Recruitment and Retention for 2025

[RedVHeartbeat]

Details are vague, but it does sound like we have some sort of 'confidential' 2025 deal in place with Volkman

Very vague. If he is a good chance to replace Hunt for '26, then why are the BOD circling for a further extension on him. Jeez I dont believe it, anyone 'd think Hunt was 'hall of fame' class.

 

[RedVHeartbeat]

You get the feeling Shane Flanagan is building something special in Wollongong. He took the Sharks from second last on the ladder to premiers in six seasons and he did it thanks to some big-name signings.

James Maloney, Mick Ennis and Ben Barba just to name a few. If Flanagan is going to deliver the Dragons first premiership since 2010 then he’s going to need some special players like Walker. It would be an enormous coup for the club but Flanno is considered one of the best recruiters in the game - just look at the Ben Hunt saga he completely reversed.

Who wrote this. How did he turn round the Ben Hunt saga. By talking him into staying by throwing more undeserved coin at him.

 

[Chris M]

Who wrote this. How did he turn round the Ben Hunt saga. By talking him into staying by throwing more undeserved coin at him.

Eamonn Tiernan from Fox Sports. They just make stuff up if they don't know any better.

 

[Chris M]

Very vague. You reckon a good chance to replace Hunt for '26 as the BOD are circling for a further extension on him. Jeez I dont believe it, anyone 'd think he was immortal class.

Seems untrue. I thought he might have made a decent short-term replacement but seems Flanno is going all in on keeping Hunt around until Ashton Ward or Kade Reed can take over.

 

[AyiosYiorgos]

Daniel Saifiti likely to join the Dolphins in 2025, Knights to chip in $200K per season​

https://archive.md/NV6sN

 

[TheRev]

Daniel Saifiti likely to join the Dolphins in 2025, Knights to chip in $200K per season​

https://archive.md/NV6sN

I'm hoping we will know after tonights game where RCG is going.. i.e. is it us or the Dogs..

If we miss him and Saifiti does end up at the Dolphins, its less than ideal! Horburgh is the riskiest of the 3 with his 3yr contract remaining and high price tag.. anyway.. lets see who got RCG first..

 

[Glen Tucker]

I agree Eisenhuth is better than Russell and I agree BMM has been ok this year. But I don't agree either of them should have kept the Couchman's out of the 17 this year let alone next year. Next year we have Latu, Loko Pasifiki Tonga, Egan maybe Halangahu and Stewart. I think the first 4 are locked into the top 30 and the other two are a possibility.

I don't think we need Eisenhuth or BMM. Nothing against them but there are a lot of juniors coming through to take their places.

I think Toby was probably ready early in the season and Ryan is now but you can't bring all the juniors thru at the same time as not everyone can make the leap from cup. I also think the NRL squad should be picked on form so if you're good enough you're old enough. If we extend BMM & Eisenhuth I can live with that as long as they or anyone aren't automatic selections

 

[Eric]

I think Toby was probably ready early in the season and Ryan is now but you can't bring all the juniors thru at the same time as not everyone can make the leap from cup. I also think the NRL squad should be picked on form so if you're good enough you're old enough. If we extend BMM & Eisenhuth I can live with that as long as they or anyone aren't automatic selections

BMM is not going to be extended. It's certain. As for Eisenhuth, I'm the same as almost everyone else as far as I can see. Not against extending him but he's not a priority.

 

[Dave03]

Talk S. Walker will be offered around 1.4mil/yr. Am I nuts in saying that's massive overs? He doesn't really have a long kicking game, it's not at the depth or precision of the top halfbacks. I doubt he'll get it to that level since it's not a natural skill for him either. He's performing amazingly well with arguably a top 2 pack, he plays off the cuff due to field territory. I can't see him getting any of those opportunities at a struggling club. I've got my doubts in his organisational skills too.

Am I in the wrong? Am I missing something?

I think he suits the Roosters system perfectly but still looks like a 5/8th more than a half back. Both DCE & Hunt are similar instinctive footy players but have a long kicking game. Maybe he can get his long kicking game to the Cronk levels but Cronk was a master organiser and game manager.

I think Walker's blue print is more of a Luai, instinctive player with an average long kicking game but elite runner & short kicking game. Luai as a halfback is still an unknown quantity but he's certainly developed the organisational & game managing skills.

I would be hesitant giving Walker that much money until we've got a dominating pack.

