The Rumours Thread

[saints4ever]

Double post

 

[AyiosYiorgos]

I don’t know if this has already been discussed or not , however I read that the Bulldogs have sign ‘ unwanted ‘ Dragon forward Corey Ackers to a contract .
I don’t know what has happened overs the years , but that bloke had everything going for him for a big man , size , plenty of go forward and tackle like a demon - he could even side step which was odd for a player off his size .

Now uncle Gus has signed him up and as said he will be wearing the Bulldogs colours - another one we let get away ?

We decided not to sign him up again, had a few injuries and supposedly some off field issues..

 

[hook hook]

Ackers last year was not the same as ackers of old. After the injury he just looked like a massive vulnerability (slow, no lateral movement) he also looked to have lost the sledge hammer-type tackles. Not a single person would have put him above current crop of front rowers, like Loko, Hutchio and even Weatherall

 

[Gardenia]

I don't know if there is any truth to this, but apparently Deardon is looking to make a move to Sydney. I know he only re-signed at the beginning of last year, but his girlfriend lives in Sydney, which adds a bit of possibility to the story

Shane had talks with Dearden when he first joined us and wanted him back then before he played origin etc.

 

[Gardenia]

For me, more concerning, is the pressure we put on young Reed. Remember Sullivan, Amone, Sloan etc. (I could go on)
Yeah- I want him to exceed beyond even the highest expectations on this forum but, 'HE AINT THE MESIAH" till he proves he is.

Reed needs to prove his worth no matter who we recruit.

I'm on his side but I still expect him to do the dishes till his 'master chef', talent is realised

Yes agree that the pressure and expectation/hyoe 100 percent should not be put on Reed. Have we not learnt

 

[InFlannoWeTrust]

Dragons have signed 21 yr old prop- Bailey Carmichael .
As per the mole.

anyone have more info?

 

[JubileeJeffro]

Dragons have signed 21 yr old prop- Bailey Carmichael .
As per the mole.

anyone have more info?

Played in the knights under 20 system last year. Big kid

 

[Old Timer]

For me, more concerning, is the pressure we put on young Reed. Remember Sullivan, Amone, Sloan etc. (I could go on)
Yeah- I want him to exceed beyond even the highest expectations on this forum but, 'HE AINT THE MESIAH" till he proves he is.

Reed needs to prove his worth no matter who we recruit.

I'm on his side but I still expect him to do the dishes till his 'master chef', talent is realised

Sullivan, Amone, Sloan all arrogant and demanding types and in fact they placed much of the pressure on themselves and their much vaunted potential never materialized into performance despite the big $$$ they commanded.

Reed appears to be a totally different kettle of fish altogether.

 

[The Word]

Dragons have signed 21 yr old prop- Bailey Carmichael .
As per the mole.

anyone have more info?

He’s a unit. And good speed for his size.

 

[TheRev]

looks like a flegg/cup contract.. hasnt played any cup yet despite being on a T&T supposedly last season (which is very odd).. def loves scoring a try though hes a real threat... big... tall... fast.... spins.. not sure on defence/minutes which he would probably need for 1st grade.. even if hes just an impact prop... lets see how he goes in our system.. helps in replacing Jett Liu also.

 

[Gareth67]

Where would you have him compared to the players we have?

In reference to Corey Ackers ? A couple of seasons back the man was being referred to as a player of immense potential however since then all has been quite about him .
However the subsequent posts by ‘ Hook Hook ‘ and ‘ Ayios Yiorgos answer my questions .

 

[since77]

Sullivan, Amone, Sloan all arrogant and demanding types and in fact they placed much of the pressure on themselves and their much vaunted potential never materialized into performance despite the big $$$ they commanded.

Reed appears to be a totally different kettle of fish altogether.

How long is it since we've brought through a "home grown" genuine top shelf half? Way too long. From the little I've seen of Reed he seems to have a fantastic work ethic and some actual footy smarts. Let's hope he makes the transition.

 

[possm]

How long is it since we've brought through a "home grown" genuine top shelf half? Way too long. From the little I've seen of Reed he seems to have a fantastic work ethic and some actual footy smarts. Let's hope he makes the transition.

I tip Reed to go really well in reserve grade in early 2026. He will then (through good form) put huge pressure on our N:RL Halves eventually wareing the 7 jumper with Atkinson playing at 6.

I also tip Atkinson moving to fullback if Gutherson becomes unavailablle with LKT replacing him at 6.

 

[JubileeJeffro]

I tip Reed to go really well in reserve grade in early 2026. He will then (through good form) put huge pressure on our N:RL Halves eventually wareing the 7 jumper with Atkinson playing at 6.

I also tip Atkinson moving to fullback if Gutherson becomes unavailablle with LKT replacing him at 6.

When we have finally signed a decent half or 5/8 why do you continue to suggest he plays fullback? He has never played fullback.
Or are you just trying to find a new spot for Gutho?

 

[TheRev]

We have definitely been hunting 2027 fullbacks though.. we are clearly in that market.

As for halves... I'm sure if another Metcalf type signing came up we would shoot for that too.. but it would be opportunistic I feel.. also we will know more about Atkinsons potential in the next few months... if it goes poorly we will ramp up our chase for a 7.

 

[RedVee]

How long is it since we've brought through a "home grown" genuine top shelf half? Way too long. From the little I've seen of Reed he seems to have a fantastic work ethic and some actual footy smarts. Let's hope he makes the transition.

Matt Head would be the last pure half I guess, if his knees had held together.

Ben Hornby did very well, extremely well, as a manufactured halfback.

 

[Dragsters]

Matt Head would be the last pure half I guess, if his knees had held together.

Ben Hornby did very well, extremely well, as a manufactured halfback.

Loved Matty Head.

 

[kit66]

I tip Reed to go really well in reserve grade in early 2026. He will then (through good form) put huge pressure on our N:RL Halves eventually wareing the 7 jumper with Atkinson playing at 6.

I also tip Atkinson moving to fullback if Gutherson becomes unavailablle with LKT replacing him at 6.

That sounds sensible, even plausible until you remember last year when we had arguably the best halves pairing in KOE Cup, both of whom were playing excellent footy and were still completely ignored by our coach. We know why.
Reed might be a year off anyway to get to where he needs to be for 1st Grade.
Atkinson's too slow for fullback, we need a real fb not a squeezed in pretender.

 

[CronullaSaint]

Sullivan, Amone, Sloan all arrogant and demanding types and in fact they placed much of the pressure on themselves and their much vaunted potential never materialized into performance despite the big $$$ they commanded.

Reed appears to be a totally different kettle of fish altogether.

I wouldn't call Sloan arrogant and demanding. Seems like a good humble kid. Has had issues with his game that have not been resolved as yet (see what happens this year).

 

[Dracarys]

Sloan is scared of being hurt. You can’t coach that out.