricky.. Ramsey himself would have to be fairly positive that hes not gonna make it back.. otherwise im sure hes going to want to keep training into 2025.. its a tricky one.. we might not get his Top30 spot back until mid-2025.. so maybe we could chase someone mid-season.

o Tom & Max I think are dependant on removal of those other players.. I think thats Phase 4 or Phase 17 of the roster rebuild.. we will get em if we can, and if it suits the make-up of what we need.. for example if Holmes rly does end up our fullback, then Max could be a really smart right centre cover.. but he has other offers it was said i think on here.. so its not a sure thing he wants to stay for bottom dollar.

o Lastly we still havent gotten our halves injury coverage.. perhaps it ends up being Bird (given hes already signed).. but if we can move on Bird.. then we could get someone new.. that someone could be Marshke for 1 more year, but I am starting to wonder whats going on with Marshkes injuries.. maybe we are better off looking further abroad.

If the club can move all 4 on, it would be a massive boost. Allow for Tom and Max and another 1 or 2 young players and 1 or 2 spots open for clubs in salary cap trouble trying to move players on.

 

[Mug Fan]

Article behind a paywall in the DT.

• Saifiti is not ruled out but RCG more likely. Club not budging on 2 years. He wants 3.
• Tom Eisenhuth looking at an extension "following an impressive first season" at the club. Utter BS! He's been average at best.
• Bird, Lawrie and Rava all free to move on now.
• Ramsey is in the top 30 next year but doubts he can make it back next year, if ever.
• Max Feagai in talks about an extension. If you asked me before last Sunday's game, I would've been in favour of it. Not sure now. How is their defence so bad? It must be attitude. No way they could have made it this far without being able to tackle. It's not just missing tackles but the way they do it. Ball runner just blow right past them. Better this year than last year but still so frustrating to see.
• Russell and Muhleisen on the way out.

This is all old news that I have covered before.

RCG offered 2 with 3rd year option.
Max and Tom only offered SL contract's
I expect them to move on
We have already applied to have Ramsey not counted in our top 30 for next season
Fifita have heard nothing about him being moved on and now he is out for 4 months doubt anyone would pick him up anyway.

 

[AyiosYiorgos]

This is all old news that I have covered before.

RCG offered 2 with 3rd year option.
Max and Tom only offered SL contract's
I expect them to move on
We have already applied to have Ramsey not counted in our top 30 for next season
Fifita have heard nothing about him being moved on and now he is out for 4 months doubt anyone would pick him up anyway.

What's wrong with Fifita's foot?

 

[Dragons Chris]

Halves to hit the open market Nov 1​

• Daly Cherry-Evans - too old
• Toby Sexton - No. Not a bad player, gave Hunt a bath but we need Ward or Reed to get ready next year to take over in 2026.
• Sam Walker - Too expensive. Not worth 1 mil.
• Ben Hunt - Retire
• Adam Reynolds - Retire
• Chad Townsend - Retire
• Daniel Atkinson - Who?
• Kyle Flanagan - Not good enough for NRL
• Tanah Boyd - Not good enough for NRL
• Jake Clifford - Not good enough for NRL
• Jackson Hastings - On ability alone to play 5/8, I'd back him 100% but I think there might be other factors making him not suitable.
• Bailey Hayward - Who?
• Drew Hutchison - For a minimum wage, back up half or 5/8, 100% worth signing.
• Lachlan Ilias - Might be an ok 5/8. Terrible halfback.
• Sean O’Sullivan - Retire and not good enough.
• Jonah Pezet - Not as a halfback. Might be ok as a running 5/8.
• Brad Schneider - I've heard the name but that's about it.
• Aidan Sezer - Retire
• Blake Taaffe - Fullback
• Braydon Trindall - Maybe.
• Jake Arthur - Not good enough for NRL.

 

[TheRev]

Judging halves is something none of us are equipped to do, there are so many external factors that go into whether they look like gods or useless or anywhere in between.. and guys like Fogarty, Sexton, Clifford, Dearden and even Sezer are proof that being an NRL 7 is seriously hard and it takes a good coach, a good system and some failures to get there.

I dont know what Flannos plan is for 2026... i'm mad keen to get a discarded 7 in to replace Marshke as our injury cover but also to get 12 months (and 2 preseasons) with a young halfback, and if it goes well.. we have our 2026 Halfback ready to go... if we dont do that.. were gonna have to get someone in cold for 2026 and end up rolling the dice with our season.. this seems like a free opportunity to trial someone in 2025.

I know not many agree, but I think Boyd has real talent with his running and long kicking, I thought he was unfairly discarded by a side who is overflowing with spine players.. he would be my choice.. but whatever I just want Flanno to have a crack at 1 of em that he thinks might be a chance.. hes going to want atleast 1 experienced 6 or 7 in that halves combination though.. but I dont think hes going to find a sure thing, hes going to have to take a punt as halves are a very very rare commodity thesedays... especially with all the big ones at retirement age.

