2025 recruitment & retention

[KNUCKLES]

I think Jake is a good player still, though agree his current remuneration is way overs and doesn’t get mentioned in the media like JT from the Cows.

Playing 80 minutes each week he looses some impact in games, a 10-15 minute spell would help him and the team.

To be fair.. jakey doesn't make any metres or run with any impact in minute 5 let alone in the 80th

 

[KNUCKLES]

If we are talking actual names.

Knights are in salary cap strife and have both Lucas and Pearce Paul off contract at the end of 25. I'd be looking there and trying to get one early, preference probably Lucas but happy with either.

For a younger backrow option, Teague, Puru, Geyer all off at the end of 25, again, see if there is room to move there. Also not sure the status of Steep or Foketi but Id be delighted with either.

For a 5th/6th prop...someone like a Matt Croker maybe on a shorter deal

I don't think the chooks let steep go. Pretty sure there has been big wraps on him for a while coming through

 

[KNUCKLES]

Jake is now basically a tackling machine, but bobs up every now and then with something different, a needed try from close up or that last ditch tackle 1meter out from our line.
I believe Tom and Jake were signed together as a package deal at the time. Didn't the Bulldogs put in an offer at 1.5m each for both players at the time, hence, our big offer.

If the locals wanted to go to the dogs for the money then we should of let them go. Honestly. We shouldn't pay overs or get into bidding wars with for own players. We need to build a team of players that actually want to play for the club and play for what their worth

 

[Ranga]

I wouldn’t be surprised if we look to offload Garrick before the start of next season. We have both Hoppa and Talau on good value deals who will look for upgrades, and in fairness, they have outshone Garrick this year. The club might also be questioning the value of Koula’s deal…

I agree with what others say in terms of our back row depth being poor. We need to fix it, but with what cash? That’s why I think the club will need to look at finding ways to free up cap space and those two are the most obvious names (Jake, Tom and DCE are going nowhere).

 

[Disco]

If the locals wanted to go to the dogs for the money then we should of let them go. Honestly. We shouldn't pay overs or get into bidding wars with for own players. We need to build a team of players that actually want to play for the club and play for what their worth

We paid significantly less than what the Dogs offered.

 

[Disco]

I wouldn’t be surprised if we look to offload Garrick before the start of next season. We have both Hoppa and Talau on good value deals who will look for upgrades, and in fairness, they have outshone Garrick this year. The club might also be questioning the value of Koula’s deal…

I agree with what others say in terms of our back row depth being poor. We need to fix it, but with what cash? That’s why I think the club will need to look at finding ways to free up cap space and those two are the most obvious names (Jake, Tom and DCE are going nowhere).

The cash we were offering to Tupiniua (god that is one name I struggle with) or that we had in mind when we enquired about Crichton.

We must have something up our sleeve.

I think the back 5/6 issue could rear its head but IMO not for next year. Come 2026 we may see movement.

 

[KNUCKLES]

We paid significantly less than what the Dogs offered.

Yes I'm aware of that. But we still paid more than their worth to counter the dogs and I believe the dragons offers at the time.

 

[Ohgeez]

I wouldn’t be surprised if we look to offload Garrick before the start of next season. We have both Hoppa and Talau on good value deals who will look for upgrades, and in fairness, they have outshone Garrick this year. The club might also be questioning the value of Koula’s deal…

I agree with what others say in terms of our back row depth being poor. We need to fix it, but with what cash? That’s why I think the club will need to look at finding ways to free up cap space and those two are the most obvious names (Jake, Tom and DCE are going nowhere).

The Schuster money + lodge & Lawton were prob on $300k each or so. I think a lot of people forget DCE’s massive contract has ended too, the deal he is on now is reduced significantly

 

[Disco]

Yes I'm aware of that. But we still paid more than their worth to counter the dogs and I believe the dragons offers at the time.

More than their worth....

At the time the deal was universally praised by media and fans alike (from my memory at least).

It's easy years down the track with Turbo's injuries to claim it's an over pay but I cant recall that narrative at the time.

Now if you were upset/dissapointed at the time then fair play. But IMO the club, going on all the infor they had at the time made the right deal.

 

[ManlyGM]

last year.

I wouldn’t be surprised if we look to offload Garrick before the start of next season. We have both Hoppa and Talau on good value deals who will look for upgrades, and in fairness, they have outshone Garrick this year. The club might also be questioning the value of Koula’s deal…

I agree with what others say in terms of our back row depth being poor. We need to fix it, but with what cash? That’s why I think the club will need to look at finding ways to free up cap space and those two are the most obvious names (Jake, Tom and DCE are going nowhere).