 

[Ryan]

Talk S. Walker will be offered around 1.4mil/yr. Am I nuts in saying that's massive overs? He doesn't really have a long kicking game, it's not at the depth or precision of the top halfbacks. I doubt he'll get it to that level since it's not a natural skill for him either. He's performing amazingly well with arguably a top 2 pack, he plays off the cuff due to field territory. I can't see him getting any of those opportunities at a struggling club. I've got my doubts in his organisational skills too.

Am I in the wrong? Am I missing something?

I think he suits the Roosters system perfectly but still looks like a 5/8th more than a half back. Both DCE & Hunt are similar instinctive footy players but have a long kicking game. Maybe he can get his long kicking game to the Cronk levels but Cronk was a master organiser and game manager.

I think Walker's blue print is more of a Luai, instinctive player with an average long kicking game but elite runner & short kicking game. Luai as a halfback is still an unknown quantity but he's certainly developed the organisational & game managing skills.

I would be hesitant giving Walker that much money until we've got a dominating pack.

I agree 100%. If he was bigger, able to break tackles and tackle well, he'd make a good 5/8. As is, your thoughts are mine exactly. Put him in a struggling team without a good pack and he'll be a massive flop.

I don't think the Roosters want him. If he was important for them, they'd have locked him up already.

 

[TheRev]

We can't sign players like Walker anyway.. we are probably 5 years away from being a club that has upgraded its roster to the point we are consistently in the Top8.. at that point we can start to have conversations with the games best players...

But tbf Walker just turned 22... hes 5-8yrs from his peak yet.. he did get a very early start mind you... I do agree though that any half has a massive advantage behind the roosters pack...

At the bare minimum though.. I want a 6 or a 7 who isnt a defensive liability and kick burton type metres.. the rest is a bonus... Burton is an absolute cheat code, its p***ing me off... Fogarty would be another.

 

[Chris M]

We can't sign players like Walker anyway.. we are probably 5 years away from being a club that has upgraded its roster to the point we are consistently in the Top8.. at that point we can start to have conversations with the games best players...

But tbf Walker just turned 22... hes 5-8yrs from his peak yet.. he did get a very early start mind you... I do agree though that any half has a massive advantage behind the roosters pack...

At the bare minimum though.. I want a 6 or a 7 who isnt a defensive liability and kick burton type metres.. the rest is a bonus... Burton is an absolute cheat code, its p***ing me off... Fogarty would be another.

If LKT isn't suitable, I hope the club is looking to raid Tigers for a 5/8. Can't remember his name but apparently the only reason Galvin was given the nod over another young 5/8 was due to the other being injured. Both and Luai are all better 5/8s than halfbacks and they still have Sullivan on very decent coin for 3 years after this!

 

[RedVHeartbeat]

lets see who got RCG first..

Nail him coach to give us the trifecta and you will be in my good books again.

 

[TheRev]

If LKT isn't suitable, I hope the club is looking to raid Tigers for a 5/8. Can't remember his name but apparently the only reason Galvin was given the nod over another young 5/8 was due to the other being injured. Both and Luai are all better 5/8s than halfbacks and they still have Sullivan on very decent coin for 3 years after this!

I assume Hunt is staying for 2025.. but I think his replacement is Flannos next big job... but its something he can look at end of season and after he works out the prop and whoever else he wants to secure.. not sure if anyone is on market Nov 1 either..

I feel like finding a game-managing 7 with a big boot is atleast three times rarer than someone who can run and kick a bit and play 5/8, LKT might be the latter.. hes still early on his journey though, rly needs a year in NSW Cup.... when you watch Galvin play he has some much time and space.

But yah the tigers also have Latu Fainu sitting behind Luai/Galvin who could be a potential get.. but hes only 19, and every club should have 3 halves at a minimum... so hes probably fine to stay put for now.

 

[Chris M]

I assume Hunt is staying for 2025.. but I think his replacement is Flannos next big job... but its something he can look at end of season and after he works out the prop and whoever else he wants to secure.. not sure if anyone is on market Nov 1 either..

I feel like finding a game-managing 7 with a big boot is atleast three times rarer than someone who can run and kick a bit and play 5/8, LKT might be the latter.. hes still early on his journey though, rly needs a year in NSW Cup.... when you watch Galvin play he has some much time and space.

But yah the tigers also have Latu Fainu sitting behind Luai/Galvin who could be a potential get.. but hes only 19, and every club should have 3 halves at a minimum... so hes probably fine to stay put for now.