 

[Edward]

Judging halves is something none of us are equipped to do, there are so many external factors that go into whether they look like gods or useless or anywhere in between.. and guys like Fogarty, Sexton, Clifford, Dearden and even Sezer are proof that being an NRL 7 is seriously hard and it takes a good coach, a good system and some failures to get there.

I dont know what Flannos plan is for 2026... i'm mad keen to get a discarded 7 in to replace Marshke as our injury cover but also to get 12 months (and 2 preseasons) with a young halfback, and if it goes well.. we have our 2026 Halfback ready to go... if we dont do that.. were gonna have to get someone in cold for 2026 and end up rolling the dice with our season.. this seems like a free opportunity to trial someone in 2025.

I know not many agree, but I think Boyd has real talent with his running and long kicking, I thought he was unfairly discarded by a side who is overflowing with spine players.. he would be my choice.. but whatever I just want Flanno to have a crack at 1 of em that he thinks might be a chance.. hes going to want atleast 1 experienced 6 or 7 in that halves combination though.. but I dont think hes going to find a sure thing, hes going to have to take a punt as halves are a very very rare commodity thesedays... especially with all the big ones at retirement age.

I wouldn't consider Boyd as the main playmaker. He was terrible against the Dragons early in the year. But as a foil for a main playmaker, I agree with you. Good long kicking game, strong defender and not a non -existent running game. Seems like his okay in a number of areas but not really good in any. So a good foil for a playmaker.

 

[GCRV]

I know not many agree, but I think Boyd has real talent with his running and long kicking, I thought he was unfairly discarded by a side who is overflowing with spine players.. he would be my choice.. but whatever I just want Flanno to have a crack at 1 of em that he thinks might be a chance.. hes going to want atleast 1 experienced 6 or 7 in that halves combination though.. but I dont think hes going to find a sure thing, hes going to have to take a punt as halves are a very very rare commodity thesedays... especially with all the big ones at retirement age.

I don't know about Boyd. I think the club is better putting its hopes in LKT and Ward. LKT next year and Ward in 2026. I understand and agree it would be better to have one good, experienced half but that is not a situation the club is in. Unless the plan is to stick with Kyle as the senior playmaker but without getting into it too much, I think he's an ok sidekick for a senior half but not one himself.

 

[Eric]

Free agents from November 1:

• Brisbane: Adam Reynolds, Blake Mozer, Corey Jensen, Cory Paix, Fletcher Baker, Jack Gosiewski, Jayden Hunt, Kobe Hetherington, Kotoni Staggs, Reece Walsh, Tristan Sailor, Tyson Smoothy, Xavier Willison.
  
  
• Canberra: Emre Guler, Albert Hopoate, Danny Levi, Josh Papalii, Vena Patuki-Case, Hohepa Puru, Simi Sasagi, Xavier Savage, Tom Starling.
  
  
• Canterbury-Bankstown: Josh Addo-Carr, Josh Curran, Drew Hutchison, Kitione Kautoga, Kurt Mann, Jaeman Salmon, Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Ryan Sutton, Blake Taaffe, Jake Turpin, Blake Wilson, Bronson Xerri.
  
  
• Cronulla: Daniel Atkinson, Kade Dykes, Tukupa-Ke Hau Tapuha, Thomas Hazelton, Royce Hunt, Oregon Kaufusi, William Kennedy, Cameron McInnes, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Sam Stonestreet, Braydon Trindall, Teig Wilton
  
  
• Dolphins: Connelly Lemuelu, Felise Kaufusi, Harrison Graham, Jack Bostock, Josh Kerr, Kenneath Bromwich, Mark Nicholls (CO), Mason Teague (mutual option), Robert Jennings (mutual option), Sean O’Sullivan.
  
  
• Gold Coast: Aaron Schoupp, Harley Smith-Shields, Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui, Jojo Fifita, Josiah Pahulu, Keenan Palasia, Ken Maumalo, Ryan Foran, Tanah Boyd, Tony Francis.
  
  
• Manly: Ben Condon, Brad Parker, Clayton Faulalo, Daly Cherry-Evans, Ethan Bullemor, Jake Arthur, Josh Aloiai, Toafofoa Sipley, Dean Matterson, Tommy Talau, Aitasi James.
  
  
• Melbourne: Alex McDonald, Bronson Garlick, Jonah Pezet, Josh King, Ryan Papenhuyzen, Trent Loiero, Tui Kamikamica, Tyran Wishart (player option for 2026).
  
  
• Newcastle: Adam Elliott, Dylan Lucas, Jack Hetherington, Riley Jones, Jackson Hastings, Will Pryce, Sebastian Su’a, Thomas Jenkins, Tyson Frizell (player option for 25), Jayden Brailey, Jed Cartwright, Kai Pearce-Paul, Paul Bryan.
  
  
• North Queensland: Braidon Burns, D’Jazirhae Pua’avase, Griffin Neame, Harrison Edwards (CO), Reece Robson, Robert Derby, Thomas Duffy, Tom Chester, Valentine Holmes, Viliame Vailea, Zac Laybutt.
  
