The Rumours Thread

[AyiosYiorgos]

So we have released Hunt (probably to go to the Roosters or Bulldogs), get no player in return and we don't have a recognised halfback for next year?

Stupid!

Yeap what a great day for us... Seriously we have literally 4months before the season starts, do you think in that time we will not get a replacement...

 

[Parko1310]

we will sign a halfback

Any word on who we might be after?

 

[TruSaint]

 

[Jubilee]

Any word on who we might be after?

And a prop also needed.

 

[TruSaint]

Forum feeling.

 

[mattw5]

Surely Daniel Atkinson is the play for our halves problem now. Gutho for Fullback & drop the chase of the Fox by moving Sloan to wing.

By my calcualtions with no extra signings announced & the release of Hunt we have 4 roster spots free.

 

[TheRev]

The phones will be ringing Hot to Flanno with Managers agitating releases for their Prized Clients

If we announce Lodge+Gutho in the next couple of days.. we will be riding that wave of optimism that always follows a good signing (as it was with Cook & Holmes).. thats our window to secure a 7.. get on board... hopefully immediately.. but worst case 2026.

 

[Jubilee]

Atkinson ticks all of the boxes. I even like that he is not an established first grader. He could come here at a fair price, give value, do as the coach says, and not think he is too good to be here.

 

[JubileeJeffro]

Atkinson ticks all of the boxes. I even like that he is not an established first grader. He could come here at a fair price, give value, do as the coach says, and not think he is too good to be here.

He led the team better than Nicho

 

[Biglance]

@BIG RIG now would be a good time to get your source on the phone and prod as hard as you can haha

 

[mattw5]

Atkinson ticks all of the boxes. I even like that he is not an established first grader. He could come here at a fair price, give value, do as the coach says, and not think he is too good to be here.

Only 23 & can play 6, 7 or 1

 

[BlackDuckSaint]

Only 23 & can play 6, 7 or 1

Comes from the Melbourne system as well.

 

[Slippery Morris]

Finally the Hunt saga is officially over. All the best to him and hope he enjoys his final seasons wherever he lands. We did see some good highlights of Ben in the red V unfortunately it just did not work out. In the end his bad highlights especially off field is what he may be remembered more for which he has himself to blame.

Flanno telling the press that nobody is bigger than the club is a huge statement and about time we have someone in charge that honestly believes that by getting rid of their 2 high profile players. Very bold move and I applaud Flanno for stamping his authority. He just goes to show the rest of the group, whoever you are, if you don't aim up you are gone.

Whoever Saints end up with, Flanno will make sure they have the best mindset to improve the playing group and move the club forward like his 2 good buys already in Cook and Holmes. Flanno is building a team not a group of individuals playing to there skill sets only and hoping for the best.

We are going to see a totally new look Saints team next year which is exciting. Bring on 2025.

 

[BlackDuckSaint]

I love the fact that Flanno has managed to get two huge pay packets off the docket without contributing a cent to another team.

I can't think of any examples of thos happening anywhere else. But twice is pretty impressive.

And all from behind a curtain of everything is ok on our end, implying all the agitation is coming from the players and managed.

No-one is bigger than the team is the new mantra going forward.

 

[BIG RIG]

Atkinson
Gutherson
Fox
Lodge

 

[TheRev]

Atkinson
Gutherson
Fox
Lodge

This is the exact 4 I have penciled in for our remaining 4 spots also.. just need to make sure they are all for 2025... that will fill up most of the 2-3million we have free.

From there if we have funds and can clear Rava/Lawrie, then we can think about it.. but its getting those big chess pieces signed first thats the key... and it does leave us a tiny bit light with the forwards, but we extend the Couchies on top.. and then we keep an ear out in the future.

 

[Dragonslayer]

Atkinson
Gutherson
Fox
Lodge

I agree with this.

IMO the 'release' of Hunt has been necessary to secure at least 2 of these 'probable' signings.

1. Lodge - has been signed for some time, but has to meet certain 'protocols' before finalisation
2. Gutho - wanted 3yrs, the release of Hunt gives us more leverage with a front run contract.
3. Atkinson - real up-and-comer in the halves, with 1st grade experience, needed Hunt to move on
4. JAC - I feel this won't be a priority, as discussed before.

These are JMO only but the release of Hunt 2 days before Nov 1 does signal something had to be done in a far more urgent manner.

 

[Parko1310]

I see some decent signings in all those guys, but no one really jumping off the page. Hunt's dismissal is a relief for sure, but I don't know how much we improve if at all. We all know Hunt's kicking wasn't great, but neither Kyle or Atkinson are good at this either. Kyle can barely kick the ball 30m.

I really hope Kyle isn't Flano's hill to die on, he needs to wake up and realise his son isn't good enough going forward. I've supported Flano in just about every decision he's made, but I always thought if he has Kyle in the team at all costs I won't support that. Atkinson might be a decent acquisition, but if we think he's carrying us towards finals, think again. We need another half on top of this, or we won't go anywhere, that's why I'd prioritise Trindall for example over Atkinson. If we can somehow land both, then great, but we need someone who can kick well and control a game. Neither Atkinson or Kyle are going to cut it in this way.

We're still going to be light in the middle too and probably in need of two more. Thompson and Willison need to be the top two priorities in the middle for 2026, with Kamakamica, potentially NAS pending his situation, Kaufusi as other options if you work your way down the list. Moale and a couple other guys probably at the bottom of a potential list for middles.

 

[st george tragic]

So we have released Hunt (probably to go to the Roosters or Bulldogs), get no player in return and we don't have a recognised halfback for next year?

Stupid!

Better no half-back than Hunt imo

 

[Jubilee]

I see some decent signings in all those guys, but no one really jumping off the page. Hunt's dismissal is a relief for sure, but I don't know how much we improve if at all. We all know Hunt's kicking wasn't great, but neither Kyle or Atkinson are good at this either. Kyle can barely kick the ball 30m.

I really hope Kyle isn't Flano's hill to die on, he needs to wake up and realise his son isn't good enough going forward. I've supported Flano in just about every decision he's made, but I always thought if he has Kyle in the team at all costs I won't support that. Atkinson might be a decent acquisition, but if we think he's carrying us towards finals, think again. We need another half on top of this, or we won't go anywhere, that's why I'd prioritise Trindall for example over Atkinson. If we can somehow land both, then great, but we need someone who can kick well and control a game. Neither Atkinson or Kyle are going to cut it in this way.

We're still going to be light in the middle too and probably in need of two more. Thompson and Willison need to be the top two priorities in the middle for 2026, with Kamakamica, potentially NAS pending his situation, Kaufusi as other options if you work your way down the list. Moale and a couple other guys probably at the bottom of a potential list for middles.

Trindall @ 7 and Atkinson @ 6 would be handy. Kyle would be in NSW Cup as halves cover. No need for Douehi?