Recruitment and Retention for 2025

[Wild383]

Why do you have so much hate for Allen and Sloan and Holmes? You obviously feel we need a fullback. Doueihi who plays in a position the club needs badly has his best form in front of him. If Gutherson could play in halves, preferably halfback, I would be very upbeat about signing him.

As for Flanno's and his Dads Army recruitment, very dissatisfied so far but I think he did a pretty good job with the team he inherited last season. Shouldn't have signed Eisenhuth and RFM. Even though I wasn't against signing RFM. I thought he was better than he actually is. To keep picking Eisenhuth, RFM, BMM while the Couchman's were in reserve grade was mental.

Hate how? Your the negative one here. You said Allen is more accomplished then Gutho which is laughable and me pointing that out isnt hate. You keep saying Holmes is a dads army signing (hes 29 and was in top form to end the season) again laughable, and I've said repeatedly that Sloan improved a lot more in Flannos first year then under previous coaching, he wont lose a 1st grade spot he will continue to develope.

We need leaders and experience to fix the culture and lead the young guys through, regardless if Gutho plays 6 or 1 its clear hes been made a priority and you should be able to see the benefit he brings. Just because hes leaving a club doesnt mean hes a reject, new coaches want to structure and build their own teams that doesnt make every player leaving a has been and the love from the parra fans and dissapointment of him leaving should prove that. He's made it clear he's targeting a half so that shouldnt be an issue either.

Also you keep harping on about dads army, we're smack on the average for over 30 players in the league. Its actually less for 2025 if Tom doesnt re-sign, BMM gone and RFM will be lucky to get much of a start based on the couchmans performances, however they were upgrades to our pack last year. Flanno was never rocking into his first year and throwing a bunch of 20yr old into first grade straight off the bat.

 

[RedV01]

Hate how? Your the negative one here. You said Allen is more accomplished then Gutho which is laughable and me pointing that out isnt hate.

You really care about that comment, don't you? Pretty sure that's not what I stated. If it was, not what I meant. Allen has bigger highlights. They both played Origin, Allen won, Gutherson had a shocker and lost. Both played in losing GF teams. Allens went down narrowly, Gutherson's was flogged.

You keep saying Holmes is a dads army signing (hes 29 and was in top form to end the season) again laughable,

He will turn 30 early into next season. I think he's a good signing though not sure if he was worth losing Lomax for. I rate all our over 30s. Even RFM goes ok sometimes. But have too many of them already.

and I've said repeatedly that Sloan improved a lot more in Flannos first year then under previous coaching, he wont lose a 1st grade spot he will continue to develope.

Sloan will turn 23 early next season. You are in favour of playing him on the wing until he is 25 or 26 or 27? Give him time to develop. Why do you hate Sloan so much? And why do you hate Allen and Holmes who can play fullback?

We need leaders and experience to fix the culture and lead the young guys through, regardless if Gutho plays 6 or 1 its clear hes been made a priority and you should be able to see the benefit he brings. Just because hes leaving a club doesnt mean hes a reject, new coaches want to structure and build their own teams that doesnt make every player leaving a has been and the love from the parra fans and dissapointment of him leaving should prove that. He's made it clear he's targeting a half so that shouldnt be an issue either.

6? You think a 30 year-old can make the transition from fullback to 5/8? Holmes wasn't a reject. Cowboys have well documented salary cap issues. Gutherson is a Parra reject. Ryles recruited a untried Penrith lower grader to play fullback.

Also you keep harping on about dads army, we're smack on the average for over 30 players in the league. Its actually less for 2025 if Tom doesnt re-sign, BMM gone and RFM will be lucky to get much of a start based on the couchmans performances, however they were upgrades to our pack last year. Flanno was never rocking into his first year and throwing a bunch of 20yr old into first grade straight off the bat.

Melbourne have 2 30 year-olds. Dally M winning halfback and Munster. Penrith have zero. Cowboys have zero I think. How old is Taumalolo? Rorters have Tedesco and Townsend. The latter will only play first grade if there are injuries. Manly have a few. I think Brown is over 30 and DCE and Jake Trbojevic is about 30. Maybe 28 or 29. Souffs have been up a long time until last season. I think Aitken, Havili, Johnston are about 30 and Wighton and Walker are over 30.

WTF are you talking about "smack on average"? Even with Couchman's in the 17, the round 1 best 17, even without Gurtherson will be old.

