Tigers uncover unknown speedster

[JC99]

This kid would leave Nofoaluma back in the parking lot for speed

So would my grandma...

 

[Needaname]

Hopefully Tahu gets in his ear and steers him in the right direction.

A promising young player who i imagine will sign on a Dev or NRL spot but be expected to play NSW cup most of the year.

He has to be in the 30. It is outstanding WTs identified him as he is a player the Storm would normally recruit and turn into a star. Demonstrates the improvement in WTs systems and processes.

Not sure about this. I would be happy with a Dev contract. He gets to play from round 11 in any case and the gradual promotion would keep him on his toes.
I would prefer to sign Tyrone Robert’s Davis on short term min wage top 30 spot as he would be better for cover.
The only reason Fitzgibbon would be signed to a first grade contract would be if we plan on playing him from round one on the left wing. In a similar fashion to what Maki Suvo did for parramatta. So if he is demanding to be included in our best 17 (based on trail form), then I’m all for it.

Would think there's no chance he plays round one. He's got a long way to go. Sivo played NSW cup for a few years to iron the kinks out of his system. Fitzgibbon has been playing at a level below NSW Cup and need to demonstrate defence etc at that level before he can get promoted to NRL.

But he also needs to be training fulltime, So definitely a dev contract at minimum, but if we can't add any more devs we'll need to consider him for top 30, but we do still have a lot of money to spend in 2021.

I don't think Fitzgibbon will be ready for a little while still, but at least he can speak English. Sivo is still learning the language and from what I understand it was the main reason he was in ressies for soo long.

I would 100% give Fitzgibbon a contract though. What is the benefit of giving someone a development contract? are they significantly cheaper than a minimum NRL?

Development contracts are for players not ready for NRL. They allow them to train full-time with the squad. Dev contracts are outside of the salary cap and it is my understanding that a dev player can be paid a minimum $60K/p.a. as of 2018. The max amount is somewhere in the $70K range.

Basically, you get paid more than a reserve grade player and get to train with the first grade squad. Most of the contracts usually have KPIs which allow the dev player to be upgraded to a NRL contract if they are met.

Players on development contracts move to a NRL contract at the completion of the development contract. It is one of the reasons there are so much trading of player in the game at the moment as development contracts impact on the flexibility of your squad. Basically when a development contract ends you have to find room for that player in the top 30 squad.

I don’t believe that is a condition to an development contract. I believe it is an incentive a club can structure into it, if they choose.

 

[cochise]

Hopefully Tahu gets in his ear and steers him in the right direction.

A promising young player who i imagine will sign on a Dev or NRL spot but be expected to play NSW cup most of the year.

He has to be in the 30. It is outstanding WTs identified him as he is a player the Storm would normally recruit and turn into a star. Demonstrates the improvement in WTs systems and processes.

Not sure about this. I would be happy with a Dev contract. He gets to play from round 11 in any case and the gradual promotion would keep him on his toes.
I would prefer to sign Tyrone Robert’s Davis on short term min wage top 30 spot as he would be better for cover.
The only reason Fitzgibbon would be signed to a first grade contract would be if we plan on playing him from round one on the left wing. In a similar fashion to what Maki Suvo did for parramatta. So if he is demanding to be included in our best 17 (based on trail form), then I’m all for it.

Would think there's no chance he plays round one. He's got a long way to go. Sivo played NSW cup for a few years to iron the kinks out of his system. Fitzgibbon has been playing at a level below NSW Cup and need to demonstrate defence etc at that level before he can get promoted to NRL.

But he also needs to be training fulltime, So definitely a dev contract at minimum, but if we can't add any more devs we'll need to consider him for top 30, but we do still have a lot of money to spend in 2021.

I don't think Fitzgibbon will be ready for a little while still, but at least he can speak English. Sivo is still learning the language and from what I understand it was the main reason he was in ressies for soo long.

I would 100% give Fitzgibbon a contract though. What is the benefit of giving someone a development contract? are they significantly cheaper than a minimum NRL?

Development contracts are for players not ready for NRL. They allow them to train full-time with the squad. Dev contracts are outside of the salary cap and it is my understanding that a dev player can be paid a minimum $60K/p.a. as of 2018. The max amount is somewhere in the $70K range.

Basically, you get paid more than a reserve grade player and get to train with the first grade squad. Most of the contracts usually have KPIs which allow the dev player to be upgraded to a NRL contract if they are met.

Players on development contracts move to a NRL contract at the completion of the development contract. It is one of the reasons there are so much trading of player in the game at the moment as development contracts impact on the flexibility of your squad. Basically when a development contract ends you have to find room for that player in the top 30 squad.

I don’t believe that is a condition to an development contract. I believe it is an incentive a club can structure into it, if they choose.

It is my understanding it is a condition of the development contracts.

 

[Needaname]

Hopefully Tahu gets in his ear and steers him in the right direction.

A promising young player who i imagine will sign on a Dev or NRL spot but be expected to play NSW cup most of the year.

He has to be in the 30. It is outstanding WTs identified him as he is a player the Storm would normally recruit and turn into a star. Demonstrates the improvement in WTs systems and processes.

Not sure about this. I would be happy with a Dev contract. He gets to play from round 11 in any case and the gradual promotion would keep him on his toes.
I would prefer to sign Tyrone Robert’s Davis on short term min wage top 30 spot as he would be better for cover.
The only reason Fitzgibbon would be signed to a first grade contract would be if we plan on playing him from round one on the left wing. In a similar fashion to what Maki Suvo did for parramatta. So if he is demanding to be included in our best 17 (based on trail form), then I’m all for it.

Would think there's no chance he plays round one. He's got a long way to go. Sivo played NSW cup for a few years to iron the kinks out of his system. Fitzgibbon has been playing at a level below NSW Cup and need to demonstrate defence etc at that level before he can get promoted to NRL.

But he also needs to be training fulltime, So definitely a dev contract at minimum, but if we can't add any more devs we'll need to consider him for top 30, but we do still have a lot of money to spend in 2021.

I don't think Fitzgibbon will be ready for a little while still, but at least he can speak English. Sivo is still learning the language and from what I understand it was the main reason he was in ressies for soo long.

I would 100% give Fitzgibbon a contract though. What is the benefit of giving someone a development contract? are they significantly cheaper than a minimum NRL?

Development contracts are for players not ready for NRL. They allow them to train full-time with the squad. Dev contracts are outside of the salary cap and it is my understanding that a dev player can be paid a minimum $60K/p.a. as of 2018. The max amount is somewhere in the $70K range.

Basically, you get paid more than a reserve grade player and get to train with the first grade squad. Most of the contracts usually have KPIs which allow the dev player to be upgraded to a NRL contract if they are met.

Players on development contracts move to a NRL contract at the completion of the development contract. It is one of the reasons there are so much trading of player in the game at the moment as development contracts impact on the flexibility of your squad. Basically when a development contract ends you have to find room for that player in the top 30 squad.

I don’t believe that is a condition to an development contract. I believe it is an incentive a club can structure into it, if they choose.

It is my understanding it is a condition of the development contracts.

