The Rumours Thread

[brissiedragon]

Defense was our main problem in season 2025.

The better teams had very good defensive line speed which limited the amount of ground the opposition made in attack. Our line speed was non existent. We would take one step and stop then slowly slide backwards as they attacked. This meant teams were making huge meters each set which begat ( thought id throw in a biblical/Xmas reference) attacking/scoring opportunities on our try line which begat inevitable try's. I would sit dumfounded when watching games this year wondering why our defensive coaches didn't see the same thing I was seeing. I dont know if it was because we weren't capable, weren't fit or weren't coached.

 

[Desperate Dragon]

Time will tell but i don't we have any hope to be honest. Have heard its a done deal at Parra and then today saying its a done deal at Souths haven't seen anything yet to suggest he is coming unless this is his manager putting it out there to squeeze a bit more money out of us because we can probably afford to pay 1.2m

I would be stoked if we signed KK.
I have my doubts though that he is actually contemplating leaving Souths.
An upgraded offer from Souths is the proof they want to keep him.
I think it will be announced that he is staying with Souths prior to Christmas.
Hope I am wrong.

 

[The Word]

Time will tell but i don't we have any hope to be honest. Have heard its a done deal at Parra and then today saying its a done deal at Souths haven't seen anything yet to suggest he is coming unless this is his manager putting it out there to squeeze a bit more money out of us because we can probably afford to pay 1.2m

I think if Souths offer anywhere close to us or Parra he stays with them because he's a Souths junior who obviously has a deep affection for the club.

Personally I think we're a more attractive option than Parra with the young players we have coming through.

But we need to differentiate our offer so the 5 year term is a big deal and we may need to go to 1.2 to get him. It hurts to pay that much but I feel we need that marquee forward to launch ourselves back as a club. This seems like our best opportunity to get one.

 

[Victoire]

When the helicopter thing hit the media, and then the article about our improved offer, it convinced me that the manager was playing us to get more money out of Souths. I'd honestly be shocked if he leaves them.

 

[The Word]

No way the helicopter thing was not going to hit the media surely?

 

[St.Brisbane]

The better teams had very good defensive line speed which limited the amount of ground the opposition made in attack. Our line speed was non existent. We would take one step and stop then slowly slide backwards as they attacked. This meant teams were making huge meters each set which begat ( thought id throw in a biblical/Xmas reference) attacking/scoring opportunities on our try line which begat inevitable try's. I would sit dumfounded when watching games this year wondering why our defensive coaches didn't see the same thing I was seeing. I dont know if it was because we weren't capable, weren't fit or weren't coached.

This issue also amplified some of our other deficiencies. We were often kicking from deep within our own half without a strong long kicking game. Our back three were frequently required to catch high kicks on our own line. I think our passive defence made these issues worse.

 

[Forster Dragon]

KK is not coming,we have been played by his manager who is doing a good job for his client.
On the positive side we have given South’s something to deal with and ongoing ramifications for their ongoing Cap may be significant.
Overall good to see our recruitment people show they are back in the game.

 

[saints4ever]

D Moale is off to the storm effective immediately from Souffs

Do we really think they would allow this if KK was leaving? Pffft

 

[Macedonian Dragon]

D Moale is off to the storm effective immediately from Souffs

Do we really think they would allow this if KK was leaving? Pffft

Moale already signed to go to Manly in 2027 when Keaon is off contract. So regardless, Moale was always going and it has nothing to do with Keaon staying or leaving

 

[saints4ever]

Moale already signed to go to Manly in 2027 when Keaon is off contract. So regardless, Moale was always going and it has nothing to do with Keaon staying or leaving

cap space

 

[CronullaSaint]

D Moale is off to the storm effective immediately from Souffs

Do we really think they would allow this if KK was leaving? Pffft

They are looking at an experienced English front rower forward. Do you think they would be doing this if KK is staying?

 

[Macedonian Dragon]

cap space

South's already had Moale's cap space free in 2027 while Keaon was and is on the open market and South's still didn't meet Keaon's asking price which is why he hit the market

 

[Mickov]

cap space

They needed to pay for Fifita as well

 

[saints4ever]

South's already had Moale's cap space free in 2027 while Keaon was and is on the open market and South's still didn't meet Keaon's asking price which is why he hit the market

But they have upped their offer to compete with ours and Parra

 

[saints4ever]

They are looking at an experienced English front rower forward. Do you think they would be doing this if KK is staying?

Sure, to replace Moale

 

[Rabbits20]

Moale leaving is the final piece to the Keaon puzzle. He’s staying and will be upgraded for 2026 too. His preference was to stay put all along! He is taking a bit less than what he would get elsewhere too wants to stay loyal! I’m stoked.

 

[possm]

The better teams had very good defensive line speed which limited the amount of ground the opposition made in attack. Our line speed was non existent. We would take one step and stop then slowly slide backwards as they attacked. This meant teams were making huge meters each set which begat ( thought id throw in a biblical/Xmas reference) attacking/scoring opportunities on our try line which begat inevitable try's. I would sit dumfounded when watching games this year wondering why our defensive coaches didn't see the same thing I was seeing. I dont know if it was because we weren't capable, weren't fit or weren't coached.

If our assistant coach (defense) is not in charge of line-speed in defense, what is his roll as an assistant coach?

Given that Dean Young has been with us for the past two seasons as assistant coach (defense), why has he not been held accountable for the Dragons' poor defensive performance?

 

[Auntie.Gerald]

Moale leaving is the final piece to the Keaon puzzle. He’s staying and will be upgraded for 2026 too. His preference was to stay put all along! He is taking a bit less than what he would get elsewhere too wants to stay loyal! I’m stoked.

Wow a few things

moale having to happen probably made things drag out for KK and extra $in 2026

Bennett must have rated him highly so that was good we had the same view and went hard

so what is plan B ?

hmmmm

 

[sammymills]

KK is not coming,we have been played by his manager who is doing a good job for his client.
On the positive side we have given South’s something to deal with and ongoing ramifications for their ongoing Cap may be significant.
Overall good to see our recruitment people show they are back in the game.

has it been announced somewhere hes staying?

 

[Macedonian Dragon]

Moale leaving is the final piece to the Keaon puzzle. He’s staying and will be upgraded for 2026 too. His preference was to stay put all along! He is taking a bit less than what he would get elsewhere too wants to stay loyal! I’m stoked.

Upgrading Keaon's contract for 2026 is an option but is it even allowed? Manly wanted to downgrade Tom Trbojevic's contract and the NRL didn't allow it. Not sure about the rules. So a club can upgrade a players contract that has already been signed but not downgrade it?