Unless we have a 7th younger player that we think is a good chance of playing first grade I’d just keep Stefano in development roster for 2020. Play him in the 20s to bolster our pack there. Not really costing us too much and can play higher grades if we suffer a middle forward injury crisis. f**k him and f**k the Tigers.
Think he potentially could do it as a bench option for 20 or so mins a game (which he has done) but not sure he has the ability to be our starting hooker if Reed is injured.
I see you point, but he has no future here. If we have that many injuries we have to use him, we probably can get permission to use one of our “non” contracted NSW cup players. Can’t see any point in keeping him and it’s a waste of $60k. That $60k is better used (if he isn’t replaced by another development player) on signing up several 16-18 years olds or even donating to the junior comp. I am sure the whole eels operation (juniors to seniors) work to a budget and an extra $60k could be used in any where of our organisation for a better outcome than on a player that won’t be here.
We have already budgeted for his 60k. He’s better than our non contracted NSW Cup players so would make a better fill in for first grade if required. I reckon we are in a ‘win now’ phase. If Stefano provides better middle forward depth in the back half of 2020 it’s much better to spend the 60k on him than taking a gamble on a few teenagers that may or may not blossom in 4 years time.
Did we? The only info I can find indicates we signed him around the 21st June, which was between rounds 15 and 16. That’s much further into the season than “less than half-way” and he had worked his way from the bench to the starting side for 6 games before we signed him. There are also plenty of articles stating that Manly tried to keep him but couldn’t compete with our offer. There’s no doubt he’s on a decent wicket, as he should be. https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/amp.nine.com.au/article/05391f4f-ab3a-4aee-b3a4-c74788f5d39a
Ryan Matterson. No, but seriously . . . what if Stefano suddenly isn't happy at the Eels ? Isn't in the right headspace ? Doesn't feel appreciated ? Wants to play 5/8 ? Isn't seeing eye to eye with the coach ? To be fair . . . your club seems to know all the tricks to keep spoilt little girls happy and playing well, so who knows ?
I did hear that Stefano and his antics are similar to what Matterson was like at the Tigers. The only difference is that Matterson is a premiership winning player about to enter the prime of his career. Your guy isn’t. Good luck.
Stefano isn’t the first and won’t be the last player who thinks that he was NRL ready and the club didn’t. If he lacks the patience to wait his turn, then there is only one practical solution really.
Reading between the lines, Stefano’s Dad and Jessie Ramien’s Dad might have done their MBA’s together.
Look I agree. Shame we lost him.But I was also disappointed everytime I saw him play. I expected far more.
I honestly don't see the big deal. Tigers have had superstar players poached and had to cop it. Heck we took two of their best players in the last few years. I wish Stefano all the best. We spent up big on Moses and Matterson which means less money in cap. What are the Tigers meant to do? They have to take risks on the best young talent around and hope it comes off. Fair game if ask me and they should look at a few other young guns coming through including D.Brown. They'd be stupid not too. We would all be pissed if Tiger had done same to Lane and also Gutherson. If I was their CEO I would also retaliate against eels and Roosters by pinching their best young talent or making them pay overs for them.
Just because they play union doesn't mean they can't tackle. If Semi came here where would we put him? We're already well served by 2 very good wingers and Semi has played centre (I believe). So at least he has some knowledge of the positional requirements of that position and that is where we are weakest. Blake being injury prone and MJ at end of career and his form can be very up and down. And the attacking prowess of Semi is amongst the best of any player.