Interesting. I haven’t seen that followed at other clubs.
For instance our very own Daine Laurie and Stephano were both picked up by us whilst in the final year of their development contracts.
Both were set to complete that final year still on a development contract. There was no talk about them having an additional year promoted in the first grade squad.

 

[cochise]

Hopefully Tahu gets in his ear and steers him in the right direction.

A promising young player who i imagine will sign on a Dev or NRL spot but be expected to play NSW cup most of the year.

He has to be in the 30. It is outstanding WTs identified him as he is a player the Storm would normally recruit and turn into a star. Demonstrates the improvement in WTs systems and processes.

Not sure about this. I would be happy with a Dev contract. He gets to play from round 11 in any case and the gradual promotion would keep him on his toes.
I would prefer to sign Tyrone Robert’s Davis on short term min wage top 30 spot as he would be better for cover.
The only reason Fitzgibbon would be signed to a first grade contract would be if we plan on playing him from round one on the left wing. In a similar fashion to what Maki Suvo did for parramatta. So if he is demanding to be included in our best 17 (based on trail form), then I’m all for it.

Would think there's no chance he plays round one. He's got a long way to go. Sivo played NSW cup for a few years to iron the kinks out of his system. Fitzgibbon has been playing at a level below NSW Cup and need to demonstrate defence etc at that level before he can get promoted to NRL.

But he also needs to be training fulltime, So definitely a dev contract at minimum, but if we can't add any more devs we'll need to consider him for top 30, but we do still have a lot of money to spend in 2021.

I don't think Fitzgibbon will be ready for a little while still, but at least he can speak English. Sivo is still learning the language and from what I understand it was the main reason he was in ressies for soo long.

I would 100% give Fitzgibbon a contract though. What is the benefit of giving someone a development contract? are they significantly cheaper than a minimum NRL?

Development contracts are for players not ready for NRL. They allow them to train full-time with the squad. Dev contracts are outside of the salary cap and it is my understanding that a dev player can be paid a minimum $60K/p.a. as of 2018. The max amount is somewhere in the $70K range.

Basically, you get paid more than a reserve grade player and get to train with the first grade squad. Most of the contracts usually have KPIs which allow the dev player to be upgraded to a NRL contract if they are met.

Players on development contracts move to a NRL contract at the completion of the development contract. It is one of the reasons there are so much trading of player in the game at the moment as development contracts impact on the flexibility of your squad. Basically when a development contract ends you have to find room for that player in the top 30 squad.

I don’t believe that is a condition to an development contract. I believe it is an incentive a club can structure into it, if they choose.

It is my understanding it is a condition of the development contracts.

Interesting. I haven’t seen that followed at other clubs.
For instance our very own Daine Laurie and Stephano were both picked up by us whilst in the final year of their development contracts.
Both were set to complete that final year still on a development contract. There was no talk about them having an additional year promoted in the first grade squad.

That is because we signed them to bigger contracts. I believe the guarantee is only at minimum wage and the player negotiates higher. I was told that moving from a development contract to an NRL contract was a requirement by a current General Manager. I could have misunderstood but that is what I believe from that conversation.

 

[Geo]

Hopefully Tahu gets in his ear and steers him in the right direction.

A promising young player who i imagine will sign on a Dev or NRL spot but be expected to play NSW cup most of the year.

He has to be in the 30. It is outstanding WTs identified him as he is a player the Storm would normally recruit and turn into a star. Demonstrates the improvement in WTs systems and processes.

Not sure about this. I would be happy with a Dev contract. He gets to play from round 11 in any case and the gradual promotion would keep him on his toes.
I would prefer to sign Tyrone Robert’s Davis on short term min wage top 30 spot as he would be better for cover.
The only reason Fitzgibbon would be signed to a first grade contract would be if we plan on playing him from round one on the left wing. In a similar fashion to what Maki Suvo did for parramatta. So if he is demanding to be included in our best 17 (based on trail form), then I’m all for it.

Would think there's no chance he plays round one. He's got a long way to go. Sivo played NSW cup for a few years to iron the kinks out of his system. Fitzgibbon has been playing at a level below NSW Cup and need to demonstrate defence etc at that level before he can get promoted to NRL.

But he also needs to be training fulltime, So definitely a dev contract at minimum, but if we can't add any more devs we'll need to consider him for top 30, but we do still have a lot of money to spend in 2021.

I don't think Fitzgibbon will be ready for a little while still, but at least he can speak English. Sivo is still learning the language and from what I understand it was the main reason he was in ressies for soo long.

I would 100% give Fitzgibbon a contract though. What is the benefit of giving someone a development contract? are they significantly cheaper than a minimum NRL?

Development contracts are for players not ready for NRL. They allow them to train full-time with the squad. Dev contracts are outside of the salary cap and it is my understanding that a dev player can be paid a minimum $60K/p.a. as of 2018. The max amount is somewhere in the $70K range.

Basically, you get paid more than a reserve grade player and get to train with the first grade squad. Most of the contracts usually have KPIs which allow the dev player to be upgraded to a NRL contract if they are met.

Players on development contracts move to a NRL contract at the completion of the development contract. It is one of the reasons there are so much trading of player in the game at the moment as development contracts impact on the flexibility of your squad. Basically when a development contract ends you have to find room for that player in the top 30 squad.

I don’t believe that is a condition to an development contract. I believe it is an incentive a club can structure into it, if they choose.

It is my understanding it is a condition of the development contracts.

Interesting. I haven’t seen that followed at other clubs.
For instance our very own Daine Laurie and Stephano were both picked up by us whilst in the final year of their development contracts.
Both were set to complete that final year still on a development contract. There was no talk about them having an additional year promoted in the first grade squad.

Cochise is right..Laurie was released from his final year of his development contract and Utoikamanu signed with us proceeding the final year of his development contract sought a release to come early which was knocked back by Parramatta..

Players can sign with other Clubs at the completion of a development contract..

Length and terms of elevation to an NRL contract is written in..Players from outside the Clubs junior catchment can sign 2 year development contracts..from within 1 Year before moving into the Top 30..

Currently at Wests Tigers Reece hoffman is in his 2nd year of development moving into Top 30 next Year..where as Jake Simpkin moved in after 1 year development and a further 2 years Top 30..

 

[cochise]

Hopefully Tahu gets in his ear and steers him in the right direction.

A promising young player who i imagine will sign on a Dev or NRL spot but be expected to play NSW cup most of the year.

He has to be in the 30. It is outstanding WTs identified him as he is a player the Storm would normally recruit and turn into a star. Demonstrates the improvement in WTs systems and processes.

Not sure about this. I would be happy with a Dev contract. He gets to play from round 11 in any case and the gradual promotion would keep him on his toes.
I would prefer to sign Tyrone Robert’s Davis on short term min wage top 30 spot as he would be better for cover.
The only reason Fitzgibbon would be signed to a first grade contract would be if we plan on playing him from round one on the left wing. In a similar fashion to what Maki Suvo did for parramatta. So if he is demanding to be included in our best 17 (based on trail form), then I’m all for it.

Would think there's no chance he plays round one. He's got a long way to go. Sivo played NSW cup for a few years to iron the kinks out of his system. Fitzgibbon has been playing at a level below NSW Cup and need to demonstrate defence etc at that level before he can get promoted to NRL.

