Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[happy_tiger]

Does look like a good signing - hopefully instead of Saab.

Looks the right height, seems to have a bit of speed and doesn't want to just fall over the line, but has a bit of an urge to get as close to the posts as he can.

Well one down, two to go.

Have a read Russ
https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/07/23/telstra-tracker-stats-show-why-saab-is-in-demand/

Impressive athletic data underlines why Saab's in demand
Author
Troy Whittaker
NRL.com Reporter
Timestamp
Thu 23 Jul 2020, 03:01 PM

Data obtained by Telstra Tracker shows just why the Dragons have been hesitant to let teenage winger Jason Saab leave the club.

In round 10, Saab recorded the top maximum speed (34.8km/h) and produced the most high-speed efforts (39 bursts of 20km/h or more) in an impressive display of pace and endurance.


Saturday's win over the Bulldogs was Saab's sixth NRL match.

St George Illawarra confirmed in June that Saab, who is reportedly struggling with travelling to Wollongong from Western Sydney, had been denied a contract release.


Dragons coach Paul McGregor at the time said he was surprised that Saab wanted out of the club despite being signed until 2022.

"He has a great future in the game and we want it to be at this club," McGregor said.


In Round 10, the 19-year-old beat Storm flyer Josh Addo-Carr (37.4km/h), Eels veteran Michael Jennings (34.2), Titans rookie Treymain Spry (34) and Dragons teammate Zac Lomax (34) in the speed stakes.

And he had more high-speed efforts than Sharks fullback Will Kennedy (35), Storm No.1 Ryan Papenhuyzen (34), Bulldogs centre Kerrod Holland (33) and Rabbitohs speedster Alex Johnston (32).


Saab also topped the high-speed efforts chart in his previous NRL appearances this year in rounds seven (42) and eight (37).

Meanwhile, Eels playmaker Jai Field and Knights general Mitchell Pearce covered the equal-most distance last round with 9.7km.

Sharks halfback Chad Townsend (9.6km), Eels five-eighth Dylan Brown (9.5km) and Kennedy (9.4km) rounded out the top five.

No way he is doing 42 km per hour

Usain Bolt WR run was 44 km per hour from memory

They are saying he is around a 9.80 100 metre runner based on that speed

It doesn't say he hit 42km/h, it says he had 42 high speed efforts, which is 42 times over 20km/h

Sorry misread it

Pity ...be nice to have a finalist in an Olympics 100 metres final

Jennings isn't too far off the pace?

Pity motorbikes aren't allowed

 

[Fade.To.Black]

Does look like a good signing - hopefully instead of Saab.

Looks the right height, seems to have a bit of speed and doesn't want to just fall over the line, but has a bit of an urge to get as close to the posts as he can.

Well one down, two to go.

Have a read Russ
https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/07/23/telstra-tracker-stats-show-why-saab-is-in-demand/

Impressive athletic data underlines why Saab's in demand
Author
Troy Whittaker
NRL.com Reporter
Timestamp
Thu 23 Jul 2020, 03:01 PM

Data obtained by Telstra Tracker shows just why the Dragons have been hesitant to let teenage winger Jason Saab leave the club.

In round 10, Saab recorded the top maximum speed (34.8km/h) and produced the most high-speed efforts (39 bursts of 20km/h or more) in an impressive display of pace and endurance.


Saturday's win over the Bulldogs was Saab's sixth NRL match.

St George Illawarra confirmed in June that Saab, who is reportedly struggling with travelling to Wollongong from Western Sydney, had been denied a contract release.


Dragons coach Paul McGregor at the time said he was surprised that Saab wanted out of the club despite being signed until 2022.

"He has a great future in the game and we want it to be at this club," McGregor said.


In Round 10, the 19-year-old beat Storm flyer Josh Addo-Carr (37.4km/h), Eels veteran Michael Jennings (34.2), Titans rookie Treymain Spry (34) and Dragons teammate Zac Lomax (34) in the speed stakes.

And he had more high-speed efforts than Sharks fullback Will Kennedy (35), Storm No.1 Ryan Papenhuyzen (34), Bulldogs centre Kerrod Holland (33) and Rabbitohs speedster Alex Johnston (32).


Saab also topped the high-speed efforts chart in his previous NRL appearances this year in rounds seven (42) and eight (37).

