Guns for hire

[The Who]

It's a tried and tested practice in business: you hire a person with a particular expertise for a short-term project, paying him/her handsomely in the knowledge that they will not be on the payroll once they have outlived their usefulness. I was such a consultant for 40 years, and my assignments were from as short a timespan as one month.
The NRL seems to be heading in this direction, allowing clubs to sign a player for a few weeks at a time.
Will we see certain players becoming 'consultants'? primarily experienced players who aren't yet ready to retire but whose bodies won't allow them to get through an entire season of matches. For example, Bungi Marshall would be an ideal short-term fix in certain circumstances. So too DCE and Foran when they finish up at Manly. And if a club needed a specialist goal kicker for an important match (as Easts currently do) then Jarryd Croker would be perfect.
These 'consultants' would charge on a per-match basis. They could command $50,000 a match. They may only play a handful of matches in a season and it would prolong their careers.
Clubs would keep a space in their permanent rosters to allow such a short-term role.
Thoughts?

 

[47MVEagle]

So far, I think (?) the only players (apart from the Rorters $BW play) who have gone to clubs for short terms such as you describe, are players "between" contracts i.e. Chad Townsend to the Warriors for the rest of this season before starting his 3 year contract at the Cowboys next year, & TPJ to Penrith for the rest of this season before starting his 3 year contract at the Bulldogs next year.

Both were only able to do this because their clubs (Cronulla & Brisbane) agreed to release them early.

I dont know if players in the middle of a contract with no new contract impending will be allowed to do it?

 

[Tragic Eagle]

I don't like it as it is not in the spirit of the game and favors the clubs at the top of the table. Hard for supporters of a club to see one of theirs's going to another club with only 8 rounds to go. The game is losing its integrity.

 

[Nordburg]

I’d be on the phone to Cam Smith straight away.No matter what people think of him,he knows how to win

 

[The Who]

I don't like it as it is not in the spirit of the game and favors the clubs at the top of the table. Hard for supporters of a club to see one of theirs's going to another club with only 8 rounds to go. The game is losing its integrity.

I totally agree, but we are already on that slippery slope.

 

[robbiea]

I’d be on the phone to Cam Smith straight away.No matter what people think of him,he knows how to win

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

A hate it , to be it’s totally against the spirit of the game.

 

[lsz]

I do not mind it.

For clubs who have missed the finals like the bongos it is a chance to proactivlty manage their cap. The issue, like everything in the NRL, will be how this is managed with some sort of consistency.

 

[pt73]

I do not mind it.

For clubs who have missed the finals like the bongos it is a chance to proactivlty manage their cap. The issue, like everything in the NRL, will be how this is managed with some sort of consistency

Kevvie must have been fine to let TPJ go if he thought he wouldn't put in 100% now that he's going to the Dogs.

From TPJ's side it's most likely the closest he'll get ever to a premiership instead of his usual place, standing under the goalposts.

 

[ManEagle]

What a way to further erode the tribal nature of league. I don't like the later transfer windows, in fact call me old fashion but I would prefer the deals done in the off season then hands off during.

 

[Shoe1]

Snoz and fatty went to the uk one year to play finals, Kevin ward came to is for a cameo bunch of games. But yeah I think a bad thing if becomes the norm.

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

110% totally against this **** , it’s absolute bull**** and we all know it!!

 

[SeaEagle21]

I’d be on the phone to Cam Smith straight away.No matter what people think of him,he knows how to win

He'd also screw us over and wouldn't get to Ref the games being in a Manly jumper lol.

I'm against it not just because of Cam Smith but when i think of this for some reason Nate Myles pops into my head.... there for a holiday and contribute jack.