The 2017 Pre-Season Thread

[Caped Crusader]

For a backflip to take place after the 10 day cooling off period the following would need to happen

- The Knights would have to agree to the contract being broken. This would mean the Cowboys would have to come up with an epic compensation package involving a lot of money and or a player swap deal

- The NRL would have to sign off on the release also to my understanding. This would mean an investigation into the reasons why etc

 

[slotmachine]

The NRL wouldn't register another NRL contract for the duration of the broken Knights one. Only way it would happen is if Ponga takes a fancy to French rugby.

 

[Caped Crusader]

Why not? Its not all that much different from any other player seeking a release

 

[Jatz]

Except that he wouldn't have even started the Knights contract yet. Normally a player seeking a release has been at the club for a period of time.

 

[Caped Crusader]

Of course, which is why I didn't say it was exactly the same

If he just walks out on the deal then sure, the NRL will block any other contract until the original time period had expired. This is also why I said the Knights would have to agree to the release in the first place

 

[Burwood]

If Ponga has a big 2017, you can just about guarantee that his manager will be pressuring the club and pushing for a renegotiated contract to reflect his "true" value.

Out of curiosity, has any player ever renegotiated a contract before they have even reached their new club? I cant think of it ever happening.

 

[macavity]

Why so confident that there won't be a backflip Mac?

Good mail that the whole family is very positive on the move to Newcastle and can't wait to get here. The Cows club have done the wrong thing by him the past few years (in the family's eyes at least).

VERY close family, still lives at home. His dad is FIFO in the mines. Something to be said for dad being home for dinner every night - we are the only club who can offer that.

We are finally leveraging our advantages.

 

[Tom155]

 

[alexwilliams_66692007]

Strong squad named by the Raiders: Eddie Aiono, Blake Austin, Luke Bateman, Shannon Boyd, Adam Clydsdale, Nick Cotric, Lachlan Croker, Thomas Cronan, Shaun Fensom, Josh Hodgson, Edrick Lee, Joey Leilua, Jeff Lima, Dunamis Lui, Makahesi Makatoa, Mark McCormack, Anthony Moraitis, Brent Naden, Josh Papalii, Junior Paulo, Clay Priest, Jordan Rapana, Zac Santo, Aidan Sezer, Sia Soliola, Scott Sorensen, Joseph Tapine, Topi Taufa, Dave Taylor, Jordan Turner, Elliott Whitehead, Jack Wighton

Knights: TBA

 

[Jatz]

Interesting! What time is the trial on?

 

[Joel-22]

anyone know a way of watching the trial (other than physically being there)?

 

[Jatz]

anyone know a way of watching the trial (other than physically being there)?

It's being streamed live on the website.

 

[alexwilliams_66692007]

Knights Trial Squad:

1. Dylan Phythian
2. Ken Sio
3. Dane Gagai
4. Peter Mata’utia
5. Nathan Ross
6. Brock Lamb
7. Trent Hodkinson
8. Daniel Saifiti
9. Danny Levi
10. Josh Starling
11. Sione Mata’utia
12. Jamie Buhrer
13. Mitch Barnett

14. Luke Yates
15. Jack Stockwell
16. Sam Stone
17. Lachlan Fitzgibbon
18. Brendan Elliot
19. Will Pearsall
22. Josh King
23. Jacob Saifiti
24. Chanel Mata’utia

 

[Rudderriffic]

That starting 13 looks pretty close to our strongest side available.

The only quibble I have is Ross not getting a crack at center ahead of Pete. I thought he did enough late last year to secure that spot.

Also, it will be interesting to see how Starling goes. I'm not sure if his inclusion here is a sign of where he sits in the pecking order, or if the coaching staff are using this game as a measuring stick to determine where he sits. I hope it is the latter, and while I don't think he is a bad player, having him as a starting prop come Round 1 would not be particularly a auspicious start to the season.

I would hope some of the bench players have made significant gains over the offseason, otherwise I think they have little business being considered as part of a first choice 17.

 

[slotmachine]

We're not exactly flush with front row talent. I'd probably have Starling just ahead of Mataora, but it's a coin flip.

 

[AusKnightRKO]

Not here till next season, But Ponga scored a Hat Trick in a trial tonight, he played FB

 

[perverse]

Green has to fit him in somewhere. Should only be good for us. Kinda hope they don't win the premiership, though... it'd be nice if he was still hungry when he gets here.

 

[PhilGould]

Apparently Coote had another shocker too.

 

[Caped Crusader]

Green has to fit him in somewhere. Should only be good for us. Kinda hope they don't win the premiership, though... it'd be nice if he was still hungry when he gets here.

He'll be at least on the wing you'd imagine. No way can they justify leaving him in reggies given his form pre season

I'd not be surprised to see he and Coote swap around during games