2022 Squad: Gains, Losses & Re-signings.

[rasaint]

I’m quite a fan of Jack Bird. When he hit the 1st grade scene at the sharks they really grew a leg. I know it can never go down to one player but I still recollect him zipping this way and that putting blokes through gaps etc.

I noted Crush has a good opinion of Jack and that he is one of our best players. I thought he started the season 2021 strongly but wasn’t that effective in second half ( basically the reverse of my expectation). He seemed to be a bit frustrated that he wasn’t breaking through tackles and also missing a few. In fairness, the second half of our season due to BBQ gate was poor and maybe Jack just fell into the pattern himself. Certainly, he has lost at least some of the 2016 zip and I doubt he will regain it.

On my assessment if Jack is going to be resigned soon 2 seasons maximum at $300k but with some further financial incentives built in. He is a player with two 2 dreaded ACLs in recent years. I understand George Burgess has something like this in his favour.

I hope Jack really goes well, he is a very good player fit n confident.

Last comment, Tautau Moga with 4 or 5 ? ACLs is close to the best centre in the completion when fit. Maybe we can crack it lucky that Tau Tau‘s last ACL fix is the one that holds up and he gets back to top fitness with us?

 

[denis preston]

I wonder if the plan is to not pay overs & get good established forwards for the time being but when Hunt & Simms contracts are gone go for a superstar forward to be pack leader ? How about a combined hooker / front or back row signings as it will free up over 1.5 million ?

 

[Dragon David]

The TWO huge calls Dragons still need to make as veteran stars eye NRL ‘redemption’

The TWO huge calls Dragons still need to make as veteran stars eye NRL ‘redemption’

www.foxsports.com.au

 

[OneEyedDragon]

"Training everywhere": Mbye reveals role he wants at Dragons

Mbye has become a genuine utility.

www.zerotackle.com

 

[Dragon David]

The role Mbye wants at Dragons as star opens up on Tigers exit that needed to happen

The role Mbye wants at Dragons as star opens up on Tigers exit that needed to happen

www.foxsports.com.au

 

[Maddragon99]

I had a feeling this might happen, there’s no obvious position for Bird & Lawrie has never really hit the heights expected of him.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/monday-buzz-jack-bird-to-test-open-market-as-contract-talks-with-dragons-break-down/news-story/cab18bc6dfe86acfe9cd330bf5c8b65c?state=z3jee2jTBshWAr3sWnt4mA%3D%3D&gaa_at=la&gaa_ts=62123702&gaa_n=AYc4ysuGz2zWB4lpXnhCQzF7DlBo-yq-7sAhQq8w-SU3RyxVvVtvgZZqVTQ5_i_aiTg=&gaa_sig=vGYujtek4cx3iOJxHTwfdwH5Mfv6cWhZJZzNIyvbCWxGqCU_y-zgxgM7d6yZjyJHDlEBpzCWRyFijyAPB0aR-Q==&geatest1=1

 

[Dracarys]

According to the above link

There is more to this story​

 

[Auntie.Gerald]

Yep it was difficult to spot Birdy with our other 1st graders watching on last night?

Birdy is a tricky onebecause he is a long way off one of the best backrowers in the comp a he is a tricky personality to manage.Would it be fair to say that there maybe 20 plus other backrowers in the comp above him?

There are so many backrowers with serious impact playing NRL.

Yet Jack is a goer and is a dangerous player when on song.

Hook is making pretty good calls re players and contracts so far......I'm sure he will get this right.

 

[saints4ever]

I hope we can find a spot for Bird but as far as Lawrie, for mine if he can be offloaded with Simms I wouldn't worry

 

[randomdragon]

bird should also consider we gave him a chance when no one else would, if it wasnt for us he wouldnt even be on the open market in the nrl...

 

[Maddragon99]

Yep it was difficult to spot Birdy with our other 1st graders watching on last night?

Birdy is a tricky onebecause he is a long way off one of the best backrowers in the comp a he is a tricky personality to manage.Would it be fair to say that there maybe 20 plus other backrowers in the comp above him?

There are so many backrowers with serious impact playing NRL.

Yet Jack is a goer and is a dangerous player when on song.

Hook is making pretty good calls re players and contracts so far......I'm sure he will get this right.

If Jack Bird can land a big contract elsewhere then good luck to him & I wish him all the best.

I’m no fan of Griffin as a coach but he’s definitely a very astute salary cap manager. If Sims, Lawrie & Bird are surplus to requirements it frees up a lot of cap space for a couple of new signings plus an upgrade for Amone who’ll need to be locked up prior to Nov 1.

