The Rumours Thread

[Nutz]

Had forgotten about that.
Might have to throw in some cash as well.

Well they were rumoured to have wanted Stefano Ute and cash for an early release so that's an indication of their reluctance to let him go early.
Anyway I wish you guys well..
I said a long time before Flanigan was appointed as Saints coach that he would have been be a good replacement for Madge as he is a real man's man... someone who would rally the team to perform...also bringing the young ones into grade like he did at the Sharkies.
I think you guys are on a winner.
I'm hoping the Saints and the Tiges make the 8 next year and give it a real shot.
It might be a big ask though, so let's look at a SG v WT grandfinal in 2025 and I'll shout a pony of lager at a pub on GF day to any forum member that can quote this post.

 

[BLM01]

JDB is pasted his prime plus plays a different position.

You missed the point of the debate. Our best back rower since Creagh?

 

[Dragon David]

Yes, they pulled the pin as well.

One club out: Race for Fonua-Blake down to three

Four clubs were believed to be interested.

www.zerotackle.com

Super League’s best player set to spurn Dragons, re-sign with St. Helens — Whispers

Super League’s best player set to spurn Dragons, re-sign with St. Helens — Whispers

www.foxsports.com.au

 

[Parko1310]

This seems to be lining up with my thoughts from the other day. I think AFB has made up his mind that he wants to come to the Dragons. It's just a matter of sorting out what compensation the Warriors get. Forget about the Sharks, no matter what the media say, they do not have the money. I wouldn't be surprised if the Warriors don't even get a player swap out of this, it might just be money. Su'a won't move to NZ. I think trading Molo is the wrong move for us, and who says he wants to move to NZ? I'd also not be shocked to see us pull this off as a signing for 2024 which would be a major coup.

In regard to the conversation on Su'a, I love him both as a person and a player in our team. But the notion that he's our best second rower since Creagh for example is just wrong, that title belongs to Tyson Frizell. The reality is, currently, Su'a is not in the same tier as AFB in his position. AFB is undeniably in the top 3 props in the game, he is elite. Su'a is not that. Su'a cannot claim to be in the top tier of back rowers in the competition. One poster suggested Su'a wanted a 4 year deal to re-sign or he'd be going to the Dolphins. I'd be saying to him thanks, but no thanks. If he wants the opportunity for 4 years I'd be happy to give him a 3 year deal with a mutual option for a 4th. But he is not a "must keep" that we should bend to his demands for. One of our best players, and I want to keep him, but not on an outright 4 year deal. Why would you give a 4 year deal to someone who can't stay on the field? Over the last two seasons he has been injured and suspended a lot. Not saying his fortunes won't turn around, but given we are going to tie up a large chunk of money into AFB, we can't afford to tie up more big money into another forward for the same period of time who may or may not play more than 15-16 games in any given year. Su'a is not cheap. He hasn't even really taken off at our club yet, he's shown glimpses, but just hasn't reached any great heights as of yet. For all these reasons it's 3 years and a mutual option for a 4th maximum for me, and if he says no then that's okay. I'd be sad to see him go, as I said one of my favourite players, but a 4 year deal is not right for the club. If we land Luki, he replaces Su'a on the right edge and we bring in Ryan Couchman/Dylan Egan on the left edge in this situation and keep our cap in shape in the long run.

 

[Dragons4me]

I'll wait till his signature is officially announced. I know how these things usually turn out.

 

[JubileeJeffro]

This seems to be lining up with my thoughts from the other day. I think AFB has made up his mind that he wants to come to the Dragons. It's just a matter of sorting out what compensation the Warriors get. Forget about the Sharks, no matter what the media say, they do not have the money. I wouldn't be surprised if the Warriors don't even get a player swap out of this, it might just be money. Su'a won't move to NZ. I think trading Molo is the wrong move for us, and who says he wants to move to NZ? I'd also not be shocked to see us pull this off as a signing for 2024 which would be a major coup.

In regard to the conversation on Su'a, I love him both as a person and a player in our team. But the notion that he's our best second rower since Creagh for example is just wrong, that title belongs to Tyson Frizell. The reality is, currently, Su'a is not in the same tier as AFB in his position. AFB is undeniably in the top 3 props in the game, he is elite. Su'a is not that. Su'a cannot claim to be in the top tier of back rowers in the competition. One poster suggested Su'a wanted a 4 year deal to re-sign or he'd be going to the Dolphins. I'd be saying to him thanks, but no thanks. If he wants the opportunity for 4 years I'd be happy to give him a 3 year deal with a mutual option for a 4th. But he is not a "must keep" that we should bend to his demands for. One of our best players, and I want to keep him, but not on an outright 4 year deal. Why would you give a 4 year deal to someone who can't stay on the field? Over the last two seasons he has been injured and suspended a lot. Not saying his fortunes won't turn around, but given we are going to tie up a large chunk of money into AFB, we can't afford to tie up more big money into another forward for the same period of time who may or may not play more than 15-16 games in any given year. Su'a is not cheap. He hasn't even really taken off at our club yet, he's shown glimpses, but just hasn't reached any great heights as of yet. For all these reasons it's 3 years and a mutual option for a 4th maximum for me, and if he says no then that's okay. I'd be sad to see him go, as I said one of my favourite players, but a 4 year deal is not right for the club. If we land Luki, he replaces Su'a on the right edge and we bring in Ryan Couchman/Dylan Egan on the left edge in this situation and keep our cap in shape in the long run.