Meanwhile, Eels playmaker Jai Field and Knights general Mitchell Pearce covered the equal-most distance last round with 9.7km.

Sharks halfback Chad Townsend (9.6km), Eels five-eighth Dylan Brown (9.5km) and Kennedy (9.4km) rounded out the top five.

No way he is doing 42 km per hour

Usain Bolt WR run was 44 km per hour from memory

They are saying he is around a 9.80 100 metre runner based on that speed

It doesn't say he hit 42km/h, it says he had 42 high speed efforts, which is 42 times over 20km/h

Sorry misread it

Pity ...be nice to have a finalist in an Olympics 100 metres final

Jennings isn't too far off the pace?

Pity motorbikes aren't allowed

He'd pull his hammy trying to start it at the blocks.

 

[balmain boy]

if you can keep him for 300k or 350k then maybe worth it just as depth if injuries hit. I wouldnt keep him for 400k. Not alot of depth or optiond out there really this year

No, your backup outside backs should be on 200k or less. Like Thompson. That's how you build a squad within a cap. Have stars on big coin and good cheap youngsters as their replacements, or journeymen who don't expect to start like a Goodwin.

 

[balmain boy]

Jennings probably stays for depth as not on a huge contract

I also assumed that Jennings was not on a huge contract; however, Balmain Boy suggested to me on another thread (some time ago) that Jennings is on good coin (+ $400k from memory). When I read BB assertion, it shook my confidence in Madge's judgement (if BB's mail is correct).

You've got to remember he was they comps leading try scorer the year before. You don't just sign them for peanuts. For a player of decently size and speed who cam score a try this is what you should be paying for your starting wingers. Then they have to deliver.

Dogs paying 650k for the Cotric is overs

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

so downgrade the contract, dont think many teams need a winger bar souths and melbourne so not many takers, still a better option than blooding a Hoffman etc if injuries hit.
If we do get Mommo back then flick him for sure

 

[GNR4LIFE]

so downgrade the contract, dont think many teams need a winger bar souths and melbourne so not many takers, still a better option than blooding a Hoffman etc if injuries hit.
If we do get Mommo back then flick him for sure

Who cares if other clubs don’t need a winger. He’s off contract, it’s not our problem.

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

its about value for money well we can screw the price down on him, lets see what Madge does

 

[GNR4LIFE]

its about value for money well we can screw the price down on him, lets see what Madge does

You’re clutching at straws. As if we would enter into a bidding war to keep him. This young Roosters kid pretty much seals his fate.

 

[Snake]

if you can keep him for 300k or 350k then maybe worth it just as depth if injuries hit. I wouldnt keep him for 400k. Not alot of depth or optiond out there really this year

300k for Jennings is overs. He won't be here next year. Madge has a bigger plan and it doesn't include the slug.

?

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

agree we probably dont keep him no mention of a bidding war we offer him 280k he takes it or leaves it. Still better than Hoffman Cinni etc for next year while they continure nsw cup for another year

 

[Snake]

Impressive young player .. one thing I noticed in that video he never made a tackle ! I presume he can defend🤔

 

[Mighty_Tiger]

agree we probably dont keep him no mention of a bidding war we offer him 280k he takes it or leaves it. Still better than Hoffman Cinni etc for next year while they continure nsw cup for another year

Why make Jennings an offer at all?
280k for a reggie winger is a very high price.

 

[Guest]

agree we probably dont keep him no mention of a bidding war we offer him 280k he takes it or leaves it. Still better than Hoffman Cinni etc for next year while they continure nsw cup for another year

Why make Jennings an offer at all?
280k for a reggie winger is a very high price.

Stop it! You're making far too much sense.

 

[Roar_Power]

agree we probably dont keep him no mention of a bidding war we offer him 280k he takes it or leaves it. Still better than Hoffman Cinni etc for next year while they continure nsw cup for another year

Why make Jennings an offer at all?
280k for a reggie winger is a very high price.

He wont be resigned.

 

[Russell]

Does look like a good signing - hopefully instead of Saab.

Looks the right height, seems to have a bit of speed and doesn't want to just fall over the line, but has a bit of an urge to get as close to the posts as he can.

Well one down, two to go.

