Recruitment and Retention for 2025

[TheRev]

Once we get our prop that's our 30 done, unless/until we can move players on...

Caryannis had an interesting article a few days back (source), some things we didnt know:
o Ramsey is actually in our 30 next year, that was the deal.. unless medically retired.. so thats the mystery spot confirmed.
o They are looking to extend Eisenhuth but again like someone has to go first
o Max in discussion still, Russell and Connor unlikely to be retained.
o Lawrie, Bird, Rava all welcome to go.. im sure Fifita would be in the conversation also.

 

[Dave03]

I cant decide which of RCG/Saifiti/Horsburgh would be the best 'big unit' to start our sets...

Their online stats (weight might be out of date):
o Corey: 188cm / 109kg / 26yrs
o DSaifiti: 195cm / 121kg / 28yrs
o RCG: 190cm / 115kg / 31yrs

My thoughts:
o Corey is a bit of a risk in that he's off the rails currently, but hes also the youngest and was literally playing origin in 2023... if Flanno can get through to him.. hes coming into his peak years, younger and more mobile than the 2 bigger boys.. but still bigger than JDB... and aggressive.
o RCG/DSaf both have huge bodies, I thought RCG was the biggest but Daniel has him for weight and height.. and 3yrs younger.. its just a question of are either of them worn out physically or prone to injury? i.e. Can Flanno get them back into line.. RCG seems to be carrying a tum but maybe its just age, you have to be fit to do what he does. RCG is the oldest too, you could probably only offer him a 2yr contract.

I know some of you dont want anybody, I get it, but were gonna get atleast 1 of em.. I think Flanno will just be going for whichever has the best deal in terms of cost and not too long a contract... I cant decide which one would suit us best.

Note: I'm not sure if NAS or any other dudes r in the frame.. im assuming not.

For mine:
1. Saifiti - Still in prime years, could still play rep footy, he's got leadership skills with previous captaincy & rep experience. Clear no.1 for mine.
2. RCG - He's good for 2 years because he can still play a role in our top 17, has similar leadership skills to Saifiti & rep experience.
3. Horsborough - Most potential, played rep footy in 23 so has the ability but also would be the biggest headache. Don't think we need him considering our young gun fwds coming through.

Good question, I tried to get some stats on minutes played, run metres, tackle effectiveness etc, but I cant find a database that stores a tally for the season.. would have to go game by game. I'm growing on Saifiti though I must say a lot of Newcastle fans seem keen for him to go.. I dont rly get it, his stats seem not too bad, but im too lazy to watch other teams games too closely..

Compare NRL Player Stats

Compare the performance statistics of NRL players, with an easy-to-use graphical interface. Running metres, line breaks, tackles and over 40 other stats can be compared.

www.legz.com.au

Statistically RCG is the best player with a better work rate than the other 2.

 

[RedV01]

For mine:
1. Saifiti - Still in prime years, could still play rep footy, he's got leadership skills with previous captaincy & rep experience. Clear no.1 for mine.
2. RCG - He's good for 2 years because he can still play a role in our top 17, has similar leadership skills to Saifiti & rep experience.
3. Horsborough - Most potential, played rep footy in 23 so has the ability but also would be the biggest headache. Don't think we need him considering our young gun fwds coming through.

Compare NRL Player Stats

Compare the performance statistics of NRL players, with an easy-to-use graphical interface. Running metres, line breaks, tackles and over 40 other stats can be compared.

www.legz.com.au

Statistically RCG is the best player with a better work rate than the other 2.

I'm changing my mind. RCG first choice as long as it's only for 2 years. Then Saifiti. The last thing we need is another lazy prop. Frank Molo is more than enough.

 

[TheRev]

Agree with all that... there is definitely pros and cons in all 3 of them, i.e. all 3 are exciting prospects.. could be real game changers.. yet all 3 carry risk also...

But if the new prop(s) go well.. we might well move on from both molos by 2026.. I think the Couchmans are already moving past both Molos and Sele... those guys have similar body sizes but the couchies have better skill, speed and endurance and they are not even 21.. Time will tell into next season.. but I think every year or 2... Flanno will be trying to upgrade our pack up the food chain.

 

[Edward]

I'm changing my mind. RCG first choice as long as it's only for 2 years. Then Saifiti. The last thing we need is another lazy prop. Frank Molo is more than enough.

Frank Molo lacks stamina. Not that he's lazy.

 

[Ryan]

For mine:
1. Saifiti - Still in prime years, could still play rep footy, he's got leadership skills with previous captaincy & rep experience. Clear no.1 for mine.
2. RCG - He's good for 2 years because he can still play a role in our top 17, has similar leadership skills to Saifiti & rep experience.
3. Horsborough - Most potential, played rep footy in 23 so has the ability but also would be the biggest headache. Don't think we need him considering our young gun fwds coming through.

