Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

I can certainly understand that take. No massive issue with it.

On my side, after rd 8 we will have a lot more data to work with including his synergy with Luai.

What sort of money are we talking? Brooks money?

For a million bucks a year you want to make sure you’re backing a winner.
By round 8 he's thinking about apartments in Bondi mate - we'll be hearing "want to concentrate on my footy/manager is taking care of all that stuff/will look at it in the off season". We have to make a decision and back it or this is Tedesco mark 2.
 
Not his fault either. Someone in our club wanted him. He agreed to come along for the ride.
..and at double the $$ he was getting at Dragons ..for next 4 years..why wouldnt you?
But a Luai comes up once every 5 years or so ..elite current SOO half entering his prime years..so youve gotta snare him
We have a responsibility to Bud to make him a better player..it starts with putting on a few kilos in off season and improving his defence.We do that,and its a win/win..he plays better for us,and is more attractive buy
And tbh..u just dont know what Galvin is going to do or how he performs when he fills out a bit...and Latu hasnt been fit for 12 months
Its not a terrible situation to be in...particularly if yr a Dragons supporter facing Flanagan and Elias as yr halves pairing next year
 
Based on Birds comments and some photos out of training, i anticipate that Bird will start in that 13 role with perhaps Sione or Pole covering a 20 minute stint when Bird is off, or if he is required to shift to backrow due to an injury. Assuming Bateman is gone, i would predict they would be looking at something like this.

8. May
9. Koroisau
10. Pole
11. Seyfarth
12. Samuela Fainu
13. Bird

14. TDS/Latu
15. Hunt
16. Klemmer/Twal
17. Sione Fainu

The bench is middle heavy, however maybe their thinking is that Bird can cover Seyfarth or Samuela if needed and Latu, Sione or Pole can cover that 13 role if required.
 
Based on Birds comments and some photos out of training, i anticipate that Bird will start in that 13 role with perhaps Sione or Pole covering a 20 minute stint when Bird is off, or if he is required to shift to backrow due to an injury. Assuming Bateman is gone, i would predict they would be looking at something like this.

8. May
9. Koroisau
10. Pole
11. Seyfarth
12. Samuela Fainu
13. Bird

14. TDS/Latu
15. Hunt
16. Klemmer/Twal
17. Sione Fainu

The bench is middle heavy, however maybe their thinking is that Bird can cover Seyfarth or Samuela if needed and Latu, Sione or Pole can cover that 13 role if required.

I don’t love it .. but probably what seems to be a good chance of happening three months out.

I’m hoping one more forward (edge ) can “fall out of the tree”..

still think Bird is on the bench for our best squad
 
I don’t love it .. but probably what seems to be a good chance of happening three months out.

I’m hoping one more forward (edge ) can “fall out of the tree”..

still think Bird is on the bench for our best squad
I agree, i personally would prefer Bird in the 14 role and Seyfarth off the bench at best.

An edge backrower to replace Bateman would be ideal and for Matamua or Kit to make a massive leap this offseason. That would be the most ideal situation.
 
Bird is 95 kilos...neither here nor there.
Too small for a middle forward...and these days is a little slow for a centre,particularly if paired up with Olam
And thats why Dragons punted him
But hes a former SOO player with a good attitude....and well find a slot for him somewhere.
But it may not be in the first chosen 13
Handy pickup @$$were paying him
 
Based on Birds comments and some photos out of training, i anticipate that Bird will start in that 13 role with perhaps Sione or Pole covering a 20 minute stint when Bird is off, or if he is required to shift to backrow due to an injury. Assuming Bateman is gone, i would predict they would be looking at something like this.

8. May
9. Koroisau
10. Pole
11. Seyfarth
12. Samuela Fainu
13. Bird

14. TDS/Latu
15. Hunt
16. Klemmer/Twal
17. Sione Fainu

The bench is middle heavy, however maybe their thinking is that Bird can cover Seyfarth or Samuela if needed and Latu, Sione or Pole can cover that 13 role if required.
Being unbiased here…. but that’s not a top 8 forward pack and could be arguably the worst pack in the comp at current stage.

