Alex Johnston!!

[Dennis Papaioannou]

Agree I have no problem if we get him as fast winger to replace Nighty . But he isn't a fullback and either is Cody Walker . I can't see many genuine class fullbacks on the market just fill in fullbacks and fringe first graders .

Michael Gordon is a class fullback and probably available given Tedesco's arrival - great one year solution while the youngster aim up.

 

[possm]

Michael Gordon is a class fullback and probably available given Tedesco's arrival - great one year solution while the youngster aim up.

I agree however, what do we do with Mann, Dufty and Field. I'm sure Mann won't want to sign if it is for a reserve grade spot and by the time Dufty and Field's contracts are up for extensions, surely we will lose at least one of these juniors.

I was happy to have Hayne for a one or two year stint mainly because he could win us a premiership at fullback. I'm not so sure Gordon is in the same class as Hayne or Dugan. But he would come cheap and I suppose could do the job. Let's see what Millward comes up with.

 

[st.phil]

could blacklock or campo tackle?? SIGN THIS KID he scores for fun, we can work with the D

 

[BringTheNoise]

Michael Gordon is a class fullback and probably available given Tedesco's arrival - great one year solution while the youngster aim up.

People already whinge that Dugan can't pass. Gordon is worse.

 

[mickeylane]

I agree however, what do we do with Mann, Dufty and Field. I'm sure Mann won't want to sign if it is for a reserve grade spot and by the time Dufty and Field's contracts are up for extensions, surely we will lose at least one of these juniors.

I was happy to have Hayne for a one or two year stint mainly because he could win us a premiership at fullback. I'm not so sure Gordon is in the same class as Hayne or Dugan. But he would come cheap and I suppose could do the job. Let's see what Millward comes up with.

no more 34yo please!!

 

[TomRedVRiver]

Has anyone actually watched a full game of Johnston playing at fullback?

If you have, you'd re-consider signing him to play fullback for us.

 

[Old Timer]

Michael Gordon is a class fullback and probably available given Tedesco's arrival - great one year solution while the youngster aim up.

Exactly how do the youngsters aim up when always playing reggies or bench warming?
If you buy a Gordon or a Johnstone they will play 1sts.

 

[possm]

Exactly how do the youngsters aim up when always playing reggies or bench warming?
If you buy a Gordon or a Johnstone they will play 1sts.

And Hayne or Hoppa for one or two years. Why go for less, always go for more.

 

[hazzbeen]

Exactly how do the youngsters aim up when always playing reggies or bench warming?
If you buy a Gordon or a Johnston they will play 1sts.

Exactly this , Ok Gordon has proven himself as a fullback but not our future , If we are going to go for Johnston to prove he is a 1 for us , I think Id rather try Mann ( who I think Is ready to take the fullback roll ) We also have Dufty who is playing fullback , also Field who the club thinks will take over from Duges . So lets give these guys a go before we buy someone that is only a fill in ....

 

[Old Timer]

Let's forget juniors as they are just too hard to fit in and just buy journeymen, mal contents and live year by year.

 

[possm]

Let's forget juniors as they are just too hard to fit in and just buy journeymen, mal contents and live year by year.

I'd say for the rest of 2017, let's test Mann, Dufty and Field at fullback with Dugan at right centre. In this way we have Dugan as backup if required and we get to test the juniors.

There is a good chance that someone like Mann could fill the bill and so our search is over. From that point on the first grade fullback job should be selected on form. Extra funds in the cap go towards front ending some players or upgrading them if they are sitting below market value.

 

[MilanDragon]

Nothing says we have to use every $$ of our salary cap. Let's use our juniors, forget Johnston.

Then if the juniors are doing a goood job we can always upgrade and extend their contract at that point, which would potentially work out cheaper in the long run too as we could do a long term contract at market value next year as opposed to in 2-3 years time.

 

[Slippery Morris]

Well said MilanDragon. Why spend just for the hell of it. I noticed Saints had the most players in the junior NSW Origin team and had a few in the junior Aussie team. Looks like they have a good batch coming through why waste it and risk if these guys come good having Dogs, Roosters and Bronco's sniff around and poach them.

 

[Slippery Morris]

If they re-sign Mann, Milne and Lafai then they are in good shape for 2018. And will still have plenty of cap space.

 

[hazzbeen]

If they re-sign Mann, Milne and Lafai then they are in good shape for 2018. And will still have plenty of cap space.

You would think that this will happen , surely they wont loose these guys IMO if they dont sign them there is a problem ....

 

[ALSGI]

I think this thread has pretty much concluded NO to Alex, with such an exciting group of juniors coming through.

End thread ?

 

[possm]

If they re-sign Mann, Milne and Lafai then they are in good shape for 2018. And will still have plenty of cap space.

Kerr needs to at least get 15min next game.

 

[Slippery Morris]

Possibly will during Origin.

So far and fingers crossed here as I will probably jinx them, the forwards have not had too many injuries.....YET.

 

[Dennis Papaioannou]

I agree however, what do we do with Mann, Dufty and Field. I'm sure Mann won't want to sign if it is for a reserve grade spot and by the time Dufty and Field's contracts are up for extensions, surely we will lose at least one of these juniors.

I was happy to have Hayne for a one or two year stint mainly because he could win us a premiership at fullback. I'm not so sure Gordon is in the same class as Hayne or Dugan. But he would come cheap and I suppose could do the job. Let's see what Millward comes up with.

You're right of course - so in this case they have to have the gumption to throw the youngsters in at the deep end. They may have a few shaky moments but how else are they going to be ready for FG?
I like Gordon because his price tag would be reasonable (more funds to retain Mann and Lafai) and provide some mentoring for Dufty and Field for a year. Plus he's a deadly goal kicker which always helps you win tight games.
But if that meant losing Dufty or Field, then take the plunge and let them loose.
Good points champ.

 

[Dennis Papaioannou]

And Hayne or Hoppa for one or two years. Why go for less, always go for more.

The main reason is price tag. Benefit for cost equation.