But he also needs to be training fulltime, So definitely a dev contract at minimum, but if we can't add any more devs we'll need to consider him for top 30, but we do still have a lot of money to spend in 2021.

I don't think Fitzgibbon will be ready for a little while still, but at least he can speak English. Sivo is still learning the language and from what I understand it was the main reason he was in ressies for soo long.

I would 100% give Fitzgibbon a contract though. What is the benefit of giving someone a development contract? are they significantly cheaper than a minimum NRL?

Development contracts are for players not ready for NRL. They allow them to train full-time with the squad. Dev contracts are outside of the salary cap and it is my understanding that a dev player can be paid a minimum $60K/p.a. as of 2018. The max amount is somewhere in the $70K range.

Basically, you get paid more than a reserve grade player and get to train with the first grade squad. Most of the contracts usually have KPIs which allow the dev player to be upgraded to a NRL contract if they are met.

Players on development contracts move to a NRL contract at the completion of the development contract. It is one of the reasons there are so much trading of player in the game at the moment as development contracts impact on the flexibility of your squad. Basically when a development contract ends you have to find room for that player in the top 30 squad.

I don’t believe that is a condition to an development contract. I believe it is an incentive a club can structure into it, if they choose.

It is my understanding it is a condition of the development contracts.

Interesting. I haven’t seen that followed at other clubs.
For instance our very own Daine Laurie and Stephano were both picked up by us whilst in the final year of their development contracts.
Both were set to complete that final year still on a development contract. There was no talk about them having an additional year promoted in the first grade squad.

Cochise is right..Laurie was released from his final year of his development contract and Utoikamanu signed with us proceeding the final year of his development contract sought a release to come early which was knocked back by Parramatta..

Players can sign with other Clubs at the completion of a development contract..

Length and terms of elevation to an NRL contract is written in..Players from outside the Clubs junior catchment can sign 2 year development contracts..from within 1 Year before moving into the Top 30..

Currently at Wests Tigers Reece hoffman is in his 2nd year of development moving into Top 30 next Year..where as Jake Simpkin moved in after 1 year development and a further 2 years Top 30..

Thanks Geo, I recalled that being the case. I knew you would know exactly as you have a better memory for those things than I do.

 

[Needaname]

Hopefully Tahu gets in his ear and steers him in the right direction.

A promising young player who i imagine will sign on a Dev or NRL spot but be expected to play NSW cup most of the year.

He has to be in the 30. It is outstanding WTs identified him as he is a player the Storm would normally recruit and turn into a star. Demonstrates the improvement in WTs systems and processes.

Not sure about this. I would be happy with a Dev contract. He gets to play from round 11 in any case and the gradual promotion would keep him on his toes.
I would prefer to sign Tyrone Robert’s Davis on short term min wage top 30 spot as he would be better for cover.
The only reason Fitzgibbon would be signed to a first grade contract would be if we plan on playing him from round one on the left wing. In a similar fashion to what Maki Suvo did for parramatta. So if he is demanding to be included in our best 17 (based on trail form), then I’m all for it.

Would think there's no chance he plays round one. He's got a long way to go. Sivo played NSW cup for a few years to iron the kinks out of his system. Fitzgibbon has been playing at a level below NSW Cup and need to demonstrate defence etc at that level before he can get promoted to NRL.

But he also needs to be training fulltime, So definitely a dev contract at minimum, but if we can't add any more devs we'll need to consider him for top 30, but we do still have a lot of money to spend in 2021.

I don't think Fitzgibbon will be ready for a little while still, but at least he can speak English. Sivo is still learning the language and from what I understand it was the main reason he was in ressies for soo long.

I would 100% give Fitzgibbon a contract though. What is the benefit of giving someone a development contract? are they significantly cheaper than a minimum NRL?

Development contracts are for players not ready for NRL. They allow them to train full-time with the squad. Dev contracts are outside of the salary cap and it is my understanding that a dev player can be paid a minimum $60K/p.a. as of 2018. The max amount is somewhere in the $70K range.

Basically, you get paid more than a reserve grade player and get to train with the first grade squad. Most of the contracts usually have KPIs which allow the dev player to be upgraded to a NRL contract if they are met.

Players on development contracts move to a NRL contract at the completion of the development contract. It is one of the reasons there are so much trading of player in the game at the moment as development contracts impact on the flexibility of your squad. Basically when a development contract ends you have to find room for that player in the top 30 squad.

I don’t believe that is a condition to an development contract. I believe it is an incentive a club can structure into it, if they choose.

It is my understanding it is a condition of the development contracts.

Interesting. I haven’t seen that followed at other clubs.
For instance our very own Daine Laurie and Stephano were both picked up by us whilst in the final year of their development contracts.
Both were set to complete that final year still on a development contract. There was no talk about them having an additional year promoted in the first grade squad.

Cochise is right..Laurie was released from his final year of his development contract and Utoikamanu signed with us proceeding the final year of his development contract sought a release to come early which was knocked back by Parramatta..

Players can sign with other Clubs at the completion of a development contract..

Length and terms of elevation to an NRL contract is written in..Players from outside the Clubs junior catchment can sign 2 year development contracts..from within 1 Year before moving into the Top 30..

Currently at Wests Tigers Reece hoffman is in his 2nd year of development moving into Top 30 next Year..where as Jake Simpkin moved in after 1 year development and a further 2 years Top 30..

Thanks Geo, I recalled that being the case. I knew you would know exactly as you have a better memory for those things than I do.

Thanks Cochise and Geo.
Gee it’s a bit of grey area around the whole not being able to be approached until their final contracted year.
I didn’t realise that the dev players sign effectively sign a dev contract plus a year or two contract for first grade in their favour.
Bit of a grey area really about being able to poach players from other clubs.
What’s the current total for Dev Players Geo?
It was 6 is it now 3 or 4?
Going by what you guys have stated a Dev Contract would be the perfect scenario for Fitzgibbon as it provides a genuine pay pathway. I don’t see us being able to satisfy him with a 2nd tier contract.

 

[JC99]

Hopefully Tahu gets in his ear and steers him in the right direction.

A promising young player who i imagine will sign on a Dev or NRL spot but be expected to play NSW cup most of the year.

He has to be in the 30. It is outstanding WTs identified him as he is a player the Storm would normally recruit and turn into a star. Demonstrates the improvement in WTs systems and processes.

Not sure about this. I would be happy with a Dev contract. He gets to play from round 11 in any case and the gradual promotion would keep him on his toes.
I would prefer to sign Tyrone Robert’s Davis on short term min wage top 30 spot as he would be better for cover.
The only reason Fitzgibbon would be signed to a first grade contract would be if we plan on playing him from round one on the left wing. In a similar fashion to what Maki Suvo did for parramatta. So if he is demanding to be included in our best 17 (based on trail form), then I’m all for it.

Would think there's no chance he plays round one. He's got a long way to go. Sivo played NSW cup for a few years to iron the kinks out of his system. Fitzgibbon has been playing at a level below NSW Cup and need to demonstrate defence etc at that level before he can get promoted to NRL.

But he also needs to be training fulltime, So definitely a dev contract at minimum, but if we can't add any more devs we'll need to consider him for top 30, but we do still have a lot of money to spend in 2021.

