Dragons chase Jarryd Hayne

[Brutalitops]

Some of you are getting way too carried away as if Hayne has already signed. Parra still likely in the box seat if they can offload even one of the players they're trying to

 

[Warabrook saint]

2 questions?

1. Rapana has dislocated his shoulder in last weeks test and could be out for up to 6 months. Do you still want to sign him now, or try again before the June 30 deadline for completing your top 30?

2. If we were to sell off Lafai, Aitken and Mann, all of whom have contracts for next year, would you think a suitor would ask us to contribute a great portion of their salary, and especially with regards to Lafai and Aitken who are contracted for another 2 years?

I think the more realistic figure here would be a maximum 400k in the bank and that's probably not enough to secure the likes of J Leilua and you have to consider that Rapana will be 30 next year and I wouldn't be forking out that sort of money for a winger at that age.

Jennings is an interesting one and I would have a serious crack at him also.

We can say if Hayne signs on, then our squad would total 29, assuming no-one leaves, however, if say Mann is the trade off, then Jennings maybe worth a crack and still leaves us with a spot to play with next year before June 30.

Yes to Jennings

 

[Warabrook saint]

Some of you are getting way too carried away as if Hayne has already signed. Parra still likely in the box seat if they can offload even one of the players they're trying to

That's not good......being used as bargaining tool again

 

[Frank Facer]

2 questions?

1. Rapana has dislocated his shoulder in last weeks test and could be out for up to 6 months. Do you still want to sign him now, or try again before the June 30 deadline for completing your top 30?

2. If we were to sell off Lafai, Aitken and Mann, all of whom have contracts for next year, would you think a suitor would ask us to contribute a great portion of their salary, and especially with regards to Lafai and Aitken who are contracted for another 2 years?

I think the more realistic figure here would be a maximum 400k in the bank and that's probably not enough to secure the likes of J Leilua and you have to consider that Rapana will be 30 next year and I wouldn't be forking out that sort of money for a winger at that age.

Jennings is an interesting one and I would have a serious crack at him also.

We can say if Hayne signs on, then our squad would total 29, assuming no-one leaves, however, if say Mann is the trade off, then Jennings maybe worth a crack and still leaves us with a spot to play with next year before June 30.

I didn't know that Rapana would be out for 6 months, but that would mean that he would be available by May. So I wouldn't be concerned about him missing the first few games. Maybe Canberra may be more interested in letting him go, now that he has a shoulder injury? I knew how old he was. I am not concerned about his age. As I previously said, I think he is one of the best wingers in the comp. A 2 year contract would be good.

As for Aitken and Lafai. It would only be worth offloading them if other clubs wanted them. There may be interest from other clubs in either of them? If they were told that they wouldn't be in the starting 13 next year, they would probably want to find another club asap, rather than be playing ISP and letting their value decrease. Maybe ESL clubs would be interested in either of them? If we only had to cover a small portion of their salary, then it would be worth off loading them, if not keep at least for depth. Even if we offloaded both of them and had to pay 100K each on their first year's salary, we may have and extra 500K to spend.

 

[dragon thomo]

I would not fool around with Hayne any longer . Sign now or we just move on as the longer this plays out it looks like he is just playing us.

 

[Old Kogarah Boy 1]

That's not good......being used as bargaining tool again

I feel violated.

 

[Drag Queen]

Your last comment doesn't make sense, typical of you. Go back to Penrith Panthers Girl.

As for Hayne. I expect him to be here next year. Rapana is one of the best wingers in the comp and would be a great addition to our side. We were trying to get him from Canberra before the June 30 deadline this year, so we may be still trying to get him. My point was, that if we offloaded Aitken, Lafai and Mann, we could sign Jennings and another quality centre or winger. I understand, comprehension isn't your strong point.

BTW I backed the winner of the Melbourne Cup and had a great day. lol I have actually backed 7 of the last 10 Melbourne Cup winners. lol

Really Priscilla, you are a complete waste of time. Your comments are never even worth reading.

Ditto F**k Facer. Your ramblings aren't worth reading either.... BTW I also backed the winner yesterday lol. I think it paid for about 2 rounds of beer.

 

[denis preston]

I wish posters would stay on topic and really consider their opinions.I know some here criticise Millward but some options coming on here are really pie in the sky stuff. Get rid of this player/ get this player , when these players still have long contracts and to think we can achieve this without any damage to our cap is ridiculous .

