Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[pawsandclaws1]

I think I will take a punt on JREY still being with us next year,he is working well with Brooks and his game is becoming more dynamic with Grub in the team...just my opinion Im not Madge,but he has made some decisions we didn't expect from him eg Benji relegated to bench,McIntyre into 17 and generally getting the team to make their defense a priority rather than hail mary attack that we have been used to..
Whatever Madge decides for this team I bet it will be for their benefit for a competitive future getting to be top finals prospects,playing for 80 and being consistent week in week out..

I honestly don't know what plans he has for Walters and Madden,but Im sure Madge will give them an opportunity to show their worth....

TT he is on $800k so his game should be up there with Munster and Ponga. Do you honestly believe he is?

 

[Cairnstigers]

ANOTHER WALLABY COULD COME HOME
Another Wallaby could be headed back to the NRL. Just days after former Storm flyer Marika Koroibete was linked with an NRL return, Sport Confidential can reveal Curtis Rona sits on top of a number of club’s wishlists as he eyes an NRL comeback next season.

Rona hasn’t played in the NRL since the last of his 57 top grade games in 2016 when he left the Bulldogs, switching codes to sign with the Western Force. He scored 40 tries in his three season stint in the NRL.

Rona’s former club Canterbury remain on the lookout for a strike outside back as do Melbourne, Wests Tigers and St George Illawarra. Rona went on to play for the Waratahs and featured in three Tests for the Wallabies.


YES!!! - We are being linked with Rona again. The letter of intention must have finally arrived in the mail.

Good things come to those that wait
🤣🤣

 

[jirskyr]

That’s why I think he could handle no9 without any problems

It's funny you say that, because in one part of my mind he could become one of the best DHs going around - he can kick and pass, is left-footed, has good hands, can be a really dominant front-on defender, is quick and is built low to the ground with a large bucket. Big question mark on the minutes and the tackle count. Lots of good DHs are junior halves (e.g. Cam Smith) and they just do a bit better getting closer to the early ball and the retreating defensive line.

On the other hand, it could be a complete catastrophe. I'm not sure either way but I'd love to see it as an experiment. This is of course ignoring Harry Grant who is even registering on the Dally Ms now, plus young Simpkin being on the current books.

 

[supercoach]

Was I losing my mind last night when I heard Matty Johns mention something about Foran to the WT's

God i hope we arent looking at Foran. I will loose so much faith in Madge if we sign him. Surely we've seen the effects of signing overpriced bulldogs rejects. This needs to be a strategic move to completly go in a different path. The dogs and dragons are going to have son serious coin to spend and will be a huge competion in us signing talented youth. Let's not help them by freeing up Forans contract.

Why do you assume he would be on big money? I would argue he wouldn’t cost much at all. Considering he’s off contract, had a lot of injuries and not many clubs are rushing to sign the bloke we could probably pick him up for pretty cheap. At the right price he’s a good signing but I’d wait and see how he goes this year injury wise.

Someone quoted his contract at being 1.2 a year (could be slightly less), so if true he's not going play for peanuts. My opinion is that we shouldn't even be looking at someone like him. Why do we want another injury prone retirement plan. We have players like Marshall if we want experience. Brooks has been around for long enough too so id rather take a chance on a young up and comer and make a proper team for the future. I just don't think Foran will help us win a premiership regardless of whether he's cheap or expensive.

Benji never has and never will be a game manager, Foran is lightyears a head in that department, and Foran would not be signed on big dollars if he came, if Foran could get a run of games together he would be worth the risk

If you had a choice of Benji JR or Foran to run the show it would be Foran by some distance. Of course the gamble is his fitness.
Foran would not come at a bargain basement price, but he would be under half what he is on now. Of course I would like Munster or Burton, but that is not going to happen, so if we want to get above ninth we need a consistent playmaker and not a rocks and diamond ones like Benji and JR

 

[Cairnstigers]

Can anyone explain the fascination with Rona? Never played Origin or for Australia, yet everyone falls over themselves for him. People salivated when he was linked to us. He played for the Wallabies, big achievement seeing how good they have been the last 20 years.

