Rumoured/Confirmed Signings and General Drivel XV

[Parraren]

Ualesi played the last round against Newcastle last year off the bench

He did indeed.

I stopped watching after round 13 last year on doctors advice.

 

[Parraren]

How'd he go by the way?

Must have been awesome with sticky on the phone to his manager finalising his Raiders deal at half time.

 

[I bleed blue & gold]

Nathan Merritt rumoured to be on his way out of South Sydney, with Parramatta a potential destination

Sam Alexander
The Daily Telegraph
May 02, 2014 12:00AM


Nathan Merritt’s time with South Sydney could be drawing to a close. Source: News Corp Australia

DUMPED to reserve grade and off contract at the end of the year, speculation is rising that South Sydney great Nathan Merritt could be leaving the club.

Merritt played in North Sydney’s loss to Wentworthville in the NSW Cup last week and the 31-year-old was a standout for the Bears, with his performance only highlighting the fact that he would walk into the starting side of many NRL clubs.

Merritt was not at the Bears’ Friday training prior to the match against Wentworthville, and has not been named in the side this week.

But North Sydney coach Wayne Lambkin said Merritt had the right attitude towards his demotion and showed his leadership skills.

“Nathan Merritt had a great impact,’’ Lambkin said.

“He was responsible for some really good kick returns. He involved himself right from the very first set.

“Me and Matty King both thought he really took it the right way and got himself involved in the game and really shone.”

Lambkin indicated South Sydney coach Michael Maguire has decided to rest the winger as cover for Rabbitohs players who are in action over this representative weekend.

Merritt’s problem is that South Sydney’s generation next has caught up with him.

Maguire has made no secret that he is planning for the future, already blooding five NRL rookies this season.

Australian Schoolboys star Alex Johnston starred in his debut against the Broncos last weekend and looms as a regular first-grader.

If Merritt does leave the Rabbitohs, Parramatta looms as a logical new home for the 153-try flyer.

With Eels coach Brad Arthur taking a more flamboyant approach to his side’s structure, Merritt’s finishing ability would be a welcome addition to a relatively inexperienced backline.

Merritt’s relationship with reformed halfback Chris Sandow could be another telling point in a possible switch.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...tial-destination/story-fni3gki8-1226902452840

LOL Journos...

 

[El Diablo]

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...tial-destination/story-fni3gki8-1226902452840

LOL Journos...

f**k no

 

[Bigfella]

It's logical

 

[El Diablo]

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...papalii-in-exile/story-fni3fbgz-1226902607412

SPARKY THE EEL RETURNED SAFELY AFTER POLICE INVESTIGATION

POLICE were called to Parramatta Leagues Club a fortnight ago after an Eels supporter brazenly stole the club’s mascot, Sparky the Eel, from blue and gold headquarters.

The only problem for the would-be assailant was the entire incident was captured on CCTV camera and the individual wanted for questioning had just signed into Parramatta Leagues Club.

The search was called off this week after the kidnapper returned Sparky in time for Parramatta’s next home game against Cronulla at Pirtek Stadium on May 12.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

It is logical. We bought a few Souths players recently, so of course we want an undersized, ageing winger whom the game has passed by.

 

[Parraren]

Seriously f**king journos.

We wouldn't go anywhere near him.

 

[I bleed blue & gold]

Merritt would be the worst. I'd prefer Benji.

 

[spiderdan]

Merritt would fit into our inexperienced backline?

Pretty sure that of our starting 1-5, hayne, tonga and to some extent sio are experienced. Hopoate I am pretty sure did more in his time before his break than Merritt has in his entire career and semi pretty much owns his spot. Not sure where the author of that article thinks Merritt would fit in to our backline.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Have a look at the wingers we've used in NRL, NSW Cup and NYC this year. Kenny Sio is the smallest of them at about 95kg. Shows what Brad Arthur's wants in his wingers.

There's a reason Souths no longer want Merritt despite him being a club legend. He's like Luke Burt without the goal kicking.

 

[Parraren]

A poor mans Luke Burt.

Now that's saying something. Ouch.

 

[El Diablo]

can't believe he was picked for an Origin game

yeats of whinging proved he was a myth

 

[Parraren]

Off contract props. Take your pick Brad....

Ajuma Adams, Josh Ailaomai, Sam Anderson, Tinirau Arona, Luke Bailey, Caleb Binge, Michael Bullock, Adam Cuthbertson, Mitchell Dodds, David Fifita, James Gavet, Bryce Gibbs, Tim Glasby, David Gower, Jon Green, Matt Groat, David Hala, Glenn Hall, Ben Hannant, Sam Hoare, Saulala Houma, Felise Kaufusi, Jason King, Jeremy Latimore, Toka Likiliki, Matthew Lodge, Dunamis Lui, Tim Mannah, Sinoe Masima, Sam Moa, Fuifui Moimoi, Francis Molo, Nathaniel Neale, Joe Ofahengaue, Lloyd Perrett, Nathaniel Peteru, Junior Roqica, George Rose, Kem Seru, Ava Seumanufagai, Jake Trbojevic, Paterika Vaivai, Siosaia Vave, Albert Vete, Jarrod Wallace, Brett White

And edited down to the 'experienced' meat heads....

Luke Bailey, Adam Cuthbertson, Bryce Gibbs, Glenn Hall, Ben Hannant, Jason King, Jeremy Latimore, Sam Moa, George Rose, Brett White

Slim pickings there.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Learoyd-Lahrs and McKendry are available.

 

[natheel]

Moa
Learoyd-Lahrs
McKendry

They're the ones I'd be going for and maybe Gavet or Arona

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Sam Moa's no better than Peni Terepo. He goes well in a strong pack but he's not the enforcer we're looking for.

We have plenty of tight forwards as good as Sam Moa.

 

[yy_cheng]

Is Hock back on the cards?

 

[Joshuatheeel]

I also think Merritt is past it. But maybe Arthur is thinking is that Sio is off contract and to resign him would cost around $200k ( just a guess). Arthur doesn't want to spend that amount of money as he wants to spend it on forwards. But if he lets Sio go we will a bit light on experience wingers. Thus Merritt is available on a minimum contract.? We have rookies like Davies that may be able to take Sio place but Arthur may want a back up plan.

That is what the storm are/were good at getting experienced players (even ones past their best ) on the cheap and getting them to perform reasonable good for a few years - this allowed them to spend money on other areas.

 

[hineyrulz]

Merrit lol, I'd prefer we dig Burty out of retirement than sign up him.