Recruitment and Retention for 2023

[Chris M]

I was just reading about the comings and goings at other clubs. As for St George Illawarrra, all we know is that:

• Jack Bird is going.
• Tariq Sims is going.

No only one coming at this stage.

• The club "may be" interested in Brinton Nikora.

That's it! What's going on? The club has let go of highly paid:

• Vaughan
• Norman
• McInnes

along with lesser paid

• Dufty
• and several who didn't get picked up by another NRL club.

Sloan is probably on similar money to Dufty. Amone and Sullivan combined probably on less than Norman. Given their former clubs picked up a very significant piece of their salaries or they one little money, Vaughan and McInnes were probably on a similar amount as McCullough, McGuire, Woods and Burgess combined.

So where is all the money? No doubt at all Baldy McGregor badly mismanaged the salary cap but surely he didn't manage it so badly that the club doesn't have a large amount to spend for 2023.

 

[Eric]

I was just reading about the comings and goings at other clubs. As for St George Illawarrra, all we know is that:

• Jack Bird is going.
• Tariq Sims is going.

No only one coming at this stage.

• The club "may be" interested in Brinton Nikora.

That's it! What's going on? The club has let go of highly paid:

• Vaughan
• Norman
• McInnes

along with lesser paid

• Dufty
• and several who didn't get picked up by another NRL club.

Sloan is probably on similar money to Dufty. Amone and Sullivan combined probably on less than Norman. Given their former clubs picked up a very significant piece of their salaries or they one little money, Vaughan and McInnes were probably on a similar amount as McCullough, McGuire, Woods and Burgess combined.

So where is all the money? No doubt at all Baldy McGregor badly mismanaged the salary cap but surely he didn't manage it so badly that the club doesn't have a large amount to spend for 2023.

Agree. It is kind of weird. I can only guess the club's happy with the young guys already in the squad or who will be from the next year. The backline is already pretty much set for a number of years. Only Hunt won't be around in 5 years, either at St George Illawarra or another club, and we have a replacement for him ready to go.

The forwards are the opposite. Su'a will be around. A few others might be veterans in 5 years but just as likely they'll be veterans in the NSW Cup or ESL. Been big wraps on two backrowers expected to be in the squad next year but no guarantee at all they'll make it in the NRL yet. Hunt and especially Coric are young but ditto for the guarantee about making it in the NRL.

So to cut a long story short, I honestly have no idea. Seems like a massive gamble relying on several young players yet to prove themselves in the NRL to make a the majority of the forward pack within 2 years.

 

[Morgan]

Agree. It is kind of weird. I can only guess the club's happy with the young guys already in the squad or who will be from the next year. The backline is already pretty much set for a number of years. Only Hunt won't be around in 5 years, either at St George Illawarra or another club, and we have a replacement for him ready to go.

The forwards are the opposite. Su'a will be around. A few others might be veterans in 5 years but just as likely they'll be veterans in the NSW Cup or ESL. Been big wraps on two backrowers expected to be in the squad next year but no guarantee at all they'll make it in the NRL yet. Hunt and especially Coric are young but ditto for the guarantee about making it in the NRL.

So to cut a long story short, I honestly have no idea. Seems like a massive gamble relying on several young players yet to prove themselves in the NRL to make a the majority of the forward pack within 2 years.

So what does the club need? At least 2 props. At least one backrower. A lock, hooker and then interchange forwards and one utility. As for a utility, Mybe will be around a few years yet. Fuimaono might be one interchange forward. Don't see any reason thus far as to why Connor Muhleisen won't be hooker. Surely either Carr or Shereb will make it in the backrow. Hard to say if J. Hunt will be a prop. He's certainly the right age but not being a local junior, I've and other people I speak to don't know much about him.

So I think the forwards are also covered pretty well going forward. Penrith for example didn't poach any of their big name players. They got Korasau when Manly decided to go with the player than has since been stood down due to being charged with attempted murder. I presume Hook is following the same game plan. He's already imported Su'a, Suli, Molo so I guess the plan is to leave it at that and bring the young players through.

