St George Illawarra in 2023

Eric

Staff
In a perfect world a playmaker doesn't need an enforcer protecting him but you are right it's an option.

I can't wait until we play Sydney Rorters. They will have two small, weak defenders in the line. Good teams and good halves will take advantage of it.
If they are completely ineffective, Robinson won't hesitate to drop one or both.
 

Morgan

SGI NSW Cup
So the real issue here with hooker is what do you place the most importance on defence or attack? No doubt in my mind that McCullough is as solid as a rock defensively in fact one of the best racking up 50 plus, however in attack he offers nothing unfortunately not his fault time catches up with all of us. That was the catalyst of our weak and easily read attacking last season and will be our archilles heel again this season unfortunately
Maybe this is the answer to the back up hooker problem. Didn't he play under Hook at Penrith? But if that is the case, what did we sign Mbye for? To play NSW Cup? We still have one spot in the top 30 available.

‘I got a contract’: Sacked Broncos reveals shock NRL return​

Former NRL player James Segeyaro has revealed he “got a contract” and could be in for a stunning return to the competition having last played in the NRL in September 2019. The former Panthers, Cowboys, Sharks and Broncos hooker took to social media to announce the news but provided few other details.

The 31-year-old has not appeared in a first grade match since September 2019, receiving a ban from the NRL’s Anti-Doping tribunal not long after his stint with the Broncos ended after a drink-driving charge. Segeyaro has been available to be picked up by NRL teams since June last year, with his 20 month sentence backdated.

“Got a call from my manager saying I got a contract,” Segeyaro said in a video posted to Instagram. It is currently unclear which club and at what level of football his contract offer came from but his 154 games of NRL experience spanning from 2011 to 2019 could be a fantastic addition for an NRL side.

Segeyaro began his career at the North Queensland Cowboys before making the move to the Panthers after two seasons. At the foot of the mountains the Papua New Guinean rake became a fan favourite, playing 70 games across four seasons. A number of clubs would benefit from having the experienced and lively hooker in their ranks.

The Knights have lost Jayden Brailey to an unfortunate Achilles’ injury, leaving an opening for someone to cement the number nine jersey. Chris Randall and Kurt Mann are set to fight it out for the starting spot, but Segeyaro could change the landscape. The Titans have been yet to lock down a starting number nine, with the departed Mitch Rein, Erin Clark and Tanah Boyd all playing hooker last season.

Segeyaro could also make a return to his former club in Brisbane, with Jake Turpin the incumbent hooker. But, if Kevin Walters decides to use Turpin in the halves, Segeyaro would bring energy and experience to the Broncos’ spine.

I think it'll be Newcastle or Gold Coast. Probably for the better. I'd prefer the last spot goes to a middle forward.
 
Maybe this is the answer to the back up hooker problem. Didn't he play under Hook at Penrith? But if that is the case, what did we sign Mbye for? To play NSW Cup? We still have one spot in the top 30 available.

‘I got a contract’: Sacked Broncos reveals shock NRL return​

Former NRL player James Segeyaro has revealed he “got a contract” and could be in for a stunning return to the competition having last played in the NRL in September 2019. The former Panthers, Cowboys, Sharks and Broncos hooker took to social media to announce the news but provided few other details.

The 31-year-old has not appeared in a first grade match since September 2019, receiving a ban from the NRL’s Anti-Doping tribunal not long after his stint with the Broncos ended after a drink-driving charge. Segeyaro has been available to be picked up by NRL teams since June last year, with his 20 month sentence backdated.

“Got a call from my manager saying I got a contract,” Segeyaro said in a video posted to Instagram. It is currently unclear which club and at what level of football his contract offer came from but his 154 games of NRL experience spanning from 2011 to 2019 could be a fantastic addition for an NRL side.

Segeyaro began his career at the North Queensland Cowboys before making the move to the Panthers after two seasons. At the foot of the mountains the Papua New Guinean rake became a fan favourite, playing 70 games across four seasons. A number of clubs would benefit from having the experienced and lively hooker in their ranks.