 

[True_Believer]

Yeah I don't have a problem with posters who share rumours, but I don't have a problem with people calling out rumours that become unsubstantiated either (not that I would do that). If the rumour has come from someone who has a proven track record, then I get really annoyed for as you say, things can change. Anyone on here who proclaims with certainty that something will happen/will not happen, I guess has to be prepared to cop it if it doesn't come about.

The old adage "you need to earn respect" rings true in here. Samy is a 70/30 proposition - 70% of what he says either comes up true or partly true, and 30% may end up off the mark - but as you guys have pointed out, that may be as a result of changing situations rather than just complete BS. I'd believe what Samy says over almost everyone else in here as his track record is pretty good.

 

[True_Believer]

I wish posters would stay on topic and really consider their opinions.I know some here criticise Millward but some options coming on here are really pie in the sky stuff. Get rid of this player/ get this player , when these players still have long contracts and to think we can achieve this without any damage to our cap is ridiculous .

It's part and parcel of this forum DP. A fantasy team is created, a bunch of player offloads are devised along with invented salary figures to achieve this fantasy team, and then it's off to abuse Millward because he hasn't done it. I'm surprised some of the people in here haven't applied for recruitment manager at the club because it seems so simple!!!

 

[Brutalitops]

I wish posters would stay on topic and really consider their opinions.I know some here criticise Millward but some options coming on here are really pie in the sky stuff. Get rid of this player/ get this player , when these players still have long contracts and to think we can achieve this without any damage to our cap is ridiculous .

Some posters here really have no idea how the salary cap works at all, it's very easy to come up with armchair solutions based off nothing when you have no idea of the ins and outs of a situation

 

[Old Timer]

Taking into account the valid points that are made re people not knowing how the cap works, fantasy teams, players who are not available mentioned as signing opportunities, players values etc etc the simple fact remains that for this upcoming year and beyond Millward has only managed to sign players players of little known significance whilst some other clubs have been strengthening and signing players of considerable note.
Our team wasn't good enough last year (yes I know the coach is a dud) but the roster in the end was not strong enough and thus far we have not strengthened it with high quality signings that make us that much more competitive.
In amongst that we have extend plodders and probably over the last few years upgraded people who are in 1st grade who really belong in ISP.
The optimists and those pro anything the club does always find ways to talk up players we actually sign and those that are rumoured to be signed.
I hope the signings we make all do well but unfortunately I am also a realist and see them as "hopeful" signings rather than as being astute.
All the really good clubs rely on astute and then hope they are even better what they are guaranteed to be.

 

[denis preston]

Taking into account the valid points that are made re people not knowing how the cap works, fantasy teams, players who are not available mentioned as signing opportunities, players values etc etc the simple fact remains that for this upcoming year and beyond Millward has only managed to sign players players of little known significance whilst some other clubs have been strengthening and signing players of considerable note.
Our team wasn't good enough last year (yes I know the coach is a dud) but the roster in the end was not strong enough and thus far we have not strengthened it with high quality signings that make us that much more competitive.
In amongst that we have extend plodders and probably over the last few years upgraded people who are in 1st grade who really belong in ISP.
The optimists and those pro anything the club does always find ways to talk up players we actually sign and those that are rumoured to be signed.
I hope the signings we make all do well but unfortunately I am also a realist and see them as "hopeful" signings rather than as being astute.
All the really good clubs rely on astute and then hope they are even better what they are guaranteed to be.

OT, positive posts doesn't mean you don't criticize some of the decisions ( and non decisions ) the club makes but it is just a look on life that some of us have as the thought of negating everything is not our lifestyle choice . Jesus, it would nearly be impossible to get everything wrong but that what i get from your posts.Why wouldn't we talk up players that we sign ? They have yet to pull on our proud jersey and you don't give them are fair go ? As i said on numerous occasions the devil with our cap management is lack of TP deals and yes the board is truly condemned for this situation but we have to deal with it and move on. "Realists" tend to look at other clubs with rose coloured glasses as an example of what we should be doing. Your comment that these clubs have guaranteed performances from their signings is baffling.I'm sure some on here can go through every clubs dud signings over the past 4 seasons to dispute this claim.

 

[Dragonslayer]

Are we talking about the same team that lead or was top 2 in the comp this year for like 18 rounds?

Was that due to ability of the players or the coach?

The same team that dropped away so badly and scraped into 7th spot.

Again was that due to the players or the coach?

