Rumoured/Confirmed Signings and General Drivel XV

[Poupou Escobar]

Not sure what issue Arthur has with tonga (if true). I reckon tonga has been good

He's 31 this year. Better to let him go a year too soon than a year too late.

 

[The Elephant In The room]

Ask him 'what is the largest elephant in the world?'

Ease up. I know I've been putting on some weight lately, but you don't need to make a big deal of it. I can't help it that chip rolls taste so good.

 

[Gronk]

He's 31 this year. Better to let him go a year too soon than a year too late.

How you going to do that merkin ? He's got a contract for 2015.

Maybe Brad should get the overhead projector out.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

How you going to do that merkin ? He's got a contract for 2015.

2015 might be a club option. Plus there's always reserve grade.

 

[IFR33K]

If BA wasn't a fan of Tonga, surely he'll play Morgan ahead of him.

 

[Barry O'Speedwagon]

Ease up. I know I've been putting on some weight lately, but you don't need to make a big deal of it. I can't help it that chip rolls taste so good.

Don't worry mate, it's not you ;-)

The following clip should explain all:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M63_Kn3qsGQ

 

[Poupou Escobar]

If BA wasn't a fan of Tonga, surely he'll play Morgan ahead of him.

Exactly.

This talk about not being in plans for 2015 (if true) could just be about succession planning, and specifically bringing Morgan (or some other merkin) into the team.

 

[Forty20]

Tonga is also the only fit, NRL ready, specialist left centre at the club.

 

[Wizard Sleeve]

Plenty of simpletons will have.

While I'm sure we do have a better coach it's obvious we have a better roster - young players improve every year, and we have a lot of young players. Just like how old players get worse each year - it's not Brad Arthur's fault that Fui is on the decline. He's just lucky we don't have many players over 30.

Mate I was actually referring to the NYC posts . Lots of references to our improvement due to "The Academy " whereas anyone who's followed Holbrooks coaching career would know that success seems to follow him .

 

[Obscene Assassin]

Mate I was actually referring to the NYC posts . Lots of references to our improvement due to "The Academy " whereas anyone who's followed Holbrooks coaching career would know that success seems to follow him .

Can't discount either although I think a big part has to be given to Nolan. Aloiai, Matterson, Goodall and a few others probably wouldn't be at the club if it wasn't for him.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Mate I was actually referring to the NYC posts . Lots of references to our improvement due to "The Academy " whereas anyone who's followed Holbrooks coaching career would know that success seems to follow him .

Yeah fair point. I wasn't expecting the NYC team to be going this well until next year. Most of them turn 19 this year, particularly the forwards.

Matterson is twice the player he was last year too. The coach deserves plenty of credit.

 

[mickdo]

I dont buy this Tonga on the outer stuff. Media dribble.

 

[oldmancraigy]

I'm still surprised that so many of us around here slobber over Morgan.

He just looks like a weak defensive centre, who has marginal ability in attack, and great speed if put away.

Handy backup in case of injury, but not a starter! If we are punting Tonga (yeah right) then it better be for someone of starting quality!

 

[The EELiminator]

I dont buy this Tonga on the outer stuff. Media dribble.

why the hell would tonga be on the outer he is playing the best football since he came to parra

 

[Joshuatheeel]

I'm still surprised that so many of us around here slobber over Morgan.

He just looks like a weak defensive centre, who has marginal ability in attack, and great speed if put away.

Handy backup in case of injury, but not a starter! If we are punting Tonga (yeah right) then it better be for someone of starting quality!

We are just lucky that tonga has been injured and probably wasn't asking for a big contract , once he leaves/retires I doubt we will be able to afford someone of similar quality. Morgan will be fine, you can't have a rep quality player in each position

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Exactly. Morgan is an NRL quality centre who defends as well as Tonga (and is quicker) but lacks the attacking skill. He is definitely good enough to play in a team with attacking weapons on either side of him.

 

[hindy111]

From what I am aware.Tonga signed a 2yr deal originally on big $$.He did nothing and RS signed him on a small deal for 2 yrs.The second being in the clubs favour. Most said he wont play again and shouldn't of been signed but RS wanted him round just for his contribution at training.So I cant see Tonga being on a whole lot more if any the morgan.
Question is does BA want Morgan in the team come next year or leave him in Wenty.I assume he would be on around 150K.A little high for a reserve centre

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Question is does BA want Morgan in the team come next year or leave him in Wenty.I assume he would be on around 150K.A little high for a reserve centre

If he's a reserve centre in the top 25 then he's probably on the standard amount. Given the importance of centres to a team's defence, you don't really want your third choice centre on minimum wage (unless he's a better than minimum wage player on unders #'academy').

Assume your top 25 contains your top 17 plus a spare fullback, wing, centre, half, hooker, edge forward and two middle forwards. You obviously want some of those guys on minimum salary but a few of those positions are required to play 80 minutes and make 20+ tackles out wide. You want at least a couple of quality backups in your top 25.

 

[Twizzle]

Davis will probably overtake Morgan in a year or so.

 

[Sensai Cobra]

Morgans wholehearted and probably too good for reserve grade.

A bit like Matt Keating