The Knights have lost Jayden Brailey to an unfortunate Achilles’ injury, leaving an opening for someone to cement the number nine jersey. Chris Randall and Kurt Mann are set to fight it out for the starting spot, but Segeyaro could change the landscape. The Titans have been yet to lock down a starting number nine, with the departed Mitch Rein, Erin Clark and Tanah Boyd all playing hooker last season.

Segeyaro could also make a return to his former club in Brisbane, with Jake Turpin the incumbent hooker. But, if Kevin Walters decides to use Turpin in the halves, Segeyaro would bring energy and experience to the Broncos’ spine.

I think it'll be Newcastle or Gold Coast. Probably for the better. I'd prefer the last spot goes to a middle forward.
Last spot needs to be a specialist hooker in my opinion
 
BIG DREAD VEE
St George Illawarra Dragons fans, please blame the crystal ball and not your correspondent. I see a four-way battle for the wooden spoon between the Tigers, Cowboys, Warriors – and, yes, the Dragons. Anthony Griffin hasn’t really improved his team and the lack of resolve over the past few years makes you wonder where this proud club is heading.


This is according to Phillip Rothfield. He also predicted Shonkies to finish 5th! So I'm just leaving it here so we can laugh at the absurdity as the season progresses.
I would like to believe that with our rotation in the engine room that we now have and depth in the whole pack that we will be good enough to play semi finals football this year but time will tell
 

Morgan

SGI NSW Cup
I would like to believe that with our rotation in the engine room that we now have and depth in the whole pack that we will be good enough to play semi finals football this year but time will tell
I think we will make the finals. If our young backs are half as good as many people are talking about, we will be pushing for the top 4. But you are right about the engine room. A successful season will rely on Woods and/or Burgess rolling back the years. We know what we are going to get with Lawrie and Molo is a current SOO player. The question is whether all 4 of them are going to be in the 17. I think with the new rules and faster game, only 3 of them should be in the 17.
 

RedV01

SGI NSW Cup
Maybe this is the answer to the back up hooker problem. Didn't he play under Hook at Penrith? But if that is the case, what did we sign Mbye for? To play NSW Cup? We still have one spot in the top 30 available.

‘I got a contract’: Sacked former Broncos reveals shock NRL return​

Former NRL player James Segeyaro has revealed he “got a contract” and could be in for a stunning return to the competition having last played in the NRL in September 2019. The former Penrith Panthers, Cowboys, Sharks and Broncos hooker took to social media to announce the news but provided few other details.

The 31-year-old has not appeared in an NRL game since September 2019, receiving a ban from the NRL’s Anti-Doping tribunal not long after his stint with the Broncos ended after a drink-driving charge. Segeyaro has been available to be picked up by NRL teams since June last year, with his 20 month sentence backdated.

“Got a call from my manager saying I got a contract,” Segeyaro said in a video posted to Instagram. It is currently unclear which club and at what level of football his contract offer came from but his 154 games of NRL experience spanning from 2011 to 2019 could be a fantastic addition for an NRL side.

Segeyaro began his career at the North Queensland Cowboys before making the move to the Panthers after two seasons. At the foot of the mountains the Papua New Guinean rake became a fan favourite, playing 70 games across four seasons. A number of clubs would benefit from having the experienced and lively hooker in their ranks.

The Knights have lost Jayden Brailey to an unfortunate Achilles’ injury, leaving an opening for someone to cement the number nine jersey. Chris Randall and Kurt Mann are set to fight it out for the starting spot, but Segeyaro could change the landscape. The Titans have been yet to lock down a starting number nine, with the departed Mitch Rein, Erin Clark and Tanah Boyd all playing hooker last season.

Segeyaro could also make a return to his former club in Brisbane, with Jake Turpin the incumbent hooker. But, if Kevin Walters decides to use Turpin in the halves, Segeyaro would bring energy and experience to the Broncos’ spine.

I think it'll be Newcastle or Gold Coast. Probably for the better. I'd prefer the last spot goes to a middle forward.
May well be a good player but he carries so much baggage, I doubt Hook would want him.
 
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RedV01

SGI NSW Cup
I think we will make the finals. If our young backs are half as good as many people are talking about, we will be pushing for the top 4. But you are right about the engine room. A successful season will rely on Woods and/or Burgess rolling back the years. We know what we are going to get with Lawrie and Molo is a current SOO player. The question is whether all 4 of them are going to be in the 17. I think with the new rules and faster game, only 3 of them should be in the 17.
Prop rotation of Woods, Lawrie, Molo with Fuimaono, Bird and De Belin also playing in the middle.
 