 

[BLM01]

Taking into account the valid points that are made re people not knowing how the cap works, fantasy teams, players who are not available mentioned as signing opportunities, players values etc etc the simple fact remains that for this upcoming year and beyond Millward has only managed to sign players players of little known significance whilst some other clubs have been strengthening and signing players of considerable note.
Our team wasn't good enough last year (yes I know the coach is a dud) but the roster in the end was not strong enough and thus far we have not strengthened it with high quality signings that make us that much more competitive.
In amongst that we have extend plodders and probably over the last few years upgraded people who are in 1st grade who really belong in ISP.
The optimists and those pro anything the club does always find ways to talk up players we actually sign and those that are rumoured to be signed.
I hope the signings we make all do well but unfortunately I am also a realist and see them as "hopeful" signings rather than as being astute.
All the really good clubs rely on astute and then hope they are even better what they are guaranteed to be.

Ok..We havent strengthened this year a player of note...yet.
Korbin Sims..yeh possibly classified fringe..maybe Hayne
But who has attracted a big player from another club...There has been no real big names off contract for 19 to poach. We have kept our best players for 19 & beyond so far like the other clubs.
Who has signed for any club for the start of 2020 yet, nobody!...it will happen shortly..but

With exception of Knights and Titans who had heaps of cash and a baby or not so good side from 2 years ago?
Parra wooden spooners yeh Ok Fergo & Junior Paulo
Melbourne big signing for 19?
Roosters?. Maybe Angus Crighton - 1
Souths?
Cronulla?..Josh Morris ageing
Brisbane?
Warriors..Ah Mau..sort of on par with Sims
Penrith?
Canberra?..unknown English players
Manly?
Tigers - maybe Ryan Matterson
Cowboys - Barba (risk)
Dogs? - maybe Corey 2 fathers from Penrith..on par with Sims

 

[Old Timer]

OT, positive posts doesn't mean you don't criticize some of the decisions ( and non decisions ) the club makes but it is just a look on life that some of us have as the thought of negating everything is not our lifestyle choice . Jesus, it would nearly be impossible to get everything wrong but that what i get from your posts.Why wouldn't we talk up players that we sign ? They have yet to pull on our proud jersey and you don't give them are fair go ? As i said on numerous occasions the devil with our cap management is lack of TP deals and yes the board is truly condemned for this situation but we have to deal with it and move on. "Realists" tend to look at other clubs with rose coloured glasses as an example of what we should be doing. Your comment that these clubs have guaranteed performances from their signings is baffling.I'm sure some on here can go through every clubs dud signings over the past 4 seasons to dispute this claim.

If getting TPA's is a major KPI of the recruitment departments job then there are 2 options
1. Accept we are a club that cannot attract TPA's.
2. Hire someone who has that proficiency and skill to attain them.
Many in here subscribe to theory 1 whereas I would explore option 2 several times over before even remotely accepting option 1.
In my world don't tell me the problem go and find me the solution.
Re talking up players, in reality I don't have a problem with that but when talking them up is almost offered as an excuse for not recruiting more established players / better quality then that IMO it needs to be known for what it is.
Again for me, the notion that players who have not succeeded at other clubs to be touted as getting a walk up start at out club is laughable.
I wish them all well and hope they grow as players but given our coaching staff and style of play there is IMO little to no chance that is going to happen.
So many in here now convinced Pereira is NRL quality and should be picked week in week out, FMD probably wouldn't get a gig at 12 other clubs but let's talk him up, what about saying that in light of not having a high quality winger it is good that we have a high quality depth player like Jordan who is a really capable back up in the case of injury.
All the hoopla around signing Lafai and then after a poor season more talking up after he was the best at boot camp and people claiming him origin material, again a depth player and we actually need better than him if we are to be serious in the comp.
Lets be honest in our appraisals and know where the shortfalls are and recognise the incumbents and back ups are trying their best but in reality we need better.
There is no doubt that by strengthening some positions we can then carry some good but not outstanding players in the 1st grade team but believing almost everyone we have is the best or close to it is just farcical IMO.

.

 

[KiamaSaint]

Taking into account the valid points that are made re people not knowing how the cap works, fantasy teams, players who are not available mentioned as signing opportunities, players values etc etc the simple fact remains that for this upcoming year and beyond Millward has only managed to sign players players of little known significance whilst some other clubs have been strengthening and signing players of considerable note.
Our team wasn't good enough last year (yes I know the coach is a dud) but the roster in the end was not strong enough and thus far we have not strengthened it with high quality signings that make us that much more competitive.
In amongst that we have extend plodders and probably over the last few years upgraded people who are in 1st grade who really belong in ISP.
The optimists and those pro anything the club does always find ways to talk up players we actually sign and those that are rumoured to be signed.
I hope the signings we make all do well but unfortunately I am also a realist and see them as "hopeful" signings rather than as being astute.
All the really good clubs rely on astute and then hope they are even better what they are guaranteed to be.