I don't think Fitzgibbon will be ready for a little while still, but at least he can speak English. Sivo is still learning the language and from what I understand it was the main reason he was in ressies for soo long.

I would 100% give Fitzgibbon a contract though. What is the benefit of giving someone a development contract? are they significantly cheaper than a minimum NRL?

Development contracts are for players not ready for NRL. They allow them to train full-time with the squad. Dev contracts are outside of the salary cap and it is my understanding that a dev player can be paid a minimum $60K/p.a. as of 2018. The max amount is somewhere in the $70K range.

Basically, you get paid more than a reserve grade player and get to train with the first grade squad. Most of the contracts usually have KPIs which allow the dev player to be upgraded to a NRL contract if they are met.

Players on development contracts move to a NRL contract at the completion of the development contract. It is one of the reasons there are so much trading of player in the game at the moment as development contracts impact on the flexibility of your squad. Basically when a development contract ends you have to find room for that player in the top 30 squad.

I don’t believe that is a condition to an development contract. I believe it is an incentive a club can structure into it, if they choose.

It is my understanding it is a condition of the development contracts.

Interesting. I haven’t seen that followed at other clubs.
For instance our very own Daine Laurie and Stephano were both picked up by us whilst in the final year of their development contracts.
Both were set to complete that final year still on a development contract. There was no talk about them having an additional year promoted in the first grade squad.

Cochise is right..Laurie was released from his final year of his development contract and Utoikamanu signed with us proceeding the final year of his development contract sought a release to come early which was knocked back by Parramatta..

Players can sign with other Clubs at the completion of a development contract..

Length and terms of elevation to an NRL contract is written in..Players from outside the Clubs junior catchment can sign 2 year development contracts..from within 1 Year before moving into the Top 30..

Currently at Wests Tigers Reece hoffman is in his 2nd year of development moving into Top 30 next Year..where as Jake Simpkin moved in after 1 year development and a further 2 years Top 30..

Thanks Geo, I recalled that being the case. I knew you would know exactly as you have a better memory for those things than I do.

Thanks Cochise and Geo.
Gee it’s a bit of grey area around the whole not being able to be approached until their final contracted year.
I didn’t realise that the dev players sign effectively sign a dev contract plus a year or two contract for first grade in their favour.
Bit of a grey area really about being able to poach players from other clubs.
What’s the current total for Dev Players Geo?
It was 6 is it now 3 or 4?
Going by what you guys have stated a Dev Contract would be the perfect scenario for Fitzgibbon as it provides a genuine pay pathway. I don’t see us being able to satisfy him with a 2nd tier contract.

I swear I've seen dev players who don't have an NRL deal at the end of it. Either way it's a good system if used correctly for clubs to develop their youngsters

 

[cochise]

Hopefully Tahu gets in his ear and steers him in the right direction.

A promising young player who i imagine will sign on a Dev or NRL spot but be expected to play NSW cup most of the year.

He has to be in the 30. It is outstanding WTs identified him as he is a player the Storm would normally recruit and turn into a star. Demonstrates the improvement in WTs systems and processes.

Not sure about this. I would be happy with a Dev contract. He gets to play from round 11 in any case and the gradual promotion would keep him on his toes.
I would prefer to sign Tyrone Robert’s Davis on short term min wage top 30 spot as he would be better for cover.
The only reason Fitzgibbon would be signed to a first grade contract would be if we plan on playing him from round one on the left wing. In a similar fashion to what Maki Suvo did for parramatta. So if he is demanding to be included in our best 17 (based on trail form), then I’m all for it.

Would think there's no chance he plays round one. He's got a long way to go. Sivo played NSW cup for a few years to iron the kinks out of his system. Fitzgibbon has been playing at a level below NSW Cup and need to demonstrate defence etc at that level before he can get promoted to NRL.

But he also needs to be training fulltime, So definitely a dev contract at minimum, but if we can't add any more devs we'll need to consider him for top 30, but we do still have a lot of money to spend in 2021.

I don't think Fitzgibbon will be ready for a little while still, but at least he can speak English. Sivo is still learning the language and from what I understand it was the main reason he was in ressies for soo long.

I would 100% give Fitzgibbon a contract though. What is the benefit of giving someone a development contract? are they significantly cheaper than a minimum NRL?

Development contracts are for players not ready for NRL. They allow them to train full-time with the squad. Dev contracts are outside of the salary cap and it is my understanding that a dev player can be paid a minimum $60K/p.a. as of 2018. The max amount is somewhere in the $70K range.

Basically, you get paid more than a reserve grade player and get to train with the first grade squad. Most of the contracts usually have KPIs which allow the dev player to be upgraded to a NRL contract if they are met.

Players on development contracts move to a NRL contract at the completion of the development contract. It is one of the reasons there are so much trading of player in the game at the moment as development contracts impact on the flexibility of your squad. Basically when a development contract ends you have to find room for that player in the top 30 squad.

I don’t believe that is a condition to an development contract. I believe it is an incentive a club can structure into it, if they choose.

It is my understanding it is a condition of the development contracts.

Interesting. I haven’t seen that followed at other clubs.
For instance our very own Daine Laurie and Stephano were both picked up by us whilst in the final year of their development contracts.
Both were set to complete that final year still on a development contract. There was no talk about them having an additional year promoted in the first grade squad.

Cochise is right..Laurie was released from his final year of his development contract and Utoikamanu signed with us proceeding the final year of his development contract sought a release to come early which was knocked back by Parramatta..

Players can sign with other Clubs at the completion of a development contract..

Length and terms of elevation to an NRL contract is written in..Players from outside the Clubs junior catchment can sign 2 year development contracts..from within 1 Year before moving into the Top 30..

Currently at Wests Tigers Reece hoffman is in his 2nd year of development moving into Top 30 next Year..where as Jake Simpkin moved in after 1 year development and a further 2 years Top 30..

Thanks Geo, I recalled that being the case. I knew you would know exactly as you have a better memory for those things than I do.

Thanks Cochise and Geo.
Gee it’s a bit of grey area around the whole not being able to be approached until their final contracted year.
I didn’t realise that the dev players sign effectively sign a dev contract plus a year or two contract for first grade in their favour.
Bit of a grey area really about being able to poach players from other clubs.
What’s the current total for Dev Players Geo?
It was 6 is it now 3 or 4?
Going by what you guys have stated a Dev Contract would be the perfect scenario for Fitzgibbon as it provides a genuine pay pathway. I don’t see us being able to satisfy him with a 2nd tier contract.

It has dropped to 4, the issue I have with development contracts is it means you need to have 2-4 players exiting your squad each year just to have positions for the development players. It makes rebuilding your squad difficult and is the reason trades/ swaps have become more regular.

 

[cochise]

Hopefully Tahu gets in his ear and steers him in the right direction.

A promising young player who i imagine will sign on a Dev or NRL spot but be expected to play NSW cup most of the year.

He has to be in the 30. It is outstanding WTs identified him as he is a player the Storm would normally recruit and turn into a star. Demonstrates the improvement in WTs systems and processes.

