Recruitment and Retention for 2026

[Dragon David]

Didnt someone say we were going hard for him. I wonder if prospective recruits, such as Campbell are influenced by our crop of emerging stars, such as Loko and Jake, Ball premiers now likely First Graders. Campbell for instance, may think I'd like to be strutting my stuff behind that pair. Wishful thinking, but you never know.

I don't think that we have any chance now of getting Campbell now that part ownership of the Titans is with Tallis and Johns who I think will be determined to keep him at the Titans as he is vital to their short and long term plans under Hannay - and possibly under Bellamy one day. If we identify that he has so many skills and can fill in so many positions, the owners and coaches at the club would certainly know that as well. It's like us trying to sign Adam Doueihi which I understand that we tried very hard to get but he never was going to leave the Tigers, same I think with Campbell. If Campbell left the Titans, they will be short a half and Ilias won't help too much.

 

[GCRV]

I don't think that we have any chance now of getting Campbell now that part ownership of the Titans is with Tallis and Johns who I think will be determined to keep him at the Titans as he is vital to their short and long term plans under Hannay - and possibly under Bellamy one day. If we identify that he has so many skills and can fill in so many positions, the owners and coaches at the club would certainly know that as well. It's like us trying to sign Adam Doueihi which I understand that we tried very hard to get but he never was going to leave the Tigers, same I think with Campbell. If Campbell left the Titans, they will be short a half and Ilias won't help too much.

Wondering where JC would be expected to play. Is Flanno writing off 2 of Atkinson, LKT and KF?

 

[Dragon David]

Wondering where JC would be expected to play. Is Flanno writing off 2 of Atkinson, LKT and KF?

I reckon if JC was signed, Flanno would have a hard decision to make as to where he would play him. His best position I think is fullback, but the more he can get his hands on the ball being the half back, the more creative he can be and can kick in general play and kick goals. He is worth going hard for but is it too late?

 

[GCRV]

I reckon if JC was signed, Flanno would have a hard decision to make as to where he would play him. His best position I think is fullback, but the more he can get his hands on the ball being the half back, the more creative he can be and can kick in general play and kick goals. He is worth going hard for but is it too late?

I thought they were going hard for him but I'd guess wthe new high profile owners will make keeping him a priority. Once they gotten rid of their 2 overpaid players, Fifita and Fa'asuamaleaui. Fifita was massively overpaid. 50% or more. Tino probably more like 20〜25.

 

[Dave03]

Josh Curran as a ball playing lock would be good imo. We could manage hamish a bit better too.

 

[Dave03]

We should offload sele lawrie asap if there's any takers. f*ck it guler too. Anyone not helping out this year or in the future. Guler has been a massive disappointment. Soft af. Warnie would rip into him. Lawrie is a fat blob but atleast he has a go. Sele forever injured.

 

[GCRV]

We should offload sele lawrie asap if there's any takers. f*ck it guler too. Anyone not helping out this year or in the future. Guler has been a massive disappointment. Soft af. Warnie would rip into him. Lawrie is a fat blob but atleast he has a go. Sele forever injured.

Problem is finding someone to take them.

 

[Justadragon]

Didnt someone say we were going hard for him. I wonder if prospective recruits, such as Campbell are influenced by our crop of emerging stars, such as Loko and Jake, Ball premiers now likely First Graders. Campbell for instance, may think I'd like to be strutting my stuff behind that pair. Wishful thinking, but you never know.

Nah I dont think so RVH, I dont think he was ever really going, as always, going to test the market means "pay me more and I'll stay" In saying that though was it ever confirmed by the Dragons we were chasing him or just the media saying we were.

 

[Justadragon]

I reckon if JC was signed, Flanno would have a hard decision to make as to where he would play him. His best position I think is fullback, but the more he can get his hands on the ball being the half back, the more creative he can be and can kick in general play and kick goals. He is worth going hard for but is it too late?

Have to agree Dave, FB would have been my preferred position. But now its wishful thinking, not that I ever really thought Dragons were going to get him.

 

[Justadragon]

Problem is finding someone to take them.

Guler has been the type of player we said he was going to be when we signed him, he was nothing special and duly performed that way. Clubs dont let their stars go without a major battle. Sele for me is a waste of space, he's had many injuries and yes I dont want to be too harsh on him because some of the injuries were life threatening. But, what are we to do, is he a injury magnet ? Is his best past him ? what are we going to get from him in the future ?

 

[George Sancti]

Provided Guler and Sele are on low contract fees, I am happy for them to part of the second's squad. They have experience and can provide guidance to the young players coming through and if we are hit hard by injuries to the top seventeen, they can then be considered for a bench spot.

