Can anyone answer this question for me:

[undertaker]

Our pack is the complete opposite of young and light mate (apart from a couple of exceptions). Certainly agree that a quality hooker can get the forwards on top though even when they're not up to scratch and it's why we miss Bedsy so much. Gidley just can't do what Bedsy did but the whole being captain and having a brother as CEO thing makes it hard for us to move him on (and really he should be a bench hooker/utility at best).

Gid's brother isn't really CEO; he's just on the Knights management under the guise of "Knights CEO" with Tinkler/Bennett calling the shots. Really, what has he done for the club since he became CEO (besides the burgeoning ticket and food prices at games)?

 

[Noname36]

Gagai and Leilua are here cos their clubs sacked them. Both great players agreed. You have a point but mine is the fact that he is the best coach ever and he has simply signed in bulk from the Dragons really. All decent players especially Beau. Why have we not signed an out and out X factor like an SBW or a JWH? That is the concern. That was the promise when we bought into Tinkler.

Gagai and Leilua both had a lot of clubs after them when they were punted from their clubs. They both said they chose here because of Bennett. We wouldn't have either of them if it wasn't for him.

I don't recall Tinkler promising us SBW or JWH either. And as if they'd come to Newcastle for any reason when they can have a choice of Sydney clubs including living at Bondi. Tinkler made no such promises about about huge names. He said he was going to get locals back in the side which has been happening. We'd all love a huge signing but we weren't "promised" any.

 

[Noname36]

Gid's brother isn't really CEO; he's just on the Knights management under the guise of "Knights CEO" with Tinkler/Bennett calling the shots. Really, what has he done for the club since he became CEO (besides the burgeoning ticket and food prices at games)?

I wasn't making a point about what Midley does or doesn't do as CEO. Just pointing out that the club obviously has a lot of time for that family if they gave Matt the role to begin with so punting Kurt (especially when he's the captain) wouldn't be easy for them to do.

 

[Noname36]

Not sure Stone is the answer. He did a fair job with a bunch of misfits and not many resources, but what is his ceiling?

Seeing as we have trouble signing players, focusing on youth and finding a coach who backs them would be the first step. Someone innovative who promotes attacking footy would be a bonus.

So who do you want us to sign?

 

[slotmachine]

Would have loved Hasler.

Walked into the Dogs and implemented a totally new and effective style that complemented the players he was given.

 

[Noname36]

Would have loved Hasler.

Walked into the Dogs and implemented a totally new and effective style that complemented the players he was given.

Funny you say that because I actually thought the bulldogs played a terrible style of footy last season under Des. They've improved this year no doubt but I do have to wonder how much that has to do with the form the halves are in. Reynolds has been sensational.

And at least Des knows that if he doesn't have the players he wants they'll have another clean out every 12 months.

 

[Swarzey]

I'd give Stone a chance before I go looking for a new coach. Wayne's style will have an impact and it's up to Stone to take what he learnt from Wayne and create an approach that has the best of both worlds. I believe some of the grind that Wayne has tried to install in the team can work wonders in the modern game, but it needs some excitement to balance it.

f**k no to Hasler. You know what you get with Hasler? A f**ked roster with back-ended contracts, a quick answer for success. I'd rather spend 3/4 years building to something knowing the future is safer rather than winning a title in one or two years and then in another two or so we're pulling our hair out to retain quality signings. It's also the most disgraceful, but sadly legal, way to recruit players and build a team.

 

[slotmachine]

And at least Des knows that if he doesn't have the players he wants they'll have another clean out every 12 months.

ain't that the truth. bred, not bought etc

has got their young forwards firing though, and reynolds like you say

 

[The Showstopper]

Gagai and Leilua both had a lot of clubs after them when they were punted from their clubs. They both said they chose here because of Bennett. We wouldn't have either of them if it wasn't for him.

I don't recall Tinkler promising us SBW or JWH either. And as if they'd come to Newcastle for any reason when they can have a choice of Sydney clubs including living at Bondi. Tinkler made no such promises about about huge names. He said he was going to get locals back in the side which has been happening. We'd all love a huge signing but we weren't "promised" any.

