Top 25 contracted playing squad / Elijah Taylor - Farah.

[Tiger_Torch]

Earlier in the year I posted the club's top 25 roster in an attempt to explain some of the more bizarre team selections. This squad was assembled by Jason Taylor prior to Mark O'Neill's arrival….

one thing in ur notes above worries me how was MILONE put in the top 25, was he not out for the season before drinkwater left the club,seems strange to me.

Torch, do you have any idea which of our juniors (other than those mentioned) we're likely to keep? Tatola, Suli, Marsters, Stone, Jacobs, Karwhin etc?

And in general,the decision to promote Milone ahead of JAC just baffles. Neither should have been on much money, if anything JAC perhaps on more due to his far higher potential. Milone was one well connected kid.

 

[ricksen]

TT - any truth to the paper talk of shopping the likes of Rankin & others around elsewhere?

 

[Eddie]

>Farah gone.
>ET re-signed.
>Me happy.

Simple, but sums it up nicely. Thanks once again for the updates TT, ver informative and appreciated by all here.

Most people will be happy however its a pretty risky way of doing business in the long term.

Ok Farah is not the most popular guy in the world, however if players are dropped to reserves just to get rid of them word will filter around the traps. It's a pretty shabby way of treating him dropping him because of nothing to do with on field performance.

You don't want manager and players saying Dont go to the Tigers they treat players poorly.

 

[Eddie]

To paraphrase…

So in summary **Farah was** **in fact dropped to force his hand** in an attempt to 'find' $450k to sign ET. The club is very confident they will achieve this with a final decision on Farah's future to be known before the semis.
But I repeat he won't be here next year, **he has burnt some bridges with people of greater influence than Jason Taylor**! All I can say is that in 2016 coaches are accountable to CEOs / Boards, and Boards generally don't like hearing any comments that could be viewed as sexist / misogynistic - even if in jest.

So much for all the lies spewed out by Jason Taylor about cohesion and performance being the reasons Farah was dropped.
Prompted by the board, obviously, to save his own job.
As for the board - what a bunch of lily livered weaklings.
Whether you like him or not Farah is a club legend - you think they would have the guts to come out and tell the truth.
Farah deserves it and so do the supporters and sponsors.

Its poor treatment.

They might get the end result byre signing ET and if they do well you could say ruthlessly its good business. However its a risky way to go about things in the long term.

Most fans on here will keep banging on though about Farah behind the scenes and slow service and yada yada yada.

Phil Gould said it and our man in the know said it this has been PURLEY about money and salary cap from the get go. Farah's main crime under Taylor has been being on 950 K. Whilst everyone knows this is way too much for what he offers these days the cohesion angle is a load or garbage.

 

[ricksen]

You're right Eddie, but it's the way the game is now, rightly or wrongly.
The Panthers did the same with both Soward and Segeyaro this season (i.e. drop them to reserves in an effort to force them out), and they still have people lining up to sign with them.

 

[innsaneink]

Don't be an a hole and don't let your manager sink the boot into the club and youll be sweet

 

[Eddie]

You're right Eddie, but it's the way the game is now, rightly or wrongly.
The Panthers did the same with both Soward and Segeyaro this season (i.e. drop them to reserves in an effort to force them out), and they still have people lining up to sign with them.

Yes thats true.

I said ruthlessly it's good business if it comes off.

The main thing I get annoyed at is people saying Farah is not in the team becuase he has been causing trouble, wont follow the game plan etc etc.

This is about money and salary cap.

 

[851]

Earlier in the year I posted the club's top 25 roster in an attempt to explain some of the more bizarre team selections. This squad was assembled by Jason Taylor prior to Mark O'Neill's arrival….

one thing in ur notes above worries me how was MILONE put in the top 25, was he not out for the season before drinkwater left the club,seems strange to me.

Torch, do you have any idea which of our juniors (other than those mentioned) we're likely to keep? Tatola, Suli, Marsters, Stone, Jacobs, Karwhin etc?

And in general,the decision to promote Milone ahead of JAC just baffles. Neither should have been on much money, if anything JAC perhaps on more due to his far higher potential. Milone was one well connected kid.

