2020 Rabbitohs Rumours, Signings and News

[NovoBunny94]

Now there's conflicting info, Rugby Australia is completely denying that anything has happened yet.

To be honest, I saw his highlights.. hes alright, would be a decent acquisition but playing union and league at 16 is vastly different to the NRL versing 20-35 year olds. Either way, not fussed if we get him or not. Good on him whichever way he goes, just for gods sake, don't sign with Easts. Bunch of c***ks

 

[taste2taste]

Now there's conflicting info, Rugby Australia is completely denying that anything has happened yet.

RA are denying the 3m amount.
Considering their TV deal is worth only 10mil a season I doubt they'd spend a 10th of their total money on a 17yr old.

Good luck to him and the Wallabies, they are going all in on generation next. Let's hope he ends up more like Ponga and less like the other 'next superstar's' like Filliga and Suli who signed million dollar deals as teenagers and never fired.

 

[truthslayer]

I would not believe anything the Telecrap writes let's see how it plays out.

 

[NovoBunny94]

Sele has resigned until 2023!

 

[callmack1]

Rabbitohs extend contract of Hame Sele for the next three Seasons: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2...ract-of-Hame-Sele-for-the-next-three-seasons/

Absolutely fantastic news that Hame has re-signed!! Makes me so happy! He's been one of our best this year in my opinion and has a big future at our club. Very happy for him too, he's gone from having no club to finding a home for the next three years. Great stuff Souths!

Rugby Australia deny 'fanciful' $3m deal for Souths teen prodigy Joseph Suaalii: https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/joseph...ustralia/ebb24484-416e-4a5b-8282-5cf9200b3b91

Damien Cook feels sorry for teen ‘superstar’ Joseph Suaalii in Rabbitohs bidding war with Rugby: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...a/news-story/c63b64dbf1b44633b7ad19171d385313

‘Look in the mirror’ - War of words erupts over teen superstar as rugby slammed for $3m ‘madness’: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...e/news-story/9502257eaa10e6c71a911ecfcd176bab

He might be a ‘generational player’. But is $3m Suaalii swoop another ‘desperate’ rugby ‘gamble’?: https://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/...s/news-story/b90f04aa4dd97e45daf79bcaa0f14f1f

 

[callmack1]

From Sporting News,

Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston reveals 'interest is there' from rival NRL clubs ahead of 2021 move

South Sydney Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston has revealed he has had interest from rival NRL clubs, but is no closer to securing his long-term future.

The 25-year old was recently told by the Rabbitohs that he would not be re-signed for 2021 and beyond, leaving him without a club next season.

Johnston has since been linked with a move to Melbourne, Wests Tigers or St George Illawarra.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, the 2014 premiership winner revealed he has been in talks with rival NRL clubs but a move is not yet confirmed.

“There’s been a bit of interest," he said.

"At the moment I haven’t moved forward with anything, I’m just focusing on playing footy. Hopefully that interest comes into something soon.

“It was maybe a bit stressful for a while, with the whole COVID thing as well. I’m glad to be back out there playing some good footy I think.

"It’s good to get that interest and if I keep playing well, hopefully I will get some more."

Johnston has scored 90 tries in 132 games for South Sydney - an incredible strike rate for a player who has spent lengthy periods at fullback.

And the La Perouse junior said that while he does enjoy the time he spends at fullback, it's not a priority for him when negotiating with a new club.

“I just try and relish the time I get back there. It’s a bit of fun...hopefully teams see that I can play fullback," he said.

“I don’t really care. Priority-wise I want to be playing finals footy. At the end of the day I will go anywhere to play fullback or play wing. I don’t have a priority at all.

“Being a young guy in the past coming through, contracts were done a bit quicker than this. Souths were willing to re-sign me, but it’s not happening this time around at the moment. I have to look out for other clubs and get them keen.

“When I’m out there I’m not thinking about it at all. During the week I’m trying to stay focused…knowing that there is a bit of interest out there definitely helps. I’m hoping that leads into something else sooner rather than later."

