Recruitment and Retention for 2026

[Eric]

Is Latu officially done? Are we still waiting on cool off period?

Was it only announced after the cooling off period was over?

 

[Edward]

I wonder why Dragons aren't looking at things like this?

‘A new market’: NRL ‘inundated’ with agent moves as South African union stars plot code switch

‘A new market’: NRL ‘inundated’ with agent moves as South African union stars plot code switch

www.foxsports.com.au

 

[Chris M]

I wonder why Dragons aren't looking at things like this?

‘A new market’: NRL ‘inundated’ with agent moves as South African union stars plot code switch

‘A new market’: NRL ‘inundated’ with agent moves as South African union stars plot code switch

www.foxsports.com.au

Also the ESL.They must be looking but haven't been very successful.

 

[jodragon40]

This is an interesting read. Maybe provides a little insight into why we consistently fail to attract better players and also retain some.

Another chapter in Flanagan-Gould feud
The Sydney Morning Herald

The screeching coming out of the Dragons about the loss of young gun Finau Latu is motivated by the talent he has. But it is also fuelled by the fact the Bulldogs and general manager Phil Gould had another victory over Dragons coach Shane Flanagan.

The pair do not get along. During the week, Flanagan attacked the player’s agent, Mick Chebl, a former homicide detective who is one of the many decent agents in the game. He took up player management to assist young players and their families, and is not motivated by money.

During negotiations with Latu, the player and his family decided their preferred choice was Canterbury. That choice wasn’t about money, but rather their feeling the Bulldogs would be the best club for his development as a player.

The Bulldogs recommended the family think carefully about their final decision, because the club was well aware there were much bigger financial incentives at other clubs.

In the end, Finau wanted to be a Bulldog, and a three-year deal was agreed for 2026-28.

Chebl faced interference, intimidation and abuse, plus orchestrated media pressure, as people tried to scuttle the deal.

Flanagan publicly shamed Chebl for the way he handled negotiations.

The truth is the Latu family was far from happy with the way the Dragons dealt with their son.

Chebl also received an abusive text from a Knights employee, who was upset at missing out on the player. Media reports then criticised him and overstated the financial terms of the Bulldogs deal. The Bulldogs have remained tight-lipped on the matter, refusing to comment when approached by this column.

Latu is regarded as a highly talented young player and the Bulldogs have made an astute purchase, at good value, to bolster their forward depth for the future.

 

[Dave03]

Basically the dragons & flanagan fkd up. What he says in the media is for show, he knows how to manipulate the narrative to protect himself. Sometimes it works. We need to have recruitment & retention positions that aren't heavily influenced by the head coach.

 

[jodragon40]

Basically the dragons & flanagan fkd up. What he says in the media is for show, he knows how to manipulate the narrative to protect himself. Sometimes it works. We need to have recruitment & retention positions that aren't heavily influenced by the head coach.

It would appear not everyone shares his coaching and management styles

 

[Mailroomsgi]

This is an interesting read. Maybe provides a little insight into why we consistently fail to attract better players and also retain some.

Another chapter in Flanagan-Gould feud
The Sydney Morning Herald

The screeching coming out of the Dragons about the loss of young gun Finau Latu is motivated by the talent he has. But it is also fuelled by the fact the Bulldogs and general manager Phil Gould had another victory over Dragons coach Shane Flanagan.

The pair do not get along. During the week, Flanagan attacked the player’s agent, Mick Chebl, a former homicide detective who is one of the many decent agents in the game. He took up player management to assist young players and their families, and is not motivated by money.

During negotiations with Latu, the player and his family decided their preferred choice was Canterbury. That choice wasn’t about money, but rather their feeling the Bulldogs would be the best club for his development as a player.

The Bulldogs recommended the family think carefully about their final decision, because the club was well aware there were much bigger financial incentives at other clubs.

In the end, Finau wanted to be a Bulldog, and a three-year deal was agreed for 2026-28.

Chebl faced interference, intimidation and abuse, plus orchestrated media pressure, as people tried to scuttle the deal.

Flanagan publicly shamed Chebl for the way he handled negotiations.

The truth is the Latu family was far from happy with the way the Dragons dealt with their son.

Chebl also received an abusive text from a Knights employee, who was upset at missing out on the player. Media reports then criticised him and overstated the financial terms of the Bulldogs deal. The Bulldogs have remained tight-lipped on the matter, refusing to comment when approached by this column.

Latu is regarded as a highly talented young player and the Bulldogs have made an astute purchase, at good value, to bolster their forward depth for the future.

