If we had $700k to offer to Reyno + $500k to Gagai then that money should still be available right now still
Milford was already signed
Chee Kam , Havilii and the youngsters (on minimum contracts) would be covered by the other 9 players who have left
you need to factor in the timing of things mate
You would be naive to believe everything you read in the media.
I will leave it there
None of the new signings happened until after Reynolds signed with the Broncos, and Gagai left the money on the table. He had been on around 650-700 but was offered 450 for 2022.
Anyway, again I'll say you are looking at it the wrong way around. You need to look at money already committed, not savings from guys who didn't get resigned.
And yes, timing is everything. Murray, Tatola, Koloamatangi all got extended before Reynolds said no, Gagai said no, and SuA was not given an offer. It's because of this they only offered Reynolds a deal for 2022, Gagai significant reduction, and SuA no deal.
I'm not saying my figures are right for every single player down to the cent. I deliberately didn't post figures for anyone outside of the 7 that I quoted, but you do the estimates for these guys and the rest - how much is left over?
Not much at all.
And if we gonna extend Cody beyond 2022, you think he's gonna stay on the same money when Bennett can throw 1mil per year at him? Cody needs to be factored in after next season, so we won't be signing any name players, or more than 1 year contracts unless they are minimum money.
THAT'S why it's widely acknowledged that "Souths are under salary cap pressure"