Gagai had three after him. Bulldogs, Penrith and The Qld reds. Hardly a lot of clubs. No dispute that Bennett helped. As for Joey I know for a fact we had the money to lure him. Was never in doubt. Bennett or no Bennett.

The promise I speak of was in a figurative sense mate. Promise as in what could be.

 

[eozsmiles]

I'd give Stone a chance before I go looking for a new coach. Wayne's style will have an impact and it's up to Stone to take what he learnt from Wayne and create an approach that has the best of both worlds. I believe some of the grind that Wayne has tried to install in the team can work wonders in the modern game, but it needs some excitement to balance it.

f**k no to Hasler. You know what you get with Hasler? A f**ked roster with back-ended contracts, a quick answer for success. I'd rather spend 3/4 years building to something knowing the future is safer rather than winning a title in one or two years and then in another two or so we're pulling our hair out to retain quality signings. It's also the most disgraceful, but sadly legal, way to recruit players and build a team.

Modern coach, cutting edge methods, attention to detail, hard marker, inspires loyalty, natural winner, recent success, can attract and hold talented players.

The f***ed roster with back ended deals has got Manly two trophies and the best young halves combo in the comp. We're yet to see what happens at the dogs, but he got them to one GF already.

I'd be stoked if Wayne had the Knights in the position Manly are in. If we're talking 3-4 years to build something while manly line up for their 7/8th straight finals appearance......s**t. Even where the dogs have been the last 2 years is better overall, plus they've got Lichaa, Mbye, and Klemmer on the books next 3 years - 3 of the best kids in the game apparently. Nearly had Fifita too. Des has his teams going forward in leaps and bounds.

Back to Newy, people might be jumping the gun a bit early this year. Some poor performances for sure, but missing Mullen for the first few weeks made a world of difference. He is essential for "Bennett-ball" because he is their best attacking link and a good kicker. I think it's obvious to everyone that the knights are a shadow when he doesn't play. Even still, the new rule interpretations have sped things up and the knights pack looks slow. Plus the hooking role hasn't been settled yet? They need to sort themselves out to give the backs a chance.

 

[Johns Magic]

Gagai had three after him. Bulldogs, Penrith and The Qld reds. Hardly a lot of clubs. No dispute that Bennett helped. As for Joey I know for a fact we had the money to lure him. Was never in doubt. Bennett or no Bennett.

The promise I speak of was in a figurative sense mate. Promise as in what could be.

Gagai had Raiders going very hard for him from my memory.

 

[TheFrog]

What has Wayne achieved in his time here?

He has reached the penultimate week of the premiership, remaining alive longer than 13 of the other 15 teams, with a squad that on paper had no right whatsoever to such a lofty finish. This is what Benny is good at when he gets a team running properly.

With further losses of class players this year, in particular Buderus, this year looks more 2012 than 2013 but all is not quite yet lost.

 

[1qaz]

Gagai had three after him. Bulldogs, Penrith and The Qld reds. Hardly a lot of clubs. No dispute that Bennett helped. As for Joey I know for a fact we had the money to lure him. Was never in doubt. Bennett or no Bennett.

The promise I speak of was in a figurative sense mate. Promise as in what could be.

You're way off the mark. I know his family personally.
Every NRL team was after him except for the Rabbitohs and Broncos of course.
REDS, Warratahs and ACT were after him as well.

Articles back this up.

Bennett said he was thrilled the youngster had chosen Newcastle for his second opportunity in the NRL.

"Plenty of scouts have been trying to get Dane since he left the Broncos and it's fantastic he has chosen to come to the Knights," Bennett said.

"There is no doubting his playing ability.

"He has been a regular in the schoolboy representative teams and is highly regarded by all judges of the game.

"Dane felt the Knights were the right fit for him and we hope our environment here will allow him to reach his full ability."

"He's still in the grieving process," Davis said. "I think he's hoping he will wake up tomorrow and it will be just a bad dream.

"There is interest in him from clubs across both codes and there will be some big decisions to be made.

"He was brought up on league, but genuinely enjoyed his time in rugby at Brisbane Boys College from where he played for Queensland.

"I believe he was set to play for Australian Schoolboys, but when they found out he was on a Broncos contract, that was that.