Johnston has represented Australia once and Papua New Guinea twice, and has established himself as one of the game's elite try-scorers since debuting six years ago.

Whichever club picks him up next year, they've got a fine player on their hands.

 

[callmack1]

From the Australian,

Crowe joins tug of war for $3m teenager

Hollywood actor Russell Crowe is expected to step in as South Sydney bid to stop 16-year-old sensation Joseph Suaalii from accepting an eye-watering three-year $3m offer from Australian rugby — the biggest ever offered to a teenager.

While Rugby Australia is suffering financially, facing $20m of debt, The Australian understands rich third-party benefactors are willing to help stump up the millions to attract the 196cm 96kg fullback who is in Year 11 at the exclusive King’s School in western Sydney. On an RA contract he could represent Australia in the Rugby Sevens at next year‘s Tokyo Olympics.

It is believed Souths owner Crowe, who led the negotiations that eventually attracted Rabbitoh heroes Sam Burgess and Greg Inglis, will do everything he can do to encourage Suaalii to stick with the Redfern club.

Contracted to Souths until the end of next season, Suaalii last month agreed to a three-year extension at Redfern worth $1.7m. But the Rabbitohs cannot register the contract with the NRL until Suaalii turns 17 on August 1, which has given RA time to swoop.

Under NRL rules, Suaalii could not play NRL until he turned 18.

A source close to Crowe noted the role he played in getting Burgess and Inglis to Souths and he has taken the lead again.

The monster $3m deal offered to the teenager contrasts to the wretched pay circumstances thrust upon the majority of RA’s 192 professional players. They are currently on a 30 per cent pay cut due to the COVID-19 crisis.

The big-money offer is set to ruffle the playing group — including some Wallabies who have not been offered contracts for next year. The game is also without a broadcast deal beyond 2020 and the rights are estimated to be valued between $10-$20m a season.

Rugby Australia chief executive Rob Clarke said the proposed deal with Suaalii was “fanciful”.

“Joseph Suaalii is an upstanding young man and a talented rugby player who has proven himself to be an exciting rugby prospect for the future,” Clarke said.

“We have made it no secret that we would like to keep Joseph within the rugby pathway.

“At this stage there has been no agreement between Joseph, his family or his representation. Rugby Australia continues to have an open and exciting conversation about his potential future in the game.

“Financial offers being speculated in the media presently are totally fanciful, and is being propagated by the usual suspects whose sole interest it is to inflate and misrepresent contract values.”

Last month Fox Sports reported that the Rabbitohs had outlaid $1.7m to ensure Suaalii played in the NRL. Suaalii spent the summer training with the South Sydney NRL squad and won over the likes of coach Wayne Bennett, Burgess and Damien Cook.

Wallabies coach Dave Rennie attempted to sign him in February this year but with the cash-windfall from third-party benefactors RA could be in the box seat.

Burgess even described Suaalii as “unbelievable.”

“Look, I hate rapping young kids,” Burgess told Fox Sports. “I‘ve seen him first-hand, training with the first team, and forget his athletic ability — what I saw inside Joseph Suaalii that day, I saw (how) we took him to the edge of the cliff and he hung on for dear life and he had the courage of a 25 to 28-year-old man. And he was riding contact — this was six months ago — like any other first-grader. I‘ve never ever seen a kid do that and never mind an outside back.

“So I hate rapping a young kid because it‘s unwarranted, but I’ve seen him first-hand, he’s pretty special.”

At just 16, Suaalii has already represented NSW in rugby league, rugby union, AFL and basketball. He also represented the Australian Schoolboys and Australian under 18s rugby union sides.



From the Daily Telegraph,

Joseph Suaalii South Sydney contract: Russell Crowe holds keys to teen’s future

Rugby Australia’s $3 million sensation, Joseph Suaalii, will be prevented from switching codes until October 31 next year unless he can secure a release from South Sydney’s two major shareholders — Russell Crowe and James Packer.

