Squad succession

[phantom eel]

Agree, we need to lock in Alvaro - especially if Junior is reportedly off to Canberra.

Re-signing Norman seems an obvious move, I can't see us having much cash to splash on other halves. And we'll need to make a choice among Peats, King, Pritchard and De Gois - maybe re-signing two, as we can't possible keep them all.

 

[Stagger eel]

Agree, we need to lock in Alvaro - especially if Junior is reportedly off to Canberra.

Re-signing Norman seems an obvious move, I can't see us having much cash to splash on other halves. And we'll need to make a choice among Peats, King, Pritchard and De Gois - maybe re-signing two, as we can't possible keep them all.

you dont need to worry about Alvaro...

 

[Chipmunk]

you dont need to worry about Alvaro...

I'm interested to see how Alvaro goes this year. I was astounded at how well he actually went once he got a run, considering that the coaching staff were reluctant to even put him on the field only a few weeks prior.

 

[hineyrulz]

you dont need to worry about Alvaro...

Good news, he's definitely a keeper.

 

[Stagger eel]

I'm interested to see how Alvaro goes this year. I was astounded at how well he actually went once he got a run, considering that the coaching staff were reluctant to even put him on the field only a few weeks prior.

BA did really well with him, eased him in and prepared him properly...

coaching staff love him.

 

[^b0ss^]

Im interested to know who goes to full back if Gordon gets injuried dont want to jinx anything here.But the trouble we had last yr at fullback was shocking.

it seems like the only real weakness in the squad.

 

[Noise]

Im interested to know who goes to full back if Gordon gets injuried dont want to jinx anything here.But the trouble we had last yr at fullback was shocking.

it seems like the only real weakness in the squad.

Gutherson will move there

 

[^b0ss^]

arhhhh Gutherson just keeps getting better and better.ok all my concerns have been met its in the bag.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Moss and French are also backups at fullback.

 

[Joshuatheeel]

Norman can also be an option at fullback, especially if Cornish is killing it in NSW cup.

Definitely plenty of options for most positions this year.

 

[IFR33K]

Was at the fan day today, and most players look like they've trimmed down a bit. Mentioned they've done plenty of running this off season. Interesting to see how we go with the reduction of interchanges.

 

[Avenger]

According to the latest Foxsports market watch article, the following players are off contract at the end of this season:

Daniel Alvaro, Mitch Cornish, Isaac De Gois, Bureta Faraimo, Michael Gordon, James Hasson, Luke Kelly, Cameron King, Kieren Moss, Cody Nelson, Corey Norman, Rory O?Brien, Junior Paulo, Nathan Peats, Kaysa Pritchard, Kelepi Tanginoa, Vai Toutai, Joseph Ualesi, Danny Wicks

Doesn't quite match Pou's list but that's beside the point.

The point is that roughly half the squad is coming off contract. However, most of these players are outside the top 17 so good early season first grade form won't affect prices for many of them.

That said, about a third of our top 17 ARE in the list. Of these, older players like Gordon won't see much demand regardless of form, but some wins early in the season will push up the prices of the likes of Norman, Peats, Álvaro. These are the players we should be negotiating with now (assuming they're in BA's future plans).

I'd keep Cody Nelson. He is a very good back up with exceptional defence.

 

[Basil Brush]

BA did really well with him, eased him in and prepared him properly...

coaching staff love him.

Great to hear mate. He looked very impressive last night imo.

 

[Avenger]

Great to hear mate. He looked very impressive last night imo.

Love seeing players who get to the next level with hard work and not rely solely on their natural ability. That's why Pauli is eating burgers at Newcastle. Give me Alvaro anyday.

 

[Basil Brush]

Love seeing players who get to the next level with hard work and not rely solely on their natural ability. That's why Pauli is eating burgers at Newcastle. Give me Alvaro anyday.

Great points.

A lot of people, including myself, were unhappy losing Pauli but you have to trust the coaching staff here.

 

[Ring Gids]

Was at the fan day today, and most players look like they've trimmed down a bit. Mentioned they've done plenty of running this off season. Interesting to see how we go with the reduction of interchanges.

They did look fit. Had to laugh when I got a "toughest preseason ever" from Matty Woods.

And seriously, Kelepi has arms that are bigger than most guys legs.

 

[Gary Gutful]

And seriously, Kelepi has arms that are bigger than most guys legs.

Pretty sure Big Fella's legs aren't that small.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Update for Alvaro, Pritchard and Twal:

2016
Fullback: Gordon, Moss
W/C: Faraimo, Folau, Gutherson, Jennings, Morgan, Radradra, Schulte, Toutai, Tuha
Half: Cornish, Foran, Kelly, Norman
Hooker: De Gois, King, Peats, Pritchard
Edge forward: Edwards, Gower, Ma'u, Moeroa, Scott, Tanginoa, Woods
Tight forward: Alvaro, Hasson, Mannah, O'Brien, Paulo, Terepo, Twal, Ualesi, Watmough, Wicks
Utility: French, Fuimaono, Nelson, Takairangi

2017
Fullback: -
W/C: Folau, Gutherson, Jennings, Morgan, Radradra
Half: Foran
Hooker: Pritchard
Edge forward: Edwards, Gower, Ma'u, Moeroa, Scott
Tight forward: Alvaro, Mannah, Terepo, Twal, Watmough
Utility: French, Takairangi

2018
Fullback: -
W/C: Jennings, Radradra
Half: Foran
Hooker: Pritchard
Edge forward: Scott
Tight forward: Alvaro, Watmough
Utility: French

2019
Fullback: -
W/C: Jennings
Half: Foran
Hooker: -
Edge forward: -
Tight forward: -

We still officially have 40 merkins in the squad this year

 

[Captain BF]

Poupou, no Takairangi in 2016? Oops... utility. Sorry mate

 

[Basil Brush]

Hey Pou, i love your work but should you put Gutherson as a fullback?

That is his favourite position and i believe it will be where he ends up with us.