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McCullough

Dragonslayer

First Grade
Messages
7,679
More importantly, why hasn't the Club come out and deny this rumour? It has done similar in the past but remains quiet on this one.
  • McInnes and Mary got on like a house on fire.
  • McInnes spat the dummy when Mary was sacked.
  • McInnes has made it known that he believes he is worth more money and only wants to play hooker.
  • McInnes met with the Tigers coach who is believed to have made a huge offer for his services.
  • Griffin has responded by making enquiries regarding the availability of McCulloch; a hooker he has coached in the past.
In my opinion, if McInnes is moving on, then recruit B Smith from the Storm. A good organising hooker who has been mentored by one of the best in Cam Smith. Good enough to be our first choice hooker and young enough to be a long term prospect.

A lot of speculation there Possm.

Just on B. Smith, whilst I believe he'd be a good option, if it came down to Cam moving on, however, just to be speculative on this, he may be asking too much $$$ wise and maybe not seen as a fit for what Hook is trying to build.
 

BLM01

First Grade
Messages
8,944
More importantly, why hasn't the Club come out and deny this rumour? It has done similar in the past but remains quiet on this one.
  • McInnes and Mary got on like a house on fire.
  • McInnes spat the dummy when Mary was sacked.
  • McInnes has made it known that he believes he is worth more money and only wants to play hooker.
  • McInnes met with the Tigers coach who is believed to have made a huge offer for his services.
  • Griffin has responded by making enquiries regarding the availability of McCulloch; a hooker he has coached in the past.
In my opinion, if McInnes is moving on, then recruit B Smith from the Storm. A good organising hooker who has been mentored by one of the best in Cam Smith. Good enough to be our first choice hooker and young enough to be a long term prospect.
They have. @TruSaint posted a tweet from the Dragons club about Cam getting the 2020 medal presented by a 16 year veteran loyal member.
What more proof and inuendo do you need.
Thats's Dragons communication right there.
 

The calm one

Juniors
Messages
945
More importantly, why hasn't the Club come out and deny this rumour? It has done similar in the past but remains quiet on this one.
  • McInnes and Mary got on like a house on fire.
  • McInnes spat the dummy when Mary was sacked.
  • McInnes has made it known that he believes he is worth more money and only wants to play hooker.
  • McInnes met with the Tigers coach who is believed to have made a huge offer for his services.
  • Griffin has responded by making enquiries regarding the availability of McCulloch; a hooker he has coached in the past.
In my opinion, if McInnes is moving on, then recruit B Smith from the Storm. A good organising hooker who has been mentored by one of the best in Cam Smith. Good enough to be our first choice hooker and young enough to be a long term prospect.
If the club came out and denied every rumour that gets floated about, there would be a position vacant at the club. Rumour extinguisher
 

BLM01

First Grade
Messages
8,944
If the club came out and denied every rumour that gets floated about, there would be a position vacant at the club. Rumour extinguisher
There is a position vacant within the media department, actually maybe several
Its called Communications Manager(s), ensuring the communication of meaningful club news content to its primary stakeholders before every other social or other media outlet does their job for them.
 

possm

Coach
Messages
15,587
I think hook is trying to reunite the old Brisbane sign say hello to our next signing Gerard Beale.

On another note if McInnes does leave (which would be a damn shame) that would mean everyone we have made captain in the last 4 years has left us. So I'll nominate Corey Norman being our next club captain.
If McInnes leaves, I'd say that Sims should be our next captain. Norman's contract will not be extended no matter what.

I'd like to see B Smith from the Storm be our replacement hooker even though he may be a bit more expensive than McCullough.
 

hewi

Bench
Messages
3,741
My feeling is McInnes won’t be with us this season. I hate to see him go but they can play Hunt or Billy Britain there and with McInnes going it’s a lot of money freed up. As for Captain I know he is young but the future is Lomax.
 

getsmarty

Immortal
Messages
33,485
How Dragons’ McCullough bid could send loyal McInnes to a rival and trigger an NRL chain reaction
NRL Premiership
george_clarke.jpg

  • January 19, 2021 10:05am
  • George Clarke
  • Source: FOX SPORTS
52d56b0861723af914674742e16629a5

Cameron McInnes looks on following the Dragons’ loss to the BulldogsSource: Getty Images
While it might not scream deal of the century, news of Andrew McCullough’s potential move from Brisbane to St George Illawarra has the ability to cause some ripples across the transfer market.

None more so than for the Dragons’ best player in 2020, Cameron McInnes.

The 26-year-old hooker, who was called into the NSW squad for last year’s Origin series, almost carried the Dragons single-handedly through the back end of the year after the departure of Paul McGregor.


52d56b0861723af914674742e16629a5

Cameron McInnes looks on following the Dragons’ loss to the BulldogsSource: Getty Images
Off-contract at the end of this year, McInnes is a target for the Wests Tigers and has a close relationship with Michael Maguire from their time together at South Sydney.

Canterbury and the Gold Coast are all likely to be looking for new hookers come November 1 this year. The Warriors and possibly Manly too.

