Re: Recruitment and retention : Fri Jun 16, 2017 8:36 pm  

Panda92 wrote:

Could we afford to lose all 3 of Fonua, Michaels, and Naughton? That would leave us with just Talanoa (missed a lot through injury over the last 2 years) and Rawsthorne (inexperienced). Even with a new signing (who we don't yet know the quality of) that still looks a bit light. I suppose Griffin could also do a job if injuries necessitate it but he is also the back-up centre.

Don't forget there is also Logan to add in to the backline mix, he is making his injury return for the reserves this weekend.

Re: Recruitment and retention : Fri Jun 16, 2017 8:59 pm  

HDM says we're having talks with Michaels about a one year extension. I'd be happy to keep him for cover for another year, does need to work on his contesting of high balls though! Not been impressed with Griffin though, would be looking to move him on if we could.

Re: Recruitment and retention : Fri Jun 16, 2017 10:05 pm  

Steve0 wrote:

HDM says we're having talks with Michaels about a one year extension. I'd be happy to keep him for cover for another year, does need to work on his contesting of high balls though! Not been impressed with Griffin though, would be looking to move him on if we could.

Would be disappointed if this was in place of a replacement for Fonua. Would leave us with backs next year of:

Shaul
Talanoa
Michaels
Griffin
Tuimavave
Connor
Rawsthorne
Logan
Bower?

That look about right?

Re: Recruitment and retention : Sat Jun 17, 2017 7:05 am  

if we are re-signing Michaels I`m assuming we have failed in bringing anybody in from overseas to replace Fonua

Re: Recruitment and retention : Sat Jun 17, 2017 7:09 am  

We wouldn't be after rankin as a replacement winger would we? Only signed for the giants till the end of the year...

Re: Recruitment and retention : Sat Jun 17, 2017 7:10 am  

Greavsie wrote:

if we are re-signing Michaels I`m assuming we have failed in bringing anybody in from overseas to replace Fonua

The rules have changed, right? Would we now be able to bring in a player like Fonua with limited NRL first team experience? Not sure how many realistic targets that meet the new criteria there would be.

Re: Recruitment and retention : Sat Jun 17, 2017 7:20 am  

Steve0 wrote:

We wouldn't be after rankin as a replacement winger would we? Only signed for the giants till the end of the year...

It's possible I suppose. I seem to remember Pearson speaking highly of him and saying the door was open when he went back. Not sure whether he's what we need given Connor's quality as utility back but depends what the alternatives are on the market in the backs I guess.

Re: Recruitment and retention : Sat Jun 17, 2017 7:43 am  

Already bored of the Rankin love in on social media, played with plenty of heart, but don't think he was as good as some fans made out, we have better in the main positions he plays, don't need an overseas utility player.

Think the new rules have caused us problems so Michaels makes sense if nothing better is available

Re: Recruitment and retention : Sat Jun 17, 2017 9:31 am  

Dave K. wrote:

Already bored of the Rankin love in on social media, played with plenty of heart, but don't think he was as good as some fans made out, we have better in the main positions he plays, don't need an overseas utility player.

Think the new rules have caused us problems so Michaels makes sense if nothing better is available

Could defo see something in the briscoe back rumours. Freaky strong and big pen winner fast play of the ball. Has a lot of the qualities we've already got in place so michaels getting a new deal to help fill out the backs would make some sense

Any1 talking rankin as a wing option needs to give their heads a shake. Massively over rated by hull fans. Ok fullback. Not a good enough half. As a replacement for Fonua is just setting ourselves up to fail

Re: Recruitment and retention : Sat Jun 17, 2017 10:31 am  

Jake the Peg wrote:

So we're now past the May 1st deadline day but no announcements on retention of our OOC players. What do we expect?

These are the ones showing as OOC on the sticky thread:

Mini - 1 year extension
washy - 1 year extension
tala - 1 year extension
ellis - retire?
fonua (Not OOC I appreciate) - leave
michaels - leave
thompson - undecided on this one - maybe a 1 year deal but suspect he's liked and will get 2 - I'd let him go to free up the cap space
rawsthorne - extend his deal
downs - 2 years

If we did lose ellis, fonua, michaels and thompson it would free up 2 quota/non fed places and, maybe a chunk of cash although I think we may have some more back loaded deals so maybe not as much cash as you'd expect. It would also leave 2 massive holes in the squad to fill. motu has some work to do before he leaves

100% so far although it looks likely michaels will get a new deal if we can't bring anyone else in