Rumours (signings, sackings & other NRL stuff)

[Nutz]

If flanno wanted RCG, he must have something left.

He won the 2024 Ken Thornett Medal which is Parramatta's NRL player of the year award so he has been playing better than OK.
I've been saying no to signing him purely because I think 3 years is not only a risk due to his age but it would also tie up our cap.
I think the length of the contract and available space are the sticking points and not $. I don't think paying him either 600k or 750k is an issue.
If we could get him for 2 years it would give us some breathing space if he and Bird left together.
We also have to release some players first so I don't think the stars are aligning.

 

[Nutz]

RCG Bargain for the tigers at that money (700k)for two years with a mutual option for a third.

I'd even go higher if it meant we could get him for a mutual 3rd year.
It's the term and available spots that are the sticking points imo.

 

[glockers]

I had a friend suggest play Latu Fainu at centre to fit him in alongside Galvin and Luai. He pointed out how Burton played centre at Penrith as an example of sitting a half in the centres to connrct to wingers.

To be honest I didn't hate the suggestion. That way you can have a second rower who can cover centre in the squad (either starting second rower or bench). That creates position flexibility for potential injuries. You can still have two hookers as well.

 

[Tiger Ted]

He won the 2024 Ken Thornett Medal which is Parramatta's NRL player of the year award so he has been playing better than OK.
I've been saying no to signing him purely because I think 3 years is not only a risk due to his age but it would also tie up our cap.
I think the length of the contract and available space are the sticking points and not $. I don't think paying him either 600k or 750k is an issue.
If we could get him for 2 years it would give us some breathing space if he and Bird left together.
We also have to release some players first so I don't think the stars are aligning.

Apparently RCG called Benji last wk.He wants 3yrs at 850k/yr hence Benji rightfully said NO

 

[Nutz]

Apparently RCG called Benji last wk.He wants 3yrs at 850k/yr hence Benji rightfully said NO

Yeh no way. I wish I new where I read where RCG said unequivocally "no" to the Tigers.
If that was a true statement then I don't want him but it could have been another club beat up. A manager wouldn't say that and a player would be a fool to have said that.
Anyway, his contract for next year at Eels was around 750k so I doubt very much if he'd accept anything less.

 

[Fordy20]

Apparently RCG called Benji last wk.He wants 3yrs at 850k/yr hence Benji rightfully said NO

If it was 850k over 3yrs then I'd probably be ok with it, but 3yrs @ 850k/yr is a joke.

I think To'a could be the right centre. I think it's out of him and Bird but Bird might be better as an edge backrower.

I liked what To'a showed in the centres. I like Bird off the bench as second row/centre utility with two props and TDS. It's a little light, but Api shouldn't be playing 80 anyway.

Whispers of Lodge.

I think he’s exactly what we need.

He couldn’t have done more to make good and these days, his character is better than excellent.

It depends how long and how much he wants. These were his comments to AAP.

"Best-case scenario someone believes in me and does a couple-of-year deal," he told AAP recently in regards to his future.

"But it's probably hard here, because since I got to Manly it's been an unlucky run.

"It's up in the air (where I end up) because I am not signed and the club (Manly) was talking about trying to make some room. I love it here. (But) at the end of the day people have got to understand I have four kids and have to pay the bills.

"I had a team in juniors and I played there my whole life. But this is different, it puts food on the table for the family and we put our bodies through a lot."

If it was Bird deal, then it'd probably be ok. If he asking what RCG was then he can go to buggery.

 

[Nutz]

If it was 850k over 3yrs then I'd probably be ok with it, but 3yrs @ 850k/yr is a joke.

It depends how long and how much he wants. These were his comments to AAP.

I guess you meant 750k for RCG, I'd agree with that for 2 yrs plus 1 year mutual option.
As far as Lodge goes, he's dumped us before then went on to embarrass us over in the states with a pathetic assault charge...Na he can keep walking.