 

[Dragon David]

Nah I dont think so RVH, I dont think he was ever really going, as always, going to test the market means "pay me more and I'll stay" In saying that though was it ever confirmed by the Dragons we were chasing him or just the media saying we were.

Justa, the Dragons have not given us fans any clue who they might be going for. Journos don't have much of an idea as well so they are doing lots of click baits. Flanno isn't giving anything away and Daniel Anderson's lips are sealed. In fact, is he still with us?? Hahaha!

 

[Edward]

Provided Guler and Sele are on low contract fees, I am happy for them to part of the second's squad. They have experience and can provide guidance to the young players coming through and if we are hit hard by injuries to the top seventeen, they can then be considered for a bench spot.

I heard Sele is on quite good money. For hin it's just a question of not being injured.

 

[Mailroomsgi]

Chammas reported that Sloan’s on 550k this season and that we were ready to offload Luciano earlier this year (completely back that decision)

Apparently he’s lost a bunch of weight, amazing what players do when they are into the final year of their contract

Getting Sloan/Lawrie/Leilua off the cap after 2026 is huge, that’s close to $2m spent on dross

 

[Xuiz]

Aren’t cowboys still paying most of Leiluas contract?

 

[Edward]

Aren’t cowboys still paying most of Leiluas contract?

Very much doubt it. He's been hugely disappointing for 2 years with us already.

 

[TheRev]

Chammas reported that Sloan’s on 550k this season and that we were ready to offload Luciano earlier this year (completely back that decision)

Apparently he’s lost a bunch of weight, amazing what players do when they are into the final year of their contract

Getting Sloan/Lawrie/Leilua off the cap after 2026 is huge, that’s close to $2m spent on dross

Its hard because I dont know how we spend that money.. 2026 would be a struggle.. well 2027 maybe we get there... maybe..

But its as much opportunity.. Flanno tends to pick the Sloans and the CTs every time over taking a punt on a 19-20yr old outside back for example.. it also helps us encourage a young fullback into the fold.. I dont quite know how we managed to miss all the young blokes 2nd or 3rd or 4th in line at other clubs... there is opportunity here, Gutho could really play a number of spots.. even if he starts the year @1.

Leilua almost has to be an impact prop or nothing.. but can he handle it? Egan has that left edge sewn up if healthy, and Sua/Nick have the other.. Jacob I still have a fai way off.. but u just never know if they stay fit for a preseason where they might start the year.. loved hearing him on video today say he learnt his lesson from last year and came into preseason much fitter this time...

 

[GCRV]

Chammas reported that Sloan’s on 550k this season and that we were ready to offload Luciano earlier this year (completely back that decision)

Apparently he’s lost a bunch of weight, amazing what players do when they are into the final year of their contract

Getting Sloan/Lawrie/Leilua off the cap after 2026 is huge, that’s close to $2m spent on dross

Leilua has been our worst player for a while if you look at it from a value for money perspective. Worst since Corey Norman.

 

[GCRV]

Its hard because I dont know how we spend that money.. 2026 would be a struggle.. well 2027 maybe we get there... maybe..

But its as much opportunity.. Flanno tends to pick the Sloans and the CTs every time over taking a punt on a 19-20yr old outside back for example.. it also helps us encourage a young fullback into the fold.. I dont quite know how we managed to miss all the young blokes 2nd or 3rd or 4th in line at other clubs... there is opportunity here, Gutho could really play a number of spots.. even if he starts the year @1.

Leilua almost has to be an impact prop or nothing.. but can he handle it? Egan has that left edge sewn up if healthy, and Sua/Nick have the other.. Jacob I still have a fai way off.. but u just never know if they stay fit for a preseason where they might start the year.. loved hearing him on video today say he learnt his lesson from last year and came into preseason much fitter this time...

Been saying for a while, he's certainly big enough and has the skills to turn himself into a good prop but it seems there is something missing. Not tough enough or string enough to bend the line or something. Otherwise he'll spend the year in reserve grade.

 

[RedVHeartbeat]

I don't think that we have any chance now of getting Campbell now that part ownership of the Titans is with Tallis and Johns who I think will be determined to keep him at the Titans as he is vital to their short and long term plans under Hannay - and possibly under Bellamy one day. If we identify that he has so many skills and can fill in so many positions, the owners and coaches at the club would certainly know that as well. It's like us trying to sign Adam Doueihi which I understand that we tried very hard to get but he never was going to leave the Tigers, same I think with Campbell. If Campbell left the Titans, they will be short a half and Ilias won't help too much.

Fair points DD. Evidently the Titans have an even worse record than us having never won a premiership in their 18 yrs. Only four finals 2009, 2010, 2016, 2021 plus two time wooden spooners. Whereas we can boast one premiership, 2010, 12 time finalists and no wooden spoons since '99. C'mon Campbell get on a winner.