 

[Chris M]

BIRD’S ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA CONTRACT SAGA TAKES FRESH TWIST​

There has reportedly been a “communication breakdown” between the Dragons and Jack Bird, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. The Dragons reportedly tabled a $1.1 million, two-year extension to the 26-year-old’s manager, however Bird never received it. Bird has not picked up his manager’s calls since the club made the offer as he is considering seeking new representation, according to the Herald.

The fresh twist comes after Bird revealed in an interview that he didn’t reject the club’s initial offer for financial reasons — and hasn’t sighted the most recent ofer. The Dragons reportedly offered Bird a contract extension late last year, which was not taken up and then subsequently pulled by the club.

Reports recently suggested the Dragons had come to the table with a new two-year deal, but Bird revealed he is yet to see the paperwork. “Rumours coming out saying that I rejected it because of money, that is far from the truth,” Bird told Channel 9. “The Dragons offered me a deal, they gave me five days to decide and I wasn’t ready to make a decision then, (so) they pulled it off the table.

“I didn’t really have a decision to make then, I had to wait until they were ready to offer me another deal. “To be honest I don’t even know if they’ve offered me another deal (now). There’s rumours saying they’ve offered me a contract, but I haven’t had anything in front of me. “I’ve made it clear I want to stay here, I want to play for the Dragons. Hopefully there is an offer there for me.”

Bird revealed he is eyeing a three-year deal that would take him through until he is 30 in 2025. “Obviously I want some security behind my football,” Bird said. “I’ve had some injuries that have nearly ruined my career, so I just want a little bit of security behind me, and I want to be a part of this club’s future. “I’m turning 27 this week, if I get a three-year deal it will take me to 30. Then I can sit down with my family.

“But I still feel my best footy is in front of me. I know I want to do that here at the Dragons.” Bird has scored 24 tries in 106 games for the Sharks, Broncos and Dragons since his debut in 2015 and has played five Origins for the Blues. It’s understood the Dragons are now trying to resolve the communication breakdown.

 

[Morgan]

I don't know about anyone else but I'm getting a little tired of this Jack Bird saga. And I'm also tired of St George players not offered a new contract or not the contract they want complaining about it in the media. Someone needs to be made an example of so it stops. You don't see that happening at Roosters, Storm or hardly any other clubs.

 

[RedV01]

I don't know about anyone else but I'm getting a little tired of this Jack Bird saga. And I'm also tired of St George players not offered a new contract or not the contract they want complaining about it in the media. Someone needs to be made an example of so it stops. You don't see that happening at Roosters, Storm or hardly any other clubs.

x2!!!

 

[Chris M]

I don't know about anyone else but I'm getting a little tired of this Jack Bird saga. And I'm also tired of St George players not offered a new contract or not the contract they want complaining about it in the media. Someone needs to be made an example of so it stops. You don't see that happening at Roosters, Storm or hardly any other clubs.

They are very chirpy. Just over the last year Dufty, Sims and now Bird have all complained to the media. I'm sure there have been other cases but I can't think of them right now.

 

[Eric]

St George Illawarra identify Briton Nikora as possible Jack Bird replacement​

As contract negotiations reach a resolution, the Dragons have identified a potential Jack Bird replacement.​

The Dragons hierarchy will be keeping a close eye on their southern Sydney rivals the Sharks this weekend with new recruitment boss Shane Flanagan particularly keen on Briton Nikora. The 24-year-old Kiwi international is off contract at the end of the season and has already spoken to his New Zealand Test coach Michael Maguire about switching to the Wests Tigers. The Dragons are also interested.

Much will depend on Jack Bird’s future. Bird is looking at other options after rejecting the Dragons’ offer for a new deal worth around $500,000-a-season. The Sharks want to keep Nikora but are reluctant to get into a bidding war with rival clubs.

St George Illawarra Dragons​

10 players off-contract
Two biggest names

Jack Bird: The Dragons and Bird have struggled to find common ground during their negotiations. Bird rejected the Dragons offer worth about $500,000 – which the club has since withdrawn. Eels are circling.

Aaron Woods: The veteran has a mutual option regarding his contract for next season. He can trigger the deal automatically if he plays a certain amount of games. Has impressed with his leadership during the pre-season.