Here's all I know at present re the above:
Milone may retire due to a recurrent knee injury but at the very least will not be in the top 25 next year! Sponsorhip expires end of year …..
Ballin is considering his future, but the club is very keen to retain him in some capacity if indeed he can't play due to injury - he will cost us $200k next year / this year $80k.
Tatola has received an offer at the same time as Felise - still no word on what he will do, has received lukewarm interest from elsewhere.
Kharwin has shown poor attitude at training minimum $80k offer has been rejected by him, don't know what he will do. Lack of genuine pace an issue.
Marsters signed up for 2 yrs and highly and regarded - trying to increase his effective minutes.
Suli, Stone & Jacobs I don't have any reliable info, I happen to know one of them personally, but still don't have anything to share.
Contrary to what has been reported the club is still trying to negotiate a settlement with Melb to release JAC. To date this appears to be the only major blunder under Pascoe's reign and as I reported previously JAC signed with Melb while Pascoe was away on extended leave from work on private business, despite leaving instructions that he wanted the final say on JAC - apparently this was not properly communicated to JAC management. JAC desperately wants to stay and be in the top 25 squad next year but this appears to be a remote chance with Melb asking for $200k comp / JAC 's 3 year Melb deal is only worth $460k + incentives.
Cherrington's deal with Penrith was withdrawn in July which was the deadline imposed based on a likely decision re Farah saga - he will move on to Cronulla on a 1 year deal / Liddle now outperforming him in all kpis.
Its important to note that next year there could be as many as 6 vacant spots ( exits: Farah; Halatau; Cherrington; Hunt; Milone; possibly Sirro) in our top 25 roster - maybe the forum should try to pick who the newbies will be will be from our existing squads / I don't anticipate a huge intake of fresh talent.
Personal view only: Robbie Farah is a WT legend no iffs or buts, but his time has come. He no longer has any support in the areas that matter perhaps apart from 1 sponsor. I have no personal relationship with Robbie and despite all I know / don't know, I respect him for what he did for us on the field. I don't want to dwell on the fact that he now has probably killed off any prospect of a role with the WTs after he retires - there would be any number I roles that I thought he could have handled quite capably. Its a real shame but needs to be resolved and Pascoe will ensure this happens as equitably as possible. Please believe me when I say the club is in good shape, it bears no resemblance to the 'inmates running the asylum' of a few years ago. No pain, no gain with a clear, transparent and binding primary objectives semi finals 2017;2018;2019.
Final word on JT's contract, technically it is true that 2017 is an option in the club's favour, but in all likelihood he will be granted this 1 yr contract exemption based on successfully resolving 'transitional issues' ( management talk for getting rid of dead wood / bad habits) and getting the team to at least equal 8th notwithstanding our poor differential. Next year its very simple ideally top 4 with a $ bonus or top 8 to receive a 2 yr extension. Failure to reach top 8 will result in immediate termination.
I've now been told 3 different contract figures for Taylor but none of them have him earning any more than $450k p.a. on his current deal, which is $200k less than what Cleary is asking.

How about we offer Rankin as compensation to Melbourne to keep JAC, I mean he can play anywhere just ask JT.
And Cleary is worth $200k more than JT in my opinion, I read his articles in RLW they are quite inciteful.
Thanks again Tiger Torch, another good instalment.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

You're right Eddie, but it's the way the game is now, rightly or wrongly.
The Panthers did the same with both Soward and Segeyaro this season (i.e. drop them to reserves in an effort to force them out), and they still have people lining up to sign with them.

Yes thats true.

I said ruthlessly it's good business if it comes off.

The main thing I get annoyed at is people saying Farah is not in the team becuase he has been causing trouble, wont follow the game plan etc etc.

This is about money and salary cap.

So Farah burning bridges isn't a contributing factor either?

 

[Telltails]

A lot of trouble to sign one player - hope he is worth it.

 

[Geo]

Well I guess….. Penrith wont be signing anyone soon with Segg's Sowie and our own Elijah Taylor being dropped to reserve Grade based on performance and not because they weren't in the future plans....

 

[Tiger_Torch]

TT - any truth to the paper talk of shopping the likes of Rankin & others around elsewhere?

