2021 - Squad, Signings, Re-signings

[Dragon David]

Clune swap probably makes sense for Clune.
Blacker is interesting; not sure he has what it takes.

Will this mean that Clune will play blinders in the next 4-5 games whilst Hunt is sidelined to show his versatility so that his price will go up. By doing so, he could help us win a few games. I like him but if he gets a good offer then c'est la vie or que sera sera.

 

[Ronnie Dobbs]

Will this mean that Clune will play blinders in the next 4-5 games whilst Hunt is sidelined to show his versatility so that his price will go up. By doing so, he could help us win a few games. I like him but if he gets a good offer then c'est la vie or que sera sera.

Yeah.

 

[Ronnie Dobbs]

How about Blacker in a swap for Burns.

Gotta be something like this.

The Days of Doust are gone.

 

[dragon thomo]

Blacker for a good back rower at Penrith would be good

 

[BLM01]

Report from Michael carayannis.
Saying we are after mcguire..
Clune maybe a swap with him.
And Penrith are looking at eddie blacker
Haven't the panthers got enough forwards.

Dean Young influence for Cowboys interest in Clune...but sure they would much rather Reynolds
Like Mary... Dean Young would only look in one direction with potential players

I was a big Eddie Blacker fan when we signed him as appeared to have the size and all the potential in the world
He still has that but after watching him closely last year and in the trials and he just does not do enough in both attack and defence and tends to sit back or not have that animal within
I suppose he is only 21 and probbaly a bit like Kerr was at the same age.

I like to see eddie develop if he can under us. Losing Clune I can live with

 

[possm]

I think it would be a good idea to hang on to Blacker. It is just a matter of coaching him to be a first grader; further developing his skills and attitude. He would be on a low salary, so letting him go at this stage does not make much sense to me.

Signing Fifita makes a lot of sense, he seems to have what we are missing up front. I'm sure Griffin is just ensuring his medical situation is all OK and that he is getting him at the right price.

We still need a replacement for Frizell. Kerr is improving but would be better suited in the front row rotation. I hope we go all out for Creighton.

I rather like Bird in the backline. When fully fit he can play at 1, 3, 4, 6 or 7. He bring size, toughness and experience to our backline which given our young gun backline, helps to balance things out.

I am worried that Brid would not last long if he was selected as a backrower in the forwards.

 

[Dragonslayer]

Gotta take this all with a grain of salt.

The Cowboys are targeting hard for Reynolds, huge contract. They are also interested in Mbye and dont be suprised if Brooks name gets thrown around here too.
Clune is signed until the end of 2022. He's a handy back-up half and a great clubman.
The biggest point here is, if Clune goes to the Cowboys, then to me, that signals a further extention to Norman. Like Reynolds current offer with Souths, a rolling 1yr contract.
Bud needs a fair dose of game time in reggies to even get match fit. Jr Amone is playing SG Ball and last i heard Wishy is on a T&T contract (still?). Yes, these boys are our future and, especially Bud, aren't far away from starring in 1st grade, however, the scenario is that one path will open a door, whilst the other one blocks it.

As for fast Eddie, I'd swap him for Burns, without hesitation, and the fact that he's off contract this year and Penrith showing interest, says more to me that we are looking at established props not rookies so to speak.

Atm Hook has only 2yrs to prove an extention is warranted and he has enough "juniors' to develop. Eddie maybe a too long project, and maybe Hook sees more potential in Coric, Dowel and O'Ofou.

 

[BIG RIG]

St George's potential team by RD 10 this year

1.Matt Dufty
2.Cody Ramsey
3.Zac Lomax
4.Jack Bird
5.Mikaele Ravalawa
6.Corey Norman
7.Ben Hunt ( C )
8.Blake Lawrie
9.Andrew McCullough
10.Paul Vaughan
11.Josh Kerr
12.Tariq Sims
13.Josh McGuire
BENCH
14.Poasa Fa'amusili
15.Jack De Belin
16.Andrew Fifita
17.Tyrell Fuimaono
RESERVES
18.Daniel Alvaro
19.Trent Merrin
20.Jayden Sullivan
21.Brayden Williame

 

[Dragon David]

St George's potential team by RD 10 this year

1.Matt Dufty
2.Cody Ramsey
3.Zac Lomax
4.Jack Bird
5.Mikaele Ravalawa
6.Corey Norman
7.Ben Hunt ( C )
8.Blake Lawrie
9.Andrew McCullough
10.Paul Vaughan
11.Josh Kerr
12.Tariq Sims
13.Josh McGuire
BENCH
14.Poasa Fa'amusili
15.Jack De Belin
16.Andrew Fifita
17.Tyrell Fuimaono
RESERVES
18.Daniel Alvaro
19.Trent Merrin
20.Jayden Sullivan
21.Brayden Williame

Wow, that's some team on paper. Come on, make it real!

 

[blacksafake]

St George's potential team by RD 10 this year

1.Matt Dufty
2.Cody Ramsey
3.Zac Lomax
4.Jack Bird
5.Mikaele Ravalawa
6.Corey Norman
7.Ben Hunt ( C )
8.Blake Lawrie
9.Andrew McCullough
10.Paul Vaughan
11.Josh Kerr
12.Tariq Sims
13.Josh McGuire
BENCH
14.Poasa Fa'amusili
15.Jack De Belin
16.Andrew Fifita
17.Tyrell Fuimaono
RESERVES
18.Daniel Alvaro
19.Trent Merrin
20.Jayden Sullivan
21.Brayden Williame

I’d like this for the Anzac game.