Gagai told The Courier-Mail last year he came close to signing with the Reds, but the deeds of his cousin Josh Hoffman at Redcliffe, and then the Broncos, inspired him to play league.

The Reds, Western Force and Melbourne Rebels are believed to be interested in Gagai and his preference is to stay in Queensland where he has family and friends. His father Ray was a foundation Bronco.

The Broncos told 21-year-old Gagai earlier this month that he would no longer be considered for their NRL squad due to a series of undisclosed minor disciplinary breaches, but he has been in demand since then.

It is understood up to eight clubs were chasing the former Junior Kangaroos representative but he narrowed his choice down to the Knights, Cowboys and Raiders.

It's understood Bulldogs coach Des Hasler and recruitment guru Noel Cleal flew to Brisbane late last week in a bid to entice Gagai to the Bulldogs.

The Raiders need to strike an agreement with Gagai before round 13 for him to be eligible to play for them this year, and any deal would include the 2013 season.

Hamilton coached Mackay-born Gagai in 2010 as part of the Junior Kangaroos' two-match tour of New Zealand.

He phoned Gagai late last week to enquire about his welfare, and informed him there may be possible openings in the Raiders squad.

The Knights appear to have the inside running thanks to Wayne Bennett, who helped nurture Gagai in Brisbane, while joining the Cowboys would allow him to return home.

''Absolutely [we're interested in Gagai], but it's early days yet and we haven't put an offer in,'' Furner said. ''My understanding is Newcastle are very, very keen, and if I was a betting person I'd say he'd go with Wayne [Bennett] there, but we're trying.

''A one-team town, and a smaller town, would suit him better than a city from what I understand.

''I haven't had any discussions with his manager [Col Davis], I've left it to Hammo [Hamilton].''

Gagai is currently playing Queensland Cup for Redcliffe, and Hamilton insists there are no question marks about Gagai's character.

''I'm more than happy with the person, he's a great kid, and he has leadership qualities about him,'' Hamilton said.

''He was very professional in everything he did [with Junior Kangaroos], he was the one pulling some of the other kids back into line.

''I do recruitment and look everywhere to be honest, and there's not a hell of a lot of experienced outside backs out there.

''What I've said to him is there's definitely an opportunity here for him, and this year.''

Hamilton believes Gagai's dramas in Brisbane may have stemmed from his failure to crack a permanent first grade spot.

Despite scoring four tries in seven NRL games last year, Gagai has been on the outer at the Broncos behind Josh Hoffman, Jharal Yow Yeh, Dale Copley and Gerard Beale.

''I think it may be down to him being a little frustrated he's not getting a go in first grade,'' Hamilton said.

''I know [head coach] Dave Furner has come under a bit of pressure, but he's helped produce a lot of these young boys and that could be an attraction for Dane.''

His biggest offer at the time was from the Bulldogs $350,000 a season for 3 years.
But he chose the Knights for peanuts just to learn under Wayne.
Des is still chasing him hard. There's a "package" deal for him and his cousin Josh Hoffman.

 

[Spot On]

Geez I wish we had someone to manage our cap like the Bulldogs have. Already missed Gagai at 350K but can still chase him and Hoffman at what you would think would be more $$$$$. Just how the f**k do they do it???

 

[Misanthrope]

With Souths continuing their signing of actual, decent first-grade to rep level players, I'm left wondering how it is we always seem to end up just signing shitty cast-offs.

 

[slotmachine]

Why would Grant or Stewart have chosen the Knights over Souths?
Legit question, I can't think of anything except (a lot) more money.

 

[Misanthrope]

I assume you've been to Newcastle? (Serious question)

 

[slotmachine]

Yes. Why?

 

[Misanthrope]

As a young, cashed up football player - Sydney is a far more appealing sell than a city with an abominable night life, basically.

It's the same issue Canberra has always had in luring players. Newcastle's got lovely beaches and it's a pretty good place to raise a family if that's your focus - but it's behind Sydney as far as amenities, night life, and culture go.

 

[slotmachine]

Ah right, so we agree! In the past I've actually said Newcastle is basically Canberra by the sea in terms of being attractive to footy players.