Everyone...?

I don't know about salivating but I did bring up my drink
Rona wouldn't offer to much to our club
Money better spent elsewhere

 

[Cairnstigers]

Bulldogs have worst recruitment than us. Signed a bunch of guys on massive overs

I disagree,

We have a pretty bad hangover from recruitment ourselves

Here are some players that haven't lived up to the hype or the contact value

Mbye
JRey
McQueen
Mats - (worked out ok)
Jennings.

Jury is out on BJ.... Early days

Any else I've missed?

Ryan O'Hara
Bwaiff
Tim Grant
Lolohea

Cleary

 

[TrueTiger]

I think I will take a punt on JREY still being with us next year,he is working well with Brooks and his game is becoming more dynamic with Grub in the team...just my opinion Im not Madge,but he has made some decisions we didn't expect from him eg Benji relegated to bench,McIntyre into 17 and generally getting the team to make their defense a priority rather than hail mary attack that we have been used to..
Whatever Madge decides for this team I bet it will be for their benefit for a competitive future getting to be top finals prospects,playing for 80 and being consistent week in week out..

I honestly don't know what plans he has for Walters and Madden,but Im sure Madge will give them an opportunity to show their worth....

TT he is on $800k so his game should be up there with Munster and Ponga. Do you honestly believe he is?

I believe JR is doing what Madge wants atm...irrespective of what his price is,it was negotiated by a former coach,not JRs fault,so in having said that,he must be in good shape and Madge is utilising him in the 5/8 position...I believe he is doing the best he can for us and always TRIES his best,I don't want to compare him to other people because he is what we have got to best fill the void....
Munster and Ponga are very good footballers in 2 different systems atm,I wonder how they would go here under the same circumstances JR has been through with injuries etc..

 

[pawsandclaws1]

I think I will take a punt on JREY still being with us next year,he is working well with Brooks and his game is becoming more dynamic with Grub in the team...just my opinion Im not Madge,but he has made some decisions we didn't expect from him eg Benji relegated to bench,McIntyre into 17 and generally getting the team to make their defense a priority rather than hail mary attack that we have been used to..
Whatever Madge decides for this team I bet it will be for their benefit for a competitive future getting to be top finals prospects,playing for 80 and being consistent week in week out..

I honestly don't know what plans he has for Walters and Madden,but Im sure Madge will give them an opportunity to show their worth....

TT he is on $800k so his game should be up there with Munster and Ponga. Do you honestly believe he is?

I believe JR is doing what Madge wants atm...irrespective of what his price is,it was negotiated by a former coach,not JRs fault,so in having said that,he must be in good shape and Madge is utilising him in the 5/8 position...I believe he is doing the best he can for us and always TRIES his best,I don't want to compare him to other people because he is what we have got to best fill the void....
Munster and Ponga are very good footballers in 2 different systems atm,I wonder how they would go here under the same circumstances JR has been through with injuries etc..

You have been very critical of Brooks. Isn't he doing what Maguire wants atm also, albeit on far less $ and with less experience than JR? I believe JR is not providing bang for buck and needs to lift his game significantly.

 

[Muffstar]

Bulldogs have worst recruitment than us. Signed a bunch of guys on massive overs

I disagree,

We have a pretty bad hangover from recruitment ourselves

Here are some players that haven't lived up to the hype or the contact value

Mbye
JRey
McQueen
Mats - (worked out ok)
Jennings.

Jury is out on BJ.... Early days

Any else I've missed?

Ryan O'Hara
Bwaiff
Tim Grant
Lolohea

Cleary

Matt Ballin.

 

[rihannafan1]

How many releases can dragons deny him? Third one next week apparently

He sounds like a bloody sook. He's not coming to us. How would he handle Madge's training?

Compare him to Chris Heighington who travelled to Concord by ferry and train from the Central Coast everyday and even tried to get there during the middle of a bushfire. One has over 300 NRL games and I'm betting the other will be lucky to reach 200.