Are you happy with the halves situation? How about props? How about wingers? If not, why are you so upbeat about signing a 30 year old fullback?

 

[GCRV]

Eels are apparently front runners to sign JAC.

 

[Just a Mug Fan]

Eels are apparently front runners to sign JAC.

We won't be signing JAC or May

 

[GCRV]

We won't be signing JAC or May

RedV01 is right. Gutherson would be an excellent signing for 2 years but before that need some speed out wide and some grunt up front. So Flanno of course signs a fullback who will push out a speedster. Not that anyone cares but he is really losing me in a hurry.

Holmes signing is neither here nor there because we lost Lomax for it. The rest of his recruitment and retention has been E so far.

 

[st george tragic]

o I have heard today that we are talking to May (but so are the dogs and tigers), Dogs will be hard to beat to a signature.. yeah the Mays get a lot of people offside.. I dont think they r the best people to have around (doesnt seem like a guy that buys into culture, but he doesnt drink either), but tbf were not really in a position to be picky until we show ourselves to be a more consistent Top8 club. Might need board signoff also even if we did win the race to a signature.

o Rumours starting to circulate today that Atkinson is signed for 2025.. would love some official announcements soon, cause if we have 2 or 3 players signed (2 of them spine players), lets get some positive press going.. i.e. try and get May, Thompson (and any 2026 potential recruits) excited about whats building here.

o I will say 1 thing though.. I love not seeing any Hunt v Dragons articles anymore.

Sorry rev one more whinge from Hunt what a wander he is.

He’s done with the Dragons. Now Ben Hunt is daring to dream of a ‘special’ return to this club

The outgoing St George Illawarra skipper says he’s relieved his acrimonious split with the Red V is all over. Now he’s looking to the future.

www.smh.com.au

 

[Wild383]

You really care about that comment, don't you? Pretty sure that's not what I stated. If it was, not what I meant. Allen has bigger highlights. They both played Origin, Allen won, Gutherson had a shocker and lost. Both played in losing GF teams. Allens went down narrowly, Gutherson's was flogged.

What's with the love for Gutho? Corey Allen is younger and has achieved far more as a fullback than Gutho. A bit on the slow side for a fullback but so is Gutho.

This you? Dont shirk away from you trying to justify that rubbish for 2 pages lol.

He will turn 30 early into next season. I think he's a good signing though not sure if he was worth losing Lomax for. I rate all our over 30s. Even RFM goes ok sometimes. But have too many of them already.

Lomax had been asking for a release long before Flanno, the club screwed him around from the moment he re-signed on fullback money and never got an opportunity, then got screwed over by hook as well. He didnt want to be here, and yet we got easily the best straight replacement for him possible.

Sloan will turn 23 early next season. You are in favour of playing him on the wing until he is 25 or 26 or 27? Give him time to develop. Why do you hate Sloan so much? And why do you hate Allen and Holmes who can play fullback?

Already been discussed and never said any of that just making up baseless assumptions as usual. Flannos said all year Sloan is the long term option I trust he has ideas on how to manage and keep him progressing.

6? You think a 30 year-old can make the transition from fullback to 5/8? Holmes wasn't a reject. Cowboys have well documented salary cap issues. Gutherson is a Parra reject. Ryles recruited a untried Penrith lower grader to play fullback.

Easily, has been done multiple times in the past and if needed he could. I dont think he will but if needed yes, hes a quality player.

Melbourne have 2 30 year-olds. Dally M winning halfback and Munster. Penrith have zero. Cowboys have zero I think. How old is Taumalolo? Rorters have Tedesco and Townsend. The latter will only play first grade if there are injuries. Manly have a few. I think Brown is over 30 and DCE and Jake Trbojevic is about 30. Maybe 28 or 29. Souffs have been up a long time until last season. I think Aitken, Havili, Johnston are about 30 and Wighton and Walker are over 30.

WTF are you talking about "smack on average"? Even with Couchman's in the 17, the round 1 best 17, even without Gurtherson will be old.

Are you happy with the halves situation? How about props? How about wingers? If not, why are you so upbeat about signing a 30 year old fullback?

As below already been discussed, and no shit the top clubs are the outliers that doesnt happen overnight does it. Nourishing juniors through a quality system is our biggest systemic club issue which we need to keep focusing on.

A couple of rough stats on recruitment across the board.
85 players were aged 30 or over this season, average 5 per team.