Not sure about this. I would be happy with a Dev contract. He gets to play from round 11 in any case and the gradual promotion would keep him on his toes.
I would prefer to sign Tyrone Robert’s Davis on short term min wage top 30 spot as he would be better for cover.
The only reason Fitzgibbon would be signed to a first grade contract would be if we plan on playing him from round one on the left wing. In a similar fashion to what Maki Suvo did for parramatta. So if he is demanding to be included in our best 17 (based on trail form), then I’m all for it.

Would think there's no chance he plays round one. He's got a long way to go. Sivo played NSW cup for a few years to iron the kinks out of his system. Fitzgibbon has been playing at a level below NSW Cup and need to demonstrate defence etc at that level before he can get promoted to NRL.

But he also needs to be training fulltime, So definitely a dev contract at minimum, but if we can't add any more devs we'll need to consider him for top 30, but we do still have a lot of money to spend in 2021.

I don't think Fitzgibbon will be ready for a little while still, but at least he can speak English. Sivo is still learning the language and from what I understand it was the main reason he was in ressies for soo long.

I would 100% give Fitzgibbon a contract though. What is the benefit of giving someone a development contract? are they significantly cheaper than a minimum NRL?

Development contracts are for players not ready for NRL. They allow them to train full-time with the squad. Dev contracts are outside of the salary cap and it is my understanding that a dev player can be paid a minimum $60K/p.a. as of 2018. The max amount is somewhere in the $70K range.

Basically, you get paid more than a reserve grade player and get to train with the first grade squad. Most of the contracts usually have KPIs which allow the dev player to be upgraded to a NRL contract if they are met.

Players on development contracts move to a NRL contract at the completion of the development contract. It is one of the reasons there are so much trading of player in the game at the moment as development contracts impact on the flexibility of your squad. Basically when a development contract ends you have to find room for that player in the top 30 squad.

I don’t believe that is a condition to an development contract. I believe it is an incentive a club can structure into it, if they choose.

It is my understanding it is a condition of the development contracts.

Interesting. I haven’t seen that followed at other clubs.
For instance our very own Daine Laurie and Stephano were both picked up by us whilst in the final year of their development contracts.
Both were set to complete that final year still on a development contract. There was no talk about them having an additional year promoted in the first grade squad.

Cochise is right..Laurie was released from his final year of his development contract and Utoikamanu signed with us proceeding the final year of his development contract sought a release to come early which was knocked back by Parramatta..

Players can sign with other Clubs at the completion of a development contract..

Length and terms of elevation to an NRL contract is written in..Players from outside the Clubs junior catchment can sign 2 year development contracts..from within 1 Year before moving into the Top 30..

Currently at Wests Tigers Reece hoffman is in his 2nd year of development moving into Top 30 next Year..where as Jake Simpkin moved in after 1 year development and a further 2 years Top 30..

Thanks Geo, I recalled that being the case. I knew you would know exactly as you have a better memory for those things than I do.

Thanks Cochise and Geo.
Gee it’s a bit of grey area around the whole not being able to be approached until their final contracted year.
I didn’t realise that the dev players sign effectively sign a dev contract plus a year or two contract for first grade in their favour.
Bit of a grey area really about being able to poach players from other clubs.
What’s the current total for Dev Players Geo?
It was 6 is it now 3 or 4?
Going by what you guys have stated a Dev Contract would be the perfect scenario for Fitzgibbon as it provides a genuine pay pathway. I don’t see us being able to satisfy him with a 2nd tier contract.

I swear I've seen dev players who don't have an NRL deal at the end of it. Either way it's a good system if used correctly for clubs to develop their youngsters

We even had to have Dylan Smith as part of our top 30 as a condition of his development contract. Teams have to be very strong in their recruitment and make sure they are identifying the right players as it can bite if you get it wrong.

 

[Tim Sheens]

This kid would leave Nofoaluma back in the parking lot for speed

So would my grandma...

Tarsha Gale squad could do with her and would easily be the fastest in the competition.

 

[Needaname]

Hopefully Tahu gets in his ear and steers him in the right direction.

A promising young player who i imagine will sign on a Dev or NRL spot but be expected to play NSW cup most of the year.

He has to be in the 30. It is outstanding WTs identified him as he is a player the Storm would normally recruit and turn into a star. Demonstrates the improvement in WTs systems and processes.

Not sure about this. I would be happy with a Dev contract. He gets to play from round 11 in any case and the gradual promotion would keep him on his toes.
I would prefer to sign Tyrone Robert’s Davis on short term min wage top 30 spot as he would be better for cover.
The only reason Fitzgibbon would be signed to a first grade contract would be if we plan on playing him from round one on the left wing. In a similar fashion to what Maki Suvo did for parramatta. So if he is demanding to be included in our best 17 (based on trail form), then I’m all for it.

Would think there's no chance he plays round one. He's got a long way to go. Sivo played NSW cup for a few years to iron the kinks out of his system. Fitzgibbon has been playing at a level below NSW Cup and need to demonstrate defence etc at that level before he can get promoted to NRL.

But he also needs to be training fulltime, So definitely a dev contract at minimum, but if we can't add any more devs we'll need to consider him for top 30, but we do still have a lot of money to spend in 2021.

I don't think Fitzgibbon will be ready for a little while still, but at least he can speak English. Sivo is still learning the language and from what I understand it was the main reason he was in ressies for soo long.

I would 100% give Fitzgibbon a contract though. What is the benefit of giving someone a development contract? are they significantly cheaper than a minimum NRL?

Development contracts are for players not ready for NRL. They allow them to train full-time with the squad. Dev contracts are outside of the salary cap and it is my understanding that a dev player can be paid a minimum $60K/p.a. as of 2018. The max amount is somewhere in the $70K range.

Basically, you get paid more than a reserve grade player and get to train with the first grade squad. Most of the contracts usually have KPIs which allow the dev player to be upgraded to a NRL contract if they are met.

Players on development contracts move to a NRL contract at the completion of the development contract. It is one of the reasons there are so much trading of player in the game at the moment as development contracts impact on the flexibility of your squad. Basically when a development contract ends you have to find room for that player in the top 30 squad.

I don’t believe that is a condition to an development contract. I believe it is an incentive a club can structure into it, if they choose.

It is my understanding it is a condition of the development contracts.

Interesting. I haven’t seen that followed at other clubs.
For instance our very own Daine Laurie and Stephano were both picked up by us whilst in the final year of their development contracts.
Both were set to complete that final year still on a development contract. There was no talk about them having an additional year promoted in the first grade squad.

Cochise is right..Laurie was released from his final year of his development contract and Utoikamanu signed with us proceeding the final year of his development contract sought a release to come early which was knocked back by Parramatta..

Players can sign with other Clubs at the completion of a development contract..

Length and terms of elevation to an NRL contract is written in..Players from outside the Clubs junior catchment can sign 2 year development contracts..from within 1 Year before moving into the Top 30..

Currently at Wests Tigers Reece hoffman is in his 2nd year of development moving into Top 30 next Year..where as Jake Simpkin moved in after 1 year development and a further 2 years Top 30..

Thanks Geo, I recalled that being the case. I knew you would know exactly as you have a better memory for those things than I do.