Can’t blame someone for wanting out of that basket case. Don’t think there’s an issue about training I’m sure he’d be able to do it

Mate I'm a fan of your work but can't agree with you on this one. They are a long way from a basketcase. They have money. A history of reasonable results. Its just that Hunt and Norman are mad underachievers, and almost every club has had an incident like JDBs over the past decade (sad but true), his is the one that finally got made a true example of. If they're a basketcase what are the Cowboys, Titans, Broncos and Bulldogs?

The question I'd ask is do you really want this guy on your team? He doesn't want to travel for his job despite knowing the distance when he took it. There are A LOT of people who would happily pack up and move (and we're just talking 100-150kms here) if it meant a shot at the NRL. And okay, maybe its just that he wants on the field. Well, would you want to play with a guy who throws a public tantrum when he doesn't get picked?

Now, if it turns out he has serious family issues and the Dragons are being insensitive in not releasing him I'll soften my stance but it seems a money ploy, pure and simple.

 

[TrueTiger]

I think I will take a punt on JREY still being with us next year,he is working well with Brooks and his game is becoming more dynamic with Grub in the team...just my opinion Im not Madge,but he has made some decisions we didn't expect from him eg Benji relegated to bench,McIntyre into 17 and generally getting the team to make their defense a priority rather than hail mary attack that we have been used to..
Whatever Madge decides for this team I bet it will be for their benefit for a competitive future getting to be top finals prospects,playing for 80 and being consistent week in week out..

I honestly don't know what plans he has for Walters and Madden,but Im sure Madge will give them an opportunity to show their worth....

TT he is on $800k so his game should be up there with Munster and Ponga. Do you honestly believe he is?

I believe JR is doing what Madge wants atm...irrespective of what his price is,it was negotiated by a former coach,not JRs fault,so in having said that,he must be in good shape and Madge is utilising him in the 5/8 position...I believe he is doing the best he can for us and always TRIES his best,I don't want to compare him to other people because he is what we have got to best fill the void....
Munster and Ponga are very good footballers in 2 different systems atm,I wonder how they would go here under the same circumstances JR has been through with injuries etc..

You have been very critical of Brooks. Isn't he doing what Maguire wants atm also, albeit on far less $ and with less experience than JR? I believe JR is not providing bang for buck and needs to lift his game significantly.

Paws you have an opinion that your entitled to in regards to JR...Madge must have a view where he seems to think JR is benefitting the team and that's why he selects him...If you read my post in the wts v dogs thread you would have read that I admitted openly of being critical of Brooks in the past but have also praised his improved game …
The one main theme in your post is how JR must lift his game significantly because of the money he is on...that was what he was contracted on,go and speak to Cleary about that,as far as I can see is that Madge is playing JR because our Iconic 5/8 had defensive issues so Madge is utilising JR because he was an origin player and has significant experience in that position,albeit he was sidelined for a very long time and is now getting game time and adapting to the new rules as well..

As far as Brooks goes I have praised him in the other thread,its a poor argument saying he hasn't got the experience JR has,he has had 7 years of NRL experience and JR is a fair bit older..

 

[JC99]

How many releases can dragons deny him? Third one next week apparently

He sounds like a bloody sook. He's not coming to us. How would he handle Madge's training?

Compare him to Chris Heighington who travelled to Concord by ferry and train from the Central Coast everyday and even tried to get there during the middle of a bushfire. One has over 300 NRL games and I'm betting the other will be lucky to reach 200.

Can’t blame someone for wanting out of that basket case. Don’t think there’s an issue about training I’m sure he’d be able to do it

Mate I'm a fan of your work but can't agree with you on this one. They are a long way from a basketcase. They have money. A history of reasonable results. Its just that Hunt and Norman are mad underachievers, and almost every club has had an incident like JDBs over the past decade (sad but true), his is the one that finally got made a true example of. If they're a basketcase what are the Cowboys, Titans, Broncos and Bulldogs?

The question I'd ask is do you really want this guy on your team? He doesn't want to travel for his job despite knowing the distance when he took it. There are A LOT of people who would happily pack up and move (and we're just talking 100-150kms here) if it meant a shot at the NRL. And okay, maybe its just that he wants on the field. Well, would you want to play with a guy who throws a public tantrum when he doesn't get picked?

