: Wed Jan 21, 2009 5:02 pm
Good original post that got me thinking. Breaking down the info into years produces this with the player's ages at the end of the season in brackets:
2009
Donald (29), Smith(23), Senior(33), Kirke(28), Ablett(23), Gibson(23) Worrall(25)
2010
Leuluai(32), Diskin(28), Buderus(32)Lauititi(31)
2011Webb(30), Hall(23), Peacock(33), Sinfield(31), Eastwood(24), Bailey(27), Burgess(24)
2012JJB(31), Allen(23), Watkins(21), McShane(22?)
2013
McGuire(30, Burrow(31)
From that I'm concerned about the number of 1st choice backs coming out of contract in 2009. This has to be make or break year for Worrall. Unlikely (in my view) that KS will be offered an extension to his playing contract. The centre issue has been well debated elsewhere.
In 2010 we have both 1st choice Hookers out of contract. I expect Buderus to retire, hopefully McShane will have learned & developed enough to step into his boots. I don't see either Kylie or Ali being playing beyond this season.
2011
3 of our 4 current 1st choice props are out of contract, therefore this an area to be strengthened by the end of this season. We could lose 3 stand out players in JP, Sinny and Webb - I think he'll want to return home at the end of his current contract. GH's forward planning will have to be top notch to mitigate the impact of excisting contracts finishing.
2012
I can see 4 out of the 5 will have been offered extended contracts before then, if they have shown that they have made the grade. JJB may retire.
2013
We must have brought through 2 more outstanding half backs by this year in case either Danny or Rob want to finish.
All the above is clearly speculation on my part and depends on form, injuries and other lads coming through the academy that we don't yet know about.
But it shows the challenges involved in negotiating contracts and managing the effect of the salary cap.
