Rumoured and Confirmed signings - Part 4

[Buzzard Breath]

According to Gould's tweet.
Sitaleki Akauola is on contract for 2017.
So thats good news.

 

[Blade23]

Good to know. I have enjoyed his burst off the bench.

 

[Kilkenny]

Great news. He has been really good in his limited minutes. Deserves more a few more minutes in my opinion.

 

[The Scotsman]

Glad to hear.

 

[PenrithPanther45]

Great news. He has been really good in his limited minutes. Deserves more a few more minutes in my opinion.

Provides really good big hits and strong runs in short bursts. I think playing him for around 25 minutes a game would be around right.

 

[Panther Mick]

Will Smith --> Eels according to that chrome-done on Market watch.

 

[Buzzard Breath]

Probably the only offer Smith is going to get.

 

[Big Mick]

We can pay for his shipping there if he likes.

 

[GongPanther]

We can pay for his shipping there if he likes.

Opal card?

 

[Randy81]

Opal card?

I'll top it up for him

 

[maple_69]

Would have liked to see him at centre in first grade. I think that's his best position but no complaints seeing him go. Good luck stay fresh.

 

[Big Mick]

Would have liked to see him at centre in first grade. I think that's his best position but no complaints seeing him go. Good luck stay fresh.

He did play there in First Grade and cost us a game this season.

 

[Panther Pete]

I wish him all the best at the Eels, hopefully he can play some good footy for them and get his first grade career back on track.

 

[ACTPanthers]

I'd really like to wish Will the best at his new club.... but it's the Eels, so f**k him

 

[Blade23]

I will give him a hand with his bags if he likes.

 

[Buzzard Breath]

These?

 

[betcats]

Best of luck to the prince, I hope for his sake he can jag another contract from somewhere.

 

[Bob]

Read in the extra time section of the western weekender that Latimore and Matagi to play elsewhere next year

 

[Kilkenny]

Read in the extra time section of the western weekender that Latimore and Matagi to play elsewhere next year

It was always highly probably that both Latimore and Matagi would be playing there footy elsewhere in 2017.

Latimore at 29 is still playing good footy and he would be looking at a two or three year deal to extend his playing career.

Matagi has re-established himself as NRL quality front rower so he would be looking to improve on his modest deal with the Panthers and there should be options for him to pick up a decent deal elsewhere.

With Tamou coming in and the number of other front rowers available they are surplus to our needs.

 

[mxlegend99]

Regardless of whether they stayed or not, you would have to imagine the following players are set in stone as far as our forward pack goes (starting/bench roles could be swapped):

8. Reegan Campbell-Gillard
9. Peter Wallace
10. JamesTamou
11. Bryce Cartwright
12. Isaah Yeo
13. Trent Merrin

14. Chris Grevsmuhl
15. James Fisher-Harris
16. Leilani Latu
17. Tyrone Peachey.... unless he is kept in the centres.

The competition for the last bench spot IF Peachey remains a centre would then be:
Sitaleki Akauolo (probably the front runner at the moment)
Sam McKendry (might slide down the list if other guys get more chance to prove themselves)
Moses Leota
Viliame Kikau
Tim Browne (if he's signed)

edit
So Matagi and Latimore are more value to other teams then us. Neither is on our top 17 IMO. Too expensive to sit around in reserve grade. We already have Sam McKendry on big money for that.