Thanks Cochise and Geo.
Gee it’s a bit of grey area around the whole not being able to be approached until their final contracted year.
I didn’t realise that the dev players sign effectively sign a dev contract plus a year or two contract for first grade in their favour.
Bit of a grey area really about being able to poach players from other clubs.
What’s the current total for Dev Players Geo?
It was 6 is it now 3 or 4?
Going by what you guys have stated a Dev Contract would be the perfect scenario for Fitzgibbon as it provides a genuine pay pathway. I don’t see us being able to satisfy him with a 2nd tier contract.

It has dropped to 4, the issue I have with development contracts is it means you need to have 2-4 players exiting your squad each year just to have positions for the development players. It makes rebuilding your squad difficult and is the reason trades/ swaps have become more regular.

Yeah I agree with that. Considering all of that with 2 wingers already on Dev Contracts I’d say it’s unlikely the club would consider signing him on a dev contract. Min wage top 30 deal is the only chance or take a gamble with a 2nd tier contract.

It does help teams that need a roster turn over but doesn’t help teams that don’t. Wonder how the Roosters and Melbourne get away with it. I can’t say I’ve seen many dev contracted players get a run with those sides.

 

[cochise]

Hopefully Tahu gets in his ear and steers him in the right direction.

A promising young player who i imagine will sign on a Dev or NRL spot but be expected to play NSW cup most of the year.

He has to be in the 30. It is outstanding WTs identified him as he is a player the Storm would normally recruit and turn into a star. Demonstrates the improvement in WTs systems and processes.

Not sure about this. I would be happy with a Dev contract. He gets to play from round 11 in any case and the gradual promotion would keep him on his toes.
I would prefer to sign Tyrone Robert’s Davis on short term min wage top 30 spot as he would be better for cover.
The only reason Fitzgibbon would be signed to a first grade contract would be if we plan on playing him from round one on the left wing. In a similar fashion to what Maki Suvo did for parramatta. So if he is demanding to be included in our best 17 (based on trail form), then I’m all for it.

Would think there's no chance he plays round one. He's got a long way to go. Sivo played NSW cup for a few years to iron the kinks out of his system. Fitzgibbon has been playing at a level below NSW Cup and need to demonstrate defence etc at that level before he can get promoted to NRL.

But he also needs to be training fulltime, So definitely a dev contract at minimum, but if we can't add any more devs we'll need to consider him for top 30, but we do still have a lot of money to spend in 2021.

I don't think Fitzgibbon will be ready for a little while still, but at least he can speak English. Sivo is still learning the language and from what I understand it was the main reason he was in ressies for soo long.

I would 100% give Fitzgibbon a contract though. What is the benefit of giving someone a development contract? are they significantly cheaper than a minimum NRL?

Development contracts are for players not ready for NRL. They allow them to train full-time with the squad. Dev contracts are outside of the salary cap and it is my understanding that a dev player can be paid a minimum $60K/p.a. as of 2018. The max amount is somewhere in the $70K range.

Basically, you get paid more than a reserve grade player and get to train with the first grade squad. Most of the contracts usually have KPIs which allow the dev player to be upgraded to a NRL contract if they are met.

Players on development contracts move to a NRL contract at the completion of the development contract. It is one of the reasons there are so much trading of player in the game at the moment as development contracts impact on the flexibility of your squad. Basically when a development contract ends you have to find room for that player in the top 30 squad.

I don’t believe that is a condition to an development contract. I believe it is an incentive a club can structure into it, if they choose.

It is my understanding it is a condition of the development contracts.

Interesting. I haven’t seen that followed at other clubs.
For instance our very own Daine Laurie and Stephano were both picked up by us whilst in the final year of their development contracts.
Both were set to complete that final year still on a development contract. There was no talk about them having an additional year promoted in the first grade squad.

Cochise is right..Laurie was released from his final year of his development contract and Utoikamanu signed with us proceeding the final year of his development contract sought a release to come early which was knocked back by Parramatta..

Players can sign with other Clubs at the completion of a development contract..

Length and terms of elevation to an NRL contract is written in..Players from outside the Clubs junior catchment can sign 2 year development contracts..from within 1 Year before moving into the Top 30..

Currently at Wests Tigers Reece hoffman is in his 2nd year of development moving into Top 30 next Year..where as Jake Simpkin moved in after 1 year development and a further 2 years Top 30..

Thanks Geo, I recalled that being the case. I knew you would know exactly as you have a better memory for those things than I do.

Thanks Cochise and Geo.
Gee it’s a bit of grey area around the whole not being able to be approached until their final contracted year.
I didn’t realise that the dev players sign effectively sign a dev contract plus a year or two contract for first grade in their favour.
Bit of a grey area really about being able to poach players from other clubs.
What’s the current total for Dev Players Geo?
It was 6 is it now 3 or 4?
Going by what you guys have stated a Dev Contract would be the perfect scenario for Fitzgibbon as it provides a genuine pay pathway. I don’t see us being able to satisfy him with a 2nd tier contract.

It has dropped to 4, the issue I have with development contracts is it means you need to have 2-4 players exiting your squad each year just to have positions for the development players. It makes rebuilding your squad difficult and is the reason trades/ swaps have become more regular.

Yeah I agree with that. Considering all of that with 2 wingers already on Dev Contracts I’d say it’s unlikely the club would consider signing him on a dev contract. Min wage top 30 deal is the only chance or take a gamble with a 2nd tier contract.

It does help teams that need a roster turn over but doesn’t help teams that don’t. Wonder how the Roosters and Melbourne get away with it. I can’t say I’ve seen many dev contracted players get a run with those sides.

It can make it very difficult to get in established players as well as the players leaving are being replaced by development players.

 

[Needaname]

Hopefully Tahu gets in his ear and steers him in the right direction.

A promising young player who i imagine will sign on a Dev or NRL spot but be expected to play NSW cup most of the year.

He has to be in the 30. It is outstanding WTs identified him as he is a player the Storm would normally recruit and turn into a star. Demonstrates the improvement in WTs systems and processes.

Not sure about this. I would be happy with a Dev contract. He gets to play from round 11 in any case and the gradual promotion would keep him on his toes.
I would prefer to sign Tyrone Robert’s Davis on short term min wage top 30 spot as he would be better for cover.
The only reason Fitzgibbon would be signed to a first grade contract would be if we plan on playing him from round one on the left wing. In a similar fashion to what Maki Suvo did for parramatta. So if he is demanding to be included in our best 17 (based on trail form), then I’m all for it.

Would think there's no chance he plays round one. He's got a long way to go. Sivo played NSW cup for a few years to iron the kinks out of his system. Fitzgibbon has been playing at a level below NSW Cup and need to demonstrate defence etc at that level before he can get promoted to NRL.

But he also needs to be training fulltime, So definitely a dev contract at minimum, but if we can't add any more devs we'll need to consider him for top 30, but we do still have a lot of money to spend in 2021.

I don't think Fitzgibbon will be ready for a little while still, but at least he can speak English. Sivo is still learning the language and from what I understand it was the main reason he was in ressies for soo long.

I would 100% give Fitzgibbon a contract though. What is the benefit of giving someone a development contract? are they significantly cheaper than a minimum NRL?