Now, if it turns out he has serious family issues and the Dragons are being insensitive in not releasing him I'll soften my stance but it seems a money ploy, pure and simple.

At the moment they’re definitely a basket case. McGregor took them from a strong club to a bottom 4 team and the board continues to back him, stinks of a boys club. The JDB case has apparently divided the team and it’s not just Saab that wants out.

I’m sure it’s more to do with just the travel and don’t forget he’s just a teenager, in my eyes when you deserve selection and the coach doesn’t pick you every week because he’s an idiot you have every right to look elsewhere same goes for normal work.

I’m sure Madge is on top of it he seems a very good judge of character, the guys he’s brought in all seem to be buying into his style of coaching so I doubt he would bring in a troublemaker now.

 

[balmain boy]

How many releases can dragons deny him? Third one next week apparently

He sounds like a bloody sook. He's not coming to us. How would he handle Madge's training?

Compare him to Chris Heighington who travelled to Concord by ferry and train from the Central Coast everyday and even tried to get there during the middle of a bushfire. One has over 300 NRL games and I'm betting the other will be lucky to reach 200.

Can’t blame someone for wanting out of that basket case. Don’t think there’s an issue about training I’m sure he’d be able to do it

Mate I'm a fan of your work but can't agree with you on this one. They are a long way from a basketcase. They have money. A history of reasonable results. Its just that Hunt and Norman are mad underachievers, and almost every club has had an incident like JDBs over the past decade (sad but true), his is the one that finally got made a true example of. If they're a basketcase what are the Cowboys, Titans, Broncos and Bulldogs?

The question I'd ask is do you really want this guy on your team? He doesn't want to travel for his job despite knowing the distance when he took it. There are A LOT of people who would happily pack up and move (and we're just talking 100-150kms here) if it meant a shot at the NRL. And okay, maybe its just that he wants on the field. Well, would you want to play with a guy who throws a public tantrum when he doesn't get picked?

Now, if it turns out he has serious family issues and the Dragons are being insensitive in not releasing him I'll soften my stance but it seems a money ploy, pure and simple.

At the moment they’re definitely a basket case. McGregor took them from a strong club to a bottom 4 team and the board continues to back him, stinks of a boys club. The JDB case has apparently divided the team and it’s not just Saab that wants out.

I’m sure it’s more to do with just the travel and don’t forget he’s just a teenager, in my eyes when you deserve selection and the coach doesn’t pick you every week because he’s an idiot you have every right to look elsewhere same goes for normal work.

I’m sure Madge is on top of it he seems a very good judge of character, the guys he’s brought in all seem to be buying into his style of coaching so I doubt he would bring in a troublemaker now.

Add to the fact they're practically broke and i'm sure it's not a great environment to be in.

 

[JC99]

How many releases can dragons deny him? Third one next week apparently

He sounds like a bloody sook. He's not coming to us. How would he handle Madge's training?

Compare him to Chris Heighington who travelled to Concord by ferry and train from the Central Coast everyday and even tried to get there during the middle of a bushfire. One has over 300 NRL games and I'm betting the other will be lucky to reach 200.

Can’t blame someone for wanting out of that basket case. Don’t think there’s an issue about training I’m sure he’d be able to do it

Mate I'm a fan of your work but can't agree with you on this one. They are a long way from a basketcase. They have money. A history of reasonable results. Its just that Hunt and Norman are mad underachievers, and almost every club has had an incident like JDBs over the past decade (sad but true), his is the one that finally got made a true example of. If they're a basketcase what are the Cowboys, Titans, Broncos and Bulldogs?

The question I'd ask is do you really want this guy on your team? He doesn't want to travel for his job despite knowing the distance when he took it. There are A LOT of people who would happily pack up and move (and we're just talking 100-150kms here) if it meant a shot at the NRL. And okay, maybe its just that he wants on the field. Well, would you want to play with a guy who throws a public tantrum when he doesn't get picked?

Now, if it turns out he has serious family issues and the Dragons are being insensitive in not releasing him I'll soften my stance but it seems a money ploy, pure and simple.

