Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[avocadoontoast]

@avocadoontoast

I feel exactly the same, but if he was on the roster I feel like he should be somewhere in the side

I wouldn't have him in the roster personally. Regardless of cap relief he takes up a spot in the top 30 which could be better utilised with someone else. His heart is still in it but his body is busted. Same as Farah. I think he should retire and take up a post playing position in the Tigers.

 

[Sart0ri]

You can have Chris Lawrence in the 30 and never play him. If no one else qualifies for the veterans allowance you are actually saving the $105k you would have to pay another fringe player.

As we are struggling with the salary cap because of players we are not getting value out of and we don't seem to have a lot of CC or fringe players banging down the door, it may be good value to do this and save money next year to sign someone new.

 

[supercoach]

@avocadoontoast ..The blokes just a few weeks back from a horrific facial injury, I am willing to see how he is going come the end of the season or even give him a preseason to build his weight and confidence up..than make a call

 

[jirskyr]

@jirskyr I do not remember Balmain bein an ordinary club in the late 80 or 90.

Late 80s no, 90s - absolutely yes. Didn't finish better than 10th in the 90s and collected the wooden spoon in 1994. There was one 8th finish (1 place outside finals) but that was 1997, so we were 8th out of 12 clubs AKA 5th last.

god we were woeful in the 90s....remember morvin edwards at fullback??? Chook herron and Brian Smith??? man alive it brings back nightmares

Yeah I remember. With that and the Super League war, I really thought it might be the end of the Tigers. Technically it was, but it's much easier being a Wests Tigers supporter at this time than a Balmain supporter in the 90s. Like you said - horrendous teams, not just teams that were finishing 9th.

For example, look at this for a mismatch, Round 20 1998 vs Broncos (although it actually ended up a 10-all draw):

 

[Cultured_Bogan]

Even if Lawrence isn't in the first 17, he's a handy player to have in reggies ready to step up when injuries hit. With a $330K cap penalty, we can't afford not to use our veterans allowance.

 

[TieDye]

@Madgic that’s a bargain bro

 

[balmain boy]

What are some of you smoking? Lawrence may not play a game but we should sign him because he takes up a long term player allowance? What kind of lunacy is this?

Every player in the top 30 needs to be able to contribute on the field if called upon. Lawrence's days in the NRL are over. He is totally ineffective. He doesn't break the line, he knocks the ball on far too much, he gets dominated every hitup and he gets injured every few weeks.

His body isn't up to it anymore. He may be a loyal clubman and a great guy but that doesn't get him a playing contract. He wouldn't be in the top 17 for any other club (nor would Garner). We need to cut the deadwood and improve our weakest position. Emotion has to be removed entirely from the equation with all player signings.

Really he should announce his future so we can give him a send off at the end of the season if necessary. Time for him to go to the UK or join our fitness staff.

 

[Jimmy]

@balmain-boy
Disagree with you there yes he is past it but we arnt in a position to improve our depth players, I’d resign for 1 more you if he is of the Knowledge that he would only play 1 or 2 games of first grade...he’s better then Sam mactylre or whatever....also garner is improving and I’m liking what I see he’s a tallish strong back tower give him time and under pre season under madge and I feel he could become a constient 1st grader

 

[hammertime]

Even if Lawrence isn't in the first 17, he's a handy player to have in reggies ready to step up when injuries hit. With a $330K cap penalty, we can't afford not to use our veterans allowance.

It's on another thread about the veterans allowance. A few players now could probably come under this. Benji, Reynolds, Mats... Brooks, Marsters, Nofa possibly.

*$0.2 million – Veteran and Developed Player Allowance for eligible players who were either developed by the Club prior to becoming NRL players and / or have been a Top 30 player for at least 8 years at the Club or have been a Top 30 player for at least 10 years across the game*

 

[WT2K]

If any truth to the rumours of woods and Dugan being offered in a player swap.. much prefer woods for $450k

 

[thegbone]

if a bloke has been shopped around by 2 clubs in 2 years theres generally a reason for it. big no to woods thanks

 

[tigerap]

Says a lot about Woods that 2 teams in 12 months are happy to offload him.

Ummmmm, hasn't he got to check with his missus first......ummmm

 

[Spartan117]

Im actually not sure if I welcome Woods back.

While a handy player when he is on, He did leave us when we needed him to stay

And theres no way he would be on 450 after year 2

 

[Spartan117]

1 more year for Chris Lawrence.

We need to fill that 30 man squad and his slice of the Cap is the least of our problems.

 

[hsvjones]

If we could swap for Woods it would be a Yes for me.. He played great for us with long mins and we lack in this area.
Not concerned about been shopped around as clubs do this all a time and as they might have quality Front rowers and don't need him and can open up some cash.... When he was here he was playing SOO and Aus level football so think he would be an upgrade over any of our current front rowers. He would also be cheaper than what we were going to pay him to stay only 2 years ago.

 

[balmain boy]

@Spartan117 we have very few spots left, we need to improve the squad by bringing in new and better players. If we keep who we have we won't get a better team.

 

[cochise]

@Sart0ri Other qualify for the allowance!

 

[cochise]

@Cultured_Bogan Other players qualify for the allowance!

 

[Cultured_Bogan]

@Cultured_Bogan Other players qualify for the allowance!

I have since seen that, the rules must have changed as I wasn't aware that criteria was the case now.

In that case, a couple of the boys should qualify. I hope the club give Lawrence the opportunity to fight his way back to form before turfing him though.

 

[cochise]

I have since seen that, the rules must have changed as I wasn’t aware that criteria was the case now.
In that case, a couple of the boys should qualify. I hope the club give Lawrence the opportunity to fight his way back to form before turfing him though.

I agree 100%, it is a very hard person who judges him on this year. With the injury he had he lost fitness and weight which will be very hard to build up during the season! He really needs a proper off season to get back to peak fitness. He was one of our best players last year so I would give him another year if he wants it.