2019 Top 30

[umina panther]

I understand the point Franklin was trying to make. There can be a fine line between a decent season and a not so good season and injuries to key players play a huge part. IN the case of NQ they had an aging roster and didn’t manage it effectively and it caught up with them. I don’t think there poor season was down to the way the game was played. The Cowboys may struggle for a little while until they sort out there roster.

What went wrong for NQ was Morgan going down and not JT

 

[franklin2323]

What went wrong for NQ was Morgan going down and not JT

Not handling an ageing roster I think was the issue Look at that slow backline they had

 

[Wookies&Cream]

I understand the point Franklin was trying to make. There can be a fine line between a decent season and a not so good season and injuries to key players play a huge part. IN the case of NQ they had an aging roster and didn’t manage it effectively and it caught up with them. I don’t think there poor season was down to the way the game was played. The Cowboys may struggle for a little while until they sort out there roster.

Meanwhile they let go ponga, kaufusi, kikau..

 

[TheFrog]

The Cowboys may struggle for a little while until they sort out there roster.

If Barba finds his feet they could go all right.

Meanwhile they let go ponga, kaufusi, kikau..

The trouble with winning a premiership is that you think the same players can win you another one, and their market value rises accordingly. The resigning of Taumalolo on superstar money would have had a lot to do with it as well.

 

[Kilkenny]

Going forward our roster and salary cap looks in pretty good shape.

Only 7 players off contract at the end of 2019 and other than both hookers the other five not must keep’s unless they have outstanding seasons in 2019.

As I understand it some of the players currently in the development squad are already signed to NRL contracts in 2020 such as Shawn Blore so things are not to shabby.

Looking across the other NRL sides some appear to have major issues with half or more of there current squads coming off contract.

 

[franklin2323]

Going forward our roster and salary cap looks in pretty good shape.

Only 7 players off contract at the end of 2019 and other than both hookers the other five not must keep’s unless they have outstanding seasons in 2019.

As I understand it some of the players currently in the development squad are already signed to NRL contracts in 2020 such as Shawn Blore so things are not to shabby.

Looking across the other NRL sides some appear to have major issues with half or more of there current squads coming off contract.

Long term is never the issue... It is short term that is has the question marks

 

[Kilkenny]

Long term is never the issue... It is short term that is has the question marks

There isn't a side in the competition who don't have question mark's over a particular area in there roster.

We have a strong roster overall, with plenty of depth and competition for places, what more can we ask for other than a decent run on the injury front for a change.

 

[OldPanther]

There isn't a side in the competition who don't have question mark's over a particular area in there roster.

We have a strong roster overall, with plenty of depth and competition for places, what more can we ask for other than a decent run on the injury front for a change.

This is true. Even at hooker where we are relatively inexperienced we have two guys who have to compete with each other every week.

 

[franklin2323]

There isn't a side in the competition who don't have question mark's over a particular area in there roster.

We have a strong roster overall, with plenty of depth and competition for places, what more can we ask for other than a decent run on the injury front for a change.

I think we had a stronger roster last year. A few teams are in the same boat others have improved... So hard to judge until the season gets going I guess

 

[franklin2323]

This is true. Even at hooker where we are relatively inexperienced we have two guys who have to compete with each other every week.

Assuming we stop releasing guys. 2-3 years is the time this squad will be at its peak

 

[OldPanther]

Assuming we stop releasing guys. 2-3 years is the time this squad will be at its peak

Agreed. That seems deliberate on Gus's part.

 

[franklin2323]

Agreed. That seems deliberate on Gus's part.

What the always being 2-3 years from peaking?

 

[GongPanther]

I think we had a stronger roster last year. A few teams are in the same boat others have improved... So hard to judge until the season gets going I guess

We'll have the nucleus of our roster that is maturing and improving steadily together. Of course this is applied to most clubs. But in comparison,our squad is the youngest out there and is continually making the semis. I expect much bigger performances next season.

As long as we have a season that wasn't as fragmented as 2018,I'll be happy.

 

[franklin2323]

We'll have the nucleus of our roster that is maturing and improving steadily together. Of course this is applied to most clubs. But in comparison,our squad is the youngest out there and is continually making the semis. I expect much bigger performances next season.

As long as we have a season that wasn't as fragmented as 2018,I'll be happy.

Need the young guys to just keep improving really. We are the youngest and most inexperienced in the comp as it stands now.

They are all used to playing together Atleast and know the new coach.. That should see us match this year but who knows with all the changes

 

[OldPanther]

What the always being 2-3 years from peaking?

I don't think his goal is "always".

 

[franklin2323]

I don't think his goal is "always".

True it just plays out that way. Look at where we need depth. Let's say Blore and say Too make a quick grab of the back up backrower and centre spot.

The way we work we would upgrade them during the off season. In the process moving on 3 or 4 guys. So let's see how it plays out once these young guys take the field

 

[OldPanther]

True it just plays out that way. Look at where we need depth. Let's say Blore and say Too make a quick grab of the back up backrower and centre spot.

The way we work we would upgrade them during the off season. In the process moving on 3 or 4 guys. So let's see how it plays out once these young guys take the field

It was you who said we'd only start seeing the juniors come through the academy now so just going on that.

 

[franklin2323]

It was you who said we'd only start seeing the juniors come through the academy now so just going on that.

We do but we can't keep turning over players either. There is some quality in the Ball team from this year but we don't need to rush them in either.

Crichton looks the goods. If he gets a game and goes well no reason we have to release Whare or someone. That is key for me and making the most of the juniors

 

[herbert henry1908]

Assuming we stop releasing guys. 2-3 years is the time this squad will be at its peak

Can’t make that assumption.

In fact I’d be surprised if that happens, I think we’ll see more players go now a new coach is in charge.

 

[betcats]

Of course we are always going to be releasing guys. Maloney will get released after this year likely we already know that. One of Egan or Katoa is probably going to end up playing elsewhere. IF Shawn Blore hits the mark our backrow is going to be really crowded in 2020. Luai, May, Egan, Katoa - all are top 17 quality but we only carry one or two of them at most, so one or two of them will go. I'll be surprised if Whare sees out his contract.

Our pathways are developing more NRL players than the club can keep, more than any other club atm. As long as that is the case we will be releasing players. Don't forget both our premiership sides were choc full of young talent, its our advantage.