At the moment they’re definitely a basket case. McGregor took them from a strong club to a bottom 4 team and the board continues to back him, stinks of a boys club. The JDB case has apparently divided the team and it’s not just Saab that wants out.

I’m sure it’s more to do with just the travel and don’t forget he’s just a teenager, in my eyes when you deserve selection and the coach doesn’t pick you every week because he’s an idiot you have every right to look elsewhere same goes for normal work.

I’m sure Madge is on top of it he seems a very good judge of character, the guys he’s brought in all seem to be buying into his style of coaching so I doubt he would bring in a troublemaker now.

Add to the fact they're practically broke and i'm sure it's not a great environment to be in.

They’re a long way off being a successful club. They also brought in multiple time cheater Shane Flanagan as their assistant coach. They’ve been on the decline for years now

 

[Geo]

How many releases can dragons deny him? Third one next week apparently

Do you really want someone who wants a release cause it's too far to travel..

Chris Heighnington use to come from the Central Coast as a young bloke ...just to get a shot..

Not really a good attitude that Maguire would be looking for..

Just a smoke screen
If he was playing every week travelling wouldn't be an issue

Oh..make up a smokescreen for not getting a run..even better..

What happens the next Club doesn't give him a run for any reason..is that the sort of standard you want..?

 

[JD Tiger]

How many releases can dragons deny him? Third one next week apparently

He sounds like a bloody sook. He's not coming to us. How would he handle Madge's training?

Compare him to Chris Heighington who travelled to Concord by ferry and train from the Central Coast everyday and even tried to get there during the middle of a bushfire. One has over 300 NRL games and I'm betting the other will be lucky to reach 200.

Can’t blame someone for wanting out of that basket case. Don’t think there’s an issue about training I’m sure he’d be able to do it

Mate I'm a fan of your work but can't agree with you on this one. They are a long way from a basketcase. They have money. A history of reasonable results. Its just that Hunt and Norman are mad underachievers, and almost every club has had an incident like JDBs over the past decade (sad but true), his is the one that finally got made a true example of. If they're a basketcase what are the Cowboys, Titans, Broncos and Bulldogs?

The question I'd ask is do you really want this guy on your team? He doesn't want to travel for his job despite knowing the distance when he took it. There are A LOT of people who would happily pack up and move (and we're just talking 100-150kms here) if it meant a shot at the NRL. And okay, maybe its just that he wants on the field. Well, would you want to play with a guy who throws a public tantrum when he doesn't get picked?

Now, if it turns out he has serious family issues and the Dragons are being insensitive in not releasing him I'll soften my stance but it seems a money ploy, pure and simple.

At the moment they’re definitely a basket case. McGregor took them from a strong club to a bottom 4 team and the board continues to back him, stinks of a boys club. The JDB case has apparently divided the team and it’s not just Saab that wants out.

I’m sure it’s more to do with just the travel and don’t forget he’s just a teenager, in my eyes when you deserve selection and the coach doesn’t pick you every week because he’s an idiot you have every right to look elsewhere same goes for normal work.

I’m sure Madge is on top of it he seems a very good judge of character, the guys he’s brought in all seem to be buying into his style of coaching so I doubt he would bring in a troublemaker now.

The player wanting out, and only then does the club pick him, that's exactly what happened to us with JAC, though he wasn't contracted for the year after and signed elsewhere before we started to wake up.

 

[diedpretty]

How many releases can dragons deny him? Third one next week apparently

He sounds like a bloody sook. He's not coming to us. How would he handle Madge's training?

Compare him to Chris Heighington who travelled to Concord by ferry and train from the Central Coast everyday and even tried to get there during the middle of a bushfire. One has over 300 NRL games and I'm betting the other will be lucky to reach 200.

Can’t blame someone for wanting out of that basket case. Don’t think there’s an issue about training I’m sure he’d be able to do it

Mate I'm a fan of your work but can't agree with you on this one. They are a long way from a basketcase. They have money. A history of reasonable results. Its just that Hunt and Norman are mad underachievers, and almost every club has had an incident like JDBs over the past decade (sad but true), his is the one that finally got made a true example of. If they're a basketcase what are the Cowboys, Titans, Broncos and Bulldogs?

