Realistic Jesse Royal accepts his fate: Prop looks at employment outside NRL

[macavity]

Come on, Bedsy was never going to stay even if we wanted him to. He wanted a retirement package in England and fair enough too.

wouldn't be so sure of that JM.

MacDougall not being here next year is probably because he's 34. Everyone here was calling for his sacking last year, but Smith signed him on for another season. I don't think Smith feels threatened by him.

and only played 150 career games, and in career best form. He could do another lap. Doogs is a character who speaks his mind - not Smithy's type of player.

Also, to suggest Royal is as respected or as much a part of the old club culture as these two is just wrong.

he is highly respected, experience notwithstanding.

The reason he's being let go is probably the same reason we didn't try to re-sign White - Smith plain and simple doesn't think they fit into the team he's trying to create.

That argument aside, the other likely scenerio is Smith sees the likes of Houston, Ciraldo, Simmo and Taia as genuine front row options, and is planning to play a mobile, up-tempo sort of game (ala Tigers 2005). De Gois certainly fits that mould, as does Gids. Wicks and Cross certainly dont.

;-)

 

[~knights~]

tafua is being chased by the cowboys

so we could lose all 3 of them

white(gone)/royal/tafua

 

[perverse]

if we lose all 3 then i have no idea what is going on in smithys head. i've got no doubt he has a plan... but i'm stuffed if i can tell what it is. he must be banking on natusch, ling and/or their counterparts in the NSW cup to step up next year.

 

[~knights~]

thats what I was thinking

he must be bringing players through

 

[roopy]

We probably have our best ever crop of junior props, but even i can't see any of them stepping up next season.
I can see Finefuaki being as good as White with a good off season - I can see Natusch and Ling being fringe firstgraders, and even Laban stepping up if he finishes Uni and takes his footy a bit more seriously - but not one genuine firstgrade starter in the bunch.

 

[KniGhTs BaTTLeR]

Im a bit dissapointed, his in the peek of his carerr (for a prop). Surely one more year atleast wouldn't hurt. I'd rather sign Tafua, why isnt he signed yet? Smith sure is a weird man, good coach, but weird weird methods.

 

[~knights~]

tafua is holding off at least until this weekend when he talks with the cows

 

[Hanscholo]

Im surprised he played 20 odd games.

 

[Pika]

Sione will never be as good as White.

Maca is right about Bedsy.

 

[Yosh]

Looking at it from a business perspective... Isnt it worth maybe 100k extention on his contract for next year? If we lose 2 or 3 props next year to injury for extended periods, he would definately come in handy... Its not like he has no passion to play the sport, he would try harder then many other players to keep up his form, noone can blame him for getting injured right... Jeez pity though, I cant say his my favourite prop on our team but nice to have around... Seems like a champion bloke to ^^

 

[BG]

Bedsy moving on was the best decision for all parties imho. I believe that he still has the all round game to be considered the best hooker in the world. But chronic injuries at his age make him a very poor risk for a new contract at elite money. Last Sunday he was running around with two bung knees, chronic tendonitis and one good arm. The courage, commitment, skill and toughness will always be remembered. Fortunately, memories cost nothing under the salary cap. For the future bring on de Gois. Young, fit and brimming with potential.

 

[perverse]

i agree. i love bedsy, but a retirement cheque in england is probably the best option for all parties involved. while he's still inspirational and all the rest of it, he is past his best football and his chronic injuries will only worsen in the NRL until the bloke can't walk anymore... and if he stayed here he'd probably do it to himself for the club and the boys too.

 

[knights_86]

i third that motion in regards to bedsy, he'd murder himself in the nrl for the boys if he kept going. and plus de gois is such an awesome signing- hes one of the sharkies best every week

on royal, im pretty disappointed we havent offered him anything. unless we retain tafua and have a few more signings our prop depth is looking a little thin for next year. im assuming that simo will be at prop too i guess:

8. simo
10. cross
11. house
12. patto
13. taia

14. hilder
15. faaso
16. taufua
17. tolar

pretty decent, except when injuries hit...