Have a read Russ
https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/07/23/telstra-tracker-stats-show-why-saab-is-in-demand/

Impressive athletic data underlines why Saab's in demand
Author
Troy Whittaker
NRL.com Reporter
Timestamp
Thu 23 Jul 2020, 03:01 PM

Data obtained by Telstra Tracker shows just why the Dragons have been hesitant to let teenage winger Jason Saab leave the club.

In round 10, Saab recorded the top maximum speed (34.8km/h) and produced the most high-speed efforts (39 bursts of 20km/h or more) in an impressive display of pace and endurance.


Saturday's win over the Bulldogs was Saab's sixth NRL match.

St George Illawarra confirmed in June that Saab, who is reportedly struggling with travelling to Wollongong from Western Sydney, had been denied a contract release.


Dragons coach Paul McGregor at the time said he was surprised that Saab wanted out of the club despite being signed until 2022.

"He has a great future in the game and we want it to be at this club," McGregor said.


In Round 10, the 19-year-old beat Storm flyer Josh Addo-Carr (37.4km/h), Eels veteran Michael Jennings (34.2), Titans rookie Treymain Spry (34) and Dragons teammate Zac Lomax (34) in the speed stakes.

And he had more high-speed efforts than Sharks fullback Will Kennedy (35), Storm No.1 Ryan Papenhuyzen (34), Bulldogs centre Kerrod Holland (33) and Rabbitohs speedster Alex Johnston (32).


Saab also topped the high-speed efforts chart in his previous NRL appearances this year in rounds seven (42) and eight (37).

Meanwhile, Eels playmaker Jai Field and Knights general Mitchell Pearce covered the equal-most distance last round with 9.7km.

Sharks halfback Chad Townsend (9.6km), Eels five-eighth Dylan Brown (9.5km) and Kennedy (9.4km) rounded out the top five.

No way he is doing 42 km per hour

Usain Bolt WR run was 44 km per hour from memory

They are saying he is around a 9.80 100 metre runner based on that speed

It doesn't say he hit 42km/h, it says he had 42 high speed efforts, which is 42 times over 20km/h

Sorry misread it

Pity ...be nice to have a finalist in an Olympics 100 metres final

Jennings isn't too far off the pace?

What's that...the pace of a slug?

 

[Spud_Murphy]

Does look like a good signing - hopefully instead of Saab.

Looks the right height, seems to have a bit of speed and doesn't want to just fall over the line, but has a bit of an urge to get as close to the posts as he can.

Well one down, two to go.

Have a read Russ
https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/07/23/telstra-tracker-stats-show-why-saab-is-in-demand/

Impressive athletic data underlines why Saab's in demand
Author
Troy Whittaker
NRL.com Reporter
Timestamp
Thu 23 Jul 2020, 03:01 PM

Data obtained by Telstra Tracker shows just why the Dragons have been hesitant to let teenage winger Jason Saab leave the club.

In round 10, Saab recorded the top maximum speed (34.8km/h) and produced the most high-speed efforts (39 bursts of 20km/h or more) in an impressive display of pace and endurance.


Saturday's win over the Bulldogs was Saab's sixth NRL match.

St George Illawarra confirmed in June that Saab, who is reportedly struggling with travelling to Wollongong from Western Sydney, had been denied a contract release.


Dragons coach Paul McGregor at the time said he was surprised that Saab wanted out of the club despite being signed until 2022.

"He has a great future in the game and we want it to be at this club," McGregor said.


In Round 10, the 19-year-old beat Storm flyer Josh Addo-Carr (37.4km/h), Eels veteran Michael Jennings (34.2), Titans rookie Treymain Spry (34) and Dragons teammate Zac Lomax (34) in the speed stakes.

And he had more high-speed efforts than Sharks fullback Will Kennedy (35), Storm No.1 Ryan Papenhuyzen (34), Bulldogs centre Kerrod Holland (33) and Rabbitohs speedster Alex Johnston (32).


Saab also topped the high-speed efforts chart in his previous NRL appearances this year in rounds seven (42) and eight (37).

Meanwhile, Eels playmaker Jai Field and Knights general Mitchell Pearce covered the equal-most distance last round with 9.7km.

Sharks halfback Chad Townsend (9.6km), Eels five-eighth Dylan Brown (9.5km) and Kennedy (9.4km) rounded out the top five.

