Top 25 contracted playing squad / Elijah Taylor - Farah.

[gallagher]

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.

He's still getting some mileage out of it.
I clicked on a farah to souths story on Facebook today. It's fair to say the Souths fans who commented on it are not in favour of the move to say the least. They make me look like his bestie.

 

[Geo]

Alien was last seen giving the Bird to Redfern Oval…

 

[GNR4LIFE]

Alien was last seen giving the Bird to Redfern Oval…

Haha I forgot him. Makes it even more hilarious. He hates Farah with a passion :laughing:

 

[Tiger_Torch]

I need to further clarify a couple of things.
1\. Elijah Taylor is in no way complicit with the machinations going on behind the scenes to try to secure his signature. As a man of absolute integrity he is in fact not happy with the saga being played out around him. He has been consistent in his public support of Farah and holds the personal view (which he has made public to my knowledge on 3 occasions) that he should still be in the team, but at the end of the day he fully respects the right of the coach to select the team - he has always done this with Cleary; Griffin. He still believes Farah will return to the team ….
2\. For the umpteenth time I need to clarify that Jason Taylor retains the overwhelming support of the vast majority of the playing group along with support staff and unanimous Board support at this time. I try to steer clear of offering my own biased personal views, but on the issue of Taylor let me just say that I am now in the distinct minority at the club in believing we could find a better fit. I have moderated my view somewhat once I was shown / educated on the restrictive nature of 1st tier / 2nd tier caps, and I will admit he has grown in the role and begun to earn the respect of the most influential players, but I still have my reservations. His initial selection of the top 25 in my view was flawed, the absurd promotion of Milone to that squad I am lead to believe was taken out of his hands. Now that Pascoe has served under the business plan he inherited and is about to embark on his own 3 year plan, it really is a whole new ball game. There's still plenty of things I don't know about the management of the club / team, I only share what I know to be true at the time / from trusted sources or first hand, but I do know that the club is about to grow up fast after a long delayed and sometimes petulant adolescence.
Bailey Sironen (dad's fav) re-signed today, I don't have accurate terms but lead to believe still under $100k.

 

[coopy]

This is indeed interesting. ET with a firm offer and Robbie still holding a reasonable hand in that he has a contract. At some point, those offers will expire and ET may be forced to take one to secure his future.

It all depends on Robbie and when he makes his move. The club cannot offer anything firm until they know how much money they have to play with.

The conspiracist in me says that Robbie may play his cards close to his chest as long as possible…this will make the Tigers very nervous and ET may very well leave without something solid from the club.

Robbie will probably then announce his plans :sunglasses:

 

[Telltails]

It will all be over soon.

 

[goldcoast_tiger]

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'.

If a Board member got her knickers in a knot because of something that Farah said, she'd be all over it like a fat kid on a cake.
She'd have had the P C Brigade on it immediately. And used it to get him out, rather than leaving it to a Nuffie like Taylor to stuff it up as he has .

 

[851]

I need to further clarify a couple of things.
1\. Elijah Taylor is in no way complicit with the machinations going on behind the scenes to try to secure his signature. As a man of absolute integrity he is in fact not happy with the saga being played out around him. He has been consistent in his public support of Farah and holds the personal view (which he has made public to my knowledge on 3 occasions) that he should still be in the team, but at the end of the day he fully respects the right of the coach to select the team - he has always done this with Cleary; Griffin. He still believes Farah will return to the team ….
2\. For the umpteenth time I need to clarify that Jason Taylor retains the overwhelming support of the vast majority of the playing group along with support staff and unanimous Board support at this time. I try to steer clear of offering my own biased personal views, but on the issue of Taylor let me just say that I am now in the distinct minority at the club in believing we could find a better fit. I have moderated my view somewhat once I was shown / educated on the restrictive nature of 1st tier / 2nd tier caps, and I will admit he has grown in the role and begun to earn the respect of the most influential players, but I still have my reservations. His initial selection of the top 25 in my view was flawed, the absurd promotion of Milone to that squad I am lead to believe was taken out of his hands. Now that Pascoe has served under the business plan he inherited and is about to embark on his own 3 year plan, it really is a whole new ball game. There's still plenty of things I don't know about the management of the club / team, I only share what I know to be true at the time / from trusted sources or first hand, but I do know that the club is about to grow up fast after a long delayed and sometimes petulant adolescence.
Bailey Sironen (dad's fav) re-signed today, I don't have accurate terms but lead to believe still under $100k.

Thanks mate, and I am with you on the JT not right fit, but good to hear about young Bailey, hope he can really kick on after his injury.

 

[851]

Alien was last seen giving the Bird to Redfern Oval…

Yeh I might have to take a visit to the other forum if this happens, should be good for a laugh.

