The Rumours Thread

[Parko1310]

Flanno loves a defensive game..... Luia is one the best, if not the best defensive half in the game. How does this not suit our style. Know one knows what Flanno will introduce, suffice to say, it will be defensive and grinding which then opens up your attack. Luia would Definitely suit Flannos style

I disagree. We need a half with organisational ability. Dearden has that, Jarome is not an organiser. I'll point out the most obvious argument against that which will be the World Cup. As I said the other day, he played well against Greece and France. The international game is also much slower, giving halves more time, more ability to think due to less fatigue, etc. In all games against somewhat decent opposition Luai was a passenger. His defence has also in my opinion been found out numerous times, his stats might look good with tackles completed %, etc. But that doesn't account for the times he makes a poor decision and doesn't get a hand on the attacker. I don't think he's a bad defender, but you also have to take into account the Penrith defensive systems they have all learnt down to the finest detail and he's another cog in the wheel. He's also helped significantly by the second rowers inside him. He won't have the same help outside of the Penrith system. They've overpaid significantly, in my opinion.

 

[maestro1]

Why is it that Luai is so keen to leave the Panthers and commence his deal at the Tigers in 2024? Does he think that the Tigers will have a better chance of winning the premiership next year than the Panthers? Give me a break!

I'd say money was a big motivator, but also, he might want to prove some people wrong. People who said he might not have it in him to lead a team around

 

[Dragon David]

‘Key part’: Dragons extend Suli; Dolphins snaps up young Tiger: NRL Transfer Centre

Flanno re-signs ‘key part’ of Dragons’ future; Wayne snaps up Tiger: NRL Transfer Centre

www.foxsports.com.au

 

[JubileeJeffro]

I'd say money was a big motivator, but also, he might want to prove some people wrong. People who said he might not have it in him to lead a team around

Money talks bullshit walks

 

[CozDragon]

I don't think so David, Bud is in Benji's long term plans. If Luai does come to the Tigers the pairing will be Luai/Sullivan.
The odd man out and not guaranteed anything is Latu Fainu, he's the young gun I'd be asking the tigers to release.
He might be just covering injuries but he is a future superstar.
How are you guys going with AFB. Gee I hope you guys snare him.

I think Galvin should be the Tigers long term plan. From all reports he will likely be better than Fainu & Sullivan.
Dragons should target him i think.

 

[redandwhite4evr]

It only leads to heartache like all others if we even played that sort of game and make the clubs fork out a higher figure to get their man. We currently are experiencing getting nowhere with Flanno saying we have interest in Manu, Dearden, Luki, etc. only to get our hopes up high for nothing.

2025 is not looking very good at all. The Bulldogs and Tigers have made "killings" with their signings while we are still going for the likes of......

I get your disappointment DD. However, it may be a case of you're damned if you do and damned if you don't sound enthusiastic and promote SGI as a destination club for elite players. I never expected Deardon to sign with us as, unlike the forwards, the cows have no depth of quality in their halves and Deardon is a born, bred, dyed in the wool central/north Queenslander. Luki is an entirely different proposition.

I for one was fed up with the bargain basement shopping of previous administrations and am glad that we are trying to attract the top talent. Also, interesting to hear Eisenhuth comment positively on the energy in the club. He could have said nothing or come out with a cliche like being grateful for the opportunity but said something that made me believe that Flanno knows how to motivate a team.

 

[maestro1]

I disagree. We need a half with organisational ability. Dearden has that, Jarome is not an organiser. I'll point out the most obvious argument against that which will be the World Cup. As I said the other day, he played well against Greece and France. The international game is also much slower, giving halves more time, more ability to think due to less fatigue, etc. In all games against somewhat decent opposition Luai was a passenger. His defence has also in my opinion been found out numerous times, his stats might look good with tackles completed %, etc. But that doesn't account for the times he makes a poor decision and doesn't get a hand on the attacker. I don't think he's a bad defender, but you also have to take into account the Penrith defensive systems they have all learnt down to the finest detail and he's another cog in the wheel. He's also helped significantly by the second rowers inside him. He won't have the same help outside of the Penrith system. They've overpaid significantly, in my opinion.

Jarome is a running Fiveeight as is Dearden. Both had organising halves that they partnered with. Luia with Clearly and Dearden with Townsend. Both have done reasonably well when required to organise....but one swallow does not a summer make. So the argument for us chasing Dearden also applies for us chasing Luia. At the very least Luia has much more success to his resume. My point is that if we thought Dearden was on our wishlist, why wasn't Luia. I fail to see why we wouldn't chase any quality halves. Now if you don't believe Liua is quality, I think we should stop the banter and move on as anybody who cannot recognise his quality (especially in comparison to what we have at our disposal). I rate Dearden , but I rate Liua as a little better

 

[Illusion]

‘Key part’: Dragons extend Suli; Dolphins snaps up young Tiger: NRL Transfer Centre

Flanno re-signs ‘key part’ of Dragons’ future; Wayne snaps up Tiger: NRL Transfer Centre

www.foxsports.com.au

Well that's that .......