 

[Dragonslayer]

I'm not fussed on Maguire, I think the current rules of the game make him a bit of a dinosaur. Hard man yes, but no other skill set, like offloads.
Fifita, also a hard man but does have skill sets, however, movement maybe his issue.

 

[st.phil]

Alvaro 4 life!

 

[possm]

I hope we have Fifita ready to play by the ANZAC Day game against the Roosters. My preferred team would be:

1. Ramsey - less errors
2. Max Feagai - very strong in defence and attack
3. Bird - classy and will set up his outside winger all game
4. Lomax - the attacking high ball specialist
5. Ravalawa - stepping up more each game
6. Norman - playing for a contact at any club
7. Hunt (c) - Clun if he isn't back
8. Kerr - De Belin back, Kerr back to prop
9. McCullough - our real game manager
10. Vaughan - getting better each game
11. Sims - back to his best
12. Fuimaono - can follow Griffin's instructions
13. De Belin - glad your back Jack

14. Alvaro - a real find in 2021
15. Fifita - the tough nut we have been missing
16. Faamausili - found the Griffin groove
17. Lawrie - in rotation with De Belin

 

[Coffs dragon]

I thought that coach Hook was only interested in bringing the right type of character players to the club to help build the right culture.
If the rumours of McCuire & Fifita come onboard the mighty RedV, then all we have inherited is a Grub & a F.ckwit.
Certainly the complete opposite of intention in good character.

 

[possm]

I thought that coach Hook was only interested in bringing the right type of character players to the club to help build the right culture.
If the rumours of McCuire & Fifita come onboard the mighty RedV, then all we have inherited is a Grub & a F.ckwit.
Certainly the complete opposite of intention in good character.

I'm sure Griffin is up to managing the behaviour of players he signs. I'd say Fifita is a must because we need some agression up front.

I doubt vey much that we are chasing McGuire but if we are, it should only be a one year deal.

 

[Dragonslayer]

I thought that coach Hook was only interested in bringing the right type of character players to the club to help build the right culture.
If the rumours of McCuire & Fifita come onboard the mighty RedV, then all we have inherited is a Grub & a F.ckwit.
Certainly the complete opposite of intention in good character.

Fifita, from all reports, is a very good clubman. Trains hard, does the extras and is always available to help the young guys coming through. The fact he loss a ton of weight just to he able to continue his career, speaks of his dedication. Yes, you have to balance this off with some of his off-field antics, but Hook having some input with the Samoan team, could orobably eee the value of having him at the club.

Maguire is just a grub.

Not saying we should be falling over ourselves to sign either, but, if it came to a choice then Fifita for mine.

My only concern is Hook going too far in 'getting the band back together'.

 

[Coffs dragon]

Fifita, from all reports, is a very good clubman. Trains hard, does the extras and is always available to help the young guys coming through. The fact he loss a ton of weight just to he able to continue his career, speaks of his dedication. Yes, you have to balance this off with some of his off-field antics, but Hook having some input with the Samoan team, could orobably eee the value of having him at the club.

Maguire is just a grub.

Not saying we should be falling over ourselves to sign either, but, if it came to a choice then Fifita for mine.

My only concern is Hook going too far in 'getting the band back together'.

As long as Hook has the say and he stakes his reputation on Fifita, then that’s fine.
As for a choice between the Grub McGuire & Nobody, I’d take nobody.
I just hope Millward has no involvement or we are screwed.

 

[possm]

As long as Hook has the say and he stakes his reputation on Fifita, then that’s fine.
As for a choice between the Grub McGuire & Nobody, I’d take nobody.
I just hope Millward has no involvement or we are screwed.

Millward is just a clerk these days. Notice no MILLWARD MESS!

 

[TruSaint]

Fifita, from all reports, is a very good clubman. Trains hard, does the extras and is always available to help the young guys coming through. The fact he loss a ton of weight just to he able to continue his career, speaks of his dedication. Yes, you have to balance this off with some of his off-field antics, but Hook having some input with the Samoan team, could orobably eee the value of having him at the club.

Maguire is just a grub.

Not saying we should be falling over ourselves to sign either, but, if it came to a choice then Fifita for mine.

My only concern is Hook going too far in 'getting the band back together'.

They are both 31.

Agree with your assessment. I think Fifita offers greater value and still has the passion for the game.

I cant say that for McGuire. Many applauded him for this " honest " commentary, but I bet you if a player from our Club said what he did, we would be all over him.

Basically threw all teammates and club under the bus.

That type of discussion should be kept for the dressing room. Doubt the Cows sponsors were too impressed.

 

[redv13]

I hope we have Fifita ready to play by the ANZAC Day game against the Roosters. My preferred team would be:

1. Ramsey - less errors
2. Max Feagai - very strong in defence and attack
3. Bird - classy and will set up his outside winger all game
4. Lomax - the attacking high ball specialist
5. Ravalawa - stepping up more each game
6. Norman - playing for a contact at any club
7. Hunt (c) - Clun if he isn't back
8. Kerr - De Belin back, Kerr back to prop
9. McCullough - our real game manager
10. Vaughan - getting better each game
11. Sims - back to his best
12. Fuimaono - can follow Griffin's instructions
13. De Belin - glad your back Jack

14. Alvaro - a real find in 2021
15. Fifita - the tough nut we have been missing
16. Faamausili - found the Griffin groove
17. Lawrie - in rotation with De Belin

JDB won’t be back for Anzac Day possm. His case won’t even be finished by then. Mid to late May at the earliest I’d think