It’s a good time to be McInnes and he is sure to be inundated with offers. He wears his heart on his sleeve and is the beating heart of St George Illawarra.

There’s a suggestion, though, that the 26-year-old wants his future sorted sooner rather than later, preferably by the end of this month.

And there’s a catch. He’s yet to receive an official offer from the Dragons, and the pending arrival of McCullough is unlikely to be greeted with his signature toothless smile.

The decision to pursue McCullough is, for the most part, a bit of a head scratcher.



e9783ae050661be6a7b10b92d546d49e

Former Dragons coach Paul McGregor celebrates with Cameron McInnesSource: Getty Images
Firstly, he’s had terrible luck with injuries in the past 12 months. He’s 31 in a fortnight, doesn’t offer a great deal of variation or impact from the bench, and there’s talk of a two-year deal in the offing.

Some might ask would it not be wiser to secure your prized asset and player of the year in McInnes before signing someone in direct competition?

The Dragons would no doubt counter with the fact that McCullough has already been paid a quarter of his $600,000 per year wage.

The Cameron McInnes contract scenario at St George Illawarra is the first real test for new Dragons coach Anthony Griffin as the club pursues Brisbane's Andrew McCullough :eyes:

:writing_hand: James Hooper

:point_right: https://t.co/1INkbZ0KUU pic.twitter.com/LNEfl3kLJO

— Fox League (@FOXNRL) January 18, 2021
So there’s a deal to be done on the cheap if the two clubs agree a way to split the last year of his contract.

Similarly, there are those – including Dragons new coach Anthony Griffin in Monday’s Daily Telegraph – who will say McInnes can play lock.

Griffin, unlike McGregor before him, now has a seat at the Red V’s recruitment table and has previously worked with McCullough at the Broncos.

648e6fee0ca19a895a63f8475ce2358a

Coach Anthony Griffin and Andrew McCullough at the BroncosSource: News Corp Australia
But there are also Jack Bird, Jackson Ford and perhaps Jack de Belin, at the Dragons who would be preferred options to don the No. 13 jersey.

While the story being spun out of Brisbane is that they don’t want to lose McCullough, the fact is the Broncos are quite happy to.

Simply due to the fact McCullough – and his big salary leaving – frees up some room on their cap. Brisbane’s cap isn’t in great shape. It’s why they’ve had to shop in the discounted goods section by bringing in guys like Ben Te’o, Dale Copley and David Mead.

They also have hookers in Jake Turpin and Cory Paix on the books, while Issac Luke has been training with the squad during the off-season.

That would in turn allow Billy Walters, son of coach Kevvie, to head to the Broncos and unite with his father.

There’s a whisper that the Broncos, who wouldn’t see Billy play until at least Round 10 due to his knee injury, view him as a utility who could come on and slot in as a half or hooker.

The Tigers, however, want a player in return. There’s a suggestion that they were keen on rookie Broncos fullback Reece Walsh to which Brisbane said no chance.

Either way, the future of McCullough could have big ramifications and not just for the Dragons, but across the competition as a whole.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...e/news-story/1bc35fe9c75499ef009f1b87167dacd7
 

Dragonslayer

First Grade
Messages
7,679
Just on McCullough, although he has played his career almost exclusively as a hooker, he has played at NRL level as a 5/8, a 7 and as a lock. Not suggesting anything here as 99% he plays as a hooker, however, i did find this interesting. In fact when he did play as a lock, Norman was fullback, Hunt initially named on the bench but started at 7 with Peter Wallace named at 7 but played at hooker. The Broncos were creamed 56-18 by the Warriors.
 

muzby

Village Idiot
Staff member
Messages
45,708
Just on McCullough, although he has played his career almost exclusively as a hooker, he has played at NRL level as a 5/8, a 7 and as a lock. Not suggesting anything here as 99% he plays as a hooker, however, i did find this interesting. In fact when he did play as a lock, Norman was fullback, Hunt initially named on the bench but started at 7 with Peter Wallace named at 7 but played at hooker. The Broncos were creamed 56-18 by the Warriors.
18b.gif
 

possm

Coach
Messages
15,587
How Dragons’ McCullough bid could send loyal McInnes to a rival and trigger an NRL chain reaction
NRL Premiership
george_clarke.jpg

  • January 19, 2021 10:05am
  • George Clarke
  • Source: FOX SPORTS
52d56b0861723af914674742e16629a5

Cameron McInnes looks on following the Dragons’ loss to the BulldogsSource: Getty Images
While it might not scream deal of the century, news of Andrew McCullough’s potential move from Brisbane to St George Illawarra has the ability to cause some ripples across the transfer market.

None more so than for the Dragons’ best player in 2020, Cameron McInnes.

The 26-year-old hooker, who was called into the NSW squad for last year’s Origin series, almost carried the Dragons single-handedly through the back end of the year after the departure of Paul McGregor.


