The Rumours Thread

[Dragsters]

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.nine.com.au/sport/nrl/news-2025-st-george-illawarra-dragons-sign-matthew-lodge-contract-20250117-p5l597.html&ved=2ahUKEwjAy7PI0ICLAxWOT2wGHeo_O-kQFnoECGEQAQ&sqi=2&usg=AOvVaw0Ag80I2uTAnbiOhN3CwpVn

Officially unofficial then...

 

[dungay dragon]

Guys hearing that the Storm may let Prop Christian Welch go early if he received an offer from elsewhere
Storms cap is tight as they struggle to ensure the futures of others in their ranks
Welch who is signed up for 25 has an unusual clause in his contract where he must play 18 games this season to continue in 26
Another in veteran class , but an accomplished front rower with good ball skills and defence , and would be a good leader for our young Dragon pups coming thru.
Just putting it out there

 

[Hound of Dracula]

What did Flanno see in Lodge that didn't deserve the last spot, but still a T&T offer?

You have to trust the coach!

At the very least it was entertaining when these pages all came to life

 

[St Tangles]

Guys hearing that the Storm may let Prop Christian Welch go early if he received an offer from elsewhere
Storms cap is tight as they struggle to ensure the futures of others in their ranks
Welch who is signed up for 25 has an unusual clause in his contract where he must play 18 games this season to continue in 26
Another in veteran class , but an accomplished front rower with good ball skills and defence , and would be a good leader for our young Dragon pups coming thru.
Just putting it out there

He has been bog average for 2 years

 

[dungay dragon]

He has been bog average for 2 years

many on here thought the same re Lodge
Just passing it on

 

[St Tangles]

many on here thought the same re Lodge
Just passing it on

I like the info.
Was just giving opinion on how far he has fallen.
I'm not overly keen on Lodge but he offers more than Welch.

 

[Smurf]

Posted on JA

can only give you the intel from a close contact of Lodges

South’s deals pre Christmas was all but done except big Wayne had very late second thoughts and squashed the deal

Last week the Dragons stepped up ( again with a deal ) His manager has been pushing him to the dragons.

Unfortunately from his point of view …. The offer was only for 12 months … can’t confirm what tof money was discussed etc

He declined due to young family etc

He really wants at least a two year contract

Source says he is going to continue to wait until a better contract offer comes through .. from .. who ever , but wants to stay close to Manly

It’s a brutal industry

Shane obviously playing hardball

 

[qld redvee]

Guys hearing that the Storm may let Prop Christian Welch go early if he received an offer from elsewhere
Storms cap is tight as they struggle to ensure the futures of others in their ranks
Welch who is signed up for 25 has an unusual clause in his contract where he must play 18 games this season to continue in 26
Another in veteran class , but an accomplished front rower with good ball skills and defence , and would be a good leader for our young Dragon pups coming thru.
Just putting it out there

Dungay,
My opinion is he's not worth it. Struggling to get into the storm team and to me has little impact and pretty slow. Rather have what we already have and hed want a 2 year deal no thanks pass

 

[possm]

I'm devastated, I thought we had finally landed to the missing link in our forward pack.

Now, I'd like to fastrack Tonga or select Ravalawa as a prop in reserve grade and see how he goes.

 

[TheRev]

Welch was probably playing injured, but there was a lot of Lawrie in him in the back end of 2024... Seemed right off the pace.

If we did get him it's def 1yr only.. I'd like to think we could do better though, but I dunno who.. Still hoping a fat 1yr deal might entice lodge, but if his kids r going into school etc...i get it.. Would be a hell of a pay check though..

 

[dungay dragon]

Welch was probably playing injured, but there was a lot of Lawrie in him in the back end of 2024... Seemed right off the pace.

If we did get him it's def 1yr only.. I'd like to think we could do better though, but I dunno who.. Still hoping a fat 1yr deal might entice lodge, but if his kids r going into school etc...i get it.. Would be a hell of a pay check though..

Flanno dipping the fishing line out there
hopeful of a bite from a discontented player and/or agitating manager
maybe can still flush one out this close to the season start
Agree dont believe either lodge/welch ideal , just proving shelf really bare

 

[possm]

I'd rather Flannop go for an international RU prop. Big, strong, fit, and around 28 years old. We have some good young props coming through so, this would be a bit of a gamble but could prove to be just what we needed.

 

[getsmarty]

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[Jubilee]

He has been bog average for 2 years

Another james graham. We don't need an aging prop. Melb have squeezed all the juice out of Welch. These old guys have no incentive to give their all. Esp someone like Welch who has had many good paydays.

 

[possm]

Another james graham. We don't need an aging prop. Melb have squeezed all the juice out of Welch. These old guys have no incentive to give their all. Esp someone like Welch who has had many good paydays.

Another Harry Bath from the UK would be just what the doctor ordered. It should have been our priority for season 2025.