Long Term Eels

[Hollywood Jesus]

OK, assuming that contracts are binding (which both Twizzle and TE have stated correctly they no longer are :evil: ) my three would be

1. Hindy
2. Wade
3. Smith

 

[Hellsy]

Joel Reddy
Hindy (already done really..unless the contract is cut short)
Wade
Guru
Riddell (depending on how he performs with us in 05)

 

[eels1986]

Eric Grothe Jnr
PJ Marsh
Feliteo Mateo
Blake Green

 

[Nikki]

I am really in two minds about long term contracts. I think it solely depends on the players. I mean, Nathan gives his all no matter what but certain players *cough* vella *cough* only perform when a contract is due for a renewal. I would like to see Guru signed up long term coz I think he has a lot to prove but also believe that most players should not be signed for more than 2 years at a time just so that they dont become too complaicent

 

[Twizzle]

bad couch you have there Nikki

 

[Nikki]

Yes.. I wish "it" would go away.... hahahaha!!!

 

[Phillips]

Grothe
Marsh
Hindmarsh
Cayless
Morrison
McKinnon

 

[sportive cupid]

Tell us the story of that couch Nikki

 

[Twizzle]

we really do need a spell checker, dont we honey

 

[sportive cupid]

:iwstupid:

 

[Twizzle]

you wish

 

[bartman]

My definitions:
Long term contracts = 3 or four years
"Usual" contracts = 2 years
"Speculative" contracts =1 year
"Proper rep level" = at least State of Origin, NZ/England A?

To me, the only people that you want to sign long term are people that reach proper rep level (like Hindy and Tahu), or juniors that have been special enough to come through the ranks and play a game or two of first grade (eg Jack Afa, Mateo). If the rep level players stop performing after signing on long term (like Vella), then you just don't re-sign them again at the end of that contract, simple as that.

As for tying up other juniors, unless the guy is special enough to come through the ranks to have played a little first grade (eg Jack Afa, Mateo), then two years at a time should be good enough? So if Tim Smith is good enough to play a few games of firsts in 2005, then you look at signing him for 3 or more years after that (not before). Therefore the signing of M Witt for 4 years was good, as it came after he made the step up to play some firsts, but it's just a shame it all didn't work out.

2 years should also be the maximum for signings from other clubs that aren't at proper rep level (like Dykes, Morrison), and this can then be extended to three if and when they make that step up. Also 2 years for your bread and butter type players like Widders, Burt, McKinnon etc should keep them happy?

Otherwise one year signings for everyone else... bread and butter juniors and "strange" buys from other places (like Ian Henderson and Josh Davis).

 

[Bazal]

I'll assume Hindy and Nathan Cayless will honour their long term contracts, so other than them it would be....

1)Wade-We have had some good fullbacks over the years (Schifcofske and Hodgo in recent times) but McKinnon looks to be one who could really nail down the spot and perhaps future rep duties. Tough as Hodgson, and as good in attack as Schifcofske, the weight he put on in recent years has helped his game so much.

2)Johnny Morris-Goes well at hooker, half or five-eighth. Very smart player who can run a team around the park. Good solid defender, gets out of dummy half well and has a good kicking and passing game. My long term five-eighth choice

3)PJ-Assuming he gets back to his best after a long term injury, PJ is still one of the most damaging players in attack in the game today. Can play the same positions as Morris, and can also guide the team around. Is still young, and already has State of Origin Duties under his belt.

4)Eric Grothe-Was picked in the 2000 Origin squad before injury ruled him out. Showed us what he is capable of this season with some fantastic tries, and completely dominated opposition outside backs. If he can stay fit, will most certainly be a rep player in the next few years

5)Pig-I've always thought he was a similar player to Hindy, just without that insane stamina. Can turn a game with one run or dummy half barge over, and is a very good goal kicker. Also an experienced leader and a character who could form part of the teams foundations in furture years.

6)Morrison-Similar player again to Hindy, but probably a tier below him. Works hard, defends well and has played City-Country. Also a reasonably young player who is used to being part of a leadership group.

7)Dean Widders-One of the best players to have coming off the bench for you. Like Riddell, he can turn a game, but Widders will do it with his surprising turn of pace and side-step.

Youngsters.......(I haven't included reasons because I have only seen bits and pieces of most of these guys, but have been impressed)

Blake Green
Tim Smith
Ben Smith
Afa
Cannings
Daniel Backo
Brett Anderson

There are probably others I'll add to my "wish list" after next year....

 

[Utey]

Widders is best on year to year contracts as he is known to pack on the pounds which has already nearly got him released a couple of times.

 

[The Engineers Room]

If it was up to me I'd put wagon on the next bus back to Kogarah!