The revelation comes as Rugby Australia boss Rob Clarke vows to “fight’’ to secure Suaalii and believes the “global opportunities’’ his sport offers will prove enticing.

Suaalii is under contract at Redfern for 2021 on a rookie contract worth $600,000 a season.

Just 16-years-old, Suaalii could be forced to stay at Souths but, under NRL rules, cannot play first grade until his 18th birthday — August 1, 2021.

It means Suaalii might not be playing either code for the next 12 months.
South Sydney's Joseph Suaalii for SG Ball
‘It’s madness from a game that’s broke’

News Corp can reveal Rugby Australia has asked Suaalii’s family to approach the Rabbitohs board about an early release so he can accept a three-year, $3 million contract with RA.

Souths haven’t been formally told Suaalii is heading to rugby union so haven’t yet considered a release.

If he does seek a release, Crowe and Packer — who own 75 per cent of the club — would have to determine whether to allow their young star to leave a year early.
Souths co-owner Russell Crowe. Picture: Brett Costello

It is unlikely Crowe and Packer would retain Suaalii against his wishes.

 

[BotanyBorn&Bred]

The Fox to Redfern next season is looking more likely, that rumour won't go away

 

[NovoBunny94]

The Fox to Redfern next season is looking more likely, that rumour won't go away

Whyyyyy
we need front rowers more than wingers and centres.

 

[Travitoh]

Whyyyyy
we need front rowers more than wingers and centres.

There are currently 8 front rowers, 6 contracted for next season already, 7 if we include Arrow.

Souths need an edge forward to add to the pack.

 

[callmack1]

'It's a lot of pressure' - Souths support Suaalii as he weighs up future: https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/07/23...ouths-support-suaalii-as-he-weighs-up-future/

‘A real Rugby World Cup’ - Stinging NRL shot fuels bitter cross-code war over teen freak: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...n/news-story/179d7e7bf97ebc38b729b776dda95611

‘Going a lot better than Union’ - Fittler reignites cross-code battle for teen freak: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...r/news-story/1a9b144cf72df398098ac06448a06e25

Brad Fittler criticises Joseph Suaalii's Rabbitohs backflip for Rugby deal: https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/joseph...ew-johns/98d6b902-a163-4c8d-b765-f1bbed0e8997

 

[callmack1]

Rabbitohs announce Partnership with KARI Foundation: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2020/07/23/rabbitohs-announce-partnership-with-kari-foundation/

 

[NovoBunny94]

There are currently 8 front rowers, 6 contracted for next season already, 7 if we include Arrow.

Souths need an edge forward to add to the pack.

How many backs to we have Contracted?
None that are big, none that will make good pcm...were one of the lightest in the comp. Lost our enforcer

 

[Travitoh]

How many backs to we have Contracted?
None that are big, none that will make good pcm...were one of the lightest in the comp. Lost our enforcer

6 outside backs under contract for 2021.

 

[handyman2190]

There are currently 8 front rowers, 6 contracted for next season already, 7 if we include Arrow.

Souths need an edge forward to add to the pack.

Arrow can play prop and has,but he is too lightweight for a prop and is better in the second row,plus look at his stats this year,honestly he isnt worth the 8k more the 6k he was offered, we need big boppers

 

[Travitoh]

Arrow can play prop and has,but he is too lightweight for a prop and is better in the second row,plus look at his stats this year,honestly he isnt worth the 8k more the 6k he was offered, we need big boppers

Tom 196cm 120kg
Knight 194cm 106kg
Tatola 183cm 114kg
Mago 193cm 123kg
Amone 181cm 110kg

How much bigger do you want the prop rotation to be?

To put that into perspective, there was only one prop in last seasons GF that weighed 110kg or more - Josh Papalii at 112kg.

Rugby league is moving away from the power game, Canberra being the perfect example of this. The modern prop needs to be athletic enough to play 50+ quality minutes week in, week out. The pack needs to be fit and mobile.

