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2021 Rabbitohs Rumours, Signings And News

B

BotanyBorn&Bred

Juniors
Messages
2,245
Mr Spock! said:
Yeah but look at who was in the Canberra team.

Daley, Walters, Belcher, Meninga, Clyde, Lazarus, Stuart, Ferguson.

They had a good forward pack and an extremely potent backline. And that's where they beat us.
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Yes I know, but they didn't have the rep that then followed, it was still in the making, and in fact, was the beginning of the evolution of the "Green Machine", And Souths had beaten them twice before in the regular season.

I agree that Souths just didn't have that potency in the back 5, compared to Canberra. Blake and Colman were a great halves pairing, we spoke about the pack, it was the back 5, they were good, just not great. Even Balmain's back 5 were just that bit better.

Ah, the memories.

And until 2014, I was always using that expression "greatest team never to win the comp". It was a long time to hold onto that thought. That's why the GF win was so emotional for a lot of people my age group and older. When Greg Inglis torched everyone in his wake to score that try in the corner, people around me at the game just burst out into tears, it was amazing, even got me and my wife crying. But then, oh man the celebrations......
 
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J

Jim Rockford

Bench
Messages
3,082
BotanyBorn&Bred said:
And until 2014, I was always using that expression "greatest team never to win the comp". It was a long time to hold onto that thought. That's why the GF win was so emotional for a lot of people my age group and older. When Greg Inglis torched everyone in his wake to score that try in the corner, people around me at the game just burst out into tears, it was amazing, even got me and my wife crying. But then, oh man the celebrations......
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As someone who is in that age group I wholeheartedly agree.
 
callmack1

callmack1

Moderator
Staff member
Messages
12,155
Chris McQueen is the last nominee in the Back Row for the Menulog Team of the Decade!: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2...-back-row-for-the-menulog-team-of-the-decade/

John Sutton and Sam Burgess are your second rowers in the Menulog Team of the Decade!: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2...ond-rowers-in-the-menulog-team-of-the-decade/

This is another selection I don't think is right. Of course, Sam is one of our greatest players but he should be at lock, not in the second row. His best Footy for us came at lock.

Crown case begs question of just what sponsors NRL clubs would refuse: https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/cr...s-nrl-clubs-would-refuse-20210212-p571zd.html

Gutter journalism that. Trying to drag our name through the mud. Have I missed something though, haven't heard anything about all this stuff with Crown. What's happened?
 
J

Jim Rockford

Bench
Messages
3,082
callmack1 said:
Chris McQueen is the last nominee in the Back Row for the Menulog Team of the Decade!: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2...-back-row-for-the-menulog-team-of-the-decade/

John Sutton and Sam Burgess are your second rowers in the Menulog Team of the Decade!: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2...ond-rowers-in-the-menulog-team-of-the-decade/

This is another selection I don't think is right. Of course, Sam is one of our greatest players but he should be at lock, not in the second row. His best Footy for us came at lock.

Crown case begs question of just what sponsors NRL clubs would refuse: https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/cr...s-nrl-clubs-would-refuse-20210212-p571zd.html

Gutter journalism that. Trying to drag our name through the mud. Have I missed something though, haven't heard anything about all this stuff with Crown. What's happened?
Click to expand...
Sam should definitely be named at lock, as Callmack has said he played his best footy there. As for the SMH article, I read it in the paper yesterday and had a chuckle about how weak the writers argument was.
 
callmack1

callmack1

Moderator
Staff member
Messages
12,155
From the Daily Telegraph, this is fantasic news and I can't wait to have it officially announced,

Bennett reveals how Rabbitohs retained Latrell Mitchell despite big money offers

Latrell Mitchell will knock back the chance to join the NRL rich list with Wayne Bennett revealing how the club kept its superstar.

Latrell Mitchell will not become the NRL’s latest million dollar a year man with the fullback set to shun the open market and sign a cut-price deal to remain a Rabbitoh by signing a new two-year deal.

The Sunday Telegraph can reveal the biggest name in rugby league will knock back the chance to join the NRL rich list and earn as much as $1.2m a season with a rival club after South Sydney agreed to the short deal demand that will keep him at the club for at least another two years.

Reported to be in a standoff with South Sydney management because the club wanted him to commit to long term deal, Mitchell could re-sign as soon as this week with the Rabbitohs set to offer him the two year deal he has asked for.

“We don’t intend to comment on the negotiation after the way his last deal was played out very publicly,” said Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly.

“But as far as we are concerned there is no issue with him wanting two years. All I will say is we expect to have an announcement sooner rather than later.”

Having indicated through his management that he was willing to recommit to the club for the below market rate of $875,000 earlier this year, the only stumbling block to the new deal was the length of the contract.

Reported to have been offered a four year deal that was subsequently revised to three, Mitchell stood firm on his two year demand in a move that attracted the interest of NRL rivals headlined by the Broncos.

Mitchell could have attracted offers of up to $1.2m had a bidding war broke out.