Rankin was offered to Newcastle as part of a sweetener for ill fated Farah / Uate deal.
Newcastle actually wanted Kevvie as part of the deal but had agreed to take Rankin as well. Funny thing was /is Uate would only come here to play alongside Kevvie as they are best mates, with Noffa shifting to left wing. Very , very unlikely to happen now as Farah rightfully can pick where he wants to go, even though Potter would be moved on to accommodate Farah. 3 weeks ago the revised deal would still have cost us Farah; Rankin with a net saving of only $150k approx. to put towards re-signing ET. In short it was nonsensical - we get Uate free for 1 year but only save $150k. I'm told we would take Uate for free ($80k) in 2017 and pay him $250k in 2018\. To date no response from Newcastle.
All I've been told by an assistant coach is that Rankin will not be on the wing next year, he's there by default now with 2nd tie cap constraints.
Popular guy around the team / club, but really wants to play in the halves of 2nd option fullback - won't here at WTs. No other interest at present that I am aware of but will be costing us $160k next year, unless moved on.
As previously stated Sirro whilst now back under contract (option in his favour) has permission to look elsewhere - he still harbours a desire to play 5/8\. Roosters did show some initial interest but nothing of late.
Littlejohn is in the same boat, but has expressed interest in hooking role next year!

 

[Gary_Bakerloo]

Potentially another 3 years with JT at the helm and more importantly, potentially 3 years of meltdowns on this forum.

 

[tiga4eva]

Don't be an a hole and don't let your manager sink the boot into the club and youll be sweet

Agree. The victim card got played to death.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

Potentially another 3 years with JT at the helm and more importantly, potentially 3 years of meltdowns on this forum.

Sounds like he has more support than he did a few months ago. I remember an update from Torch around the time of the Canberra game, and he was a dead man walking.

 

[ricksen]

TT - any truth to the paper talk of shopping the likes of Rankin & others around elsewhere?

Rankin was offered to Newcastle as part of a sweetener for ill fated Farah / Uate deal.
Newcastle actually wanted Kevvie as part of the deal but had agreed to take Rankin as well. Funny thing was /is Uate would only come here to play alongside Kevvie as they are best mates, with Noffa shifting to left wing. Very , very unlikely to happen now as Farah rightfully can pick where he wants to go, even though Potter would be moved on to accommodate Farah. 3 weeks ago the revised deal would still have cost us Farah; Rankin with a net saving of only $150k approx. to put towards re-signing ET. In short it was nonsensical - we get Uate free for 1 year but only save $150k. I'm told we would take Uate for free ($80k) in 2017 and pay him $250k in 2018\. To date no response from Newcastle.
All I've been told by an assistant coach is that Rankin will not be on the wing next year, he's there by default now with 2nd tie cap constraints.
Popular guy around the team / club, but really wants to play in the halves of 2nd option fullback - won't here at WTs. No other interest at present that I am aware of but will be costing us $160k next year, unless moved on.
As previously stated Sirro whilst now back under contract (option in his favour) has permission to look elsewhere - he still harbours a desire to play 5/8\. Roosters did show some initial interest but nothing of late.
Littlejohn is in the same boat, but has expressed interest in hooking role next year!

Much obliged, cheers.

Ridiculous that we've gone a full year with Rankin on the wing tbh. Surely Hunt is a better option now that he's fully fit?
Can't think of many halves jobs up for grabs next year, so will be interesting to see if Rankin sticks around.

 

[851]

TT - any truth to the paper talk of shopping the likes of Rankin & others around elsewhere?

Rankin was offered to Newcastle as part of a sweetener for ill fated Farah / Uate deal.
Newcastle actually wanted Kevvie as part of the deal but had agreed to take Rankin as well. Funny thing was /is Uate would only come here to play alongside Kevvie as they are best mates, with Noffa shifting to left wing. Very , very unlikely to happen now as Farah rightfully can pick where he wants to go, even though Potter would be moved on to accommodate Farah. 3 weeks ago the revised deal would still have cost us Farah; Rankin with a net saving of only $150k approx. to put towards re-signing ET. In short it was nonsensical - we get Uate free for 1 year but only save $150k. I'm told we would take Uate for free ($80k) in 2017 and pay him $250k in 2018\. To date no response from Newcastle.
All I've been told by an assistant coach is that Rankin will not be on the wing next year, he's there by default now with 2nd tie cap constraints.
Popular guy around the team / club, but really wants to play in the halves of 2nd option fullback - won't here at WTs. No other interest at present that I am aware of but will be costing us $160k next year, unless moved on.
As previously stated Sirro whilst now back under contract (option in his favour) has permission to look elsewhere - he still harbours a desire to play 5/8\. Roosters did show some initial interest but nothing of late.
Littlejohn is in the same boat, but has expressed interest in hooking role next year!

