This is just a dumb idea. Can you imagine Peter Doust calling a press conference in round 5 of the season with the media and you've got Hornby, Young and Fien sitting next to him and going "As you know the Dragons were rumored to have made an offer to Beale, B Stewart, Glenn Stewart and Cooper Cronk. We missed out on all four but I would like to clear things up. Ben Hornby will be the half back for next year. Dean Young will be retiring and Nathan Fien will fill the bench spot every now and then. Just wanted you all to know that for some piece of mind. Thank you media for turning up."
That is so stupid.
Fair enough, obviously not what I intended. It does make you wonder what impact this speculation will have on Ben Hornby.
I just prefer the approach of having players' futures confirmed as early as possible. With Beau Scott's departure, it allows the Dragons to lock up existing players as replacements or pursue external candidates. The Brett Morris experiment has altered the outlook, surely he's our long-term fullback & now the club can make plans around that.
There is no doubt the 7 should be our big priority. If we miss Cronk I hope we just hold onto the cash. We have a strong team. I am not really a fan of Hornby as a player (although I respect what he has achieved for the Dragons) but if we need to go with him for next year, so be it.
Our backline is strong. Our forwards are great. I think the coach has the goods. Cronk would make us an immediate premiership threat. But there will be other players coming on the market (bear in mind if the Titans fold, all contracts will be null and void). I just hope they don't panic and throw silly money at the wrong player.
Throwing $2 million over 3 seasons at Cronk is a huge leap in faith for a team that is "bred not bought". If we fall short, no dramas. I'm glad we had a crack and I respect the decision to pursue him aggressively.
What we really need is one big press conference telling everybody where every player off contract is going to be playing next year....
Folau was recruited by the AFL to appeal to the Polynesian kids in Sydney's west. Whether he can play the game or not, his main purpose is to attract kids away from NRL.
It's a great gig if you can get it.
Problem will be what $$$ he will ask if/when he gets tired of the job and wants to play proper footy again.
Every player on the market will be linked to the Dragons just to jack up their values best to ignore it until it's officially official full release and all.
Too bloody right....gives me the absolute shits. Dragons are the new Rugby Union option....mentioned just to jack up the price. The irony is we hardly ever recruit big names (Jeremy Smith? Darius?) so why are we always mentioned?? And besides....we don't need any of them.
Props great depth here in Weyman, Hunt and Merrin. Young Stockwell looks a good player as well and hopefully Latimore sticks around.
Hooker Rein and King (assuming he stays), Like the look of young Damien Cook as well
Back Row Creagh, Prior, De Belin with Marketo a likely back up
Halves Soward and K Stanely
Centres Cooper, C Stanley and Green
Wingers Nightingale, Morris and Vidot
Fullback Beale?? (with Morris as a backup)
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So based on the above, 3 areas we lack depth is in the backrow, halfback and an outside back that can cover wing, centre fullback. Presumably Hornby, Young and Fien to retire within the next two years.
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The way I see it, we have cap room due to Moltzens backflip, Gazs retirement and Scott going to Newcastle.
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These are the holes we need to fill in the next 1-2 years with the money available.