No way he is doing 42 km per hour

Usain Bolt WR run was 44 km per hour from memory

They are saying he is around a 9.80 100 metre runner based on that speed

It doesn't say he hit 42km/h, it says he had 42 high speed efforts, which is 42 times over 20km/h

Sorry misread it

Pity ...be nice to have a finalist in an Olympics 100 metres final

Jennings isn't too far off the pace?

What's that...the pace of a slug?

Gotta wonder why Madge jumped at signing him in the first place, he has never really been very good, even when he played at Souths.

 

[Elderslie_Tiger]

Does look like a good signing - hopefully instead of Saab.

Looks the right height, seems to have a bit of speed and doesn't want to just fall over the line, but has a bit of an urge to get as close to the posts as he can.

Well one down, two to go.

Have a read Russ
https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/07/23/telstra-tracker-stats-show-why-saab-is-in-demand/

Impressive athletic data underlines why Saab's in demand
Author
Troy Whittaker
NRL.com Reporter
Timestamp
Thu 23 Jul 2020, 03:01 PM

Data obtained by Telstra Tracker shows just why the Dragons have been hesitant to let teenage winger Jason Saab leave the club.

In round 10, Saab recorded the top maximum speed (34.8km/h) and produced the most high-speed efforts (39 bursts of 20km/h or more) in an impressive display of pace and endurance.


Saturday's win over the Bulldogs was Saab's sixth NRL match.

St George Illawarra confirmed in June that Saab, who is reportedly struggling with travelling to Wollongong from Western Sydney, had been denied a contract release.


Dragons coach Paul McGregor at the time said he was surprised that Saab wanted out of the club despite being signed until 2022.

"He has a great future in the game and we want it to be at this club," McGregor said.


In Round 10, the 19-year-old beat Storm flyer Josh Addo-Carr (37.4km/h), Eels veteran Michael Jennings (34.2), Titans rookie Treymain Spry (34) and Dragons teammate Zac Lomax (34) in the speed stakes.

And he had more high-speed efforts than Sharks fullback Will Kennedy (35), Storm No.1 Ryan Papenhuyzen (34), Bulldogs centre Kerrod Holland (33) and Rabbitohs speedster Alex Johnston (32).


Saab also topped the high-speed efforts chart in his previous NRL appearances this year in rounds seven (42) and eight (37).

Meanwhile, Eels playmaker Jai Field and Knights general Mitchell Pearce covered the equal-most distance last round with 9.7km.

Sharks halfback Chad Townsend (9.6km), Eels five-eighth Dylan Brown (9.5km) and Kennedy (9.4km) rounded out the top five.

No way he is doing 42 km per hour

Usain Bolt WR run was 44 km per hour from memory

They are saying he is around a 9.80 100 metre runner based on that speed

It doesn't say he hit 42km/h, it says he had 42 high speed efforts, which is 42 times over 20km/h

Sorry misread it

Pity ...be nice to have a finalist in an Olympics 100 metres final

Jennings isn't too far off the pace?

What's that...the pace of a slug?

Gotta wonder why Madge jumped at signing him in the first place, he has never really been very good, even when he played at Souths.

Probably needed a winger he was available good record at Souffs sounded like a good idea at the time

 

[weststigers]

We need three things I reckon
1) a goal kicker
2) raw speed
3) a gun playmaker

Are there any players out there, or coming off contract, who we could realistically sign and can fill these roles? (Hopefully filling multiple roles eg a goal kicking winger).

Not a lot out there off contract next year. However, I still think we should make a play for Isaako, I know he’s playing busted in a busted team, but he does have talent and he can kick goals, we’ve all seen what he can do. He’s not off contract, but I think a change of club will do him the world of good.

I’d also look at a couple of the Titans players who are off contract - Anthony Don & Tyrone Roberts. Don is big, reasonably fast and can score tries, Roberts is an experienced, versatile half. The Cowboys John Asiata is another player off contract who I think would be worth a look, he has that touch of xfactor about him and can play in the forwards or the halves.

As I said, not a real lot of talent off contract, there maybe other more high profile players willing to switch clubs, but I’m just being realistic as to who we could actually have a chance to pick up.

Does anyone know how much cap we have spare?

Unless some trading of players currently contracted is done, there isn't much on the market. Personally, I would try to sure up our depth and wait until Reynolds and Packer are off contract to go hard on some decent players.

