Player fire sale just weeks away

[Tigerdon]

can't wait until the cap is announced and the Fire Sale begins..
I'd be looking at more of an impact forward. Mat & Packer wont stay on as long as Woods. However both Twal and Eisenhuth can play longish minutes, to cover the loss of Woods minutes.
I hope ET's contract gets sorted soon, so we know where we stand.

 

[05TIGZ]

We've been smart for once and locked in a team that is neither overpaid, nor bargain basement. The 2018 team should be pushing for the top 8, but if we can pick up a few more high quality players in the supposed fire sale, then we'll push top 6.

I know it looks like we are light on forwards next year, but we've been pretty competitive in the last 3-4 weeks due to our defence with the current group of players. Next year should be an upgrade on overall performance - i.e. a more balanced squad across the park.

If anything, I think our Achilles heel will be the Brooks/Reynolds combo unless Brooks finds a kicking game in the next 6 months of course…

I agree with you 100%. Twal has been an absolute gem and eisenhuth a revelation. Add packer and mautilino to that and our forward pack looks great. We also have depth in the outside backs for next year. It really is going to be our 1,6 and 7\. They could either go great guns or flop really badly. Well at least for once it won't be the forwardxpack to blame.

 

[tiger_one]

We've been smart for once and locked in a team that is neither overpaid, nor bargain basement. The 2018 team should be pushing for the top 8, but if we can pick up a few more high quality players in the supposed fire sale, then we'll push top 6.

I know it looks like we are light on forwards next year, but we've been pretty competitive in the last 3-4 weeks due to our defence with the current group of players. Next year should be an upgrade on overall performance - i.e. a more balanced squad across the park.

If anything, I think our Achilles heel will be the Brooks/Reynolds combo unless Brooks finds a kicking game in the next 6 months of course…

I agree with you 100%. Twal has been an absolute gem and eisenhuth a revelation. Add packer and mautilino to that and our forward pack looks great. We also have depth in the outside backs for next year. It really is going to be our 1,6 and 7\. They could either go great guns or flop really badly. Well at least for once it won't be the forwardxpack to blame.

But, as they say, forwards win matches!
So the spine will settle and get better whilst the piggies in the middle will lay the platform for go forward.
Sounds like the bus driver has a pretty good plan!

 

[earl]

We've been smart for once and locked in a team that is neither overpaid, nor bargain basement. The 2018 team should be pushing for the top 8, but if we can pick up a few more high quality players in the supposed fire sale, then we'll push top 6.

I know it looks like we are light on forwards next year, but we've been pretty competitive in the last 3-4 weeks due to our defence with the current group of players. Next year should be an upgrade on overall performance - i.e. a more balanced squad across the park.

If anything, I think our Achilles heel will be the Brooks/Reynolds combo unless Brooks finds a kicking game in the next 6 months of course…

I agree with you 100%. Twal has been an absolute gem and eisenhuth a revelation. Add packer and mautilino to that and our forward pack looks great. We also have depth in the outside backs for next year. It really is going to be our 1,6 and 7\. They could either go great guns or flop really badly. Well at least for once it won't be the forwardxpack to blame.

This is exactly how I feel but I'd add the 9 into the list of players who may perform really well or may be hopeless. All of these guys could be great but they could also be ordinary.

I hope we get Benji because then we automatically have really good cover for the halves and maybe even fullback.

 

[goldcoast_tiger]

Don't worry about next week .. its already started:
James Graham = Around $1+ mil
Morris twins = upwards of $700+ k each (back ended)
Moses Mybe = $800 k
Greg Eastwood = $800+ k

700k for Graham would be a good swap for woods or Eastwood for near 300k )

700 for Graham. More like around 450\. The bloke was on the slide last year, and wasn't a threat in the games I've seen this season.
I admit he's got a big will to win. , but that means nothing if the body' start to slow down and can't keep up. Would have loved to have him here a couple of years ago.
But not now.

 

[05TIGZ]

We've been smart for once and locked in a team that is neither overpaid, nor bargain basement. The 2018 team should be pushing for the top 8, but if we can pick up a few more high quality players in the supposed fire sale, then we'll push top 6.