Others off-contract: Daniel Alvaro, Billy Burns, Poasa Faamausili, Jackson Ford, Jack Gosiewski, Josh McGuire, Tautau Moga, Tariq Sims.

 

[Chris M]

St George Illawarra identify Briton Nikora as possible Jack Bird replacement​

As contract negotiations reach a resolution, the Dragons have identified a potential Jack Bird replacement.​

The Dragons hierarchy will be keeping a close eye on their southern Sydney rivals the Sharks this weekend with new recruitment boss Shane Flanagan particularly keen on Briton Nikora. The 24-year-old Kiwi international is off contract at the end of the season and has already spoken to his New Zealand Test coach Michael Maguire about switching to the Wests Tigers. The Dragons are also interested.

Much will depend on Jack Bird’s future. Bird is looking at other options after rejecting the Dragons’ offer for a new deal worth around $500,000-a-season. The Sharks want to keep Nikora but are reluctant to get into a bidding war with rival clubs.

St George Illawarra Dragons​

Two biggest names

Jack Bird: The Dragons and Bird have struggled to find common ground during their negotiations. Bird rejected the Dragons offer worth about $500,000 – which the club has since withdrawn. Eels are circling.

Aaron Woods: The veteran has a mutual option regarding his contract for next season. He can trigger the deal automatically if he plays a certain amount of games. Has impressed with his leadership during the pre-season.

Others off-contract: Daniel Alvaro, Billy Burns, Poasa Faamausili, Jackson Ford, Jack Gosiewski, Josh McGuire, Tautau Moga, Tariq Sims.

Other than Woods for one more year and maybe Bird, I'm not sure any of them will be kept. Sims and McGuire are still first grade standard but for how much longer?

 

[Morgan]

Other than Woods for one more year and maybe Bird, I'm not sure any of them will be kept. Sims and McGuire are still first grade standard but for how much longer?

30 player squads and another team entering the comp. Billy Burns, Jackson Ford, Jack Gosiewski worth keeping if not asking for too much money. Which they probably won't.

 

[Chris M]

Something about Mary​

The move against Tariq Sims at the Dragons is being sold as one that relates to his future, but the truth is it probably lies in his past. There has been a picture painted that Sims is greedy; that he is on $800,000 a year; that he demanded that kind of money when he met with the club to discuss an extension last year.

Let’s set the record straight: Sims is on $630,000. It was an amount the Dragons offered him. He would have signed for $100,000 less, but that’s what he was offered. He didn’t even get the chance to discuss money when he approached the club for an extension last year.

As first reported on Channel Nine news, Sims was told he had no future at the Dragons. Instead, he is going to join the Storm for $250,000 next year. That’s a considerable pay cut but one he is willing to take to keep playing football and to potentially win a title. He’s toured their facilities, talked at length with key Storm people and has liked what he has seen. Some at the Dragons are trying to tell me that he has had more conversations with Storm coach Craig Bellamy than St George Illawarra’s Anthony Griffin in recent times.

Sims is very close with former Dragons coach Paul McGregor. He was coached by the man known affectionately as “Mary” for many years. They socialise together and are good friends.

When Blues coach Brad Fittler was considering Sims last year, he called McGregor to get his opinion on how Sims was going. He gave him a big rap, and Sims lived up to that, producing a stellar series as NSW regained the trophy, winning 2-1. Sims is highly motivated to go out on a high with the Dragons if he can. Melbourne want him now and have a spot free, but it could all hinge on Tui Kamikamica’s court case.

---

Sounds to me like Baldy McGregor was putting his friendship with Sims above the interests iof the club and his own job.

 

[RedV01]

Something about Mary​

The move against Tariq Sims at the Dragons is being sold as one that relates to his future, but the truth is it probably lies in his past. There has been a picture painted that Sims is greedy; that he is on $800,000 a year; that he demanded that kind of money when he met with the club to discuss an extension last year.

Let’s set the record straight: Sims is on $630,000. It was an amount the Dragons offered him. He would have signed for $100,000 less, but that’s what he was offered. He didn’t even get the chance to discuss money when he approached the club for an extension last year.

