Redcliffe Dolphins recruitment targets

[League guru]

Does anyone really care what Joey thinks. He should be more worried about his mentoring of the Knights.
Wayne may have a copy of that Bellamy best seller "how to manufacture a half back". At the end of the day Rugby League is not as complicated as Joey would have us believe. That's why so many buffoons are so highly payed. All some players need is an opportunity. Look at the Bronks Roster, half of them are no better than Q Cup standard.
I would like to think that the Dolphins have more then 8 players signed but have not released their names.

 

[thenrlphinsider]

Rugby league legend Andrew Johns is worried the NRL's 17th club could fall flat if coach Wayne Bennett fails to sign a marquee player soon.
Bennett's Dolphins will enter the competition next season, and so far they've got eight players signed up - 22 short of what's required by the NRL.
But it's not the number of signings that has Johns concerned, moreso the quality.
Bennett is yet to land a recognised playmaker.
But Johns says if the Dolphins don't start next season with a top-class No.7, their fate is already sealed.
"The Bulldogs have no recognised halfback. They've tried to manufacture halfbacks," Johns told Wide World of Sports' Freddy and the Eighth.
"You need a halfback steering the ship, it doesn't matter how big the ship is.
"(The Dolphins) need that marquee player. That player where fringe players - in NSW Cup or Queensland Cup - say 'right, Munster is there, I want to play with Munster'.
"At the moment they haven't got that player."
Highlighting the Dolphins roster so far are Storm premiership and representative players Felise Kaufusi, Jesse Bromwich, and Kenny Bromwich.
Brad Fittler believes Bennett is trying to build a formidable forward pack before signing his main halfback.
"You need to hold your nerve too. The history of your club isn't based on the first season. The history of your club is built over time, building.
"The last thing you want to do is over-spend on players that don't actually hit that spot.
"I don't think they're going to go as bad as you think. The players that are going up there, you're going to have a rock solid bunch of forwards."
Johns asked if Fittler believes the Dolphins will play NRL finals in their first five seasons, to which he replied, "yes".

Joey's grave fear for brave NRL experiment

'It doesn't matter how big the ship is'

wwos.nine.com.au

With respect to Joey's concern, respectfully, I have complete trust that Wayne Bennett and Peter O'Sullivan will have every base covered with respect to our recruitment strategy with or without a marquee player wearing 6 or 7. Joey is stating the obvious as every team needs a very good halfback to be competitive more often than not (with some exceptions to that rule over the years e.g. Shane Perry at halfback for the '06 Brisbane Broncos).

There are some young guys out there on the fringes playing halfback that would partner nicely with Cameron Munster who I believe we are a good chance of signing the longer he remains quiet about his future. For example, there is Sean O'Sullivan (really impressive spelling for Nathan Cleary), Jock Madden (just needs an opportunity), Adam Keighran (could play half, and kick goals), Lachlan Lam (the Roosters were one high on him, though he is behind a few players now), Ben Marshcke (he may be off the market, though has a high ceiling as a player) etc. None of these guys are world beaters (yet), though you don't need to be inside a guy like Cameron Munster. You then have veterans like Keiran Foran and Matt Moylan who could be short term options.

Bennett will build our side around forwards, and the game plan will be a simple one. It always is with Bennett. It will be a style of football that is built around a high completion rate, and field position. I think he is going to do what he did with the Dragons when he first arrived there in 2009. No, Bennett will not start with a playing squad as strong as what he inherited at the Dragons, though what separated the Dragons from the rest of the league once he took over was the methodical approach to the game. Very simple. Highly effective. This will ensure our side is competitive at the very least.

N.B. I am Joey Johns fan, and if he talks, the rugby league community should listen. Though I am not sure Joey has provided anything here but a comment that has turned in to a something of a story about nothing.

 

[Perth Red]

IF you get Munster then yes I agree any one half decent will do in the 7 jersey. Especially if you get Walsh at FB as well. Could be a fringe player like Lam, Croft, Johns, (unless Storm see him as there 6 long term) or Flannagan who would all do a job on not much money.
If you dont get Munster then you're probably screwed until you can get a quality player in the 6 or 7 shirt.
I suspect if Munster signs Storm will let him go next year to clear up $1mill on the cap to replace a forward and find a decent 6 (presuming Johns isnt it)

 

[thenrlphinsider]

IF you get Munster then yes I agree any one half decent will do in the 7 jersey. Especially if you get Walsh at FB as well. Could be a fringe player like Lam, Croft, Johns, (unless Storm see him as there 6 long term) or Flannagan who would all do a job on not much money.
If you dont get Munster then you're probably screwed until you can get a quality player in the 6 or 7 shirt.
I suspect if Munster signs Storm will let him go next year to clear up $1mill on the cap to replace a forward and find a decent 6 (presuming Johns isnt it)

If we don't get Cameron, it is what it is. Bennett will have a plan. The unknown quantity is as to who he is looking at abroad which doesn't get too much traction though I understand he is active there. Time will tell.

 

[Perth Red]

Whose the Redcliffe Dolphins half backs? Do they have the potential to step up? Has there been anyone signed from the Redcliffe Dolphins yet?

 

[thenrlphinsider]

Whose the Redcliffe Dolphins half backs? Do they have the potential to step up? Has there been anyone signed from the Redcliffe Dolphins yet?

Adam Cook (22) is doing an admirable job in place of former fringe NRL player Cameron Cullen (Gold Coast, Manly) who is injured and yet to have a run this season. Tahj Wood has some potential (plays anywhere in the backline). With all respect to the boys though, I don't believe we have someone that is going to be part of the 30 man squad for 2023.