Eric

Staff
MANLY SEA EAGLES EYE SEGEYARO
The Manly Sea Eagles have shown interest in signing comeback hooker James Segeyaro.

Manly could become the 31-year-old’s fifth NRL club after stints at the Broncos, Sharks, Panthers and the Cowboys where he started in 2011. The former PNG international is returning from a 20-month ban from the NRL’s anti-doping tribunal.

The future of Manly’s first choice hooker Manase Fainu remains in doubt while he faces charges for an alleged knife attack in early 2020. Segeyaro’s manager Sam Ayoub has spoken to Manly coach Des Hasler in recent days. The possibility of him returning via feeder club Blacktown has been mentioned.

Segeyaro has not played since September 2019 after he was found to have the drug ligandrol in his system. Ligandrol is the same substance to which Australian swimmer Shayna Jack returned a positive sample.

Looks like it was Manly.
 

RedV01

SGI NSW Cup
MANLY SEA EAGLES EYE SEGEYARO
The Manly Sea Eagles have shown interest in signing comeback hooker James Segeyaro.

Manly could become the 31-year-old’s fifth NRL club after stints at the Broncos, Sharks, Panthers and the Cowboys where he started in 2011. The former PNG international is returning from a 20-month ban from the NRL’s anti-doping tribunal.

The future of Manly’s first choice hooker Manase Fainu remains in doubt while he faces charges for an alleged knife attack in early 2020. Segeyaro’s manager Sam Ayoub has spoken to Manly coach Des Hasler in recent days. The possibility of him returning via feeder club Blacktown has been mentioned.

Segeyaro has not played since September 2019 after he was found to have the drug ligandrol in his system. Ligandrol is the same substance to which Australian swimmer Shayna Jack returned a positive sample.

Looks like it was Manly.
Was always unlikely to join us. Mbye is the backup hooker this year.
 

GCRV

SGI NSW Cup
MANLY SEA EAGLES EYE SEGEYARO
The Manly Sea Eagles have shown interest in signing comeback hooker James Segeyaro.

Manly could become the 31-year-old’s fifth NRL club after stints at the Brisbane Broncos, Cronulla Sharks, Penrith Panthers and the North Queensland Cowboys where he started in 11 years ago. The former PNG international is returning from a 20-month ban from the NRL’s anti-doping tribunal.

The future of Manly’s first choice hooker Manase Fainu remains in doubt while he faces charges for an alleged knife attack in early 2020. Segeyaro’s manager Sam Ayoub has spoken to Manly coach Des Hasler in recent days. The possibility of him returning via feeder club Blacktown has been mentioned.

Segeyaro has not played since September 2019 after he was found to have the drug ligandrol in his system. Ligandrol is the same substance to which Australian swimmer Shayna Jack returned a positive sample.

Looks like it was Manly.
We need to invest in youth. Of McCullough and Mbye were unavailable, Hunt could play hooker with Sullivan and Amone in the halves. Need a young forward for the last spot in the 30.
 

Chris M

SGI NSW Cup
MANLY SEA EAGLES EYE SEGEYARO
The Manly Sea Eagles have shown interest in signing comeback hooker James Segeyaro.

Manly could become the 31-year-old’s fifth NRL club after stints at the Broncos, Sharks, Panthers and the Cowboys where he started 11 years ago. The former PNG international is returning from a 20-month ban from the NRL’s anti-doping tribunal.

The future of Manly’s first choice hooker Manase Fainu remains in doubt while he faces charges for an alleged knife attack in early 2020. Segeyaro’s manager Sam Ayoub has spoken to Manly coach Des Hasler in recent days. The possibility of him returning via feeder club Blacktown has been mentioned.

Segeyaro has not played since September 2019 after he was found to have the drug ligandrol in his system. Ligandrol is the same substance to which Australian swimmer Shayna Jack returned a positive sample.

Looks like it was Manly.
After THAT BBQ and this guys reputation, I very much doubt he was ever considered. Not even if he were at the top of hbis game.
 