Development contracts are for players not ready for NRL. They allow them to train full-time with the squad. Dev contracts are outside of the salary cap and it is my understanding that a dev player can be paid a minimum $60K/p.a. as of 2018. The max amount is somewhere in the $70K range.

Basically, you get paid more than a reserve grade player and get to train with the first grade squad. Most of the contracts usually have KPIs which allow the dev player to be upgraded to a NRL contract if they are met.

Players on development contracts move to a NRL contract at the completion of the development contract. It is one of the reasons there are so much trading of player in the game at the moment as development contracts impact on the flexibility of your squad. Basically when a development contract ends you have to find room for that player in the top 30 squad.

I don’t believe that is a condition to an development contract. I believe it is an incentive a club can structure into it, if they choose.

It is my understanding it is a condition of the development contracts.

Interesting. I haven’t seen that followed at other clubs.
For instance our very own Daine Laurie and Stephano were both picked up by us whilst in the final year of their development contracts.
Both were set to complete that final year still on a development contract. There was no talk about them having an additional year promoted in the first grade squad.

Cochise is right..Laurie was released from his final year of his development contract and Utoikamanu signed with us proceeding the final year of his development contract sought a release to come early which was knocked back by Parramatta..

Players can sign with other Clubs at the completion of a development contract..

Length and terms of elevation to an NRL contract is written in..Players from outside the Clubs junior catchment can sign 2 year development contracts..from within 1 Year before moving into the Top 30..

Currently at Wests Tigers Reece hoffman is in his 2nd year of development moving into Top 30 next Year..where as Jake Simpkin moved in after 1 year development and a further 2 years Top 30..

Thanks Geo, I recalled that being the case. I knew you would know exactly as you have a better memory for those things than I do.

Thanks Cochise and Geo.
Gee it’s a bit of grey area around the whole not being able to be approached until their final contracted year.
I didn’t realise that the dev players sign effectively sign a dev contract plus a year or two contract for first grade in their favour.
Bit of a grey area really about being able to poach players from other clubs.
What’s the current total for Dev Players Geo?
It was 6 is it now 3 or 4?
Going by what you guys have stated a Dev Contract would be the perfect scenario for Fitzgibbon as it provides a genuine pay pathway. I don’t see us being able to satisfy him with a 2nd tier contract.

It has dropped to 4, the issue I have with development contracts is it means you need to have 2-4 players exiting your squad each year just to have positions for the development players. It makes rebuilding your squad difficult and is the reason trades/ swaps have become more regular.

Yeah I agree with that. Considering all of that with 2 wingers already on Dev Contracts I’d say it’s unlikely the club would consider signing him on a dev contract. Min wage top 30 deal is the only chance or take a gamble with a 2nd tier contract.

It does help teams that need a roster turn over but doesn’t help teams that don’t. Wonder how the Roosters and Melbourne get away with it. I can’t say I’ve seen many dev contracted players get a run with those sides.

It can make it very difficult to get in established players as well as the players leaving are being replaced by development players.

Absolutely. I’ve noticed some clubs sign experienced players that haven’t quite held down a first grade position onto a development contract.
Roosters for instance signed Drew Hutchinson after his return from the ESL. I thought there was also a rule that the player has to be a rookie and or hasn’t debuted in first grade prior to being signed?
Can you guys clear this one up?
For instance this year Nathaniel Roach is signed to a development contract with the Parramatta Eels.

 

[cochise]

Hopefully Tahu gets in his ear and steers him in the right direction.

A promising young player who i imagine will sign on a Dev or NRL spot but be expected to play NSW cup most of the year.

He has to be in the 30. It is outstanding WTs identified him as he is a player the Storm would normally recruit and turn into a star. Demonstrates the improvement in WTs systems and processes.

Not sure about this. I would be happy with a Dev contract. He gets to play from round 11 in any case and the gradual promotion would keep him on his toes.
I would prefer to sign Tyrone Robert’s Davis on short term min wage top 30 spot as he would be better for cover.
The only reason Fitzgibbon would be signed to a first grade contract would be if we plan on playing him from round one on the left wing. In a similar fashion to what Maki Suvo did for parramatta. So if he is demanding to be included in our best 17 (based on trail form), then I’m all for it.

Would think there's no chance he plays round one. He's got a long way to go. Sivo played NSW cup for a few years to iron the kinks out of his system. Fitzgibbon has been playing at a level below NSW Cup and need to demonstrate defence etc at that level before he can get promoted to NRL.

But he also needs to be training fulltime, So definitely a dev contract at minimum, but if we can't add any more devs we'll need to consider him for top 30, but we do still have a lot of money to spend in 2021.

I don't think Fitzgibbon will be ready for a little while still, but at least he can speak English. Sivo is still learning the language and from what I understand it was the main reason he was in ressies for soo long.

I would 100% give Fitzgibbon a contract though. What is the benefit of giving someone a development contract? are they significantly cheaper than a minimum NRL?

Development contracts are for players not ready for NRL. They allow them to train full-time with the squad. Dev contracts are outside of the salary cap and it is my understanding that a dev player can be paid a minimum $60K/p.a. as of 2018. The max amount is somewhere in the $70K range.

Basically, you get paid more than a reserve grade player and get to train with the first grade squad. Most of the contracts usually have KPIs which allow the dev player to be upgraded to a NRL contract if they are met.

Players on development contracts move to a NRL contract at the completion of the development contract. It is one of the reasons there are so much trading of player in the game at the moment as development contracts impact on the flexibility of your squad. Basically when a development contract ends you have to find room for that player in the top 30 squad.

I don’t believe that is a condition to an development contract. I believe it is an incentive a club can structure into it, if they choose.

It is my understanding it is a condition of the development contracts.

Interesting. I haven’t seen that followed at other clubs.
For instance our very own Daine Laurie and Stephano were both picked up by us whilst in the final year of their development contracts.
Both were set to complete that final year still on a development contract. There was no talk about them having an additional year promoted in the first grade squad.

Cochise is right..Laurie was released from his final year of his development contract and Utoikamanu signed with us proceeding the final year of his development contract sought a release to come early which was knocked back by Parramatta..

Players can sign with other Clubs at the completion of a development contract..

Length and terms of elevation to an NRL contract is written in..Players from outside the Clubs junior catchment can sign 2 year development contracts..from within 1 Year before moving into the Top 30..

Currently at Wests Tigers Reece hoffman is in his 2nd year of development moving into Top 30 next Year..where as Jake Simpkin moved in after 1 year development and a further 2 years Top 30..

Thanks Geo, I recalled that being the case. I knew you would know exactly as you have a better memory for those things than I do.

Thanks Cochise and Geo.
Gee it’s a bit of grey area around the whole not being able to be approached until their final contracted year.
I didn’t realise that the dev players sign effectively sign a dev contract plus a year or two contract for first grade in their favour.
Bit of a grey area really about being able to poach players from other clubs.
What’s the current total for Dev Players Geo?
It was 6 is it now 3 or 4?
Going by what you guys have stated a Dev Contract would be the perfect scenario for Fitzgibbon as it provides a genuine pay pathway. I don’t see us being able to satisfy him with a 2nd tier contract.