Agree, LKT is the latter. Not a suitable halfback. I think as far as the Tigers roster goes, he's fine to stay but not sure about salary cap. Can they afford Luai on huge money, the two young 5/8s and Sullivan on over 500k a year for 3 years after this? I doubt it.

As for our backup half or 5/8, I don't mind Kyle on not very much money. Had a lot of experience playing 1/2 and 5/8. But he shouldn't be first choice. Only injury backup and usually doing his thing in NSW Cup.

So if Hunt hangs around for one more year after his current contract finishes, it gives the club ample time to get Ward or Reed ready to take over or find a replacement to partner with LKT.

 

[Edward]

Agree, LKT is the latter. Not a suitable halfback. I think as far as the Tigers roster goes, he's fine to stay but not sure about salary cap. Can they afford Luai on huge money, the two young 5/8s and Sullivan on over 500k a year for 3 years after this? I doubt it.

As for our backup half or 5/8, I don't mind Kyle on not very much money. Had a lot of experience playing 1/2 and 5/8. But he shouldn't be first choice. Only injury backup and usually doing his thing in NSW Cup.

So if Hunt hangs around for one more year after his current contract finishes, it gives the club ample time to get Ward or Reed ready to take over or find a replacement to partner with LKT.

Kyle was signed for exactly what you are describing. Also cover for hooker. But I said earlier, I bet Blocka or RFM or Feagai or Bird himself wish they could get away with playing as many bad games as Kyle. Eisenhuth is in the same boat as Kyle there.

 

[TheRev]

Agree, LKT is the latter. Not a suitable halfback. I think as far as the Tigers roster goes, he's fine to stay but not sure about salary cap. Can they afford Luai on huge money, the two young 5/8s and Sullivan on over 500k a year for 3 years after this? I doubt it.

As for our backup half or 5/8, I don't mind Kyle on not very much money. Had a lot of experience playing 1/2 and 5/8. But he shouldn't be first choice. Only injury backup and usually doing his thing in NSW Cup.

So if Hunt hangs around for one more year after his current contract finishes, it gives the club ample time to get Ward or Reed ready to take over or find a replacement to partner with LKT.

I agree with most of that, though Kade Reed (if he remains healthy and can make the jump up 3 more grades, which is a big 'if') might get a few games in the back end of 2026 and 2027, but the kid hasnt even played Jersey Flegg yet... there is so far for him to go.. note that he has a development contract that starts in 2026.

I'm not sure who we are going to source for Hunts replacement, there doesn't seem to really be any halves on the market anymore.. Walker I think is well outside of our range... its like you have to think left-field now, from the UK or from NSW/QLD Cup.. likely pick up one of the discards who hasnt been given a fair shot etc.. I think Flanno would really want someone experienced, particularly if LKT was his partner.

 

[Chris M]

Reed

I agree with most of that, though Kade Reed (if he remains healthy and can make the jump up 3 more grades, which is a big 'if') might get a few games in the back end of 2026 and 2027, but the kid hasnt even played Jersey Flegg yet... there is so far for him to go.. note that he has a development contract that starts in 2026.

I'm not sure who we are going to source for Hunts replacement, there doesn't seem to really be any halves on the market anymore.. Walker I think is well outside of our range... its like you have to think left-field now, from the UK or from NSW/QLD Cup.. likely pick up one of the discards who hasnt been given a fair shot etc.. I think Flanno would really want someone experienced, particularly if LKT was his partner.

That's a good point. Though LKT started this year in SG Ball so there is always the possibility. But for sure, a lot of water to pass under the bridge yet. I like the idea of raiding the ESL. That Canberra halfback from few years ago was a gun!

 

[RedV01]

That's a good point. Though LKT started this year in SG Ball so there is always the possibility. But for sure, a lot of water to pass under the bridge yet. I like the idea of raiding the ESL. That Canberra halfback from few years ago was a gun!

Also Rugby Yawnion. Seems we are the only club not interested in that or ESL.

 

[Just a Mug Fan]

Flanno is not going to be rushed or pushed into contracts he is not happy with, we have been close on a few middles but not giving a inch. We gave been in talks with 6 middles.

Media talk of contracts extensions to Tom, Murders and Max are SL only Max has other others on the table and may end up interstate.

Some of our Cup players have offers from other clubs and Matt Head keen to strengthen his Qldrl Cup side.