Compare NRL Player Stats

Compare the performance statistics of NRL players, with an easy-to-use graphical interface. Running metres, line breaks, tackles and over 40 other stats can be compared.

www.legz.com.au

Statistically RCG is the best player with a better work rate than the other 2.

1. Saifiti
2. GCG
3. Pass

There are a few things going on with Saifiti. His stats are probably down because he's unhappy. He's getting overpaid and thats why Newcastle are trying to get rid of him but he doesn't want to leave.

 

[Just a Mug Fan]

Was told that RCG signed a contract today, but I wasn't told what team.

 

[TheRev]

Was told that RCG signed a contract today, but I wasn't told what team.

this will definitely change up the balance of power if hes off the market.. 4 or 5 teams would have been interested I reckon.

100% Footy said he recently moved to Camden, take what u will from that.

 

[TheRev]

Seems like the dogs have preliminary interest in rcg in today's articles.. Possible they've met and signed him within 24hrs..

 

[Dave03]

Seems like the dogs have preliminary interest in rcg in today's articles.. Possible they've met and signed him within 24hrs..

They need him more than us imo. Hopefully they pay overs for him but doubt it.

 

[GCRV]

Seems like the dogs have preliminary interest in rcg in today's articles.. Possible they've met and signed him within 24hrs..

They need him more than us imo. Hopefully they pay overs for him but doubt it.

They are already paying overs for half the Penrith team and JAC who is apparently on fullback money. Need to raid them for a few of their young players.

 

[RedVHeartbeat]

Once we get our prop that's our 30 done,

When. Hearing RCG is still #1 on our hit list. Jeez you seen Eisenhuths pissweak weekly run mts. His defense is also over rated as for organizing the ruck, he is too slow. Why do we seem to extend guys we can do better with either internally or externally and let others go that better suit the RedV model.

 

[RedVHeartbeat]

I'm changing my mind. RCG first choice as long as it's only for 2 years. Then Saifiti.

Not needed. Two years to mentor our best good kids, then give them a full time gig.

 

[GCRV]

Not needed. Two years to mentor our best good kids, then give them a full time gig.

Apparently, according to the DT the problem is that RCG wants 3 years but Dragons aren't willing to budge on 2 years. The right decision. No way he has 3 years left in him.

 

[st george tragic]

When. Hearing RCG is still #1 on our hit list. Jeez you seen Eisenhuths pissweak weekly run mts. His defense is also over rated as for organizing the ruck, he is too slow. Why do we seem to extend guys we can do better with either internally or externally and let others go that better suit the RedV model.

Getting set to make Eisenhuth an offer. Can't see why either.

Eisenhuth to weigh up future as Dragons prepare offer

He has been a critical element of the Dragons’ season.

www.zerotackle.com

 

[GCRV]

Getting set to make Eisenhuth an offer. Can't see why either.

Eisenhuth to weigh up future as Dragons prepare offer

He has been a critical element of the Dragons’ season.

www.zerotackle.com

It's bizarre. I think Flanno likes what he brings at training and thinks he's a decent depth forward. Surely can't be thinking about him in the first choice 17.

 

[TheRev]

We couldn't sign Eisenhuth unless we can clear Lawrie or Fifita off the books first.. I think Tom is a reliable 1st grader doing a lot of minutes and a lot of tackles on near minimum coin.. maybe he would start the year @13.. maybe.. im sure a Couchman or Horsburgh would pick it up at some stage though...

 

[Illusion]

When. Hearing RCG is still #1 on our hit list. Jeez you seen Eisenhuths pissweak weekly run mts. His defense is also over rated as for organizing the ruck, he is too slow. Why do we seem to extend guys we can do better with either internally or externally and let others go that better suit the RedV model.

Agree here ...... I'm hoping we sign the Ranga from Raiders even before RCG ........ Just my opinion .........

 

[Chris M]

We couldn't sign Eisenhuth unless we can clear Lawrie or Fifita off the books first.. I think Tom is a reliable 1st grader doing a lot of minutes and a lot of tackles on near minimum coin.. maybe he would start the year @13.. maybe.. im sure a Couchman or Horsburgh would pick it up at some stage though...

He's reliable for the most part but behind both Couchman's and JDB in the middle rotation.

 

[AyiosYiorgos]

Good cheap option for spot 28-30 in the salary cap, allows us if we want to get rid of Lawrie, pay that bit extra, as TE is on literally a minimum contract or thereabouts.