Squad succession

[Poupou Escobar]

Now we’re most likely going to be a weaker club without Papali’i than not because we didn’t astutely judge Papali’i’s worth at the time.

We would've been weaker anyway because he (and others) wanted too much money. Whether he backflips or not we'll be weaker next year for that exact reason. We have a bunch of players on unders this year who will either get paid more here next year or be at other clubs. That's how premiership windows work. It's why the Storm have dropped off this year.

We theoretically could have had Hopgood AND Papali’i no? It’s possible that he might have ended up as a one year wonder (eg Daniel Mortimer) but I would say at the time that seemed less likely than not so it’s still the wrong call even with the benefit of hindsight (if we had enough cap space). Thank goodness we were able to retain Matterson though because losing both would have been disastrous.

Matterson is less risk because he has proved his worth for longer, including at a weak club in the Tigers. As for Papali'i there's a good chance he will look ordinary next year playing for a team that can't control the ball as well as ours.

 

[lucablight]

We would've been weaker anyway because he (and others) wanted too much money. Whether he backflips or not we'll be weaker next year for that exact reason. We have a bunch of players on unders this year who will either get paid more here next year or be at other clubs. That's how premiership windows work. It's why the Storm have dropped off this year.


Matterson is less risk because he has proved his worth for longer, including at a weak club in the Tigers. As for Papali'i there's a good chance he will look ordinary next year playing for a team that can't control the ball as well as ours.

I don’t think it matters too much if we’re slightly weaker next season. The Dolphins coming into the competition means most clubs will be weaker so you won’t have to be as strong as you are now to be a contender. If Papali’i stayed then the only real losses would have been Mahoney and Niukore which would have been offset by Hodgson (hopefully) and Hopgood. Now we’re probably down a hard running backrower by losing both Niukore and Papali’i. It would have been very handy to keep him and we wouldn’t have been much weaker at all. Now there’s definitely a gaping hole in our backrow reserves.
You could argue Matterson has his own risks (maybe even greater than Papali’i). He’s older, has a concussion history and has a history of only playing well when he’s off contract. Thankfully he seems to be continuing his career best form for us for the time being. It seems like we were willing to take the risk on him after losing Papali’i and Niukore.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

The point is the money is there to be spent, including on more young speculators or front loading contract extensions. It will be spent somewhere that it otherwise wouldn't if we had committed to paying Papali'i what was required. Knowing our club it will be spent with care and diligence, not thrown at big risks. It could mean the difference between keeping one of our halves or both of them. We just don't know. We certainly don't know that we should've matched the Tigers' offer or however close we needed to get.

 

[lucablight]

The point is the money is there to be spent, including on more young speculators or front loading contract extensions. It will be spent somewhere that it otherwise wouldn't if we had committed to paying Papali'i what was required. Knowing our club it will be spent with care and diligence, not thrown at big risks. It could mean the difference between keeping one of our halves or both of them. We just don't know. We certainly don't know that we should've matched the Tigers' offer or however close we needed to get.

We wouldn’t be offering Papali’i a contract now if it was part of some grand master plan to be able to spend it more judiciously elsewhere. It may pan out that way if we can secure both Moses and Drown but it wasn’t the initial intent. Halves are at a premium in todays weak era NRL so here’s hoping it works out that way.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

We wouldn’t be offering Papali’i a contract now if it was part of some grand master plan to be able to spend it more judiciously elsewhere. It may pan out that way if we can secure both Moses and Drown but it wasn’t the initial intent. Halves are at a premium in todays weak era NRL so here’s hoping it works out that way.

But that's the thing. It's not a 'grand master plan', it's just about finding value. Just because we made another offer doesn't mean we've matched the Tigers' offer. It's just as likely Papali'i wasn't happy with our revised offer (or offers from other clubs) and decided not to fight the Tigers contract. If they paid overs in the first place it's unlikely a smart club would be matching it now. For example we might've been short of the Tigers offer by $500k over three years. Our revised offer might've been short by 'only' $200k or $300k. As a fan desperate to win a premiership you might think $100k/year (over three years) is peanuts but for the player that's a lot of money. I certainly wouldn't knock it back. These guys could be crippled any week, and premierships won't feed your kids.