I know it looks like we are light on forwards next year, but we've been pretty competitive in the last 3-4 weeks due to our defence with the current group of players. Next year should be an upgrade on overall performance - i.e. a more balanced squad across the park.

If anything, I think our Achilles heel will be the Brooks/Reynolds combo unless Brooks finds a kicking game in the next 6 months of course…

I agree with you 100%. Twal has been an absolute gem and eisenhuth a revelation. Add packer and mautilino to that and our forward pack looks great. We also have depth in the outside backs for next year. It really is going to be our 1,6 and 7\. They could either go great guns or flop really badly. Well at least for once it won't be the forwardxpack to blame.

This is exactly how I feel but I'd add the 9 into the list of players who may perform really well or may be hopeless. All of these guys could be great but they could also be ordinary.

I hope we get Benji because then we automatically have really good cover for the halves and maybe even fullback.

I'm going to throw it out there, I reckon liddle will be one of our best players next year. I reckon he will put on 5kgs in the off season and on the back of our massive forward pack he will be a star. Let's just hope he stays injury free.

 

[05TIGZ]

We've been smart for once and locked in a team that is neither overpaid, nor bargain basement. The 2018 team should be pushing for the top 8, but if we can pick up a few more high quality players in the supposed fire sale, then we'll push top 6.

I know it looks like we are light on forwards next year, but we've been pretty competitive in the last 3-4 weeks due to our defence with the current group of players. Next year should be an upgrade on overall performance - i.e. a more balanced squad across the park.

If anything, I think our Achilles heel will be the Brooks/Reynolds combo unless Brooks finds a kicking game in the next 6 months of course…

I agree with you 100%. Twal has been an absolute gem and eisenhuth a revelation. Add packer and mautilino to that and our forward pack looks great. We also have depth in the outside backs for next year. It really is going to be our 1,6 and 7\. They could either go great guns or flop really badly. Well at least for once it won't be the forwardxpack to blame.

But, as they say, forwards win matches!
So the spine will settle and get better whilst the piggies in the middle will lay the platform for go forward.
Sounds like the bus driver has a pretty good plan!

The bus driver has definitely built a great forward pack to lay the platform next year. Let's just hope the halves complete the sets and spend plenty of time in the off season having kicking practice.

 

[Nelson]

Don't worry about next week .. its already started:
James Graham = Around $1+ mil
Morris twins = upwards of $700+ k each (back ended)
Moses Mybe = $800 k
Greg Eastwood = $800+ k

700k for Graham would be a good swap for woods or Eastwood for near 300k )

700 for Graham. More like around 450\. The bloke was on the slide last year, and wasn't a threat in the games I've seen this season.
I admit he's got a big will to win. , but that means nothing if the body' start to slow down and can't keep up. Would have loved to have him here a couple of years ago.
But not now.

He might be worth 700 to Newcastle who need a pack leader but he's not worth 700 to us. His work rate is still good - he makes a lot of tackles and misses very few and he'll take any hit up you ask of him - but his effectiveness in attack has definitely dropped lately.

 

[Geo]

Going so far none of them are worth 50c..

 

[AL The Tiger]

We've been smart for once and locked in a team that is neither overpaid, nor bargain basement. The 2018 team should be pushing for the top 8, but if we can pick up a few more high quality players in the supposed fire sale, then we'll push top 6.

I know it looks like we are light on forwards next year, but we've been pretty competitive in the last 3-4 weeks due to our defence with the current group of players. Next year should be an upgrade on overall performance - i.e. a more balanced squad across the park.

If anything, I think our Achilles heel will be the Brooks/Reynolds combo unless Brooks finds a kicking game in the next 6 months of course…

I agree with you 100%. Twal has been an absolute gem and eisenhuth a revelation. Add packer and mautilino to that and our forward pack looks great. We also have depth in the outside backs for next year. It really is going to be our 1,6 and 7\. They could either go great guns or flop really badly. Well at least for once it won't be the forwardxpack to blame.

But, as they say, forwards win matches!
So the spine will settle and get better whilst the piggies in the middle will lay the platform for go forward.
Sounds like the bus driver has a pretty good plan!

The bus driver has definitely built a great forward pack to lay the platform next year. Let's just hope the halves complete the sets and spend plenty of time in the off season having kicking practice.

Sure have.