The 2 top teams naturally had the least with Hughes 30 the only one I believe.
Roosters have 5.

We had Hunt, JDB, Molo, RFM, BMM and Tom.
BMM and Tom gone, replaced by Cook
Bird out turning 30 replaced by Val.
That is a big improvement.

Are you happy with the halves situation? How about props? How about wingers? If not, why are you so upbeat about signing a 30 year old fullback?

No im not, I've been saying a prop is our biggest target followed by a half which i believe will both happen. Wingers I dont think are an issue and we shouldnt be considering JAC (if we even are particularly if Gutho is coming and Sloan goes to wing).

Moral of the story the club has FINALLY made the biggest and hardest decision most fans have wanted for ages, Hunt gone and the club moving forward. Even if the only thing that happens this year is Cookie, Holmes & Gutho I'll still be stoked because for the first time in a long time its big positive change.

 

[TheRev]

We won't be signing JAC or May

I read the board were very much against signing JAC.. so it was gonna be a big hurdle for him.. shame though, would have been a nice wing upgrade.. hopefully the money can get us 1 more decent signing (apart from the ones we know about).

 

[Just a Mug Fan]

This is interesting in regards to our pursuit of Atkinson

 

[TheRev]

dunno if they will get Volkman, he had the eels and manly chasing him a few weeks ago.. but surely they'd have 0 interest if Atkinson was staying for 2025.. and they also just extended Puru, their next kid up.

 

[Chris M]

dunno if they will get Volkman, he had the eels and manly chasing him a few weeks ago.. but surely they'd have 0 interest if Atkinson was staying for 2025.. and they also just extended Puru, their next kid up.

Is Atkinson any good or another Eisenhuth-style signing? Like someone who just won't mess up rather than someone who is really good. Though Eisenhuth messed up a few times last season.

 

[Ryan]

You really care about that comment, don't you? Pretty sure that's not what I stated. If it was, not what I meant. Allen has bigger highlights. They both played Origin, Allen won, Gutherson had a shocker and lost. Both played in losing GF teams. Allens went down narrowly, Gutherson's was flogged.

He will turn 30 early into next season. I think he's a good signing though not sure if he was worth losing Lomax for. I rate all our over 30s. Even RFM goes ok sometimes. But have too many of them already.

Sloan will turn 23 early next season. You are in favour of playing him on the wing until he is 25 or 26 or 27? Give him time to develop. Why do you hate Sloan so much? And why do you hate Allen and Holmes who can play fullback?

6? You think a 30 year-old can make the transition from fullback to 5/8? Holmes wasn't a reject. Cowboys have well documented salary cap issues. Gutherson is a Parra reject. Ryles recruited a untried Penrith lower grader to play fullback.

Melbourne have 2 30 year-olds. Dally M winning halfback and Munster. Penrith have zero. Cowboys have zero I think. How old is Taumalolo? Rorters have Tedesco and Townsend. The latter will only play first grade if there are injuries. Manly have a few. I think Brown is over 30 and DCE and Jake Trbojevic is about 30. Maybe 28 or 29. Souffs have been up a long time until last season. I think Aitken, Havili, Johnston are about 30 and Wighton and Walker are over 30.

WTF are you talking about "smack on average"? Even with Couchman's in the 17, the round 1 best 17, even without Gurtherson will be old.

Are you happy with the halves situation? How about props? How about wingers? If not, why are you so upbeat about signing a 30 year old fullback?

Stick to your guns. Making a lot of sense.

 

[TheRev]

My feel on Atkinson, and tbh I havent studied him.. but for a guy thrust into 1st grade this year with 1 game to his name.. he played 19 games this year and I think far exceeded expectations.. like he really stepped up in one of the toughest positions... I think there is a player in him for sure.. not sure if he is a 1, 6 or 7 longterm.. but I reckon he will play 6 outside Kyle.. in time maybe that changes.. he has a good short kicking game, but im not sure about his long one..

The first game I saw him, I remember seeing a smirk on his face after he scored, and I thought f*** me thats far too much for a rookie.. but when I consider it.. you want your halves to be cocky.. confident.. but he will turn 24 in january, and that rly coming into the perfect age.. honestly every half we could sign is a % risk.. but I reckon Daniel is as good as any other.. Id prefer him to Pezet tbh.. I mean both would have been fine, but I think Atkinson is a better shot of first grade 'now' and without coming off an ACL like Pezet.