Morgan

SGI NSW Cup

NRL free agency state of play​

ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS

Off-contract 2022
: Billy Burns, Daniel Alvaro, Jack Bird, Poasa Faamausili, Jackson Ford, Jack Gosiewski, Blake Lawrie, Josh McGuire, Tautau Moga, Tariq Sims, Aaron Woods (PO 2023), Shalom O’Ofou, Jonathon Reuben

Re-signed: Tyrell Sloan (2024), Mat Feagai (2024), Max Feagai (2024), Jayden Sullivan (2025)

Analysis: One player that will be actively searching for a new deal for 2023 is Tariq Sims after the Dragons informed the NSW Origin star that they won’t offer him a new deal. In fact, at first 1.the 31-year-old was told he’s free to leave immediately if he secures a long-term deal elsewhere, but the club has reportedly changed its stance and wants Sims to see out the final year of his contract. Sims is said to be earning around the $600,000 mark next season, but 2.he may have to accept a pay cut. The 203-game veteran has been previously linked to the Tigers, Roosters, Storm, Cowboys, Broncos, Rabbitohs and Panthers, as well as some Super League clubs. But most recently it was reported the Eels have “genuine interest” in him as they make plans to replace their three departing forwards. Centre come back-rower Jack Bird is coming off a resurgence in 2021 following two injury-ravaged seasons at the Broncos and he was Anthony Griffin’s ‘Mr Fix It’ this year. It’s understood the club is in talks with Bird over an extension, but there’s rumours the Dolphins could be keeping a close eye on the 26-year-old’s situation given he has a good relationship with coach Wayne Bennett. New recruits Tautau Moga and Jack Gosiewski will have to prove themselves before an extension is even discussed, while Aaron Woods has a player option in his favour for another season in the Red V. The Dragons have locked up star fullback Tyrell Sloan after promoting him to the top 30 on a three-year deal that expires in 2024. The club has locked in their future by re-signing outside backs Mat and Max Feagai as well as playmaker Jayden Sullivan.

1. I didn't realise he was already 31. Anyone know when his birthday is? Is he turning 32 this season? If so, I think a 2 year deal anywhere else is wishful thinking. Even the very best backrowers such as SBW don't play past 34 in the NRL.
2. If he gets a deal elsewhere he will have to accept a pay cut. Stupid comment saying, "he may have to".

Interesting to see Billy Burns and Blake Lawrie off contract. Doesn't seem to be much interest in them elsewhere. See if that lights a fire undder them for this season. Especially Burns. We know what we are going to get with Lawrie. I hope Jackson Ford gets a good chance off the bench this year. IMO he might even be a better bench forward than Bird. Don't hold me to that. Haven't seen Bird in the forwards regularly yet.

There have been big wraps on Shalom O’Ofou for a while but lots of forwards dominate in the juniors and never make it in the NRL. There is still one spot open in the top 30 I hope he deserves it and then gets a contract for next year and beyond.

So as far as I can see it: Billy Burns?, Daniel Alvaro, Jack Bird?, Poasa Faamausili, Jackson Ford?, Jack Gosiewski, Blake Lawrie?, Josh McGuire, Tautau Moga, Tariq Sims, Aaron Woods (PO 2023) he will almost certainly activate his option, Shalom O’Ofou?, Jonathon Reuben

The Dragons cut so much dead wood last season. Look how many of them retired, went to the ESL or were unsigned. I think only Dufty and Vaughan were picked up on cut price deals. Either Griffin has his eye on a number of young forwards coming through or all of Burns, Ford, Lawrie will be resigned as will Bird unless Redcliff blow us out of the water with their offer.
 