 

[Parko1310]

Jarome is a running Fiveeight as is Dearden. Both had organising halves that they partnered with. Luia with Clearly and Dearden with Townsend. Both have done reasonably well when required to organise....but one swallow does not a summer make. So the argument for us chasing Dearden also applies for us chasing Luia. At the very least Luia has much more success to his resume. My point is that if we thought Dearden was on our wishlist, why wasn't Luia. I fail to see why we wouldn't chase any quality halves. Now if you don't believe Liua is quality, I think we should stop the banter and move on as anybody who cannot recognise his quality (especially in comparison to what we have at our disposal). I rate Dearden , but I rate Liua as a little better

Completely agree anyone who thinks Luai isn't a quality player simply doesn't like his public personality. I don't hold that opinion, he's clearly a good player. I just disagree he's got the organisational capability of Dearden. Dearden is a natural halfback, who can run and organise. Jarome is a 5/8, the organisation is left to Cleary and when Cleary is absent Cogger, Falls, etc, have come in and played the organising role.

 

[Slippery Morris]

Dearden and Luia are now signed up. No matter what we all think of them they will not be at the Dragons. I honestly did not believe Saints would get Dearden. Why would he leave Qld for NSW when he is clearly happy where he is and his position in the starting squad is guaranteed with a team that will have a great chance of top 8 for years to come.

I really hope AFB makes his decision soon and Amone matter is finally sorted. Flanno clearly must have Amone in his plans for the halves until it is official.

If Saints end up with AFB and Luki, I will be happy with that as I feel they will make a huge difference to the squad for 2024.

 

[getsmarty]

Deardon was always a long shot...

 

[Auntie.Gerald]

if you were AFB or Luki.................what would u do?

similar to Deardon and or Welsby?

 

[Illusion]

 

[Adolf_Spritzer]

Deardon was always a long shot...

And maybe a bit of a smokescreen by adding even more pressure to their already bulging cap therefore making it harder to retain all their promising backrowers?

 

[Slippery Morris]

if you were AFB or Luki.................what would u do?

similar to Deardon and or Welsby?

Luki and AFB are different to Dearden/Welsby as they does not have a starting spot guaranteed and there are a lot of other great backrowers to compete with in the Cows. AFB wants to come back to Sydney, Dragons are his junior club.

 

[justadragon]

Deardon was never ever coming to us, the usual ploy of putting yourself out to market and extract more money out of the current club. The constant game managers play and they are holding all the cards.

 

[Hound of Dracula]

Jarome is a running Fiveeight as is Dearden. Both had organising halves that they partnered with. Luia with Clearly and Dearden with Townsend. Both have done reasonably well when required to organise....but one swallow does not a summer make. So the argument for us chasing Dearden also applies for us chasing Luia. At the very least Luia has much more success to his resume. My point is that if we thought Dearden was on our wishlist, why wasn't Luia. I fail to see why we wouldn't chase any quality halves. Now if you don't believe Liua is quality, I think we should stop the banter and move on as anybody who cannot recognise his quality (especially in comparison to what we have at our disposal). I rate Dearden , but I rate Liua as a little better

Luai, at this stage of his career, is a proven performer and ahead of Deardon. But paying a 27yo 1.2 per season for 5 years from 2025, is paying substantial overs. Being one of very few quality halves, he was always going to attract massive offers and good luck to him.
Why didn’t we chase him? We are pretty much forced to pay overs to attract any quality players till such time as we are a competitive side. My guess is that it was considered too high a price tag when we require multiple quality recruits 2024 & 25.

Luai can also be sensitive to media, direct & on-line criticism and rubs many people the wrong way. Imagine him handling Dragon’s fans and their expectations. Additionally, he has his own distinct style; boomboxes, gang slang & fashion that gives off crazy vibes that are not likely gel with Ben Hunt. Maybe coach also concerned Luai may destabilise other team dynamics?

Dragons can do without the negative press that comes with such a strong personality.

P.S. Jack Welsby has not signed his upgraded St Helens contract yet, but we are still a very long shot.

 

[Illusion]

Luai, at this stage of his career, is a proven performer and ahead of Deardon. But paying a 27yo 1.2 per season for 5 years from 2025, is paying substantial overs. Being one of very few quality halves, he was always going to attract massive offers and good luck to him.
Why didn’t we chase him? We are pretty much forced to pay overs to attract any quality players till such time as we are a competitive side. My guess is that it was considered too high a price tag when we require multiple quality recruits 2024 & 25.

Luai can also be sensitive to media, direct & on-line criticism and rubs many people the wrong way. Imagine him handling Dragon’s fans and their expectations. Additionally, he has his own distinct style; boomboxes, gang slang & fashion that gives off crazy vibes that are not likely gel with Ben Hunt. Maybe coach also concerned Luai may destabilise other team dynamics?

Dragons can do without the negative press that comes with such a strong personality.

P.S. Jack Welsby has not signed his upgraded St Helens contract yet, but we are still a very long shot.

This ........

P.S. Jack Welsby has not signed his upgraded St Helens contract yet, but we are still a very long shot............ The way we are going you could bet your house on it , that there is no way to get him ...... IMO Sully was a big mistake letting him go now we can only hope young Flanno steps up to the plate .......

 

[getsmarty]

Hindsight is a marvelous thing.... Re J S .. His Team instigated the move.... Wonder how he is feeling now about his prospects ?

We still have targets , and something should be announced soon.

Flanno is no fool.

 

[Illusion]

Hindsight is a marvelous thing.... Re J S .. His Team instigated the move.... Wonder how he is feeling now about his prospects ?

We still have targets , and something should be announced soon.

Flanno is no fool.

I am hoping the same mate , there has to be something behind the scenes that we don't know about ........ But I'm still waiting ........