 

[King-Gutho94]

With Shaun Lane's form this year i don't think we will be considerably weaker if he keeps it up.

The number 9 situation is a concern but if Hodgson manages to stay injury free I don't think we slide too far down that we should be thinking of missing the finals.

We still have a strong nucleus and outside of Canterbury & maybe Brisbane who else looks likely of jumping into the 8.

Manly is a wildcard with Turbo back but atm that club is fractured and I don't know if Turbo is going to change that.

Knights, Tigers, Dragons are all basketcases.

Titans and Warriors are perennial losers and the Dolphins aren't a threat next year.

 

[Chipmunk]

Momoisea:

* = player option
¢ = club option
^ = development contract

2022
Utility: D.Brown, Gutherson, Perham (23), Russell, Tuipulotu^
Fullback: -
W/C: Blake, Dunster, Loizou (20)^, Naiduki (22), Opacic (28), Penisini, Simonsson, Sivo
Half: Arthur, Moses
Hooker: Mahoney (24), Rein
Edge forward: Cartwright, Lane, Matterson, Niukore (26), Papali'i (24)
Middle: N.Brown, Campbell-Gillard, Greig, Hollis, Kaufusi (23), Makatoa, Ogden^, Paulo, Rodwell, Stone (25)

2023
Utility: D.Brown (23), Gutherson, Russell (21), Tuipulotu (21)^
Fullback: -
W/C: Blake (29), Dunster, Penisini (21), Simonsson, Sivo (30)
Half: Arthur (21), Moses
Hooker: Hodgson, Rein (33)
Edge forward: Cartwright (29), Hopgood, Lane (29), Matterson
Middle: N.Brown (30), Campbell-Gillard, Greig (24), Hollis (22), Makatoa, Momoisea, Ogden, Paulo, Rodwell

2024
Utility: Gutherson
Fullback: -
W/C: Dunster, Simonsson (26)
Half: Moses (30)*
Hooker: Hodgson (35)
Edge forward: Hopgood (25), Matterson
Middle: Campbell-Gillard, Makatoa (31), Momoisea (26), Ogden (28), Paulo, Rodwell (25)

2025
Utility: Gutherson (31)
Fullback: -
W/C: Dunster (26)
Half: -
Hooker: -
Edge forward: Matterson
Middle: Campbell-Gillard (32), Paulo

2026
Utility: -
Fullback: -
W/C: -
Half: -
Hooker: -
Edge forward: Matterson (32)
Middle: Paulo (33)

So we (officially) have 29 merkins in this year's top 30, and 25 in the 2023 squad.

Looking at the Squad list, we're obviously pretty committed to Gutho, Matterson, RCG and Junior for at least the next three seasons. Who knows what Dunster will be like in three years time, but we obviously rated him before his injury, hopefully he returns strong.

Moses, Drown, Penisini and Lane all seem to be the priority re-signings.

I'm each way on Sivo and where we go. If we let him go, we would still need to replace him with someone. See how Russell comes on next year too, he seemed to drift off the backups list after his hat trick in the first game of the season before getting injured.

Nrown, Cartwright, Blake and Greig should all be informed now that 2023 is definitely their last at the club. We need better players than those four. There has to be $1.5 million in cap space in those four surely. If they can find gigs for 2023 then I suggest the Club lets them go now. There has to be some decent options around the $350k-$400k mark.

Rodwell is one of those players who at this stage will probably get more of an opportunity next season. We probably need Rein as a back up for Hodgson.

I think we've already let Hollis go haven't we?

Makatoa, Momoisea, Ogden for two more seasons isn't inspiring, I doubt any of them are on much more than minimum wage though.

We've got 4-5 spots to fill by 1 March, without any contracted departures. Hopefully there is a couple of strong signings amongst those.