Chris M

SGI NSW Cup

NRL free agency state of play​

ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS

Off-contract 2022
: Billy Burns, Daniel Alvaro, Jack Bird, Poasa Faamausili, Jackson Ford, Jack Gosiewski, Blake Lawrie, Josh McGuire, Tautau Moga, Tariq Sims, Aaron Woods (PO 2023), Shalom O’Ofou, Jonathon Reuben

Re-signed: Tyrell Sloan (2024), Mat Feagai (2024), Max Feagai (2024), Jayden Sullivan (2025)

Analysis: One player that will be actively searching for a new deal for 2023 is Tariq Sims after St George Illawarra informed the NSW Origin star that they won’t offer him a new deal. In fact, at first 1.the 31-year-old was told he’s free to leave immediately if he secures a long-term deal elsewhere, but the club has reportedly changed its stance and wants Sims to see out the final year of his contract. Sims is said to be earning around the $600,000 mark next season, but 2.he may have to accept a pay cut. The 203-game veteran has been previously linked to the Tigers, Roosters, Storm, Cowboys, Broncos, Rabbitohs and Panthers, as well as some Super League clubs. But most recently it was reported the Eels have “genuine interest” in him as they make plans to replace their three departing forwards. Centre come back-rower Jack Bird is coming off a resurgence in 2021 following two injury-ravaged seasons at the Broncos and he was Anthony Griffin’s ‘Mr Fix It’ this year. It’s understood the club is in talks with Bird over an extension, but there’s rumours the Dolphins could be keeping a close eye on the 26-year-old’s situation given he has a good relationship with coach Wayne Bennett. New recruits Tautau Moga and Jack Gosiewski will have to prove themselves before an extension is even discussed, while Aaron Woods has a player option in his favour for another season in the Red V. The Dragons have locked up star fullback Tyrell Sloan after promoting him to the top 30 on a three-year deal that expires in 2024. The club has locked in their future by re-signing outside backs Mat and Max Feagai as well as playmaker Jayden Sullivan.

1. I didn't realise he was already 31. Anyone know when his birthday is?Turning 32 this season? If so, I think a 2 year deal anywhere else is wishful thinking. Even the very best backrowers such as SBW don't play past 34 in the NRL.
2. If he gets a deal elsewhere he will have to accept a pay cut. Stupid comment saying, "he may have to".

Interesting to see Billy Burns and Blake Lawrie off contract. Doesn't seem to be much interest in them elsewhere. See if that lights a fire undder them for this season. Especially Burns. We know what we are going to get with Lawrie. I hope Jackson Ford gets a good chance off the bench this year. IMO he might even be a better bench forward than Bird. Don't hold me to that. Haven't seen Bird in the forwards regularly yet.

There have been big wraps on Shalom O’Ofou for a while but lots of forwards dominate in the juniors and never make it in the NRL. There is still one spot open in the top 30 I hope he deserves it and then gets a contract for next year and beyond.

So as far as I can see it: Billy Burns?, Daniel Alvaro, Jack Bird?, Poasa Faamausili, Jackson Ford?, Jack Gosiewski, Blake Lawrie?, Josh McGuire, Tautau Moga, Tariq Sims, Aaron Woods (PO 2023) he will almost certainly activate his option, Shalom O’Ofou?, Jonathon Reuben

The Dragons cut so much dead wood last season. Look how many of them retired, went to the ESL or were unsigned. I think only Dufty and Vaughan were picked up on cut price deals. Either Griffin has his eye on a number of young forwards coming through or all of Burns, Ford, Lawrie will be resigned as will Bird unless Redcliff blow us out of the water with their offer.
Must mean plenty of salary cap room. Remember Ben Hunts contract is almost up as well. Who to spend it on? Maybe Amone, Sloan, Sullivan are goping to be so good as to demand a massive pay rise.

Sims is going to turn 32 in a couple of weeks.
 

Morgan

SGI NSW Cup
Must mean plenty of salary cap room. Remember Ben Hunts contract is almost up as well. Who to spend it on? Maybe Amone, Sloan, Sullivan are goping to be so good as to demand a massive pay rise.

Sims is going to turn 32 in a couple of weeks.
Thanks. I doubt any NRL clubs are going to offer him a contract for 2024 when he will be 34 before the season begins. Unless it's for a minimum wage but I'd guess he's prefer to retire. So it's up to him to have a big first half of the season this year and earn a one year extension.
 

GCRV

SGI NSW Cup
Thanks. I doubt any NRL clubs are going to offer him a contract for 2024 when he will be 34 before the season begins. Unless it's for a minimum wage but I'd guess he's prefer to retire. So it's up to him to have a big first half of the season this year and earn a one year extension.
Some of the Dolphins recruits will be even older.
 