 

[League guru]

IF you get Munster then yes I agree any one half decent will do in the 7 jersey. Especially if you get Walsh at FB as well. Could be a fringe player like Lam, Croft, Johns, (unless Storm see him as there 6 long term) or Flannagan who would all do a job on not much money.
If you dont get Munster then you're probably screwed until you can get a quality player in the 6 or 7 shirt.
I suspect if Munster signs Storm will let him go next year to clear up $1mill on the cap to replace a forward and find a decent 6 (presuming Johns isnt it)

Munster is the key. It also does appear that the Storm don't care if he goes. Having made Grant & Hughes their priority. If he signs, then maybe Nikorima, Taylor or Milford at 7.

 

[Perth Red]

Munster is the key. It also does appear that the Storm don't care if he goes. Having made Grant & Hughes their priority. If he signs, then maybe Nikorima, Taylor or Milford at 7.

I wouldn't say they don't care, just they know their money is better spent elsewhere. They've allegedly offered him $750k to stay for a further three years after 2023. Rumoured Dolphins will be offering $1mill or more. That's a fair chunk of money to turn down at age 30, though he has earnt $millions so maybe he will opt for the more successful Storm over the risk of wooden spoons with the Dolphins. Depends what he wants to get out of the last couple of years of playing I suppose.

 

[League guru]

I wouldn't say they don't care, just they know their money is better spent elsewhere. They've allegedly offered him $750k to stay for a further three years after 2023. Rumoured Dolphins will be offering $1mill or more. That's a fair chunk of money to turn down at age 30, though he has earnt $millions so maybe he will opt for the more successful Storm over the risk of wooden spoons with the Dolphins. Depends what he wants to get out of the last couple of years of playing I suppose.

Yeh, don't care was probably the wrong word. But interesting that Munster & Hughes are the same age 27, and the money the Storm are offering Munster is equal or less then Hughes. Munster is probably the last high profile playmaker available. I think it would be pointless to throw overs at Ponga whom even Newcastle fans are doubting his current value for money.

 

[Perth Red]

Yeh, don't care was probably the wrong word. But interesting that Munster & Hughes are the same age 27, and the money the Storm are offering Munster is equal or less then Hughes. Munster is probably the last high profile playmaker available. I think it would be pointless to throw overs at Ponga whom even Newcastle fans are doubting his current value for money.

27 now but he will be heading to 30 when his contract is next renewed.
Hughes is the more consistent player and play maker. Munster is flashy and determined and when it comes off he looks great, Hughes is leading the team around the park and making the decisions. I think Munster's failure to lead the team to victory in last years playoffs has cost him the #1 Half back ranking at Storm. I'm happy they have signed Hughes over Munster. Storm have a strong winning formula of 1,7 and 9 and the 6 has generally been less important.

I cant wait to see if Hughes can takes his club form into the world cup. if he can NZ are in with a good shot given the pack they have.

Yeh they'd be much stronger with Munster and Walsh than Ponga and someone lessor than Munster.

 

[Get Rid of The Donkeys]

I don't have a problem with Ponga sticking with the Knights and playing poorly on good coin.

 

[MugaB]

27 now but he will be heading to 30 when his contract is next renewed.
Hughes is the more consistent player and play maker. Munster is flashy and determined and when it comes off he looks great, Hughes is leading the team around the park and making the decisions. I think Munster's failure to lead the team to victory in last years playoffs has cost him the #1 Half back ranking at Storm. I'm happy they have signed Hughes over Munster. Storm have a strong winning formula of 1,7 and 9 and the 6 has generally been less important.

I cant wait to see if Hughes can takes his club form into the world cup. if he can NZ are in with a good shot given the pack they have.

Yeh they'd be much stronger with Munster and Walsh than Ponga and someone lessor than Munster.

Especially if one Ponga gets injured, better to have two in Munster at 5/8th and Walsh at F/B, both being out at the same time is unlikely compared to Ponga who can do both positions but is likely to get an injury and hamper the team with the amount of coin he'd be getting

 

[thenrlphinsider]

Promising news, and I'd love to have us pick up Herbie Farnworth who has outshone the much-hyped Kotoni Staggs in 2022.

 

[thenrlphinsider]

The Canterbury Bulldogs are joining the race for Cameron Munster. Whoever wins his signature, it will look likely that he won't be in a new jersey until the 2024 season.

 

[ALX25]

Good news that the club has been busy signing up plenty of U15/U16 talent from SEQ and CQ.

 

[cumbrian Mackem]

Good news that the club has been busy signing up plenty of U15/U16 talent from SEQ and CQ.

That is good news and very smart in the long run.

Id rather have a steady and unspectacular club on the playing field which has a long term plan laying down foundations rather than a flashy club with huge expensive superstars and nothing beneath it.

 

[ALX25]

I'm sure the club is ecstatic with the form of Harrison Graham who is surely playing himself into an upgrade to a top 30 deal.

 

[The Axe of Druss]

Good news that the club has been busy signing up plenty of U15/U16 talent from SEQ and CQ.

Good, maybe Perth Red will stfu now about the Dolphins not signing any local talent

 

[The Axe of Druss]

With Blayke Brailey entrenched in the hooker spot at Cronulla I think the Dolphins could do worse than having a look at young Jayden Berrell

QCup player of the year in 2021 and too talented to be kept out of 1st grade for long

 

[cumbrian Mackem]

Lots of places still to be filled in the dolphins 2023 squad which could be given to a few kumuls from the hunters team like fullback Mathew and back rower waine. Also the big prop kapinias from wynum manly.

All are raw but relatively young and hungry but more importantly would you’d imagine be very cheap.