Still need to bring in some reinforcements.
 
Based on Birds comments and some photos out of training, i anticipate that Bird will start in that 13 role with perhaps Sione or Pole covering a 20 minute stint when Bird is off, or if he is required to shift to backrow due to an injury. Assuming Bateman is gone, i would predict they would be looking at something like this.

8. May
9. Koroisau
10. Pole
11. Seyfarth
12. Samuela Fainu
13. Bird

14. TDS/Latu
15. Hunt
16. Klemmer/Twal
17. Sione Fainu

The bench is middle heavy, however maybe their thinking is that Bird can cover Seyfarth or Samuela if needed and Latu, Sione or Pole can cover that 13 role if required.
Sione apparently training @ 13, seems like that’s our most likely lineup with the only variation that 14 and 16
 
1 Bula
2 Luke L
3 Tito
4 Olam
5 Skelton
6 Galvin
7 Luai
8 May
9 Api (C)
10 Pole
11 Bateman* (Seyfarth)
12 Sam
13 Bird
14 TDS/Latu
15 Hunt
16 Klemmer/Twal (if Bateman stays then seyfarth)
17 Sione
 
if I was Benji , when John comes in , in the new year I’d say this . “Look we couldn’t get a deal done , you couldn’t get a deal done , so we rip in for this year . Put our shit aside for the good of the club , and iif you rip in , you will change the narrative around you , and there will be a 2 year deal come November from someone for you .
1 season we rip in . And if someone comes along earlier , then we won’t stand in your way either . But you give me your all until then, and I’m sure the rest will take care of itself “ .
And just be 💯 with him .
Because it’s in everyone’s interest now , that John rips in , changes the narrative that’s built up around him , and when a few injuries hit someone / bad form , the teams will come looking for him. But not if he’s kicking rocks , and carrying on .
It’s big boy pants time . For everyone
 
It's amazing how so many were convinced Bird will play centre even though it was pointed out numerous times Turuva signed to play right centre and Bird straight after signing on, stated he wanted to play lock. A clear indication of the discussions he had before signing. I bet even this article will go straight over some people's heads and we will see some classic "your mad if you think Bird will play in the middle", "no way Turuva plays centre" etc etc.

I swear people just take in whatever suits their opinion and block everything else out.
That is probably the plan at the moment.

However, this time last year I doubt Galvin was going to be first choice 6 and Bud started round 1 first choice 7.
 
Being unbiased here…. but that’s not a top 8 forward pack and could be arguably the worst pack in the comp at current stage.

Still need to bring in some reinforcements.
Agreed. Although I think the prop rotation is fine. Pole, May and Hunt are all quality and are nailed on for 3 of the 4/5 spots. That leaves Klemmer (fighting for a contract), Twal and Sione to fight it out for the last spot or 2. Hopefully competition for the spot brings out the best in them.

However we really need a quality backrower to replace Bateman. Starting backrow and depth in the position is easily the biggest issue with our roster right now.
 
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I like the idea of Pole and Hunt doing damage from the bench.

I think our biggest concern is [and has always been] who's playing 13.

I got May and Klem starting.
Need a genuine lock option, not just a third prop.

Need another Elijah Taylor.
I’m not sure I like our middle defence with Pole and Hunt both off the bench and being on the field together
 
That is probably the plan at the moment.

However, this time last year I doubt Galvin was going to be first choice 6 and Bud started round 1 first choice 7.
haha . You just proved his point in 1 post ! Nice !
We need width . That’s why bird is at 13 . Anybody who says his carry’s are weak , Joe O had weak carries as well and he’s a front rower .
The dragons are playing cook at 13 this year . The nrl is moving away from the 3rd prop . And towards a hybrid style footy player . Connor Watson was the 13 at the roosters before smith got injured . That’s where the sport is moving towards . Guys who tackle and are dynamic . Not wrecking balls like Jason Taumalolo
 

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