It has dropped to 4, the issue I have with development contracts is it means you need to have 2-4 players exiting your squad each year just to have positions for the development players. It makes rebuilding your squad difficult and is the reason trades/ swaps have become more regular.

Yeah I agree with that. Considering all of that with 2 wingers already on Dev Contracts I’d say it’s unlikely the club would consider signing him on a dev contract. Min wage top 30 deal is the only chance or take a gamble with a 2nd tier contract.

It does help teams that need a roster turn over but doesn’t help teams that don’t. Wonder how the Roosters and Melbourne get away with it. I can’t say I’ve seen many dev contracted players get a run with those sides.

It can make it very difficult to get in established players as well as the players leaving are being replaced by development players.

Absolutely. I’ve noticed some clubs sign experienced players that haven’t quite held down a first grade position onto a development contract.
Roosters for instance signed Drew Hutchinson after his return from the ESL. I thought there was also a rule that the player has to be a rookie and or hasn’t debuted in first grade prior to being signed?
Can you guys clear this one up?

I don't think there is a rule about number of games, Tyson Gamble was on a development contract at the Broncos last year.

 

[Geo]

Hopefully Tahu gets in his ear and steers him in the right direction.

A promising young player who i imagine will sign on a Dev or NRL spot but be expected to play NSW cup most of the year.

He has to be in the 30. It is outstanding WTs identified him as he is a player the Storm would normally recruit and turn into a star. Demonstrates the improvement in WTs systems and processes.

Not sure about this. I would be happy with a Dev contract. He gets to play from round 11 in any case and the gradual promotion would keep him on his toes.
I would prefer to sign Tyrone Robert’s Davis on short term min wage top 30 spot as he would be better for cover.
The only reason Fitzgibbon would be signed to a first grade contract would be if we plan on playing him from round one on the left wing. In a similar fashion to what Maki Suvo did for parramatta. So if he is demanding to be included in our best 17 (based on trail form), then I’m all for it.

Would think there's no chance he plays round one. He's got a long way to go. Sivo played NSW cup for a few years to iron the kinks out of his system. Fitzgibbon has been playing at a level below NSW Cup and need to demonstrate defence etc at that level before he can get promoted to NRL.

But he also needs to be training fulltime, So definitely a dev contract at minimum, but if we can't add any more devs we'll need to consider him for top 30, but we do still have a lot of money to spend in 2021.

I don't think Fitzgibbon will be ready for a little while still, but at least he can speak English. Sivo is still learning the language and from what I understand it was the main reason he was in ressies for soo long.

I would 100% give Fitzgibbon a contract though. What is the benefit of giving someone a development contract? are they significantly cheaper than a minimum NRL?

Development contracts are for players not ready for NRL. They allow them to train full-time with the squad. Dev contracts are outside of the salary cap and it is my understanding that a dev player can be paid a minimum $60K/p.a. as of 2018. The max amount is somewhere in the $70K range.

Basically, you get paid more than a reserve grade player and get to train with the first grade squad. Most of the contracts usually have KPIs which allow the dev player to be upgraded to a NRL contract if they are met.

Players on development contracts move to a NRL contract at the completion of the development contract. It is one of the reasons there are so much trading of player in the game at the moment as development contracts impact on the flexibility of your squad. Basically when a development contract ends you have to find room for that player in the top 30 squad.

I don’t believe that is a condition to an development contract. I believe it is an incentive a club can structure into it, if they choose.

It is my understanding it is a condition of the development contracts.

Interesting. I haven’t seen that followed at other clubs.
For instance our very own Daine Laurie and Stephano were both picked up by us whilst in the final year of their development contracts.
Both were set to complete that final year still on a development contract. There was no talk about them having an additional year promoted in the first grade squad.

Cochise is right..Laurie was released from his final year of his development contract and Utoikamanu signed with us proceeding the final year of his development contract sought a release to come early which was knocked back by Parramatta..

Players can sign with other Clubs at the completion of a development contract..

Length and terms of elevation to an NRL contract is written in..Players from outside the Clubs junior catchment can sign 2 year development contracts..from within 1 Year before moving into the Top 30..

Currently at Wests Tigers Reece hoffman is in his 2nd year of development moving into Top 30 next Year..where as Jake Simpkin moved in after 1 year development and a further 2 years Top 30..

Thanks Geo, I recalled that being the case. I knew you would know exactly as you have a better memory for those things than I do.

Thanks Cochise and Geo.
Gee it’s a bit of grey area around the whole not being able to be approached until their final contracted year.
I didn’t realise that the dev players sign effectively sign a dev contract plus a year or two contract for first grade in their favour.
Bit of a grey area really about being able to poach players from other clubs.
What’s the current total for Dev Players Geo?
It was 6 is it now 3 or 4?
Going by what you guys have stated a Dev Contract would be the perfect scenario for Fitzgibbon as it provides a genuine pay pathway. I don’t see us being able to satisfy him with a 2nd tier contract.

It has dropped to 4, the issue I have with development contracts is it means you need to have 2-4 players exiting your squad each year just to have positions for the development players. It makes rebuilding your squad difficult and is the reason trades/ swaps have become more regular.

Yeah I agree with that. Considering all of that with 2 wingers already on Dev Contracts I’d say it’s unlikely the club would consider signing him on a dev contract. Min wage top 30 deal is the only chance or take a gamble with a 2nd tier contract.

It does help teams that need a roster turn over but doesn’t help teams that don’t. Wonder how the Roosters and Melbourne get away with it. I can’t say I’ve seen many dev contracted players get a run with those sides.

It can make it very difficult to get in established players as well as the players leaving are being replaced by development players.

Absolutely. I’ve noticed some clubs sign experienced players that haven’t quite held down a first grade position onto a development contract.
Roosters for instance signed Drew Hutchinson after his return from the ESL. I thought there was also a rule that the player has to be a rookie and or hasn’t debuted in first grade prior to being signed?
Can you guys clear this one up?
For instance this year Nathaniel Roach is signed to a development contract with the Parramatta Eels.

No rule..Parramatta signed Jai Field last year 2..played a few games when Slimey was out would have been in their Top 30 this year but got a gig back in the ESL..

 

[balmain boy]

You don't have to offer an NRL contract as part of a development contract. Many clubs do though as a means of securing the best young talent.
Especially clubs like us. To get Simpkin we'd have to offer one year Dev, two years NRL. Roosters may have been able to get away with a one or two year Dev deal with them as they're more attractive

 

[cochise]

You don't have to offer an NRL contract as part of a development contract. Many clubs do though as a means of securing the best young talent.
Especially clubs like us. To get Simpkin we'd have to offer one year Dev, two years NRL. Roosters may have been able to get away with a one or two year Dev deal with them as they're more attractive

I have it on very good authority that you do.

 

[balmain boy]

You don't have to offer an NRL contract as part of a development contract. Many clubs do though as a means of securing the best young talent.
Especially clubs like us. To get Simpkin we'd have to offer one year Dev, two years NRL. Roosters may have been able to get away with a one or two year Dev deal with them as they're more attractive

I have it on very good authority that you do.

Well other clubs haven't done it that way. Lots of examples. Some clubs even have players on one year development contracts. You realise that right?