 

[JokerEel]

Looking at the Squad list, we're obviously pretty committed to Gutho, Matterson, RCG and Junior for at least the next three seasons. Who knows what Dunster will be like in three years time, but we obviously rated him before his injury, hopefully he returns strong.

Moses, Drown, Penisini and Lane all seem to be the priority re-signings.

I'm each way on Sivo and where we go. If we let him go, we would still need to replace him with someone. See how Russell comes on next year too, he seemed to drift off the backups list after his hat trick in the first game of the season before getting injured.

Nrown, Cartwright, Blake and Greig should all be informed now that 2023 is definitely their last at the club. We need better players than those four. There has to be $1.5 million in cap space in those four surely. If they can find gigs for 2023 then I suggest the Club lets them go now.

Rodwell is one of those players who at this stage will probably get more of an opportunity next season. We probably need Rein as a back up for Hodgson.

I think we've already let Hollis go haven't we?

Makatoa, Momoisea, Ogden for two more seasons isn't inspiring, I doubt any of them are on much more than minimum wage though.

We've got 4-5 spots to fill by 1 March, without any contracted departures. Hopefully there is a couple of strong signings amongst those.

Those 4 should be priority as soon as they finish at the world cup. Apart from Lane take him to Hawaii and sign that contract.

Hollis is gone.

Not sure who is available for 23 apart from Murchie who should not cost a lot.

There is a huge list of players off contract at the end of 23 that should be looked at and signed.

NRL Players Off Contract 2023

A complete list of NRL players who are off contract at the end of the 2023 rugby league season.

www.zerotackle.com

 

[Chipmunk]

Those 4 should be priority as soon as they finish at the world cup. Apart from Lane take him to Hawaii and sign that contract.

Hollis is gone.

Not sure who is available for 23 apart from Murchie who should not cost a lot.

There is a huge list of players off contract at the end of 23 that should be looked at and signed.

NRL Players Off Contract 2023

A complete list of NRL players who are off contract at the end of the 2023 rugby league season.

www.zerotackle.com

I believe Murchie is from Milton on the South Coast. If it is between us and the Dragons, he might choose the Dragons for proximity to the home town. Probably worth a go here though.

 

[JokerEel]

I believe Murchie is from Milton on the South Coast. If it is between us and the Dragons, he might choose the Dragons for proximity to the home town. Probably worth a go here though.

I am guessing it's still in the works he would be mad to go to Dragons.

 

[Avenger]

I'd be throwing $750K towards this guy. He is the type of player we need. That will test just how much he loves his beloved Roosters. I'd also go after Connor Watson.

 

[JokerEel]

I'd be throwing $750K towards this guy. He is the type of player we need. That will test just how much he loves his beloved Roosters. I'd also go after Connor Watson.

Connor Watson is shit but would love Radley for his Merkiness....

 

[Chipmunk]

FFS Pou Bear, we don't have all f**ken day...get on it all ready.

Lane to 2026
Russell to 2024
Arthur to 2024
Jack Murchie to 2024

Parramatta Eels Announce Key Player Signings

Parramatta Eels Announce Key Player Signings

www.parraeels.com.au

 

[I'm a loser baby...]

Check the shitters.

 

[Gronk]

FFS

 

[Gazzamatta]

FFS Pou Bear, we don't have all f**ken day...get on it all ready.

Lane to 2026
Russell to 2024
Arthur to 2024
Jack Murchie to 2024

Parramatta Eels Announce Key Player Signings

Parramatta Eels Announce Key Player Signings

www.parraeels.com.au

Probably at the Tab making bets none of the 4 would re sign.

 

[hineyrulz]

Check the shitters.