52d56b0861723af914674742e16629a5

Cameron McInnes looks on following the Dragons’ loss to the BulldogsSource: Getty Images
Off-contract at the end of this year, McInnes is a target for the Wests Tigers and has a close relationship with Michael Maguire from their time together at South Sydney.

Canterbury and the Gold Coast are all likely to be looking for new hookers come November 1 this year. The Warriors and possibly Manly too.

It’s a good time to be McInnes and he is sure to be inundated with offers. He wears his heart on his sleeve and is the beating heart of St George Illawarra.

There’s a suggestion, though, that the 26-year-old wants his future sorted sooner rather than later, preferably by the end of this month.

And there’s a catch. He’s yet to receive an official offer from the Dragons, and the pending arrival of McCullough is unlikely to be greeted with his signature toothless smile.

The decision to pursue McCullough is, for the most part, a bit of a head scratcher.



e9783ae050661be6a7b10b92d546d49e

Former Dragons coach Paul McGregor celebrates with Cameron McInnesSource: Getty Images
Firstly, he’s had terrible luck with injuries in the past 12 months. He’s 31 in a fortnight, doesn’t offer a great deal of variation or impact from the bench, and there’s talk of a two-year deal in the offing.

Some might ask would it not be wiser to secure your prized asset and player of the year in McInnes before signing someone in direct competition?

The Dragons would no doubt counter with the fact that McCullough has already been paid a quarter of his $600,000 per year wage.

The Cameron McInnes contract scenario at St George Illawarra is the first real test for new Dragons coach Anthony Griffin as the club pursues Brisbane's Andrew McCullough :eyes:

:writing_hand: James Hooper

:point_right: https://t.co/1INkbZ0KUU pic.twitter.com/LNEfl3kLJO

— Fox League (@FOXNRL) January 18, 2021
So there’s a deal to be done on the cheap if the two clubs agree a way to split the last year of his contract.

Similarly, there are those – including Dragons new coach Anthony Griffin in Monday’s Daily Telegraph – who will say McInnes can play lock.

Griffin, unlike McGregor before him, now has a seat at the Red V’s recruitment table and has previously worked with McCullough at the Broncos.

648e6fee0ca19a895a63f8475ce2358a

Coach Anthony Griffin and Andrew McCullough at the BroncosSource: News Corp Australia
But there are also Jack Bird, Jackson Ford and perhaps Jack de Belin, at the Dragons who would be preferred options to don the No. 13 jersey.

While the story being spun out of Brisbane is that they don’t want to lose McCullough, the fact is the Broncos are quite happy to.

Simply due to the fact McCullough – and his big salary leaving – frees up some room on their cap. Brisbane’s cap isn’t in great shape. It’s why they’ve had to shop in the discounted goods section by bringing in guys like Ben Te’o, Dale Copley and David Mead.

They also have hookers in Jake Turpin and Cory Paix on the books, while Issac Luke has been training with the squad during the off-season.

That would in turn allow Billy Walters, son of coach Kevvie, to head to the Broncos and unite with his father.

There’s a whisper that the Broncos, who wouldn’t see Billy play until at least Round 10 due to his knee injury, view him as a utility who could come on and slot in as a half or hooker.

The Tigers, however, want a player in return. There’s a suggestion that they were keen on rookie Broncos fullback Reece Walsh to which Brisbane said no chance.

Either way, the future of McCullough could have big ramifications and not just for the Dragons, but across the competition as a whole.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...e/news-story/1bc35fe9c75499ef009f1b87167dacd7
There has to be more to this story that has not been made public as yet.
 

BLM01

First Grade
Messages
8,944
There has to be more to this story that has not been made public as yet.
Yeh there is ..more repeat story telling
Just a rehash and a combination of what has been reported
Least George Clarke gets his name in the paper
@possm .you could make up your own juicy story extension to this one.
Actually I think you already have :)
 
Last edited:

to_ddeath

Coach
Messages
11,734
These rumblings re our grumbling spine members suggest that Millwart and Haran should’ve been moved on when Webb swept through the football department last year.
Both of them must have unshakeable links to Illa board members & can’t be turfed.
This negative media talk is mostly on them IMO.
 

lynx000

Juniors
Messages
1,320
Just a further bit of background about Hook and McCullough. Hook was the coach of the 2008 Broncos U20 team that made it to the GF but were beaten by Canberra in golden point extra time.

Halfback in that team was Ben Hunt, the hooker, none other than Andrew McCullough. So the association between all three goes back a long, long way. it was also Hook when he was coaching NRL at the Broncos that first tried to turn Hunt into a hooker/bench utility.
 

RedVDave

First Grade
Messages
5,571
Just a further bit of background about Hook and McCullough. Hook was the coach of the 2008 Broncos U20 team that made it to the GF but were beaten by Canberra in golden point extra time.

Halfback in that team was Ben Hunt, the hooker, none other than Andrew McCullough. So the association between all three goes back a long, long way. it was also Hook when he was coaching NRL at the Broncos that first tried to turn Hunt into a hooker/bench utility.

Corey Norman was the 5/8 as.well I believe.
 
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