He has been picked on the wing all year, way before 2nd tier caps come in to play, a really poor selection from the get go, just put a winger on the wing, not real hard for a coach to do one would think. :brick:

 

[851]

TT - any truth to the paper talk of shopping the likes of Rankin & others around elsewhere?

Rankin was offered to Newcastle as part of a sweetener for ill fated Farah / Uate deal.
Newcastle actually wanted Kevvie as part of the deal but had agreed to take Rankin as well. Funny thing was /is Uate would only come here to play alongside Kevvie as they are best mates, with Noffa shifting to left wing. Very , very unlikely to happen now as Farah rightfully can pick where he wants to go, even though Potter would be moved on to accommodate Farah. 3 weeks ago the revised deal would still have cost us Farah; Rankin with a net saving of only $150k approx. to put towards re-signing ET. In short it was nonsensical - we get Uate free for 1 year but only save $150k. I'm told we would take Uate for free ($80k) in 2017 and pay him $250k in 2018\. To date no response from Newcastle.
All I've been told by an assistant coach is that Rankin will not be on the wing next year, he's there by default now with 2nd tie cap constraints.
Popular guy around the team / club, but really wants to play in the halves of 2nd option fullback - won't here at WTs. No other interest at present that I am aware of but will be costing us $160k next year, unless moved on.
As previously stated Sirro whilst now back under contract (option in his favour) has permission to look elsewhere - he still harbours a desire to play 5/8\. Roosters did show some initial interest but nothing of late.
Littlejohn is in the same boat, but has expressed interest in hooking role next year!

Much obliged, cheers.

Ridiculous that we've gone a full year with Rankin on the wing tbh. Surely Hunt is a better option now that he's fully fit?
Can't think of many halves jobs up for grabs next year, so will be interesting to see if Rankin sticks around.

I just hope if JT survives Rankin goes, the love knows no bounds.

 

[gallagher]

You're right Eddie, but it's the way the game is now, rightly or wrongly.
The Panthers did the same with both Soward and Segeyaro this season (i.e. drop them to reserves in an effort to force them out), and they still have people lining up to sign with them.

Yes thats true.

I said ruthlessly it's good business if it comes off.

The main thing I get annoyed at is people saying Farah is not in the team becuase he has been causing trouble, wont follow the game plan etc etc.

This is about money and salary cap.

So Farah burning bridges isn't a contributing factor either?

Eddie must have missed that part. Either that or it doesn't suit his 'agenda'.

 

[cochise]

TT - any truth to the paper talk of shopping the likes of Rankin & others around elsewhere?

Rankin was offered to Newcastle as part of a sweetener for ill fated Farah / Uate deal.
Newcastle actually wanted Kevvie as part of the deal but had agreed to take Rankin as well. Funny thing was /is Uate would only come here to play alongside Kevvie as they are best mates, with Noffa shifting to left wing. Very , very unlikely to happen now as Farah rightfully can pick where he wants to go, even though Potter would be moved on to accommodate Farah. 3 weeks ago the revised deal would still have cost us Farah; Rankin with a net saving of only $150k approx. to put towards re-signing ET. In short it was nonsensical - we get Uate free for 1 year but only save $150k. I'm told we would take Uate for free ($80k) in 2017 and pay him $250k in 2018\. To date no response from Newcastle.
All I've been told by an assistant coach is that Rankin will not be on the wing next year, he's there by default now with 2nd tie cap constraints.
Popular guy around the team / club, but really wants to play in the halves of 2nd option fullback - won't here at WTs. No other interest at present that I am aware of but will be costing us $160k next year, unless moved on.
As previously stated Sirro whilst now back under contract (option in his favour) has permission to look elsewhere - he still harbours a desire to play 5/8\. Roosters did show some initial interest but nothing of late.
Littlejohn is in the same boat, but has expressed interest in hooking role next year!

He has been picked on the wing all year, way before 2nd tier caps come in to play, a really poor selection from the get go, just put a winger on the wing, not real hard for a coach to do one would think. :brick:

2nd tier cap is always in play, it has to be managed all year.