Somebody needs to ask Danny Weidler what Phil Gould’s dick tastes like, what an absolute kiss ass

Politis and Gould have him wrapped around their fingers

 

[jodragon40]

Somebody needs to ask Danny Weidler what Phil Gould’s dick tastes like, what an absolute kiss ass

Politis and Gould have him wrapped around their fingers

Unfortunately both are very influential in the RL world

 

[Justadragon]

This is an interesting read. Maybe provides a little insight into why we consistently fail to attract better players and also retain some.

Another chapter in Flanagan-Gould feud
The Sydney Morning Herald

The screeching coming out of the Dragons about the loss of young gun Finau Latu is motivated by the talent he has. But it is also fuelled by the fact the Bulldogs and general manager Phil Gould had another victory over Dragons coach Shane Flanagan.

The pair do not get along. During the week, Flanagan attacked the player’s agent, Mick Chebl, a former homicide detective who is one of the many decent agents in the game. He took up player management to assist young players and their families, and is not motivated by money.

During negotiations with Latu, the player and his family decided their preferred choice was Canterbury. That choice wasn’t about money, but rather their feeling the Bulldogs would be the best club for his development as a player.

The Bulldogs recommended the family think carefully about their final decision, because the club was well aware there were much bigger financial incentives at other clubs.

In the end, Finau wanted to be a Bulldog, and a three-year deal was agreed for 2026-28.

Chebl faced interference, intimidation and abuse, plus orchestrated media pressure, as people tried to scuttle the deal.

Flanagan publicly shamed Chebl for the way he handled negotiations.

The truth is the Latu family was far from happy with the way the Dragons dealt with their son.

Chebl also received an abusive text from a Knights employee, who was upset at missing out on the player. Media reports then criticised him and overstated the financial terms of the Bulldogs deal. The Bulldogs have remained tight-lipped on the matter, refusing to comment when approached by this column.

Latu is regarded as a highly talented young player and the Bulldogs have made an astute purchase, at good value, to bolster their forward depth for the future.

I would have liked to hear that straight from Latu or his manager rather than reading it in SMH, the last I heard was the Dragons did everything for this kid, for his family to say they werent happy is pretty bazaar considering the development he has had put into him. And if the manager isn't motivated by money, why doesn't he do it for free, yeah right !!!

 

[Justadragon]

Unfortunately both are very influential in the RL world

Politis's favourite line is "i'll make him a deal he cant refuse" !!!

 

[Dave03]

I would have liked to hear that straight from Latu or his manager rather than reading it in SMH, the last I heard was the Dragons did everything for this kid, for his family to say they werent happy is pretty bazaar considering the development he has had put into him. And if the manager isn't motivated by money, why doesn't he do it for free, yeah right !!!

Not re-signing him straight away isn't doing everything for the kid, he's done plenty for us too. You win some & lose some, learn from it & move on.

 

[Eric]

This is an interesting read. Maybe provides a little insight into why we consistently fail to attract better players and also retain some.

Another chapter in Flanagan-Gould feud
The Sydney Morning Herald

The screeching coming out of the Dragons about the loss of young gun Finau Latu is motivated by the talent he has. But it is also fuelled by the fact the Bulldogs and general manager Phil Gould had another victory over Dragons coach Shane Flanagan.

The pair do not get along. During the week, Flanagan attacked the player’s agent, Mick Chebl, a former homicide detective who is one of the many decent agents in the game. He took up player management to assist young players and their families, and is not motivated by money.

During negotiations with Latu, the player and his family decided their preferred choice was Canterbury. That choice wasn’t about money, but rather their feeling the Bulldogs would be the best club for his development as a player.

The Bulldogs recommended the family think carefully about their final decision, because the club was well aware there were much bigger financial incentives at other clubs.

In the end, Finau wanted to be a Bulldog, and a three-year deal was agreed for 2026-28.

Chebl faced interference, intimidation and abuse, plus orchestrated media pressure, as people tried to scuttle the deal.

Flanagan publicly shamed Chebl for the way he handled negotiations.

The truth is the Latu family was far from happy with the way the Dragons dealt with their son.

Chebl also received an abusive text from a Knights employee, who was upset at missing out on the player. Media reports then criticised him and overstated the financial terms of the Bulldogs deal. The Bulldogs have remained tight-lipped on the matter, refusing to comment when approached by this column.

Latu is regarded as a highly talented young player and the Bulldogs have made an astute purchase, at good value, to bolster their forward depth for the future.