I agree.. seems to me like it’s a SuA v Luki discussion. Which is likely to bring more impact to the team over the next 4 years… I sense if we can land Luki, SuA will head to Dolphins

 

[Slippery Morris]

100% agree with you @Parko1310.

AFB is one of the top 3 props in the comp. Flanno won a comp and their best was Fafita that year so he knows how to get the best out of them that is for sure. AFB will be worth the money. If Payne Haas did not exist he would be the best prop in the game but unfortunately he is up against Haas who I feel will be the G.O.A.T of props when he retires. The guy is a freak.

I heard on 2GB this morning that AFB is highly likely to join the Saints.

Sharks yet to table and offer and I cannot see them coughing up 1.125mil without releasing another player or 2. As a Warriors coach, you would rather AFB end up at the Dragons than a team that is more likely to challenge for a finals spot. Why strengthen a potential top 4 side when you can strengthen a bottom 4 side. (let them think Saints will be bottom 4 as we all know or should I say wish they will be top 8 with AFB....lol).

Warriors landing Capewell may not be interested in a trade and try and poach another player from a stronger club with the money they get freed up from AFB like Taumalolo or Leilua?

If Saints land Luki and AFB that will be a huge lift to the forward pack. Luki has had some injuries but the games I have seen him play he looks very good. The only concern for the Saints is the halves. If Hunt gets injured and Amone is gone, they are screwed big time.

 

[TheRev]

I feel that if we paid another 100k on top of a players current contract to go to NZ for 1year (if indeed the nrl would allow that) then maybe FMolo or MMolo etc would go.. but its a lot of ducks in a row required..

Maybe we dont need too.. but I think getting him for 2024 shortens our rebuild period by 1-2years.. I think it would ensure the spoon isnt a possibility in 2024..

Edit: The Sharks couldnt make a play until Tracey + Moylan were gone.. and there was one of their big forwards i thought they wanted gone, was it Uele? Ideal for trading... Those 3 contracts are starting to get close to the 1mil pricetag.. Nothing is a sure thing I feel.. however the difference with AFB is he cant be short-changed on the promise of life after football or a big name coach.. I dont think he gives a ****.. he just wants cold hard ****ing cash.. and not many clubs will pay 1.1m for a prop.. because they have a whole squad of quality to balance.. we are the only club legit who cant fill a cap.

 

[Biglance]

This seems to be lining up with my thoughts from the other day. I think AFB has made up his mind that he wants to come to the Dragons. It's just a matter of sorting out what compensation the Warriors get. Forget about the Sharks, no matter what the media say, they do not have the money. I wouldn't be surprised if the Warriors don't even get a player swap out of this, it might just be money. Su'a won't move to NZ. I think trading Molo is the wrong move for us, and who says he wants to move to NZ? I'd also not be shocked to see us pull this off as a signing for 2024 which would be a major coup.

In regard to the conversation on Su'a, I love him both as a person and a player in our team. But the notion that he's our best second rower since Creagh for example is just wrong, that title belongs to Tyson Frizell. The reality is, currently, Su'a is not in the same tier as AFB in his position. AFB is undeniably in the top 3 props in the game, he is elite. Su'a is not that. Su'a cannot claim to be in the top tier of back rowers in the competition. One poster suggested Su'a wanted a 4 year deal to re-sign or he'd be going to the Dolphins. I'd be saying to him thanks, but no thanks. If he wants the opportunity for 4 years I'd be happy to give him a 3 year deal with a mutual option for a 4th. But he is not a "must keep" that we should bend to his demands for. One of our best players, and I want to keep him, but not on an outright 4 year deal. Why would you give a 4 year deal to someone who can't stay on the field? Over the last two seasons he has been injured and suspended a lot. Not saying his fortunes won't turn around, but given we are going to tie up a large chunk of money into AFB, we can't afford to tie up more big money into another forward for the same period of time who may or may not play more than 15-16 games in any given year. Su'a is not cheap. He hasn't even really taken off at our club yet, he's shown glimpses, but just hasn't reached any great heights as of yet. For all these reasons it's 3 years and a mutual option for a 4th maximum for me, and if he says no then that's okay. I'd be sad to see him go, as I said one of my favourite players, but a 4 year deal is not right for the club. If we land Luki, he replaces Su'a on the right edge and we bring in Ryan Couchman/Dylan Egan on the left edge in this situation and keep our cap in shape in the long run.