As first reported on Channel Nine news, Sims was told he had no future at the Dragons. Instead, he is going to join the Storm for $250,000 next year. That’s a considerable pay cut but one he is willing to take to keep playing football and to potentially win a title. He’s toured their facilities, talked at length with key Storm people and has liked what he has seen. Some at the Dragons are trying to tell me that he has had more conversations with Storm coach Craig Bellamy than St George Illawarra’s Anthony Griffin in recent times.

Sims is very close with former Dragons coach Paul McGregor. He was coached by the man known affectionately as “Mary” for many years. They socialise together and are good friends.

When Blues coach Brad Fittler was considering Sims last year, he called McGregor to get his opinion on how Sims was going. He gave him a big rap, and Sims lived up to that, producing a stellar series as NSW regained the trophy, winning 2-1. Sims is highly motivated to go out on a high with the Dragons if he can. Melbourne want him now and have a spot free, but it could all hinge on Tui Kamikamica’s court case.

---

Sounds to me like Baldy McGregor was putting his friendship with Sims above the interests iof the club and his own job.

Is Sims suspected of leaking this? Someone needs to be made an example of ASAP to teach them not to make public contract decisions they may not like.

 

[Eric]

The ‘argy-bargy’ behind St George Illawarra star’s contract saga​

BIRD TIPPED TO RE-SIGN WITH DRAGONS AS EELS CIRCLE

Jack Bird’s contract saga with the Dragons could be set for a conclusion with the former Origin player tipped to shun an approach from the Eels to remain with the Red V.

“In a season where there is not a massive amount of big headline acts off-contract, Jack Bird is one of them,” Riccio said on Triple M. “He has taken some of the news headlines as far as being one of the off-contract players. “Parramatta are watching this situation closely. They are interested in Jack. “But I am pretty confident the Dragons will be able to retain Jack Bird. The only reason for the delay has been a little bit of argy-bargy between Jack and his management of which I understand has been smoothed over and they are back on track.

“Jack was claiming that he hadn’t received the full contract offer as yet. It was only for the fact that his management had sent the contract offer and Jack wasn’t really speaking to his management at that time. “Things have smoothed over. I expect this to really pick up in the next 48 to 72 hours for Dragons fans. “I think they could have a resolution where Jack Bird is re-signed for at least another two years.”

Bird has scored 24 tries in 107 games for the Sharks, Broncos and Dragons since his debut in 2015 and played five Origins for the Blues in 2016-17.

---

Not a bad result. I guess the club determined he was a better option than Briton Nikora. I'm interested in what it means for Jackson Shereb and Josh Carr. Has the club decided one or both aren't going to make it? Su'A isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

 

[Morgan]

The ‘argy-bargy’ behind St George Illawarra star’s contract saga​

BIRD TIPPED TO RE-SIGN WITH DRAGONS AS EELS CIRCLE

Jack Bird’s contract saga with the Dragons could be set for a conclusion with the former Origin player tipped to shun an approach from the Eels to remain with the Red V.

“In a season where there is not a massive amount of big headline acts off-contract, Jack Bird is one of them,” Riccio said on Triple M. “He has taken some of the news headlines as far as being one of the off-contract players. “Parramatta are watching this situation closely. They are interested in Jack. “But I am pretty confident the Dragons will be able to retain Jack Bird. The only reason for the delay has been a little bit of argy-bargy between Jack and his management of which I understand has been smoothed over and they are back on track.

“Jack was claiming that he hadn’t received the full contract offer as yet. It was only for the fact that his management had sent the contract offer and Jack wasn’t really speaking to his management at that time. “Things have smoothed over. I expect this to really pick up in the next 48 to 72 hours for Dragons fans. “I think they could have a resolution where Jack Bird is re-signed for at least another two years.”

Bird has scored 24 tries in 107 games for the Sharks, Broncos and Dragons since his debut in 2015 and played five Origins for the Blues in 2016-17.

---

Not a bad result. I guess the club determined he was a better option than Briton Nikora. I'm interested in what it means for Jackson Shereb and Josh Carr. Has the club decided one or both aren't going to make it? Su'A isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

Shereb and Carr along with O'Ofuo can still be in the 17 starting from next year.

 

[Eric]

Parramatta have pulled their contract offer for Bird. He's expected to re-sign with us when he meets his manager on Monday.

