I take exception to comments like that. The vast majority of players to wear the blue and gold have always - & always will - give their best. They are playing no "tougher" than last year. Anyone who says any different is kidding themselves and blinded by the spin doctoring this current mob does so well.
We are currently a struggling club on the field as well as one who cannot seem to attract any topline players. Sando was a good buy but he is hardly topline and we [reportedly] paid way too much for him.
WOE
Our forard pack has matched it with every team. It's our halves and backs that have let us dowon due to lack of skill. They have always put in. We've gone into the season having lost Tahu and Grothe during preseason, they are 2 big name players in our backline.
Our marquee signing prop Poore hasn't played a game this season and our most experienced centre at the club Reddy is gone for the year and only played in a hanful of games.
On top of that Humble has been out most of season, Murray had offield problems and was released. Whatuira retired, Mitchell and Rogers released mid year.
This is the weakest Parra squad since those dark days in the early 90's where Chris King was our Hindy and Speechley was our star half at the age of 55.
There is a bigger picture here. SK is looking to adress it and it won't be achieved overnight. Anyone whining about we haven't bought any star players should have a look at some of our juniors. Gagan and Toutai are filled with potenial in the backs and O'Hanlon and Terepo have loads of potential in the forwards along with others.
Some of you may not know but I believe we may have bought up to 4 players from the Dogs from SG Ball and Mathews, who were in the GF this year.
SK and the staff he has assembled are looking at the bigger picture. When he was interviewed he presented a plan going forward. It won't be all achieved overnight, but has obviously set goals at certain stages.
On Sandow, people are dreaming if they think he isn't a good buy or we paid too much for him. Parra hasn't had a long term halfback since Sterlo.
Tim Smith last 1.5 years, Taylor was at the end of his career.
Sandow if he keeps improving like he has this year, will be the best halfback since Sterlo. He won Souths the game on Friday night setting up two early tries.
If we had Sandow this year, we'd be in the top 8. People who say we paid too much should enquire what the Roosters are paying for Pearce. They are on the same money. How many 22 year old halfbacks with the experience and talent of Sandow are there running around in teh NRL? A good young halfback is very scarce these days and that's why their value is high.
We needed a halfback more than anything and $400k a year will look like very good business next year and I think Galeforce, slammingsam and the rest of the lol50uf$$ faithful know this too. Right now they must have their head in their hands wondering how ever did they let him go.