 

[kit66]

Bird would be the perfect bench utility, ahead of Mbye in skill, age and versatility in that he covers 1-7, backrow and lock. I think letting him go is insane. At least I hope they don't give him or anyone else - Sims, Lawrie - an early release because we really need all hands on deck this year, we aren't in as good a position as many people think. F.Molo and Poasa showed our depth isn't that great either. Don't let yesterday's win go to your head.

 

[ALSGI]

Bird would be the perfect bench utility, ahead of Mbye in skill, age and versatility in that he covers 1-7, backrow and lock. I think letting him go is insane. At least I hope they don't give him or anyone else - Sims, Lawrie - an early release because we really need all hands on deck this year, we aren't in as good a position as many people think. F.Molo and Poasa showed our depth isn't that great either. Don't let yesterday's win go to your head.

Agree with a lot of your post.

Bird is a dilemma especially when compared to Mbye. Upside is he can be very good some more positions and his age is good for a longer contract. We all know the downside is his injury history and he’s a high risk to play out his next game let alone the season or 2/3 years. Can he kick? Good footballer but I’d be sticking with Mbye for the 14 as he’s signed up for 2/3 and is less risky.

Only thing I disagree with is your depth comment. I think our depth is looking great accross the field.

Every position was literally put on notice lady night.

I get what you say about FMolo and Poasa but I thought Poasa went much better last night than he showed us last year and it was FMolo’s first game for us. So hoping both are on the up because they’re hitting a great age for Props but they were both let go by former clubs for a reason I guess.

 

[randomdragon]

Bird would be the perfect bench utility, ahead of Mbye in skill, age and versatility in that he covers 1-7, backrow and lock. I think letting him go is insane. At least I hope they don't give him or anyone else - Sims, Lawrie - an early release because we really need all hands on deck this year, we aren't in as good a position as many people think. F.Molo and Poasa showed our depth isn't that great either. Don't let yesterday's win go to your head.

so because of that lets just break the bank and pay him what he wants so our salary cap is more f**ked for future years! great idea buddy. Also side note players go into trial games already under fatigue. why do you think they have a 1 week break between trials and first round. you don't want us to get too hyped over the win then don't get too hyped over under performers too.

 

[kit66]

so because of that lets just break the bank and pay him what he wants so our salary cap is more f**ked for future years! great idea buddy. Also side note players go into trial games already under fatigue. why do you think they have a 1 week break between trials and first round. you don't want us to get too hyped over the win then don't get too hyped over under performers too.

Paper bag mate, put it over your mouth, deep breath, in, out, in out, there you go, everythings gonna be just fine, it's only people's opinions, in, out, in, out.

 

[AyiosYiorgos]

Agree with a lot of your post.

Bird is a dilemma especially when compared to Mbye. Upside is he can be very good some more positions and his age is good for a longer contract. We all know the downside is his injury history and he’s a high risk to play out his next game let alone the season or 2/3 years. Can he kick? Good footballer but I’d be sticking with Mbye for the 14 as he’s signed up for 2/3 and is less risky.

Only thing I disagree with is your depth comment. I think our depth is looking great accross the field.

Every position was literally put on notice lady night.

I get what you say about FMolo and Poasa but I thought Poasa went much better last night than he showed us last year and it was FMolo’s first game for us. So hoping both are on the up because they’re hitting a great age for Props but they were both let go by former clubs for a reason I guess.

Agree on Poasa he went well, reading some of the comments regarding him are over the top as to how he played yesterday, does he make the 17 probably not but he wasn't bad yesterday..

 

[randomdragon]

Paper bag mate, put it over your mouth, deep breath, in, out, in out, there you go, everythings gonna be just fine, it's only people's opinions, in, out, in, out.

condescending prick. Your opinion is always negative.

 

[kit66]

condescending prick. Your opinion is always negative.

Go emoji power !!!

 

[denis preston]

Looks like a great call from Hook. bird obviously got usedto thge 850-900k a year and wants near that from us. As for lawrie we had a lookalike last night Coric who had one thing more than him, superior strength. Bird no more than 400 & Lawrie 350k.

 

[Maddragon99]

Looks like a great call from Hook. bird obviously got usedto thge 850-900k a year and wants near that from us. As for lawrie we had a lookalike last night Coric who had one thing more than him, superior strength. Bird no more than 400 & Lawrie 350k.

I think we offered Bird something in the region of $550K The question is would another club offer more? Given his track record I’m not sure anyone would.