Rumoured/Confirmed Signings 2011/2012

[Eels Dude]

Yeah well neither of us knows him personally. Just because he's a f**kwit on the field doesn't mean he's one off it.

He was the one leading the way to try and get the fundraiser going for Sam Faust. A very good gesture on his behalf shows that he's at least a somewhat decent person.

 

[Eelementary]

kearney as a player wasnt mr clean. He was a regular visitor at the suspension room

So, too, was Fui at one point, though. I love the way Kearney played - not always clean, true, but tough and no bullshit.

 

[Avenger]

With Matt Rogers coming out of retirement and starting training with the Titans on Monday, I wonder if they need to shed a player before June 30 to fit him in the 2011 cap ? I would think so. Maybe that centre really is coming before June 30.

 

[Eelementary]

With Matt Rogers coming out of retirement and starting training with the Titans on Monday, I wonder if they need to shed a player before June 30 to fit him in the 2011 cap ? I would think so. Maybe that centre really is coming before June 30.

Tonga? It's possible, I suppose. But Cartwright would need to completely backflip.

 

[Avenger]

Tonga? It's possible, I suppose. But Cartwright would need to completely backflip.

I think more than likely. It's not like they can say that Rogers is a $50K a year player.

 

[Eelementary]

I think more than likely. It's not like they can say that Rogers is a $50K a year player.

Definitely. And with Tonga on his way here in 2012, it would make sense.

If it were to eventuate, it would certainly be beneficial.

 

[Avenger]

Definitely. And with Tonga on his way here in 2012, it would make sense.

If it were to eventuate, it would certainly be beneficial.

I watched him closely last week. Esi can play and knows his way to the try line. He reminds me of Reddy with a bit more pace.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Would be worth every cent. Can cover 3 positions & excells at all 3.

But do you reckon clubs can afford to carry a depth signing on that kind of coin?

Especially us with Poore and Mortimer both on first grade salaries and not playing first grade.

 

[The Colonel]

so it's impossible for a bloke like Roberts to improve his game under Kearney's influence and guidence as plenty of players have done under various coach's??

Not impossible however history suggests that most enigmatic players continue to be enigmatic players no matter what coach. I mean it isn't like signing Weyman or Cuthbertson and getting the wieght off them to increase their consistency.

 

[Eelementary]

I watched him closely last week. Esi can play and knows his way to the try line. He reminds me of Reddy with a bit more pace.

I agree. He's very powerful, too. Would definitely help us in kick returns with Hayne, Loko and himself running it back.

 

[Maroubra Eel]

We must still have heaps of cash to spend.

We lost Grothe, Tahu, Mateo, Inu....... and bought Sandow.

 

[Avenger]

Not impossible however history suggests that most enigmatic players continue to be enigmatic players no matter what coach. I mean it isn't like signing Weyman or Cuthbertson and getting the wieght off them to increase their consistency.

Glad you've somewhat changed your tune with Sandow. Whenever I now watch him play I have a big grin. The pressure will be on but I think he is the right man for the job.

I think Roberts will get first crack at 6 and if Morts doesn't force his way back into the side in 2011 year I reckon there will be a possibility of an early release or a tap on the shoulder.

 

[Eelementary]

Not impossible however history suggests that most enigmatic players continue to be enigmatic players no matter what coach. I mean it isn't like signing Weyman or Cuthbertson and getting the wieght off them to increase their consistency.

Very valid concerns, Colonel. But to play devil's advocate for a second, Fuifui was probably one of the enigmatic fellows of which you speak at one stage of his career. It is true that Brian worked hard on him to get his extra kilos shed and to increase his fitness, but he also worked hard on Fuifui's desire to play - whatever he said and/or did, Fuifui trained the house down and showed a genuine desire to become a very, very, very good player.

I believe Ben Roberts has the basic tools needed to be a very good player - he is big, strong, fast and has a good kicking game. His passing game is OK without being outstanding. If Steve Kearney can get him focused on playing champagne football more often than he has done at Canterbury (and ditto Sandow with Souths), it will be well worth the gamble. If he can't, we're in a tough spot - but we have guys like Mortimer, Humble, Bruest and the like who may grab that chance if Roberts doesn't (assuming Ben Roberts is Mooks' first choice for five-eighth next season).

