Rumours and Stuff

[Happy MEel]

Blair must have had some plastic surgery

In the pants department #blairzilla

 

[Gronk]

After missing out on signing Jarryd Hayne, Parramatta have made a serious play for Gold Coast star Josh Hoffman.

The Eels have offered the centre-fullback a three-year deal, starting in 2017, pending a release from the final year of his contract.

Market Watch spotted Hoffman and his manager meeting with the Eels in Sydney last week.

Interestingly Hoffman was absent from the Titans’ awards night on Monday.

While 28-year-old Hoffman’s contracted with the Titans next season, he was told earlier in the year he was free to explore his options.

Titans centre Josh Hoffman in action.Source: AAP
It’s understood the Titans are unlikely to stand in his way should he request a release in order to secure his long term future.

Market Watch understand Brad Arthur wants an experienced bigger body to help young gun Bevan French as he continues getting adjusted to life in the NRL.

A lean frame, French has impressed on the wing but still has some filling out to do before playing regular No.1.

Continuing to strengthen their roster for 2017 with cash to splash following the departure of Kieran Foran and retirement of Anthony Watmough, the Eels have made a string of signings in recent weeks including Penrith centre George Jennings, Rabbitohs forward Nathan Brown and re-signing of Brad Takairangi.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl...5c4e697e6efd175d7dc7920988791?from=public_rss

 

[Gronk]

^^ above link

Manly have continued to make tweaks to their roster, signing winger Jonathan Wright on a two-year deal.

 

[El Diablo]

how many clubs has he been at now?

edit: Manly will be his 5th if he goes there

 

[BoneyBlake17]

how many clubs has he been at now?

5

Parramatta, Canterbury , cronulla, warriors and manly

 

[hineyrulz]

5

Parramatta, Canterbury , cronulla, warriors and manly

And we signed him from Newcastle.

 

[Gronk]

Foxsports saying Idris will be a Tiger in 2017.

 

[Joshuatheeel]

I think BA was the one who got manly to sign Blair after he was cut. But then BA left manly.

Actually didn't think he was that bad. Maybe / probably his contract with us was more then it should have been, but he wasn't too bad.

 

[oldmancraigy]

I think BA was the one who got manly to sign Blair after he was cut. But then BA left manly.

Actually didn't think he was that bad. Maybe / probably his contract with us was more then it should have been, but he wasn't too bad.

His defence was horrendous when he was here. Whether that was the structure or his decision making? To me it seemed he rushed out of the line far too often, and relied only on strength.

 

[parra pete]

how many clubs has he been at now?

edit: Manly will be his 5th if he goes there

More Clubs than the DELLTONES...

 

[Stevie]

I remember seeing Blair for the first time at a training session for Parra and was amazed by the sheer size of the bloke. If you haven't ever seen him in the flesh, he is an absolute monster.

I actually like the guy, but I think it's taken a coach like Bellamy to show what he is capable of. Something about this Melbourne players is that they all seem to understand "their job" very well. Bellamy and staff seem to simplify the game for their lesser name players which works a treat.

 

[Joshuatheeel]

His defence was horrendous when he was here. Whether that was the structure or his decision making? To me it seemed he rushed out of the line far too often, and relied only on strength.

Yes he wasn't perfect but he was a rookie (only 21 in his final year with us) in a basket case of a squad under poor coaching.

And let's not forget the halves were Roberts / Sandow, not exactly the greatest defensive halves combo of the last decade.

 

[BoneyBlake17]

Wasn't it said that blair when he was at parra wasn't the best trainer and had poor attitude and was also cut by the roosters before joining parramatta

 

[Joshuatheeel]

Wasn't it said that blair when he was at parra wasn't the best trainer and had poor attitude and was also cut by the roosters before joining parramatta

Yes, think his attitude was poor at the roosters

 

[parra-matters]

I think BA was the one who got manly to sign Blair after he was cut. But then BA left manly.

Actually didn't think he was that bad. Maybe / probably his contract with us was more then it should have been, but he wasn't too bad.

Another case of paying for potential instead of paying on achievements.
We have done a lot of that since the Brian Smith era, seems to be back under control again now.

 

[parra-matters]

Blair must have had some plastic surgery

I think that's the little known outside back Blair Morgan.

 

[Barry O'Speedwagon]

Another case of paying for potential instead of paying on achievements.
We have done a lot of that since the Brian Smith era, seems to be back under control again now.

You have to do a bit of both.

 

[Forty20]

You have to do a bit of both.

Yep. The salary cap is all about risk management. There are guys that you can bank on for consistent performances (be it on a spectrum of great to average) and they are paid accordingly but if you want to stay ahead you need to be able to hit with some regularity on those bigger gambles.


The Storm, you can argue, are the exception that proves the rule. They can afford to take far more risk-averse recruitment decisions because they have fielded an Immortal-tier hooker, a borderline Immortal-tier halfback and an arguably over-rated but still outstanding fullback. It is a club setup that probably won't be seen ever again.

 

[jono]

And we signed him from Newcastle.

The next Phil Blake......

 

[hineyrulz]

Yep. The salary cap is all about risk management. There are guys that you can bank on for consistent performances (be it on a spectrum of great to average) and they are paid accordingly but if you want to stay ahead you need to be able to hit with some regularity on those bigger gambles.


The Storm, you can argue, are the exception that proves the rule. They can afford to take far more risk-averse recruitment decisions because they have fielded an Immortal-tier hooker, a borderline Immortal-tier halfback and an arguably over-rated but still outstanding fullback. It is a club setup that probably won't be seen ever again.

It also helped those 3 got over's for 5 years and are now happy to play for a little less. They are still profiting of their cheating IMO and will continue to do so till those stains on the game are gone. And their nut job coach.