  
• Parramatta: Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Bryce Cartwright, Matt Doorey, Haze Dunster, Wiremu Greig, Clinton Gutherson, Brendan Hands, Joey Lussick, Toni Mataele, Luca Moretti, Joe Ofahengaue, Sean Russell, Blaize Talagi, Kelma Tuilagi, Sam Tuivaiti.
  
  
• Penrith: Brad Schneider, Harrison Hassett, Preston Riki, Soni Luke.
  
  
• St George Illawarra: Christian Tuipulotu, Dan Russell (mutual option for 25), Fa’amanu Brown (club option for 25), Jack Bird (mutual option for 25), Ryan Couchman, Toby Couchman, Sione Finau, Viliami Fifita, Kyle Flanagan, Michael Molo, Raymond Faitala-Mariner.
  
  
• South Sydney: Alex Johnston, Cody Walker, Damien Cook, Ben Lovett, Haizyn Mellars, Jacob Host, Liam Le Blanc, Lachlan Ilias (granted permission to leave for 2025), Siliva Havili.
  
  
• Sydney Roosters: Brandon Smith, Connor Watson, Egan Butcher, James Tedesco, Junior Pauga, Robert Toia, Spencer Leniu
  
  
• Warriors: Bunty Afoa, Tom Ale, Mitch Barnett, Jackson Ford, Tohu Harris, Edward Kosi, Ali Leiataua, Te Maire Martin, Marcelo Montoya, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Adam Pompey, Taine Tuaupiki, Dylan Walker, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.
  
  
• Wests Tigers: Aidan Sezer (mutual option for 25), Alex Seyfarth, Alex Lobb, Chris Fa’agutu, Brandon Tumeth (player option), Josh Feledy, Justin Matamua, Brent Naden, Charlie Staines, Isaiah Papali’i, David Klemmer, Fonua Pole.

 

[Eric]

Maybe if Flanno wants a big prop, maybe he should go after Xavier Willison or at least Corey Jensen from the Broncos.
Royce Hunt from the Shonkies.
Iszac Fa’asuamaleau from Gold Coast
So this isn't Dan Russells last year unless some other club will pick him up.
Spencer Leniu was only just extended. So this is wrong.
Bunty Afoa or Mitch Barnett from the Warriors but they won't let Barnett leave early. So maybe Afoa.

I guess that's all apart from a few retiring and a few we have already been linked to.

 

[Dragons Chris]

Maybe if Flanno wants a big prop, maybe he should go after Xavier Willison or at least Corey Jensen from the Broncos.
Royce Hunt from the Shonkies.
Iszac Fa’asuamaleau from Gold Coast
So this isn't Dan Russells last year unless some other club will pick him up.
Spencer Leniu was only just extended. So this is wrong.
Bunty Afoa or Mitch Barnett from the Warriors but they won't let Barnett leave early. So maybe Afoa.

I guess that's all apart from a few retiring and a few we have already been linked to.

Josh Aloiai goes ok.

 

[Dave03]

Daejarn Asi is someone who is a natural halfback but can play other positions, I'd take a punt on him. He's young & big bodied, could be a good foil for Hunt/Flanno & would be a low risk/high reward play.

 

[GCRV]

Daejarn Asi is someone who is a natural halfback but can play other positions, I'd take a punt on him. He's young & big bodied, could be a good foil for Hunt/Flanno & would be a low risk/high reward play.

Is he off contract? At which club?

 

[GCRV]

St George Illawarra: Christian Tuipulotu, Dan Russell (mutual option for 25), Fa’amanu Brown (club option for 25), Jack Bird (mutual option for 25), Ryan Couchman, Toby Couchman, Sione Finau, Viliami Fifita, Kyle Flanagan, Michael Molo, Raymond Faitala-Mariner.

I think only 3 of them will be re-signed.

 

[Dave03]

Is he off contract? At which club?

Yes, eels. He played against us.

 

[st george tragic]

Ben Hunt's NRL future thrown into doubt after dressing room incident with Dragons coach

The Dragons halfback's future at the club is again in doubt. Read more here.

au.sports.yahoo.com

At least reporters are starting think along our lines. Time for Hunt to move on. We may not have anyone to replace him but I don't think we could do any worse even with a rocky.

 

[st george tragic]

Tyran wishart would be a great pick up

 

[Dave03]

RCG showed out against us, think he played the entire 1st half and imo was the most dominant player on the field. I think it was a message to Flanno to offer him the 3rd year, it convinced me.

 

[Dragons Chris]

RCG showed out against us, think he played the entire 1st half and imo was the most dominant player on the field. I think it was a message to Flanno to offer him the 3rd year, it convinced me.

He'll be 32 by the start of next year. How many props are still going ok when they are 35?

 

[Dave03]

He'll be 32 by the start of next year. How many props are still going ok when they are 35?

I'm fine with him getting an additional year on the cheap if it means we get 2 good years out of him. He bullied our pack & would easily be our best middle fwd.