The Rumours Thread

[Auntie.Gerald]

For all the talk from the Storm, they love him because he’s an amazing back-up option and he’s super cheap.
The pitch from Flanagan would be to remind him quietly that he’s a utility there, pure and simple. Come back to the Dragons, you’ll be a first choice half, in front of your people, you’ll be a superstar. Plus we’ll double your money.
That could be enough for him to agitate for a move, trouble is he seems like a great kid who will want to do the right thing by the Storm as they gave him his big break.

Can he kick in general play ?

 

[The Word]

"Damien Cook has urged the club to go hard in their pursuit of Rabbitohs halfback Lachlan Ilias heading into next season."

Happy to have Cook on field, love his commitment, but wish he'd stop being public regarding recruitment. This is the same bloke who urged Hunt to stay (f**k)

RE Ilias - Good half but not as good as KF (IMO)
Atkinson, however, can play half and 5/8.
To me Ilias would be a backup recruit but with Anasta as manager we'd be paying freight above his worth.
Braiff despises Dragons

Wouldn’t worry about it, shows he’s keen to get started and taking an interest.

 

[The Word]

Can he kick in general play ?

His average kicking metres seem pretty good but with the different roles he’s been playing for the Storm I don’t reckon we’ve seen enough.

 

[Jersey No 14]

I’d have Illias.
He was doing good things before Souths politics and JD needdd a scapegoat
Then he broke his leg.
That was ages ago now.
First grade experience held do well under Flano.

 

[TheRev]

I think Ilias+Kyle is doable, but someone a little bit nippier I reckon is what we want in that 6 jersey.. too kind of slow 7s might not pose much of a threat to the line.

I wouldnt rule out Flanno buying 2 extra halves though.. and maybe Douehi on top.. just depends how he wants to structure his last few spots.. and how much money he has obviously..

I dont think better halves will come up in 2025, Ilias and Atkinson, maybe one of the Poms.. I think thats about as good as it gets.. Wisharts off market.. there is nothing I can see agitating for 2026 that is worth waiting for.. Id shoot while we have the chance, with not many other clubs in the market for halves.

We need a strong 2025.. everything gets easier if we win more games... and change the way ppl look at us as a destination... so no holding back on roster imo.

 

[blacksafake]

In recent years we have suffered horrendously for leadership and direction

As a result Hunt got the captaincy a job he was poor at but there was no obvious alternative.

If Hunt wasn’t on the field and we got a penalty it got even worse with players looking at each other and over their shoulders not knowing what to do and waisting valuable time allowing our opposition to regroup.

With Gutho, Cook, Holmes on the field instantly we have positive decision making, clear direction and the ability to get the opposition under pressure maybe creating another penalty or a six again etc.

We should now be a side that can play faster and with higher intensity which is the hallmark of the better teams especially the top 4. I truly believe by mid season the Couchman’s will start to shine with their superior fitness and leg speed.

No room for the likes of Mud Guts Lawrie and Big Luc better lose a few Kgs as well otherwise he’ll be a bench player at best.

Hunt so often looked like a clueless space cadet and was a constant handbrake on our team so now we have an opportunity to go from a Morris Minor with a crash gear box to a 186 S Kingswood Premier with synchromesh.

Hopefully we get the GTS Monaro upgrade when a good half comes on board.

Well said OT.

 

[Murfy]

How good is it hearing Gutho is moving to the Gong because he’s all in on the Dragons. This bloke is going to be worth every cent plus some

 

[VodkaSaint]

How good is it hearing Gutho is moving to the Gong because he’s all in on the Dragons. This bloke is going to be worth every cent plus some

Unlike Hunt living in the shire and not mixing in with his team mates, what a flog!

 

[Inisai Toga]

How good is it hearing Gutho is moving to the Gong because he’s all in on the Dragons. This bloke is going to be worth every cent plus some

Yes, and along a similar line, don’t even mind Cook ‘promoting’ others to come down to Saints, as finally some positivity in the media….

Challenges the often negative perception associated with Wollongong experience (travel etc,…split grounds) out there, that arguably the club hasn’t been as successful in combating or watering down in recent years. Get more of these stories out there to promote the joint from a players perspective.

 

[Phantom V]

It’s funny how the media portrays Hunt leaving as having a negative effect on the club. They obviously haven’t been coming on to the forum and reading the room. If they did they would realise that for the first time in a long time there is a genuine buzz about the joint and it’s mostly attributed to captain gloomy being shown the door.
Finally Flanno is putting a squad together with some true leaders that will bring a much needed energy and positive vibe to the playing group. Can’t wait for next year

 

[Illusion]

It’s funny how the media portrays Hunt leaving as having a negative effect on the club. They obviously haven’t been coming on to the forum and reading the room. If they did they would realise that for the first time in a long time there is a genuine buzz about the joint and it’s mostly attributed to captain gloomy being shown the door.
Finally Flanno is putting a squad together with some true leaders that will bring a much needed energy and positive vibe to the playing group. Can’t wait for next year

Well said ....... Hunt was a grump that only cared about himself .........

 

[shazam]

Always check these pages & love the banter
Getting rid of Hunt & reading positive stories about Gutho finally a glimmer of hope of a decent team next year
Well done Flanno

 

[hewi]

How good is it hearing Gutho is moving to the Gong because he’s all in on the Dragons. This bloke is going to be worth every cent plus some

Spot on, a leader setting an example and buying in. Could turn out that this signing is a master stroke, we have been with a leader for years.

 

[Drewbrees]

It’s funny how the media portrays Hunt leaving as having a negative effect on the club. They obviously haven’t been coming on to the forum and reading the room. If they did they would realise that for the first time in a long time there is a genuine buzz about the joint and it’s mostly attributed to captain gloomy being shown the door.
Finally Flanno is putting a squad together with some true leaders that will bring a much needed energy and positive vibe to the playing group. Can’t wait for next year

Nailed it. I was telling a few workmates how happy I was about moving Hunt on and they wouln't believe me.

 

[Illusion]

Nailed it. I was telling a few workmates how happy I was about moving Hunt on and they wouln't believe me.

X2 ........

 

[mattw5]

Illias two year deal see how he goes.

 

[Illusion]

Illias two year deal see how he goes.

He will be better than what we had ...... It's a yes from me .......

 

[mattw5]

He will be better than what we had ...... It's a yes from me .......

Yep will probably only have to pay 350K leave more money on the table for May.

 

[TheRev]

I'm in love with Gutho moving his family.. still has the beaches and golf courses etc.. it means he's all in... I was worried the commute was going to kill his love to be there at training, doing extras etc..

I reckon Gutho will rock up late nov, early dec.. get the party started.. I think he will be our captain.

 

[Lovemedragons]

Lindsay Collins trying to convince BHunt during Kangaroo camp to sign for the Roosters.

He has taken some heavy hits to the head of late.