Definitely nothing Eisenhuth about Atkinson.. hes coming into his prime.. I think we timed the Hunt sacking well, cause noone else is rly needing a 7 bar Newcastle who want Pezet.

 

[Ryan]

This you? Dont shirk away from you trying to justify that rubbish for 2 pages lol.

Lomax had been asking for a release long before Flanno, the club screwed him around from the moment he re-signed on fullback money and never got an opportunity, then got screwed over by hook as well. He didnt want to be here, and yet we got easily the best straight replacement for him possible.

Already been discussed and never said any of that just making up baseless assumptions as usual. Flannos said all year Sloan is the long term option I trust he has ideas on how to manage and keep him progressing.

Easily, has been done multiple times in the past and if needed he could. I dont think he will but if needed yes, hes a quality player.

As below already been discussed, and no shit the top clubs are the outliers that doesnt happen overnight does it. Nourishing juniors through a quality system is our biggest systemic club issue which we need to keep focusing on.


No im not, I've been saying a prop is our biggest target followed by a half which i believe will both happen. Wingers I dont think are an issue and we shouldnt be considering JAC (if we even are particularly if Gutho is coming and Sloan goes to wing).

Moral of the story the club has FINALLY made the biggest and hardest decision most fans have wanted for ages, Hunt gone and the club moving forward. Even if the only thing that happens this year is Cookie, Holmes & Gutho I'll still be stoked because for the first time in a long time its big positive change.

Halfback is by far the biggest issue the team has. Prop after that. Fullback isn't an issue though Sloan needs to keep improving. Otherwise Allan or Holmes with Feagai or Allen moving to centre.

 

[RedV01]

This you? Dont shirk away from you trying to justify that rubbish for 2 pages lol.

Yes. It's debatable. What premiership winning or Origin winning teams has Gutherson been in? What Dally M awards has he won?

Lomax had been asking for a release long before Flanno, the club screwed him around from the moment he re-signed on fullback money and never got an opportunity, then got screwed over by hook as well. He didnt want to be here, and yet we got easily the best straight replacement for him possible.

STFU with that BS. Flanno went public talking about stats show Lomax is a poor centre. It was about then Lomax started asking for a release. I know he was also unhappy until Griffin was sacked but when Griffin was sacked, he played hi best football in a while.

I rate Holmes. No issues about signing him but because he's taking Lomax's place, not a big signing. This backline really needed both Lomax and Holmes in it.

Already been discussed and never said any of that just making up baseless assumptions as usual. Flannos said all year Sloan is the long term option I trust he has ideas on how to manage and keep him progressing.

Long term fullback option? But he should wait until he is 26 or 27? If you don't rate Sloan, just say it. Stop talking BS.

Easily, has been done multiple times in the past and if needed he could. I dont think he will but if needed yes, hes a quality player.

Lockyer when he was mid 20s, Munster when he was early 20s and........ 30 year-old Clint Gutherson. You aren't making any sense.

As below already been discussed, and no shit the top clubs are the outliers that doesnt happen overnight does it. Nourishing juniors through a quality system is our biggest systemic club issue which we need to keep focusing on.

So only top clubs have a younger roster? Ok, Parramatta have Shaun Lane who I think is about 30 and Mitchell Moses. Tigers have Klemmar who I think is about 30 and they are trying to move on. Bateman who almost certainly won't play for them again and I think Korosau is about 30. Gold Coast has Foran and I think Brian Kelly might be almost 30. I have no idea but I know he's been around a while. Warriors have Dylan Walker and Kurt Capewell. I think Bunty Afoa has been around a while. Might be about 30. You said:

we're smack on the average for over 30 players in the league. Its actually less for 2025 if Tom doesnt re-sign, BMM gone

So which other club has 4 players over 30 in the best 17 let alone in the squad? Once again, I rate Cook, JDB and Holmes and I think Frank Molo goes ok and RFM has the odd good game. But a 30 year-old fullback is the last thing the team needs. Nothing against Gutherson as a player. He goes ok. but he plays in a position we don't need to bolster and is north of 30.

No im not, I've been saying a prop is our biggest target followed by a half which i believe will both happen. Wingers I dont think are an issue and we shouldnt be considering JAC (if we even are particularly if Gutho is coming and Sloan goes to wing).

Sloan won't make it on the wing. Taking away his biggest strength which is passing.