 

[spartan2153]

But do you reckon clubs can afford to carry a depth signing on that kind of coin?

Especially us with Poore and Mortimer both on first grade salaries and not playing first grade.

yes because he covvers so mmany positions.

average salary is 175 & backs generally earn around that so absolutely we should be making a big play for him

 

[Poupou Escobar]

I think more than likely. It's not like they can say that Rogers is a $50K a year player.

Sure they can.

He was already retired so it's not like he needed the money. Plus he's only playing for half a season.

If I was the Titans there's no way I'd let Tonga go early.

 

[Avenger]

The last enigmatic player that we had (Brett Finch) was probably a better 6 than our last 3 5/8ths (Kris Keating, Daniel Mortimer and Casey McGuire.)

 

[Avenger]

Sure they can.

He was already retired so it's not like he needed the money. Plus he's only playing for half a season.

If I was the Titans there's no way I'd let Tonga go early.

Who gives a f**k if he doesn't need the money ? That is irrelevant. He is a dual international. The NRL will not accept some minimal contract. You reckon if Lockyer comes back next year mid season that the NRL will allow a $55K contract because he doesn't need the money ?

 

[The Colonel]

Very valid concerns, Colonel. But to play devil's advocate for a second, Fuifui was probably one of the enigmatic fellows of which you speak at one stage of his career. It is true that Brian worked hard on him to get his extra kilos shed and to increase his fitness, but he also worked hard on Fuifui's desire to play - whatever he said and/or did, Fuifui trained the house down and showed a genuine desire to become a very, very, very good player.

Fui wasn't an enigma. He was a media joke to start with and very unfit. He turned up, trained hard and has been rewarded because of that attitude which was instilled in him by the then coaching staff. Paul Langmack couldn't coach an Under 8's side. It is easy to instil the hard work into a player and get him fit - like Weyman, Cuthbertson and Fui. It is a different story toturn a player who is much good at various positions without being great at one.

I believe Ben Roberts has the basic tools needed to be a very good player - he is big, strong, fast and has a good kicking game. His passing game is OK without being outstanding. If Steve Kearney can get him focused on playing champagne football more often than he has done at Canterbury (and ditto Sandow with Souths), it will be well worth the gamble. If he can't, we're in a tough spot - but we have guys like Mortimer, Humble, Bruest and the like who may grab that chance if Roberts doesn't (assuming Ben Roberts is Mooks' first choice for five-eighth next season).

Consistency is Roberts biggest let down. He has only played 79 games in six seasons of grade football since his debut. He has the basic tools but at 25, and yes I am aware that isn't old by any means, he is yet to settle on one position. Kearney has taken the gamble and next season will show if it was a good one. I don't hold the optimistic view that he will be the answer to all our problems at 5/8 - more so as a utility in a bit part role from the bench.

As for Bruest, Morts and Humble - I do hope we are looking at further options. Our NYC halves in particular are less than inspiring outside of the purchase of Seage.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Not impossible however history suggests that most enigmatic players continue to be enigmatic players no matter what coach.

I think there's room in any squad for enigmatic players, as long as you're not paying them too much.

Roberts at his best is better than either of the current NSW halves, for example. If he rediscovers that form for us he'll be worth more than whatever we're paying him, and if he doesn't he's not earning so much that our depth has suffered.

 

[Eelementary]

Fui wasn't an enigma. He was a media joke to start with. He turned up, trained hard and has been rewarded because of that attitude. Paul Langmack couldn' coach an Under 8's side.



Consistency is Roberts biggest let down. He has only played 79 games in six seasons of grade football since his debut. He has the basic tools but at 25, and yes I am aware that isn't old by any means, he is yet to settle on one position. Kearney has taken the gamble and next season will show if it was a good one. I don't hold the optimistic view that he will be the answer to all our problems at 5/8 - more so as a utility in a bit part role from the bench.

As for Bruest, Morts and Humble - I do hope we are looking at further options. Our NYC halves in particular are less than inspiring outside of the purchase of Seage.

Fair points on all accounts, Colonel.

I suppose the good thing is that we have some options now - the most prominent ones being Sandow (guaranteed number 7), Mortimer, Humble and Roberts (though it remains to be seen whether Humble will stay on).