Eric

Staff

NRL free agency state of play​

ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS

Off-contract 2022
: Billy Burns, Daniel Alvaro, Jack Bird, Poasa Faamausili, Jackson Ford, Jack Gosiewski, Blake Lawrie, Josh McGuire, Tautau Moga, Tariq Sims, Aaron Woods (PO 2023), Shalom O’Ofou, Jonathon Reuben

Re-signed: Tyrell Sloan (2024), Mat Feagai (2024), Max Feagai (2024), Jayden Sullivan (2025)

Analysis: One player that will be actively searching for a new deal for 2023 is Tariq Sims after St George Illawarra told the Origin star that they won’t offer him a new deal. In fact, at first 1.the 31-year-old was told he’s free to leave immediately if he secures a long-term deal elsewhere, but the club has reportedly changed its stance and wants Sims to see out the final year of his contract. Sims is said to be earning around the $600,000 mark next season, but 2.he may have to accept a pay cut. The 203-game veteran has been previously linked to the Tigers, Roosters, Storm, Cowboys, Broncos, Rabbitohs and Panthers, as well as some Super League clubs. But most recently it was reported the Eels have “genuine interest” in him as they make plans to replace their three departing forwards. Centre come back-rower Jack Bird is coming off a resurgence in 2021 following two injury-ravaged seasons at the Broncos and he was Anthony Griffin’s ‘Mr Fix It’ this year. It’s understood the club is in talks with Bird over an extension, but there’s rumours the Dolphins could be keeping a close eye on the 26-year-old’s situation given he has a good relationship with coach Wayne Bennett. New recruits Tautau Moga and Jack Gosiewski will have to prove themselves before an extension is even discussed, while Aaron Woods has a player option in his favour for another season in the Red V. The Dragons have locked up star fullback Tyrell Sloan after promoting him to the top 30 on a three-year deal that expires in 2024. The club has locked in their future by re-signing outside backs Mat and Max Feagai as well as playmaker Jayden Sullivan.

1. I didn't realise he was already 31. Anyone know when his birthday is? Is he turning 32 this season? If so, I think a 2 year deal anywhere else is wishful thinking. Even the very best backrowers such as SBW don't play past 34 in the NRL.
2. If he gets a deal elsewhere he will have to accept a pay cut. Stupid comment saying, "he may have to".

Interesting to see Billy Burns and Blake Lawrie off contract. Doesn't seem to be much interest in them elsewhere. See if that lights a fire undder them for this season. Especially Burns. We know what we are going to get with Lawrie. I hope Jackson Ford gets a good chance off the bench this year. IMO he might even be a better bench forward than Bird. Don't hold me to that. Haven't seen Bird in the forwards regularly yet.

There have been big wraps on Shalom O’Ofou for a while but lots of forwards dominate in the juniors and never make it in the NRL. There is still one spot open in the top 30 I hope he deserves it and then gets a contract for next year and beyond.

So as far as I can see it: Billy Burns?, Daniel Alvaro, Jack Bird?, Poasa Faamausili, Jackson Ford?, Jack Gosiewski, Blake Lawrie?, Josh McGuire, Tautau Moga, Tariq Sims, Aaron Woods (PO 2023) he will almost certainly activate his option, Shalom O’Ofou?, Jonathon Reuben

The Dragons cut so much dead wood last season. Look how many of them retired, went to the ESL or were unsigned. I think only Dufty and Vaughan were picked up on cut price deals. Either Griffin has his eye on a number of young forwards coming through or all of Burns, Ford, Lawrie will be resigned as will Bird unless Redcliff blow us out of the water with their offer.
resign Burns, Ford, Lawrie, O’Ofou and hopefully Bird but not more than 500~600k a year. Unless the other 4 have breakout seasons this season, they won't cost a lot to keep.
 
I think we will make the finals. If our young backs are half as good as many people are talking about, we will be pushing for the top 4. But you are right about the engine room. A successful season will rely on Woods and/or Burgess rolling back the years. We know what we are going to get with Lawrie and Molo is a current SOO player. The question is whether all 4 of them are going to be in the 17. I think with the new rules and faster game, only 3 of them should be in the 17.
Probably agree with that
 
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