 

[Buffalo]

Think this TT is a bit hit and miss. stories seem to change from post to post. Last post Farah and Taylor all lovey dovey, next minute Weidler scoops he's dropped.

 

[gallagher]

Alien was last seen giving the Bird to Redfern Oval…

Yeh I might have to take a visit to the other forum if this happens, should be good for a laugh.

He gets hammered there doesn't he. Deservedly too. Always a good read.

 

[TYGA]

I need to further clarify a couple of things.
1\. Elijah Taylor is in no way complicit with the machinations going on behind the scenes to try to secure his signature. As a man of absolute integrity he is in fact not happy with the saga being played out around him. He has been consistent in his public support of Farah and holds the personal view (which he has made public to my knowledge on 3 occasions) that he should still be in the team, but at the end of the day he fully respects the right of the coach to select the team - he has always done this with Cleary; Griffin. He still believes Farah will return to the team ….
2\. For the umpteenth time I need to clarify that Jason Taylor retains the overwhelming support of the vast majority of the playing group along with support staff and unanimous Board support at this time. I try to steer clear of offering my own biased personal views, but on the issue of Taylor let me just say that I am now in the distinct minority at the club in believing we could find a better fit. I have moderated my view somewhat once I was shown / educated on the restrictive nature of 1st tier / 2nd tier caps, and I will admit he has grown in the role and begun to earn the respect of the most influential players, but I still have my reservations. His initial selection of the top 25 in my view was flawed, the absurd promotion of Milone to that squad I am lead to believe was taken out of his hands. Now that Pascoe has served under the business plan he inherited and is about to embark on his own 3 year plan, it really is a whole new ball game. There's still plenty of things I don't know about the management of the club / team, I only share what I know to be true at the time / from trusted sources or first hand, but I do know that the club is about to grow up fast after a long delayed and sometimes petulant adolescence.
Bailey Sironen (dad's fav) re-signed today, I don't have accurate terms but lead to believe still under $100k.

I really appreciate your insight into the club and some of the inner workings.
You need to post more often as the club is not verity transparent. :sign:

 

[Buffalo]

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.

WOW the club must be in good shape! Well apart from the fact it has more leaks than the Titanic.

 

[bp_tiger]

TT please enlighten me, how the hell can the storm ask for $200,000 comp for JAC when they not paid a cent for him yet. i dont get it, if JAC says iam not going iam sure the storm dont want a player that really does not want to be there.

 

[diedpretty]

oh byron bay i have to take u to task on ur comment ( such a remarkable woman) she was the worse PM this country has ever had and she put woman back 20 years with all that crap that came out of her mouth. ur entitled to ur opinion but i had to comment.

Being completely on topic of course (ha ha). I qualified by what she achieved with a hung senate. She actually passed more than what Little Johnny did in all his years. Whereas Abbott could not negioate his way out of a paper bag and Turnbull gave up and called up a double dissolution. So Gilliard was the stand out one in handling sticky situations - she was miles ahead of the blokes.

How did Kevin Rudd compare with Julia?

on rudd, if i was calling a horse race i would call it gillard by a nose, both will go down as fools.

Well if we are talking fools Turnbull must rate highly - calls a DD and ends up in a worse position than before. :sign:

 

[tigerap]

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.

WOW the club must be in good shape! Well apart from the fact it has more leaks than the Titanic.

Pathetic isn't… Where does TT get off spilling the clubs beans on a public Fourm.???.

 

[Guest]

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.

WOW the club must be in good shape! Well apart from the fact it has more leaks than the Titanic.

Tiger Torch's information is appreciated on here. Judging by your tone and since you only joined up today, you've probably been banned from here previously. In any event, it may be worth your while to show some gratitiude, or steer clear of the thread altogether.

 

[tigerap]

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.

WOW the club must be in good shape! Well apart from the fact it has more leaks than the Titanic.

Tiger Torch's information is appreciated on here. Judging by your tone and since you only joined up today, you've probably been banned from here previously. In any event, it may be worth your while to show some gratitiude, or steer clear of the thread altogether.

On the one hand it's interesting to get an insight ( how much is true..?) to the club…. On the other hand I'm sure no one in the club endorses these posts.... I'm sure TT does not work for the clubs PR dept....

 

[Harvey]

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.

Can someone explain how Ballin will cost us 200k next year? Prior to joining he had signed a 2-3 year contract at Manly. Like our unwanted hooker, he is entitled to the money from that contract, so unless we agreed to subsidise 200k for 2017, he should be earning the majority of his money from Manly.
I had defended the signing of Ballin as was costing us nothing, but if we did agree to 200k for 2017 (while Farah was locked in and Cherrinton off contract), that was an ordinary recruiting decision

 

[Byron_Bay_Fan]

Harvey, It was a motza decision to nudge Farah out and nothing else. I busted my knee in sport 30+ years ago and still shocking despite operations - I warned them.