“It has never been about money,” said a source close to Mitchell.

“He wants to be at the Rabbitohs and is willing to play for a lot less than he could command elsewhere because he believes he will have success with this team and he wants to do his bit to make sure they stay together. The only issue has been with the term.”

It is understood Mitchell’s desire for success is also the reason behind his two-year deal demand.

While Mitchell is confident the Rabbitohs will remain a force in the short term, the former Test star is reluctant to sign a long-term deal with a club that has 13 players coming off-contract this year alone.

Wayne Bennett’s impending coaching retirement is also a concern with the highly regarded but NRL unproven Jason Demetriou to replace the most successful coach of the modern era beginning next year.

“He wants to make sure he is at a successful club,” the source said.

“He will do his bit to keep the boys together but no-one can predict where things will be at in a couple of years”.

Souths coach Wayne Bennett has scoffed at suggestions Latrell Mitchell could be nabbed by the Broncos.

As Mitchell prepares to enter camp for the Indigenous-Maori All Stars clash in Townsville this Saturday Bennett said he had no fears about the NSW Origin sensation walking out on South Sydney.

Mitchell’s management held talks with Broncos coach Kevin Walters before Christmas as a staggering 12 clubs expressed interest in the off-contract Mitchell, who has become the most sought-after player in the code.

But Bennett insists there will be no furious bidding war for Mitchell.

“There’s always little issues to sort out with contracts but I’m confident both parties will get it right and Latrell will stay at South Sydney,” Bennett said.

“Latrell will always attract interest because he is so talented.

“I don’t believe Latrell will go the Broncos, Brisbane is not on his agenda, it’s really not. If he goes to the Broncos, he has a much longer drive back to Taree (his home town) than he does living in Sydney.

“Taree is a big part of who Latrell is.

“Latrell is happy at Souths and we are really happy with him, so we’re hoping he will stay. We’re negotiating now with his manager but I don’t expect any problems.”

Mitchell was snapped up by the Rabbitohs last year after a contractual fallout at arch rivals the Roosters and he initially struggled with his fitness in his move to fullback under Bennett.

But the 23-year-old began to find sizzling touch at the back end of 2020, only to suffer a season-ending hamstring injury on the eve of the NRL finals.

Mitchell will be one of the main attractions of the Indigenous-All Stars clash at Queensland Country Bank Stadium and Bennett believes the 102kg flyer will go to another level this year as Souths chase a 22nd premiership.

“Latrell can only get better at Souths,” he said.

“He started to hit his straps at the back end of last season when he suffered his hamstring injury, but he has come back in good shape.

“Latrell is one of the most special players I’ve coached, not just as a player, but as a bloke. I like Latrell’s honesty and what he stands for. He cares about his teammates and he is prepared to put the team first.

“I think Souths is the right club for Latrell. We suit his personality and he is close to some of the guys he has built relationships with in Indigenous camps.

“He is great to have around the club.”

The Bennett factor will be Souths’ trump card in keeping Mitchell at Redfern.

“We’re not sure in what capacity Wayne will be at Souths beyond this season so that’s a big consideration for Latrell,” said Mitchell’s management.

“Latrell is very close to Wayne, as are a number of players at Souths,

“We’ve had expressions of interest from just about every club in the game, so now we will see where things land.”
 
Travitoh

Travitoh

First Grade
Messages
5,186
callmack1 said:
Crown case begs question of just what sponsors NRL clubs would refuse: https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/cr...s-nrl-clubs-would-refuse-20210212-p571zd.html

Gutter journalism that. Trying to drag our name through the mud. Have I missed something though, haven't heard anything about all this stuff with Crown. What's happened?
Click to expand...

I actually think it's a good article that asks some very relevant questions of the game as a whole. Afterall, rugby league was built on foundations of pokie money. It isn't about whose jersey Crown appears on, it's about Crown being allowed on NRL jerseys.

The NRL will ban Fonua-Blake for name calling because of the effect it can have on society at a venue named Lottoland. I may be wrong but i don't know of anyone being homeless because of a slur.

And it isn't an issue limited to rugby league. Gambling sponsorship is worldwide.

In sport, money>morals.

And for what it's worth, i mostly hate Crown on the Souths jersey purely because it looks f**king awful. It's why I've not bought a jersey since early 2010's.
 
callmack1

callmack1

Moderator
Staff member
Messages
12,155
From Zero Tackle,

South Sydney make pitch to keep Bennett

South Sydney have made their pitch to current coach Wayne Bennett in a bid to retain the supercoach in a directing role.

Bennett is a wanted man, and with Jason Demetriou taking over as head coach in 2022 it looks likely Bennett will depart Redfern.

The Daily Telegraph have reported that the Rabbitohs are keen to avoid losing Bennett, and have offered him the role as Director of Football, the same role Craig Bellamy has been offered by the Storm, Broncos and Sharks.

The Sharks confirmed last week they were keen on the Melbourne supercoach, who also faces a big decision on his future.

