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Thats a fair call I reckon. Unlike Emu, Ice had been around the NRL for a couple of years without great impact. Early negotiations based on an outstanding off season and the first couple of rounds may have worked out well and kept his value reasonable. It appears the horse had bolted by the time we commenced negotiations and hopefully/possibly lesson learned. Anyway move on. Like Gutho said, "theres always more players out there".
If they're happy to sign extended deals as backups on minimum salary why wouldn't you? The players who don't want to be locked in long term are the ones who expect to increase in value, generally the younger players with high potential. It's all about supply and demand. How much demand do you really think there was for Makatoa, Rodwell and Ogden? Greig has the highest potential of the three so it's no surprise that he only wanted the one year extension. The others are just happy they have contracts for 2024.
Hollis?
But they are all middle forwards and the pathway for those merkins is long. You're really burning a roster slot by carrying young middles if they're not going to be able to contribute in first grade that year. In this case, at least Greig and Rodwell are young in prop terms.
Well that's my point. They will play first grade, which is why they have contracts. Some of the kids in Flegg might have higher ceilings but the club also doesn't even know how they will handle reserve grade yet. We can't rely on them to be ready for the top 30 in 2023 or even 2024. With these retentions we have seven middle forwards locked in for 2023 (plus Cartwright and Lane) who we know can handle playing against grown men. There's also Hollis who is only 21 this year, who might have more potential than all of them but still mightn't be able to make an impact in reserve grade next year.
He might at least become a solid first grader. He's had a couple of big games in the NRL, but also a lot of shit ones.
Hopefully he has a breakout season, but if he does he's free to negotiate in November. Good timing for him.
I know someone who picked him as their 2022 surprise packet
www.zerotackle.com
I’d much rather Oates.Apparently, we're looking at Isaako after the Dunster injury. Not a bad backup and only a 1-year deal
Eels reportedly chasing immediate backline fix as depth crisis bites
The Eels were already short in the backs before Haze Dunster's injury last night.
I think Isaako would be a bit more versatile in our backline, can kick goals and will come for one years since he is off to the Dolphins. A decent option if it happens. I've seen Isaako play some absolute rubbish games but I think his confidence was shot playing in that shithouse Broncos team. I wish Haze didn't get injured though.
Apparently, we're looking at Isaako after the Dunster injury. Not a bad backup and only a 1-year deal
Eels reportedly chasing immediate backline fix as depth crisis bites
The Eels were already short in the backs before Haze Dunster's injury last night.
As long as he stays away from Fullback he’d be a decent pick up. He’s on stupid coin so hopefully the Donkeys are tipping in a decent chunk of change.Apparently, we're looking at Isaako after the Dunster injury. Not a bad backup and only a 1-year deal
Eels reportedly chasing immediate backline fix as depth crisis bites
The Eels were already short in the backs before Haze Dunster's injury last night.
We lack experienced depth. Penisini has only played 5 games. Russell 2. Simmonsen only 43. Naiduku or Komolafe aren't options imo.
There is also Loizou who is on a development contract thus in front of Komlafe…
It’s the same thing as when we had Stone starting at hooker. We lack depth after 2 genuine starters get injured (say what you will about Sivo, he’s still comfortably in top 32 NRL wingers).