 

[handyman2190]

Tom 196cm 120kg
Knight 194cm 106kg
Tatola 183cm 114kg
Mago 193cm 123kg
Amone 181cm 110kg

How much bigger do you want the prop rotation to be?

To put that into perspective, there was only one prop in last seasons GF that weighed 110kg or more - Josh Papalii at 112kg.

Rugby league is moving away from the power game, Canberra being the perfect example of this. The modern prop needs to be athletic enough to play 50+ quality minutes week in, week out. The pack needs to be fit and mobile.

Ive listened to comentators saying our pack is too light weight and not bending the line, ive said it before, mago has no leg speed,big he may be but he is always flat footed, knights ball control and niggling tacktics after he tackles is poor, we need mongrel, obviously if our forwards were doing the job we would be in the 8, some are not performing simple,accept it,Arrow is no sam

 

[Travitoh]

Ive listened to comentators saying our pack is too light weight and not bending the line, ive said it before, mago has no leg speed,big he may be but he is always flat footed, knights ball control and niggling tacktics after he tackles is poor, we need mongrel, obviously if our forwards were doing the job we would be in the 8, some are not performing simple,accept it,Arrow is no sam

But Souths are in the 8?
If leg speed in the pack is a concern, then signing big boppers isn't the answer.
Liam Knight is the mongrel replacement for Sam, Arrow is the workrate replacement.
The pack might play lightweight but it's as heavy as any other in the NRL today, if not heavier.

IMO, the problem isn't the quality of the pack. It's the predictable instructions the team are playing under. Watch last week, every time a prop gets the ball from Cook there are three defenders to greet them because they know what is happening. Cook moves out of dummy half, carries a metre from the line and passes to the forward on his outside shoulder.
Yawn.
When Souths threatened Newcastle it was because Cook began getting in behing the ruck. It made the Knights defence atually work and the rest of the side were able to gain momentum and quick play the balls from that.

 

[BotanyBorn&Bred]

But Souths are in the 8?
If leg speed in the pack is a concern, then signing big boppers isn't the answer.
Liam Knight is the mongrel replacement for Sam, Arrow is the workrate replacement.
The pack might play lightweight but it's as heavy as any other in the NRL today, if not heavier.

IMO, the problem isn't the quality of the pack. It's the predictable instructions the team are playing under. Watch last week, every time a prop gets the ball from Cook there are three defenders to greet them because they know what is happening. Cook moves out of dummy half, carries a metre from the line and passes to the forward on his outside shoulder.
Yawn.
When Souths threatened Newcastle it was because Cook began getting in behing the ruck. It made the Knights defence atually work and the rest of the side were able to gain momentum and quick play the balls from that.

This is the criticism Peter Tunks has been making recently on 2SM, there is no offloads in the fowards, it is predictable one guy hit up stuff. Whether this is by instruction (Bennett) or ability is another debate.
I agree that we need more specialist edge fowards, I also agree with smaller more mobile fowards able to play longer mins. Tom should be playing 50mpg not 40, if he has the fitness to do it.
One more point about predictability, I've heard comments that Souths attack has become predictable and less potent this season because of the 5th tackle option is almost always a shift to the right, because that's where Reynolds stands, and as he is the main kicker and captain, that is where the ball is going to go, and the other teams are awake to this. Our most potent side or what has been our most potent side for the last 6-7 years (left) is being underutilized. Chalk both of these issues to the retirement of John Sutton and being replaced by Ethan Lowe.

 

[callmack1]

Bennett fuming over 'unfair' scrutiny on teen star Suaalii: https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/07/24/bennett-says-suaaliis-burden-of-expectation-is-unfair/

‘Not what I want for my 16yo’ - Bennett slams ‘unhealthy’ pressure on teen sensation: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...n/news-story/0b22ce49d6d655ced0633212277ba37e

‘They’ve got limited funds’ - NRL boss’ dig at Aussie rugby over ‘surprising’ $3m Suaalii bidding war: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...s/news-story/c298775a441f6a9468844b2e86064039