But Bellamy seems content on walking away from the role of head coach.

Bennett very much still wants to coach, which means for him, the decision isn’t just about where he signs but in what capacity he does so.

He hasn’t yet told South Sydney “no”, but will take time in making his decision as there are many factors to be taken note of.

Bennett is keen to wait and see if a decision will be made on the new Brisbane franchise in an expanded 2023 season, with an announcement likely to be made mid-year.
 
callmack1

callmack1

Moderator
Staff member
Messages
12,155
From Zero Tackle,

NRL’s no-fault stand-down policy to remain

The NRL’s no-fault stand-down policy will remain in 2021.

The Australian‘s Brent Read reports that an independent arbiter ticked off the governing body’s decision to enforce the rule in a major win for the NRL over the players union.

It is a significant victory for ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys, chief executive Andrew Abdo and commissioner Peter Beattie, who have all been strong advocates of the rule.

It is believed that the arbiter reached his decision on Monday morning in what was a nervous wait for the NRL and RLPA after being informed documentation went through over the weekend.

The decision is believed to have been a costly one for the RLPA and could be north of six figures in legal expenses.

The NRL introduced the no-fault stand-down policy in March 2019 – suspending players who are faced with serious criminal charges with a maximum jail term of 11 years or more.

It has seen the likes of Dragon Jack de Belin and Sea Eagle Manase Fainu stood down over the last two years, with the former’s fate for the upcoming season now sealed amid the arbiter’s verdict.

De Belin was stood down under the no-fault stand down policy in February 2019 over an alleged sexual assault charges. He faces charges of five counts of rape.

The 29-year old challenged the NRL’s no-fault stand-down rule at federal court and even to the Rugby League Players Association, to no avail.

De Belin currently awaits the verdict for his rape re-trial in April.

If found not guilty, De Belin could return as early as round nine, however, it is more likely he will be eased back into action through the reserve grades.

The is reportedly NRL is reportedly preparing to sit down with RLPA to discuss further sanctions for player misbehaviour to protect the game’s finances and credibility.

The governing body is believed to be so concerned about the NRL’s image and financial ramifications of player misdemeanours that they want to ramp up sanctions in a bid to avoid future mishaps.
 
callmack1

callmack1

Moderator
Staff member
Messages
12,155
From Zero tackle,

NRL bad boys to face hefty financial penalties

The NRL are set to increase their minimum punishment for player indiscretions and misbehaviour to $100,000, reports The Sydney Morning Herald‘s Adrian Proszenko.

Former ARLC chairman Peter Beattie has spearheaded the move to punish repeat offenders and has landed a big win in his bid to make sure players learn their lessons from their mistakes.

An independent arbitrator ruled the game’s governing body was had the right to introduce its no fault stand-down rule for players charged with serious offences.

This led to Beattie wanting to punish those who repeat offend.

“The ARLC at the time introduced the no-fault rule acting in the long-term best interests of rugby league to build both our fan base and the financial security of the game and its players. I stand by that decision,” Beattie said. “It is now time to move on.

“The competition for fans and the sporting dollar intensifies every year. The ARLC has to be nimble and under [ALRC chair] Peter V’landys and [NRL CEO] Andrew Abdo we have the team to do just that. As a humble commissioner they will have my full and ongoing support.

“Part of the future is a close working relationship with the RLPA. Clint Newton is the right CEO to partner with the ARLC/NRL to grow the game.”

The NRL has long struggled with off-field incidents particularly in the off-season and there is hope the increased fines will be a greater deterrent.

The current maximum fine of $50,000, doubling that would be a big hit to the players pockets.

“We want to send a message that it’s a privilege to play in the NRL,” V’landys said. “When you play in the NRL you are a role model and need to act accordingly.

“I want to stress that 99 per cent of footballers do the right thing. I don’t want every player tarnished. We’re not doing this for the 99 per cent, we’re doing this for the one per cent that let the 99 per cent down.

“The players I’ve been involved with are great people, they do things like going to kids cancer wards and never look for any publicity.
“That’s all tarnished by that one percent.”

V’landys says the increased amount will see players think twice and learn from their mistakes.

“I don’t care what anyone says, no one likes losing money. No one likes being fined.

“We don’t have to go to the maximum, but we need to have something there that will be a pretty big deterrent.”
 
Hellray

Hellray

Juniors
Messages
719
So I read former South’s nyc player Gabe Hamlin is playing for Cronulla now, Goodluck to him but also hope he doesn’t follow Rudolf and Talakai and turn the corner with them
 
Rabbits20

Rabbits20

Immortal
Messages
42,132
Hellray said:
So I read former South’s nyc player Gabe Hamlin is playing for Cronulla now, Goodluck to him but also hope he doesn’t follow Rudolf and Talakai and turn the corner with them
Click to expand...
When you breed so much talent you can’t keep them all, I wish them all well except those who go and play for Easts!
 
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