great post, agree with your thoughts on SUA,

 

[Auntie.Gerald]

New Tigers CEO speaks on importance of Luai signature

The Tigers have a big-money offer on the table for Luai.

www.zerotackle.com

Imagine how Bud feels right now

Time to stay or go?

 

[Dragon David]

New Tigers CEO speaks on importance of Luai signature

The Tigers have a big-money offer on the table for Luai.

www.zerotackle.com

Imagine how Bud feels right now

Time to stay or go?

Bud is on a 4 year contract with the Tigers starting in 2024. He most probably will get a run in the top grade there next year as first choice with Aidan Sezer (signed for a year) as his partner in the halves. If they sign Luai for 2025 then subject to how Bud goes next year, he and Luai will most probably be the halves, which could be a very good pairing.

 

[Saints Forever]

New Tigers CEO speaks on importance of Luai signature

The Tigers have a big-money offer on the table for Luai.

www.zerotackle.com

Imagine how Bud feels right now

Time to stay or go?

Given his injury history, wherever he goes he will need to prove himself

Bud jumped too soon. Out of the frying pan, into the fire.

 

[Biglance]

Bud is on a 4 year contract with the Tigers starting in 2024. He most probably will get a run in the top grade there next year as first choice with Aidan Sezer (signed for a year) as his partner in the halves. If they sign Luai for 2025 then subject to how Bud goes next year, he and Luai will most probably be the halves, which could be a very good pairing.

i think its a two year deal with two year option

 

[Dragon David]

i think its a two year deal with two year option

Looked everywhere Biglance and its a straight 4 year deal to the end of 2027.

 

[Slippery Morris]

Bula, Luia, Bud and Api. What a great spine that will be in 2025 for the Tigers if they do land the Panthers 5/8.

 

[Wolfgang90]

Warriors are in a win now mode for 2024, especially with RTS returning and SJ playing at a high level. They have a bunch of players coming off contract at the end of 2024. I highly doubt the Warriors will let AFB leave in 2024 unless they get a similar player in return. We have no one near AFB level.

2025 is realistic unless AFB has a change of heart & wants to remain in NZ or IF NZ still feel like they're in the premiership window & don't have someone of a similar calibre to replace him. AFB is contracted until 2026.

I would love to get AFB, especially for 2024 but there's still much uncertainty.

 

[Dragon David]

Bula, Luia, Bud and Api. What a great spine that will be in 2025 for the Tigers if they do land the Panthers 5/8.

Very good spine indeed Slippery. Tigers fans will be rubbing their hands with glee.

 

[Dragon David]

Very good spine indeed Slippery. Tigers fans will be rubbing their hands with glee.

This is most probably why Richo said no to AFB as he thinks the Tigers already have good forwards and he will put in lots of energy and put aside money to sign Luai. I'm sure that now that Richo has been brought into the Tigers they will become top 4 at the end of 2025.

Anyway, I've said enough about the Tigers - they can wallow in mud for a bit longer. Our concentration is on our players and building a good spine for us.

 

[CozDragon]

Bud is on a 4 year contract with the Tigers starting in 2024. He most probably will get a run in the top grade there next year as first choice with Aidan Sezer (signed for a year) as his partner in the halves. If they sign Luai for 2025 then subject to how Bud goes next year, he and Luai will most probably be the halves, which could be a very good pairing.

I reckon they will end up putting Latu Fainu in ahead of Sullivan at some stage. They rate him very highly but he is probably a year or two away from regular first grade.
Though if Bud injures himself which has a pretty high probability, he may get fast tracked.
If they do land Luai, i can see it being a Luai/Fainu pairing in 2025.
Sullivan to end up back with us or signing with the dogs.

 

[Dragon David]

I reckon they will end up putting Latu Fainu in ahead of Sullivan at some stage. They rate him very highly but he is probably a year or two away from regular first grade.
Though if Bud injures himself which has a pretty high probability, he may get fast tracked.
If they do land Luai, i can see it being a Luai/Fainu pairing in 2025.
Sullivan to end up back with us or signing with the dogs.

Maybe Coz. They will have options and don't forget about Adam Doueihi who can play in the halves as well. Maybe too many but their options far outweigh us for 2024 in the halves. If they do get Luai then I hope we have good options by/for 2025.