*clean

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Bunch of (re-)signings:

* = player option
¢ = club option
^ = development contract

2022
Utility: D.Brown, Gutherson, Perham (23), Russell, Tuipulotu^
Fullback: -
W/C: Blake, Dunster, Loizou (20)^, Naiduki (22), Opacic (28), Penisini, Simonsson, Sivo
Half: Arthur, Moses
Hooker: Mahoney (24), Rein
Edge forward: Cartwright, Lane, Matterson, Niukore (26), Papali'i (24)
Middle: N.Brown, Campbell-Gillard, Greig, Hollis, Kaufusi (23), Makatoa, Ogden^, Paulo, Rodwell, Stone (25)

2023
Utility: D.Brown (23), Gutherson, Russell, Tuipulotu (21)^
Fullback: -
W/C: Blake (29), Dunster, Penisini (21), Simonsson, Sivo (30)
Half: Arthur, Moses
Hooker: Hodgson, Rein (33)
Edge forward: Cartwright (29), Lane, Matterson, Murchie
Middle: N.Brown (30), Campbell-Gillard, Greig (24), Hollis (22), Hopgood, Makatoa, Momoisea, Ogden, Paulo, Rodwell

2024
Utility: Gutherson, Russell (22)
Fullback: -
W/C: Dunster, Simonsson (26)*
Half: Arthur (22), Moses (30)*
Hooker: Hodgson (35)¢
Edge forward: Lane, Matterson, Murchie (27)
Middle: Campbell-Gillard, Hopgood (25), Makatoa (31), Momoisea (26), Ogden (28)¢, Paulo, Rodwell (25)

2025
Utility: Gutherson (31)
Fullback: -
W/C: Dunster (26)
Half: -
Hooker: -
Edge forward: Lane, Matterson
Middle: Campbell-Gillard (32), Paulo

2026
Utility: -
Fullback: -
W/C: -
Half: -
Hooker: -
Edge forward: Lane (32), Matterson (32)
Middle: Paulo (33)

So we (officially) have 29 merkins in this year's top 30, and 26 in the 2023 squad.

 

[Chipmunk]

Bunch of (re-)signings:

* = player option
¢ = club option
^ = development contract

2022
Utility: D.Brown, Gutherson, Perham (23), Russell, Tuipulotu^
Fullback: -
W/C: Blake, Dunster, Loizou (20)^, Naiduki (22), Opacic (28), Penisini, Simonsson, Sivo
Half: Arthur, Moses
Hooker: Mahoney (24), Rein
Edge forward: Cartwright, Lane, Matterson, Niukore (26), Papali'i (24)
Middle: N.Brown, Campbell-Gillard, Greig, Hollis, Kaufusi (23), Makatoa, Ogden^, Paulo, Rodwell, Stone (25)

2023
Utility: D.Brown (23), Gutherson, Russell, Tuipulotu (21)^
Fullback: -
W/C: Blake (29), Dunster, Penisini (21), Simonsson, Sivo (30)
Half: Arthur, Moses
Hooker: Hodgson, Rein (33)
Edge forward: Cartwright (29), Lane, Matterson, Murchie
Middle: N.Brown (30), Campbell-Gillard, Greig (24), Hollis (22), Hopgood, Makatoa, Momoisea, Ogden, Paulo, Rodwell

2024
Utility: Gutherson, Russell (22)
Fullback: -
W/C: Dunster, Simonsson (26)*
Half: Arthur (22), Moses (30)*
Hooker: Hodgson (35)¢
Edge forward: Lane, Matterson, Murchie (27)
Middle: Campbell-Gillard, Hopgood (25), Makatoa (31), Momoisea (26), Ogden (28)¢, Paulo, Rodwell (25)

2025
Utility: Gutherson (31)
Fullback: -
W/C: Dunster (26)
Half: -
Hooker: -
Edge forward: Lane, Matterson
Middle: Campbell-Gillard (32), Paulo

2026
Utility: -
Fullback: -
W/C: -
Half: -
Hooker: -
Edge forward: Lane (32), Matterson (32)
Middle: Paulo (33)

So we (officially) have 29 merkins in this year's top 30, and 26 in the 2023 squad.

Surely it's time to remove 2022

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Not until the first of November