 

[RedV01]

The ‘argy-bargy’ behind St George Illawarra star’s contract saga​

BIRD TIPPED TO RE-SIGN WITH DRAGONS AS EELS CIRCLE

Jack Bird’s contract saga with the Dragons could be set for a conclusion with the former Origin player tipped to shun an approach from the Eels to remain with the Red V.

“In a season where there is not a massive amount of big headline acts off-contract, Jack Bird is one of them,” Riccio said on Triple M. “He has taken some of the news headlines as far as being one of the off-contract players. “Parramatta are watching this situation closely. They are interested in Jack. “But I am pretty confident the Dragons will be able to retain Jack Bird. The only reason for the delay has been a little bit of argy-bargy between Jack and his management of which I understand has been smoothed over and they are back on track.

“Jack was claiming that he hadn’t received the full contract offer as yet. It was only for the fact that his management had sent the contract offer and Jack wasn’t really speaking to his management at that time. “Things have smoothed over. I expect this to really pick up in the next 48 to 72 hours for Dragons fans. “I think they could have a resolution where Jack Bird is re-signed for at least another two years.”

Bird has scored 24 tries in 107 games for the Sharks, Broncos and Dragons since his debut in 2015 and played five Origins for the Blues in 2016-17.

---

Not a bad result. I guess the club determined he was a better option than Briton Nikora. I'm interested in what it means for Jackson Shereb and Josh Carr. Has the club decided one or both aren't going to make it? Su'A isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

If he re-signed on the club's terms it's goid. And it seems he did for 100k more than the original offer.

 

[Morgan]

Gee, after last night I'm so happy about this....... (sarcasm) having said that, Cronulla's second rower St George was interested in wasn't much good either.

ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA OFFICIALS CONFIDENT OF RETAINING BIRD​

Dragons officials are reportedly confident of retaining star backrower Jack Bird after the Parramatta Eels pulled their contract offer. It was previously reported Bird would shun the Parramatta club’s offer but now, according to The Daily Telegraph, their offer is off the table leaving the Dragons in the box-seat to re-sign Bird.

The Dragons have reportedly tabled a revised two-year $1.1 million deal with Bird and his manager set to speak again after Thursday night’s Sharks encounter. According to reports, a decision about the 27-year-olds future could be reached by the end of the weekend, with Bird expressing his desire to remain in NSW with Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins circling.

After pulling their offer, the Eels could draw their attention to Sharks backrower Briton Nikora, being a like-for-like replacement for the Dragons gun. Bird has scored 24 tries in 107 games for the Sharks, Broncos and Dragons since his debut in 2015 and played five Origins for the Blues in 2016-17.

 

[Eric]

North Queensland face $1.8m battle to keep teen freak as SIX clubs ignite NRL bidding war​

The North Queensland Cowboys face a battle to retain emerging star Jeremiah Nanai with reports as many as six rival clubs are in the hunt for his signature. The 19-year-old marked himself as one of the competition’s hottest young prospects, scoring a hat-trick as the Cowboys romped home against Queensland rivals the Broncos 36-12 in Round 2.

NewsCorp reports Nanai has already attracted plenty of attention in his seven NRL game career and is understood to have already fielded offers in excess of $600,000 a season over three years. According to the report, the Wests Tigers, Newcastle Knights and Dolphins are among the teams looking to lure the second rower away from Townsville.

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The headline says 6 clubs but only nominates 3 + assuming the Cowboys are another. One would think we can't but be another. Jackson Shereb is already older and can't get a top 30 contract, not even a development contract. Sims is on more money than is being thrown around for this guy and still no word on Bird re-signing. A big, fast, attacking backrower would work very well with the hard running and defensive steel of Su'A.

Having said that, Sydney Rorters are almost certainly another team trying to sign him and Parramatta apparently pulled out of their pursuit of Jack Bird. So maybe we aren't in the mix for this guy.

 

[Chris M]

Still no word on Jack Bird. I think the club has made a decision to let him fly away.

 

[Morgan]

Still no word on Jack Bird. I think the club has made a decision to let him fly away.

Unless he did in fact sign on Monday and is now in the 2 week cooling off period. No word of any other club chasing him.