Moral of the story the club has FINALLY made the biggest and hardest decision most fans have wanted for ages, Hunt gone and the club moving forward. Even if the only thing that happens this year is Cookie, Holmes & Gutho I'll still be stoked because for the first time in a long time its big positive change.

What's your point? Have I ever said a good word about Hunt? Pretty sure I haven't. He played a few good games. Maybe I gave credit where due.

 

[TheRev]

I just updated the spreadsheet, feeling pretty confident this will be our Top30 locked down in the next 1-2 weeks.. it all sort of fits together in terms of depth coverage.. Flanno has been raving about Doueihi.. and thats a pretty good replacement for Ramsey, helps us with a proper 3rd centre and proper 3rd half option.

I think we will lose 1-2 more of those orange blokes yet.. but thats just a bonus on top as long as we get the green ones.. we got confirmation from a few sources that we wont be getting JAC/May/Thommo:

 

[RedV01]

I just updated the spreadsheet, feeling pretty confident this will be our Top30 locked down in the next 1-2 weeks.. it all sort of fits together in terms of depth coverage.. Flanno has been raving about Doueihi.. and thats a pretty good replacement for Ramsey, helps us with a proper 3rd centre and proper 3rd half option.

I think we will lose 1-2 more of those orange blokes yet.. but thats just a bonus on top as long as we get the green ones.. we got confirmation from a few sources that we wont be getting JAC/May/Thommo:

View attachment 436

I think Mike Molo is off contract now.

 

[TheRev]

I think Mike Molo is off contract now.

someone could pick him up for 2026 if they wanted, im sure we would be happy to release early, but I dont think hes going to have clubs chasing him.

 

[Ryan]

I just updated the spreadsheet, feeling pretty confident this will be our Top30 locked down in the next 1-2 weeks.. it all sort of fits together in terms of depth coverage.. Flanno has been raving about Doueihi.. and thats a pretty good replacement for Ramsey, helps us with a proper 3rd centre and proper 3rd half option.

I think we will lose 1-2 more of those orange blokes yet.. but thats just a bonus on top as long as we get the green ones.. we got confirmation from a few sources that we wont be getting JAC/May/Thommo:

View attachment 436

Getting rid of those 4 would be a coup! Even getting rid of one or two would be a good result. But it doesn't look likely.

 

[Wild383]

Yes. It's debatable. What premiership winning or Origin winning teams has Gutherson been in? What Dally M awards has he won?

Its not debatable and not even close. I've literally already compared both for you you were to busy trying to back our of your comment to reply. Also he literally won the Dally M fullback you clown LOL.

STFU with that BS. Flanno went public talking about stats show Lomax is a poor centre. It was about then Lomax started asking for a release. I know he was also unhappy until Griffin was sacked but when Griffin was sacked, he played hi best football in a while.

So him asking for multiple releases beforehand is irrelevant, ok champ.

Long term fullback option? But he should wait until he is 26 or 27? If you don't rate Sloan, just say it. Stop talking BS.

Ive backed Sloan the entire time? Your lack of reading comprehension or capability for taking in any discussion isnt my issue.

Lockyer when he was mid 20s, Munster when he was early 20s and........ 30 year-old Clint Gutherson. You aren't making any sense.

There are plenty of players that can play in multiple roles and shift position as required im sure he could do the same, he is more than experienced enough.

So only top clubs have a younger roster? Ok, Parramatta have Shaun Lane who I think is about 30 and Mitchell Moses. Tigers have Klemmar who I think is about 30 and they are trying to move on. Bateman who almost certainly won't play for them again and I think Korosau is about 30. Gold Coast has Foran and I think Brian Kelly might be almost 30. I have no idea but I know he's been around a while. Warriors have Dylan Walker and Kurt Capewell. I think Bunty Afoa has been around a while. Might be about 30. You said:

If you think they're the only players in the top 30 roster then you're just talking nonsense (again).

Sloan won't make it on the wing. Taking away his biggest strength which is passing.

If you think his biggest strength is his passing game then enough said lol.

What's your point? Have I ever said a good word about Hunt? Pretty sure I haven't. He played a few good games. Maybe I gave credit where due.

I've already made it as clear as possible, its positive change I cant dumb it down any further for you.

Have a good night Red it's been fun, I see why no one ever engages with you on these forums but its always fun to watch you squirm and backpeddal whenever anyone calls you out on your made up rubbish lol. If you ever wanna have an actual discussion without yelling at the world let me know.