Dragons v Storm Round 2

[puff]

I agree about Gutho but it's a big stretch to call him a marquee fullback. 800k for this year seems about right but I have doubts his legs can go with the modern game for another year at fullback after this.

I think we need him this year and next. Let's hope his body holds up. In the meantime we should be looking for a long term replacement. Would be nice if Sloan turns the corner, but we can't rely on that. Good news is that, unlike halfbacks, fullbacks really do seem to be growing on trees these days. There are plenty stuck behind other players. We should be looking to do what Parra did, signing Iongi, or Raiders with Weekes. A future example might be Chevy Stewart.

 

[Dragons Chris]

I think we need him this year and next. Let's hope his body holds up. In the meantime we should be looking for a long term replacement. Would be nice if Sloan turns the corner, but we can't rely on that. Good news is that, unlike halfbacks, fullbacks really do seem to be growing on trees these days. There are plenty stuck behind other players. We should be looking to do what Parra did, signing Iongi, or Raiders with Weekes. A future example might be Chevy Stewart.

There was talk of offering Bula from the Tigers around 1 mil a year. Then it came out he was likely to re-sign with the Tigers but since then, no news at all.

 

[puff]

There was talk of offering Bula from the Tigers around 1 mil a year. Then it came out he was likely to re-sign with the Tigers but since then, no news at all.

I think you pay 1 mil for Edwards, but not Bula. Don't get me wrong, he's good. But I think you can get a good fullback much cheaper. There are many NRL level fullbacks but not many NRL level halfbacks.

 

[Dragons Chris]

I think you pay 1 mil for Edwards, but not Bula. Don't get me wrong, he's good. But I think you can get a good fullback much cheaper. There are many NRL level fullbacks but not many NRL level halfbacks.

I think the rumour was a bit less than 1 mil but Tigers were willing to go 1 mil. Edwards is how old now? 28~29? Bula is 23.

 

[puff]

I certainly wouldn't sign Edwards to a 10 year contract! I wasn't actually suggesting signing him. It's a bit unrealistic. I just meant that I think you can find a Bula level player much cheaper, but a player of Edwards' quality is worth paying extra for.

 

[Frank Facer]

Where is Holmes reported to be on 850K? I've seen he is reported to be on 1 mil.

I did a search of how much is Valentine Holmes on a year at St George and got this result

Valentine Holmes is set to earn $850,000 per season with the St George Illawarra Dragons under his three-year contract, which began in 2025. This represents a pay cut from his $1.15 million annual salary at the North Queensland Cowboys but secures him two additional years of high-value earnings. The deal was finalized after Holmes opted to leave the Cowboys despite being contractually bound until 2025, citing salary cap constraints and the opportunity to reunite with coach Shane Flanagan.

But then I did another search, just then and got this result

Valentine Holmes is on a $1 million per year salary with the St George Illawarra Dragons, as confirmed in the club's player contract details for the 2026 season. This represents a significant reduction from his previous $1.15 million annual salary with the North Queensland Cowboys, but the move secures him a multi-year deal with the Dragons, who were able to offer long-term stability amid salary cap flexibility following Zac Lomax’s departure.

1 mil a year is certainly overs for any centre. I thought we had basically swapped Lomax on 850K a year for Holmes 850K a year.

 

[Frank Facer]

I think we need him this year and next. Let's hope his body holds up. In the meantime we should be looking for a long term replacement. Would be nice if Sloan turns the corner, but we can't rely on that. Good news is that, unlike halfbacks, fullbacks really do seem to be growing on trees these days. There are plenty stuck behind other players. We should be looking to do what Parra did, signing Iongi, or Raiders with Weekes. A future example might be Chevy Stewart.

I don't rate Chevy Stewart.

I have never rated Edwards that highly either.

 

[TheRev]

Chevy is a project imo.. i.e. a Sloan replacement for me if we went that path.. hes our cup fullback who can pressure up if he can be consistent... and also be be first grade injury cover.. but imo hes not an Iongi.. i.e. who granted in hindsight was a sure thing and very first grade ready.

Connor Votano is the only rookie I would consider for first grade.. hes had a year of reserves, seems to kill it in every grade so far.. goalkicks too.. and has 2 or 3 fullbacks in front of him at the Knights... but hes not coming unless we commit to a 1st grade position... and pay him accordingly.

Other than that its guys like Fuller, Tracey, Kennedy, Bula I would look at depending on our options.. Drinkwater only if its the best we can do.

 

[puff]

I don't rate Chevy Stewart.

I have never rated Edwards that highly either.

Don't rate Edwards highly? That's incredible.

 

[redv13]

I don't rate Chevy Stewart.

I have never rated Edwards that highly either.

You’ve never rated Edward’s that highly. Righto mate

 

[Frank Facer]

You’ve never rated Edward’s that highly. Righto mate

I would have picked Teddy at fullback for NSW last year and this year, if I was coach/selector. I would also pick Turbo ahead of Edwards a fullback for NSW. I would have taken Manu from Easts for fullback over Edwards. I rate Ponga and Walsh the best 2 fullbacks. I would take Sharp over Edwards right now for fullback.

I think it is a similar situation to Luai, who had the luxury of playing in a champion Penrith team. I think Luai is worth around the 850K mark and would put Edwards in the same category.