The question I'd ask is do you really want this guy on your team? He doesn't want to travel for his job despite knowing the distance when he took it. There are A LOT of people who would happily pack up and move (and we're just talking 100-150kms here) if it meant a shot at the NRL. And okay, maybe its just that he wants on the field. Well, would you want to play with a guy who throws a public tantrum when he doesn't get picked?

Now, if it turns out he has serious family issues and the Dragons are being insensitive in not releasing him I'll soften my stance but it seems a money ploy, pure and simple.

At the moment they’re definitely a basket case. McGregor took them from a strong club to a bottom 4 team and the board continues to back him, stinks of a boys club. The JDB case has apparently divided the team and it’s not just Saab that wants out.

I’m sure it’s more to do with just the travel and don’t forget he’s just a teenager, in my eyes when you deserve selection and the coach doesn’t pick you every week because he’s an idiot you have every right to look elsewhere same goes for normal work.

I’m sure Madge is on top of it he seems a very good judge of character, the guys he’s brought in all seem to be buying into his style of coaching so I doubt he would bring in a troublemaker now.

Add to the fact they're practically broke and i'm sure it's not a great environment to be in.

They are a lot better off financially now than they were 2 years ago when WIN bought out the Steelers and paid out the debt to the NRL.

 

[JC99]

How many releases can dragons deny him? Third one next week apparently

Do you really want someone who wants a release cause it's too far to travel..

Chris Heighnington use to come from the Central Coast as a young bloke ...just to get a shot..

Not really a good attitude that Maguire would be looking for..

Just a smoke screen
If he was playing every week travelling wouldn't be an issue

Oh..make up a smokescreen for not getting a run..even better..

What happens the next Club doesn't give him a run for any reason..is that the sort of standard you want..?

Difference is right now he deserves a run and isn’t getting it. If you deserve a promotion and your boss is picking someone who’s worse than you to do it, wouldn’t you move? I would. Kid shouldn’t of signed an extension for so long he royally stuffed up there and if dragons make him stay I’ve got no issue with that.

 

[Geo]

How many releases can dragons deny him? Third one next week apparently

Do you really want someone who wants a release cause it's too far to travel..

Chris Heighnington use to come from the Central Coast as a young bloke ...just to get a shot..

Not really a good attitude that Maguire would be looking for..

Just a smoke screen
If he was playing every week travelling wouldn't be an issue

Oh..make up a smokescreen for not getting a run..even better..

What happens the next Club doesn't give him a run for any reason..is that the sort of standard you want..?

Difference is right now he deserves a run and isn’t getting it. If you deserve a promotion and your boss is picking someone who’s worse than you to do it, wouldn’t you move? I would. Kid shouldn’t of signed an extension for so long he royally stuffed up there and if dragons make him stay I’ve got no issue with that.

I guess that's the youth of today..entitlement

What if the next Club he goes to is not giving him a run for whatever reason..?

 

[JC99]

How many releases can dragons deny him? Third one next week apparently

Do you really want someone who wants a release cause it's too far to travel..

Chris Heighnington use to come from the Central Coast as a young bloke ...just to get a shot..

Not really a good attitude that Maguire would be looking for..

Just a smoke screen
If he was playing every week travelling wouldn't be an issue

Oh..make up a smokescreen for not getting a run..even better..

What happens the next Club doesn't give him a run for any reason..is that the sort of standard you want..?

Difference is right now he deserves a run and isn’t getting it. If you deserve a promotion and your boss is picking someone who’s worse than you to do it, wouldn’t you move? I would. Kid shouldn’t of signed an extension for so long he royally stuffed up there and if dragons make him stay I’ve got no issue with that.

I guess that's the youth of today..entitlement

What if the next Club he goes to is not giving him a run for whatever reason..?

If it’s for a valid reason then he shouldn’t chuck a sook. He deserves that spot and isn’t getting it from what I can see, that doesn’t seem like entitlement. Heard dogs are favourites to sign him anyway