Update on Dykes & looks like Thorman dropped (again)

[Hurriflatch]

Both from SMH but different articles.

NORTH QLD v PARRAMATTA Dairy Farmers Stadium, tonight 7.35

Eels centre Luke Burt, in doubt because his girlfriend Madeline was due to give birth, welcomed Sophie into the world late on Thursday and travelled to Townsville with his teammates yesterday. Chris Thorman is tipped to be omitted from a five-man bench. Cowboys prop Paul Rauhihi has been in doubt all week with a knee injury but completed training yesterday and is expected to play.

Cronulla are expected to finalise a deal next week with Parramatta to release five-eighth Adam Dykes back to the club where he began his career.

 

[Eelementary]

So how does it work - do we get some money from Cronulla, seeing as Dykes is still contracted to us?

Seems as though Morris is the go at 5/8 for us next season.

 

[Hurriflatch]

Well If the Sharks forum is to be beleived (not the most reliable source I know)

Then the Sharks will pay 200,000-220,000 of Dykes' salary for 2005.

That is reported to be in the range of 280,000-300,000 meaning at worse (ie Sharks pay 200K and the deal is 300K) then Parra are left the pay the remaining $100,000

 

[Morenito]

If Smith is letting Dykes go next season as the rumors say
IF IT DID HAPPEN do you guys think that maybe he will stick with wagon and witt to see out the season ?

 

[blackfriday]

damn...witt/morris is the premiership winning combination then. well i hope chris thorman enjoyed his time here.

 

[bartman]

I think Smith will still use Dykes this year if fit. Probably back at 5-8, leaving Witt at no 7.

But against teams with dynamic halves, Wags' defence in there can be quite useful (eg last week v Roosters).

Once Cronulla do their stuff, I'll happily look forward to Witt/Morris in the halves for next year - a much better option!

 

[strider]

I don't think Smithy would leave Dykes out just because he won't be here next season....that has NEVER been done before (were Drewy, Hindy, Ryan etc ever left out because they decided to leave??? - i don't believe so).

 

[Eelectrica]

While their is still some small chance of making the finals then Smith has to go with the best team.
When we are officially out of finals contention, then Smith must start preparing for next year.

 

[Hollywood Jesus]

letting dykes go is a big mistake, imo

 

[The Colonel]

They obviously have something in mind with his release - I feel he has something to offer the club for 2005 in a similar role to that which PJ used to play.

I have heard a couple of things as to why he is being released and as its speculation I won't divulge but its rather interesting anyways - if you see me on the hill I'll tell ya. ;-)

 

[Pazza]

Agreed HJ, i can't see why the club wont hold onto Dykes for the last year of his contract and not re sign him next season. It gives Witt alot more time in first grade as the assisting play maker and when he becomes the main play maker in 2006 he will have 40+ first grade games under his belt.

 

[Redback71]

funny how things change last year everyone could not wait to get rid of dykes not you all want to keep him. have to say i agree as well

 

[William Hung]

We need to get rid of Dykes to stay under the cap.

 

[Utey]

not true we are still a little bit under

 

[Eels Dude]

We need to get rid of Dykes to stay under the cap.

That cannot be right. It doesn't work that way.

 

[Ron Jeremy]

We definately need Dykes!

 

[the killer eel]

If we release Dykes who is on around $300000, does that mean we will be under the cap by the same amount? Some extra money for another purchase? Surely we wouldn't being releasing Dykes, just to stay under the cap, what would happen it the sharks don't want him, we would be well and truly over the cap, thus risking the loss of points in 2005 season. I couldn't see the sense in purchasing the players we have , putting us over the cap and just hoping we can off load Dykes to remain under the cap.

 

[Corbin]

Why r eels releaseing thorman! i think he is a great player he would be good at 5/8 with morris going to centre

 

[Phillips]

Dykes has been a waste...i for one would personally show him the door

i would like to keep Thorman though, he as showed glimpses of what he can do, he just needs a bloody chance #-o

 

[Suitman]

i would like to keep Thorman though, he as showed glimpses of what he can do, he just needs a bloody chance #-o

And he has SWEET FA chance of that happening with Smith as Coach.

The kid must be so disillusioned with the NRL.

sUITY