 

[goldcoast_tiger]

Back-ended contracts are only an issue because the NRL sets the salary cap a year before the season (actually it's less than a year!). If the NRL could set the cap 3-5 years in advance, then back ended contracts can be measured against the teams net value for future years. It's pretty poor to expect a club to manage a roster 3-6 years in advance without telling them what the cap is.

I've got a feeling that if the NRL says that they have to sell players, then there will be legal challenges flying all over the place. There's been plenty of time when this should have been sorted way earlier and their letting on that the salary cap would be higher, and then flipping and flopping around , hasn't helped anybody.
I'm no expert, but if a business was run like the NRL, , god help them.
This could get a lot stickier yet, as clubs could argue that they have to prepare for next year , and they still have no certainty of what's happening.
Lawyers may have a field day if the NRL tries to play silly Buggers for much longer.
I wouldn't be surprised if there's still a lot more to come from this

 

[earl]

We've been smart for once and locked in a team that is neither overpaid, nor bargain basement. The 2018 team should be pushing for the top 8, but if we can pick up a few more high quality players in the supposed fire sale, then we'll push top 6.

I know it looks like we are light on forwards next year, but we've been pretty competitive in the last 3-4 weeks due to our defence with the current group of players. Next year should be an upgrade on overall performance - i.e. a more balanced squad across the park.

If anything, I think our Achilles heel will be the Brooks/Reynolds combo unless Brooks finds a kicking game in the next 6 months of course…

I agree with you 100%. Twal has been an absolute gem and eisenhuth a revelation. Add packer and mautilino to that and our forward pack looks great. We also have depth in the outside backs for next year. It really is going to be our 1,6 and 7\. They could either go great guns or flop really badly. Well at least for once it won't be the forwardxpack to blame.

This is exactly how I feel but I'd add the 9 into the list of players who may perform really well or may be hopeless. All of these guys could be great but they could also be ordinary.

I hope we get Benji because then we automatically have really good cover for the halves and maybe even fullback.

I'm going to throw it out there, I reckon liddle will be one of our best players next year. I reckon he will put on 5kgs in the off season and on the back of our massive forward pack he will be a star. Let's just hope he stays injury free.

I get the impression that Liddle is close to being a really good player as well. His defence isn't as dominant as McIlwrick's but his defence is good. He is also quick and can make a bust from dummy half. If our pack performs well which it should I think he will make plenty of busts.

The only area I'm concerned with is his service and the hog plays.

 

[earl]

Don't worry about next week .. its already started:
James Graham = Around $1+ mil
Morris twins = upwards of $700+ k each (back ended)
Moses Mybe = $800 k
Greg Eastwood = $800+ k

700k for Graham would be a good swap for woods or Eastwood for near 300k )

700 for Graham. More like around 450\. The bloke was on the slide last year, and wasn't a threat in the games I've seen this season.
I admit he's got a big will to win. , but that means nothing if the body' start to slow down and can't keep up. Would have loved to have him here a couple of years ago.
But not now.

He might be worth 700 to Newcastle who need a pack leader but he's not worth 700 to us. His work rate is still good - he makes a lot of tackles and misses very few and he'll take any hit up you ask of him - but his effectiveness in attack has definitely dropped lately.

I don't think we need Graham. We could buy an explosive forward but Graham isn't that.

 

[earl]

Back-ended contracts are only an issue because the NRL sets the salary cap a year before the season (actually it's less than a year!). If the NRL could set the cap 3-5 years in advance, then back ended contracts can be measured against the teams net value for future years. It's pretty poor to expect a club to manage a roster 3-6 years in advance without telling them what the cap is.

I've got a feeling that if the NRL says that they have to sell players, then there will be legal challenges flying all over the place. There's been plenty of time when this should have been sorted way earlier and their letting on that the salary cap would be higher, and then flipping and flopping around , hasn't helped anybody.
I'm no expert, but if a business was run like the NRL, , god help them.
This could get a lot stickier yet, as clubs could argue that they have to prepare for next year , and they still have no certainty of what's happening.
Lawyers may have a field day if the NRL tries to play silly Buggers for much longer.
I wouldn't be surprised if there's still a lot more to come from this

Really. My understanding is that the NRL have told clubs for a while to stay under the existing cap.