Remember Phil Gould has long been employed by Fairfax, owner of SMH. Not saying the info isn't true to an extent. Just that my guess is that it was ALL about money. My guess, just a guess, is that it was like Tamale situation. He told the club, "I want $******* to stay." Club said, "bye".

 

[Justadragon]

Not re-signing him straight away isn't doing everything for the kid, he's done plenty for us too. You win some & lose some, learn from it & move on.

There are situations like negotiations to be had, but if he;s talking to another club behind the Dragons back and not giving them a chance, well theres nothing more to be said. As Flanno said his manager handled the situation poorly.

 

[Justadragon]

Remember Phil Gould has long been employed by Fairfax, owner of SMH. Not saying the info isn't true to an extent. Just that my guess is that it was ALL about money. My guess, just a guess, is that it was like Tamale situation. He told the club, "I want $******* to stay." Club said, "bye".

Yeah that could be right to Eric, but I think the club would have said that they couldn't match an offer and wished him all the best. In this case they werent given a chance to offer anything or maybe a counter offer, anyway he's gone, well done Gould

 

[Just a Mug Fan]

This is an interesting read. Maybe provides a little insight into why we consistently fail to attract better players and also retain some.

Another chapter in Flanagan-Gould feud
The Sydney Morning Herald

The screeching coming out of the Dragons about the loss of young gun Finau Latu is motivated by the talent he has. But it is also fuelled by the fact the Bulldogs and general manager Phil Gould had another victory over Dragons coach Shane Flanagan.

The pair do not get along. During the week, Flanagan attacked the player’s agent, Mick Chebl, a former homicide detective who is one of the many decent agents in the game. He took up player management to assist young players and their families, and is not motivated by money.

During negotiations with Latu, the player and his family decided their preferred choice was Canterbury. That choice wasn’t about money, but rather their feeling the Bulldogs would be the best club for his development as a player.

The Bulldogs recommended the family think carefully about their final decision, because the club was well aware there were much bigger financial incentives at other clubs.

In the end, Finau wanted to be a Bulldog, and a three-year deal was agreed for 2026-28.

Chebl faced interference, intimidation and abuse, plus orchestrated media pressure, as people tried to scuttle the deal.

Flanagan publicly shamed Chebl for the way he handled negotiations.

The truth is the Latu family was far from happy with the way the Dragons dealt with their son.

Chebl also received an abusive text from a Knights employee, who was upset at missing out on the player. Media reports then criticised him and overstated the financial terms of the Bulldogs deal. The Bulldogs have remained tight-lipped on the matter, refusing to comment when approached by this column.

Latu is regarded as a highly talented young player and the Bulldogs have made an astute purchase, at good value, to bolster their forward depth for the future.

This is the most accurate story of what happened.

 

[Just a Mug Fan]

I would have liked to hear that straight from Latu or his manager rather than reading it in SMH, the last I heard was the Dragons did everything for this kid, for his family to say they werent happy is pretty bazaar considering the development he has had put into him. And if the manager isn't motivated by money, why doesn't he do it for free, yeah right !!!

There are situations like negotiations to be had, but if he;s talking to another club behind the Dragons back and not giving them a chance, well theres nothing more to be said. As Flanno said his manager handled the situation poorly.

Yeah that could be right to Eric, but I think the club would have said that they couldn't match an offer and wished him all the best. In this case they werent given a chance to offer anything or maybe a counter offer, anyway he's gone, well done Gould

You have no idea what your talking about.
Stop believing everything that comes out of Flannos mouth.

 

[Justadragon]

This is the most accurate story of what happened.

Thanks mate, I still find it pretty ordinary the family mentioned nothing until the Dogs and Gould got involved. I'm sure that the Dragons would have done something about their concerns if they were told, anyway thanks for the info.

 

[Just a Mug Fan]

Thanks mate, I still find it pretty ordinary the family mentioned nothing until the Dogs and Gould got involved. I'm sure that the Dragons would have done something about their concerns if they were told, anyway thanks for the info.

Wrong again, the Dragon were aware of what was happening.
They've had since Nov to sort it and did nothing.

 

[jodragon40]

You have no idea what your talking about.
Stop believing everything that comes out of Flannos mouth.

Not a big fan of his mate.? I can say from personal experience, politics, football and people's personal vanity and self importance dont mix very well. Sometimes people in positions of authority lose track of priorities

 

[Justadragon]

You have no idea what your talking about.
Stop believing everything that comes out of Flannos mouth.

So if i'm not to believe what comes out Flanno's mouth in an open public statement, then what should I believe ?