Honestly, I think we've done well with our older guys (yes, even Reynolds). It's worth having some of these guys in your team and they come to fill in the gaps until we can buy the player we want for the future.

I think we get the $300k back from the salary cap fine, so that's $300,000 already. Off-contract are:

**GAINS**
Stefano ($300K)

**OFF CONTRACT**
Sam McIntyre (Keep)
Chris Lawrence (Keep for depth as only on $120K or so)
Benji Marshall (Keep for depth as only on $175K or so)
Matthew Eisenhuth (keep unless suitably replaced)

Oliver Clark (release - $100K)
Robert Jennings (release)
Chris McQueen (release - $350k)
Alex Seyfarth (release - $100K?)
Dylan Smith (release - $100K?)
Elijah Taylor (release - $300K?)

**TARGETS**
**Jack Bird** - on $250k - $300k, he's a steal because he would be replacing a player that doesn't play anyway, i.e. McQueen. If he ends up going well, then it's a great buy. If he gets injured and never plays, then nothing lost. Calculated punt on this guy at the right price is worth a shot.
**Jamil Hopoate** - Good talent, would be fairly cheap and quality back up in the 2nd Row.
**Bryson Goodwin** - Depending on Momorovski. Depth signing and quite honestly, he seems to be able to find the try line and kick goals. Can play centre/wing. If you could get him for under $200K, it's a steal.
**Blake Green** - If Marshall retires and at the right price, I would take Green for experience on a 1 or 2 year deal if he was open to that.

Others
**James Tamou**
**Alex Johnston**
**Mitchell Aubusson**

Before I get panned for the above, ***check the off-contract list and you'll find there's not much out there.***

If we signed any of your suggestions I'd be very disappointed. If there is "not much out there"....dont spend the money and either promote from within or wait.

For years we have had bad buys stinking up our roster and counting the days until we could offload them.

Yeah I think my post is taken out of context.

The suggestions are not for long-term deals aimed at being starters.

If you read the guys I reckon we should release, they are depth players and not very good ones at that. My suggestions are based on upgrading our depth rather than putting them in as starters. I.e. Goodwin for Jennings (upside is goal kicking and frankly a better player).

1 or 2 year contracts to fill a void until players come off contract. Gotta fill a roster.

We've got a lot value out of Marshall and Lawrence on low value contracts. Ultimately these guys play above their pay cheque, so that's where I was coming from.

None of my suggestions would be anywhere near my starting team for the record.

 

[weststigers]

Asu Kepaoa from Roosters has signed effective now.

Nice one - from DT

"The path to securing Sonny Bill Williams for the Roosters has been made a little easier with the Tigers snapping up young outside back Asu Kepaoa immediately."

That'd be Roosters alright, let go of a guy at development player level and replace with a Dual International who usually commands a million dollars plus per year.

Anyway, word was (from NBWT on Twitter I think I read it) we were going to sign him from next year anyway, but got him early thanks to the Roosters moving their deck chairs around.

SBW isn’t NRL level happy to sign a young guy with potential and let them have him for half a season

I think SBW would still do a great job for them, not as good as last time, but still a massive job. He'd only go to a few clubs and we aren't one of them. I'm happy atm to keep picking away at some of these youngsters, though we do need some experienced players soon.

What gets to me about him coming back though is that it was in the newspapers (I know they aren't a source of truth, but not the point) that Roosters were talking to SBW and in those talks were talking with him about what he would do after football. The paper seemed to be fine in printing this, although it directly puts up a flag in my eyes as we were fined considerably and had $670k come off our cap because we allegedly agreed to do this Robbie when negotiating a contract release. But Roosters can reportedly do it, openly, in making a contract, and no eyebrows raised?

The issue with us is that we didn’t tell the NRL we offered Farah an ambassador deal

No, we just told the whole world instead and the NRL got their panties in a knot. There were lots of ways the NRL could have handled that but the NRL took the punishment route.

The punishment was ridiculously over the top for sure.

The punishment was a total joke! The Sharks (or was it Manly?) actually exceeded the cap and we didn't even pay Farah! Crazy that the fine stands. We never went through with it!

 

[the_third]

What a difference a couple of years make. Doing deals with Melbourne and getting players released to us by the Roosters. Much better than paying overs for has beens.

Pretty happy with the front office at the moment. Let’s see what happens in the next few years