Agree mate, our squad wasn't good enough. Let's be honest, not a level playing field though. That's on our management and the lack of TPAs.

As another poster said, I will wait to see our 29 & 30 squad members before judging whether or not we have strengthen our squad but it doesn't look good at this stage.

 

[BLM01]

If getting TPA's is a major KPI of the recruitment departments job then there are 2 options
1. Accept we are a club that cannot attract TPA's.
2. Hire someone who has that proficiency and skill to attain them.
Many in here subscribe to theory 1 whereas I would explore option 2 several times over before even remotely accepting option 1.
In my world don't tell me the problem go and find me the solution.
Re talking up players, in reality I don't have a problem with that but when talking them up is almost offered as an excuse for not recruiting more established players / better quality then that IMO it needs to be known for what it is.
Again for me, the notion that players who have not succeeded at other clubs to be touted as getting a walk up start at out club is laughable.
I wish them all well and hope they grow as players but given our coaching staff and style of play there is IMO little to no chance that is going to happen.
So many in here now convinced Pereira is NRL quality and should be picked week in week out, FMD probably wouldn't get a gig at 12 other clubs but let's talk him up, what about saying that in light of not having a high quality winger it is good that we have a high quality depth player like Jordan who is a really capable back up in the case of injury.
All the hoopla around signing Lafai and then after a poor season more talking up after he was the best at boot camp and people claiming him origin material, again a depth player and we actually need better than him if we are to be serious in the comp.
Lets be honest in our appraisals and know where the shortfalls are and recognise the incumbents and back ups are trying their best but in reality we need better.
There is no doubt that by strengthening some positions we can then carry some good but not outstanding players in the 1st grade team but believing almost everyone we have is the best or close to it is just farcical IMO.

.

You know the answer to all this is simple and it is overlooked everywhere.
You cant just blame the Dragons. There is not enough 1st grade standard talent to fill 16 teams and 30 players a team..at NRL wages. Some clubs do it but we know how and that is only a handful. I'd love a squad like the Roosters or Brisbane or depth of Penrith.
It is going to get worse in this country with dwindling numbers of Juniors everywhere, without just importing players.
The fact that you said Periera would not get a start at 12 other clubs, but will find a home at 4 clubs, means he is NRL quality.
But look at Dragons whole squad against some of the others. Our squad except for a few tweeks in the backine is pretty strong and competitive

 

[Old Timer]

You know the answer to all this is simple and it is overlooked everywhere.
You cant just blame the Dragons. There is not enough 1st grade standard talent to fill 16 teams and 30 players a team..at NRL wages. Some clubs do it but we know how and that is only a handful. I'd love a squad like the Roosters or Brisbane or depth of Penrith.
It is going to get worse in this country with dwindling numbers of Juniors everywhere, without just importing players.
The fact that you said Periera would not get a start at 12 other clubs, but will find a home at 4 clubs, means he is NRL quality.
But look at Dragons whole squad against some of the others. Our squad except for a few tweeks in the backine is pretty strong and competitive

Your point re the number of teams and number of quality players is 100% correct.
Notwithstanding that I do blame our club for piss poor recruitment.
They have a job to do and I expect them to do it better than they currently do.
1. Get a coach that will attract players.
2. Have a system in place that is the envy of others.
3. Stop looking for the bargains while you miss out on the cream.
4. Face the reality that what we are doing is not good enough and improve the situation, don't keep telling me the problem and trying to reinforce bad culture, go out there and find me the solutions or piss off.
Harsh assessment? Probably
Accurate assessment? Probably
What we require? Definitely

 

[giboz71]

Other than the Roosters, Storm, and Broncos who have always been powerhouses when it comes to recruitment, who else is significantly better off than us? Newcastle are obviously pretty active right now but after 3 straight wooden spoons, they should be.

We had a poor end to the season and ended up finishing 7th, but in reality we had 1 win less than the minor premiers. So I hardly think the sky is falling.

Think we need to accept we’ll never be those 3 teams, but compared to the other 12 teams, I think we go ok in terms of how we manage our roster. Hunt, Graham, the Sims boys have all been good additions, so have Vaughan and McInnes.

We need help in the backs for sure but we’re addressing that by all accounts.