 

[AL The Tiger]

Matty Johns on The Late Show:
"The Bulldogs are going to have to get rid of one desired player."
Tallis then added that it would have to be between Graham and Klemmer as no club is taking the players they were originally offering.

 

[Defiant]

I dream of Klemmer joining us. Woods would melt down :slight_smile:

 

[newtiger]

The Telecrap online said that Ray Dib called a meeting at dogs league club on Monday trying to get club to gang up on the $9.2 million cap WT were excluded from the meeting.
It's worth a read.

 

[newtiger]

Clubs to meet as war looms with the NRL
Google it

 

[gallagher]

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/canterbury-bulldogs-chairman-ray-dib-sets-up-secret-clubs-meeting-as-salary-cap-war-with-nrl-looms/news-story/a571b15ef9f7943d7c50177add813356

IT IS the Chinese meal which could flip rugby league on its head.

Some of the game’s most powerful club figures have been invited to an exclusive, secret Chinese feast on Monday by Canterbury chairman Ray Dib, as the clubs prepare to wage war on the NRL’s planned $9.2 million dollar salary cap offer.

Among the invitees of the original email sent on Wednesday include Penrith’s Phil Gould and Brian Fletcher, Canberra’s Don Furner, St George Illawarra chairman Brian Johnston, Roosters boss Joe Kelly, Cronulla chief executive Lyall Gorman and South Sydney’s head of football Shane Richardson. Parramatta’s Bernie Gurr has also been extended an invite while Wests Tigers officials were snubbed.

NRL boss Todd Greenberg has also been invited and is expected to front up where it is understood he will give the clubs an updated understanding of the NRL’s salary cap position.

Canterbury and Canberra are among the clubs in most salary cap strife while a host of others clubs budgeted for a salary cap of about $9.5 million.
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Nick Pappas and Ray Dib arrive for a meeting with NRL Chairman John Grant. Picture Gregg Porteous
With suggestions the cap could be as low as $9.2 million next year, tensions are starting to build within club ranks as they fear that may need to shed a host of star players. Canterbury have been making waves with NRL officials in recent weeks as they look to work out how they can become salary cap compliant by the time next year’s season starts.

However, clubs have plenty of power if they present a united front. All that is needed is five disgruntled clubs to stick together and they could block any salary cap agreement struck between the NRL and the Rugby League Players Association which has the potential to send the game into further chaos.

Seventy five per cent of clubs — or 12 of the 16 — must agree to the new collective bargaining agreement. Greenberg and the NRL will meet all clubs on Thursday to present the new-look CBA.

Dib said he would use Monday’s meeting to gauge each club’s position, with the salary cap expected to dominate proceedings. Dib has promised to shout the attendees lunch inside Canterbury Leagues Club.

“It is a catch-up with some of the executive of the various NSW-based membership owned clubs,” Dib told the Daily Telegraph. “It is to find out where everyone is at. What their feelings are and the general conscious heading into next week’s meeting.”
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NRL CEO Todd Greenberg has been invited to attend.
Aside from potentially rounding up five clubs in a bid to block a low-balled salary cap offer, other salary cap alternatives will also be discussed on Monday. These include having a “soft” salary cap for next year or having a higher cap for 2018 before scaling back player costs over for the next three years.

Meanwhile, Canterbury have named Andrew Hill as chief executive to replace Raelene Castle. Hill won’t start until December, when his commitments end as boss of the World Cup.

Listen! David Riccio, Michael Carayannis and Paul Suttor discuss tenuous coaching positions, the next immortal and if Cronulla can revive their title defence. Plus a full Round 23 preview.
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He has enjoyed a long history with the game having played for Parramatta before making a successful transition into successful sports administration.

“It is a very exciting opportunity for me,” Hill said. “Canterbury has a strong, proud history. While I’m looking forward to joining the club my immediate focus is on continuing to work hard and ensuing the Rugby League World Cup is a success and we deliver an outcome that grows the game both in traditional and emerging markets.”

 

[colmcd]

Canberra in strife. PLEASE.

Naturally Josh Papalii isn't going anywhere though he would be an awesome buy. Yes I would fork out Woods money for him.
How do the Raiders loose Paul Vaughan and still be in cap trouble?