Wouldn’t be offloading Garrick he’s a pretty important player for us in my opinion. Really good goal kicker, just a really good player when in form in general. Also think he’s pretty important yardage wise out of our own end, gets through heaps of work.

Not sure when our cap space lies for next season but i’d imagine we’d have enough to get a second rower through the door. Schuster money, Lawton leaving, Lodge, Raymond Vaega off contract. Have some money to work with i’d think.

 

[Eagle 1]

If the locals wanted to go to the dogs for the money then we should of let them go. Honestly. We shouldn't pay overs or get into bidding wars with for own players. We need to build a team of players that actually want to play for the club and play for what their worth

The Dogs put in that offer to make us pay way over of what we wanted to pay. They knew that Tom and Jake weren't leaving Manly.

 

[KNUCKLES]

More than their worth....

At the time the deal was universally praised by media and fans alike (from my memory at least).

It's easy years down the track with Turbo's injuries to claim it's an over pay but I cant recall that narrative at the time.

Now if you were upset/dissapointed at the time then fair play. But IMO the club, going on all the infor they had at the time made the right deal.

You shouldn't really read into what the media say or feel about things. Their views/opinions are often biased, or agenda based. At the time turbo would of been close to worth it. Jake not so much. Both good players, but I think at the time you'd have to factor in chez was on 1.25 million as well. This deal was made knowingly that it would Hamstring our salary cap for many years. I think the club could of nabbed them for less in my opinion, but what do I know. Again, back to my original comment, if money is what they were after then... anyways.. i think they would of stayed for less

 

[KNUCKLES]

The Dogs put in that offer to make us pay way over of what we wanted to pay. They knew that Tom and Jake weren't leaving Manly.

Good shout mate. Tactics 101. We fall for it all the time. Schuster anyone lol

 

[KNUCKLES]

last year.


Wouldn’t be offloading Garrick he’s a pretty important player for us in my opinion. Really good goal kicker, just a really good player when in form in general. Also think he’s pretty important yardage wise out of our own end, gets through heaps of work.

Not sure when our cap space lies for next season but i’d imagine we’d have enough to get a second rower through the door. Schuster money, Lawton leaving, Lodge, Raymond Vaega off contract. Have some money to work with i’d think.

Wouldn't be too sure about that. Brown would of got a pay rise. Haumole got a massive pay rise for 7 years lol.. not sure if that kicks in next year or not though, but nevertheless will impact our future spending in the backrow anyhow

 

[Rocky]

You shouldn't really read into what the media say or feel about things. Their views/opinions are often biased, or agenda based. At the time turbo would of been close to worth it. Jake not so much. Both good players, but I think at the time you'd have to factor in chez was on 1.25 million as well. This deal was made knowingly that it would Hamstring our salary cap for many years. I think the club could of nabbed them for less in my opinion, but what do I know. Again, back to my original comment, if money is what they were after then... anyways.. i think they would of stayed for less

How much do you think Jake is worth?

Bearing in mind that 500k gets you an average first grader these days.

Last time i checked Jake was NSW SOO Captain.

I reckon any club with money would take Jake on 700 -800k for 3 years. A pretty washed-up Dale Finucane got 2.6m for 4 years from the Sharks a couple of years ago.

Given he is on around 800k at Manly, this seems the least of our problems.

 

[KNUCKLES]

How much do you think Jake is worth?

Bearing in mind that 500k gets you an average first grader these days.

Last time i checked Jake was NSW SOO Captain.

I reckon any club with money would take Jake on 700 -800k for 3 years. A pretty washed-up Dale Finucane got 2.6m for 4 years from the Sharks a couple of years ago.

Given he is on around 800k at Manly, this seems the least of our problems.

Jake is on 950k for starters lol..
And I think 500k for Jake these days is fair.

 

[Rocky]

Jake is on 950k for starters lol..
And I think 500k for Jake these days is fair.

500k LOL

So he's worth half the price of Stefano.....gotcha..

 

[Tragic Eagle]

I’ve got a feeling a big signing is coming. That’s how we roll nowadays we sign in stealth.

 

[Nordburg]

Still no Tuitavake or Fifita in the Dragons top grade.They maybe injured/suspended this week but they’ve been regulars in the reggies all season with Fifita only playing 2 first grade games and Tuitavake none

 

[KNUCKLES]

500k LOL

So he's worth half the price of Stefano.....gotcha..

Yes he is. Stefano is young and has a load of potential. And if u didn't hear the news Stefano is going elsewhere for less money so it wouldn't even be half. I love Jake but I think some people need to take their manly goggles off. I know it can be hard