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The Rumours Thread

TheRev

Coach
Messages
11,644
The trouble with blocking him is that it just delays them bringing on their other backup halves like Nuru. Why keep him at Newtown? So there is some logic to releasing him
There is logic there.. but I reckon the Sharks think they are in a premiership window.. which tbf they secured most of their talent, I think they have a few years.. but if they got an injury to a half, Atkinson is probably the best backup in their system by a fair way.. but.. f*** em.. the qn is perhaps how keen Atko is to hang around for a year..also... whats the pay difference, r we talking 200-300k? no joke for a rookie (ok or anyone).
 

Ronnie Dobbs

Coach
Messages
17,441
I do wonder if would take any of these as 2026 signings.. or its 2025 or gtfo.
Signing players a year out and anything beyond three year contracts for anything but absolute champions, are things of the past imo.

Also happy to hear that Guthos contract is including incentives and not a full guarantee in year 3 (I would assume).

Flanno is a hard old bastard who knows the value of things.

It’s been one week since Hunt left and it feels like he never existed already.

Has he got a club fur next year yet?
And his 950k ?
 

Ronnie Dobbs

Coach
Messages
17,441
I was actually thinking today once gutho got announced. I still think this is a great offseason of recruitment . Yes, we may only get 2 good years out of all three though they’re all classy players with leadership & experience. Something we have lacked!!
Two years is a lifetime in football.

We are absolutely on the up and off the nose, it would seem.

Contrast this to anything else since Bennett. And the Waite and Smith and Masters before that.

Finally.

My God we have put up with some absolutely diabolical shit the last 12 years.
 

justadragon

Bench
Messages
4,103
Signing players a year out and anything beyond three year contracts for anything but absolute champions, are things of the past imo.

Also happy to hear that Guthos contract is including incentives and not a full guarantee in year 3 (I would assume).

Flanno is a hard old bastard who knows the value of things.

It’s been one week since Hunt left and it feels like he never existed already.

Has he got a club fur next year yet?
And his 950k ?
No doubt he will find another club, unfortunately for captain numb nuts no other club would be as stupid as what we were nor as generous !!!
 

BLM01

First Grade
Messages
9,975
The Sea Eagles have managed to strengthen their middle forwards for 2025 -

"The Manly Sea Eagles have confirmed the signing of former Roosters premiership winner Sio Siua Taukeiaho on a one-year deal for 2025."

We surely must have someone lined up, surely!!??
They can have him. There would be more meltdowns on here if it had of been us after the Dogs passed.
 

TheRev

Coach
Messages
11,644
Signing players a year out and anything beyond three year contracts for anything but absolute champions, are things of the past imo.
Actually now you mention it.. there arent too many.. I think the dolphins sign a lot of their guys in advance.. all rly good players tho.., Herbie, Flegler, FinuFeuiaki, Tupou.. maybe Chrichton for dogs, Luai Tigers, the storm might do it with Pezet, Papa, did it with Fox back in the day..

But thats a handful out of hundreds upon hundreds of contracts... seems a lot more are being released early, certainly in our case we tend to go for bargains that clubs are looking to move on.

But specifically Atkinson.. if the sharks deny his early release, do we still want him for 2026? Or we do we just take an Ilias (or similar) and try our luck?
 

Jubilee

Juniors
Messages
873
But specifically Atkinson.. if the sharks deny his early release, do we still want him for 2026? Or we do we just take an Ilias (or similar) and try our luck?

Yes, we still want him for 2026. Our half and 5/8 stocks are not deep and age-wise there is a big gap before the next wave comes along. We will need someone good for the next 4-5 years. He also plays fullback, which might be handy.
 

Dragonslayer

First Grade
Messages
7,814
Actually now you mention it.. there arent too many.. I think the dolphins sign a lot of their guys in advance.. all rly good players tho.., Herbie, Flegler, FinuFeuiaki, Tupou.. maybe Chrichton for dogs, Luai Tigers, the storm might do it with Pezet, Papa, did it with Fox back in the day..

But thats a handful out of hundreds upon hundreds of contracts... seems a lot more are being released early, certainly in our case we tend to go for bargains that clubs are looking to move on.

But specifically Atkinson.. if the sharks deny his early release, do we still want him for 2026? Or we do we just take an Ilias (or similar) and try our luck?

I think we should go for both.

Ilias is a risk play returning from injury and a lot down on confidence. However, he wouldn't command a high $ contract and would be a safety net until negotiations with Atkinson move forward or are quashed. Further, if Atkinson isn't released for 2025, we would have the services of an "experienced" NRL player who can play half or 5/8.
he could also provide good coverage in in fact we can land Atkinson for '25.

LKT would also provide coverage, whilst learning his trade in KOE Cup and would provide quite a partnership with Ilias.

I understand that would get us to 30 for the NRL squad, however, I still can't see where we have re-signed Eisenhuth, although he's still listed on our player profiles page. TM would be a preferable signing as a prop, so maybe (just maybe), Eisenhuth could take up a T&T or even a reserve grade contract. I've gone completely cold on Lodge, and TM would be leaps ahead as a preferred signing.
 

TheRev

Coach
Messages
11,644
yar there is no way Eisenhuth fits into our 30, but if he wants to play on for a year as a T&T or a nsw cup contract or whatever they decide.. by all means.. im sure it beats a 9-5 job or carrying bricks for someone who loves footy.
 

Ronnie Dobbs

Coach
Messages
17,441
Actually now you mention it.. there arent too many.. I think the dolphins sign a lot of their guys in advance.. all rly good players tho.., Herbie, Flegler, FinuFeuiaki, Tupou.. maybe Chrichton for dogs, Luai Tigers, the storm might do it with Pezet, Papa, did it with Fox back in the day..

But thats a handful out of hundreds upon hundreds of contracts... seems a lot more are being released early, certainly in our case we tend to go for bargains that clubs are looking to move on.

But specifically Atkinson.. if the sharks deny his early release, do we still want him for 2026? Or we do we just take an Ilias (or similar) and try our luck?
Yes, I believe so.
 

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