I liked him too, was on my drunken wish-list last week that had me self-isolate from Silvertails for a week in remorseful shame
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What we are willing to dish out on him though....that is the question I can't answer.
What I REALLY don't want to see is Manly starting to become one of those clubs that has to pay overs to attract talent that would gladly go under Nicky's sombrero at 70-80% the amount just to be a part of their perceived 'success'.
I am fine with Hetherington - at the right price. If we are using most of what we recoup from AFB's departure on him, then we know our club has lost its sheen. That's when you know things have really gone sour.
This coming season has a higher level of importance than ever. We simply MUST make an impact, keep our $$ (ie spine) on the paddock, and make a deep run into the finals. With the 2020 squad (and makeshift spine) we simply can't do that.
"The Purge" has to recognise the changes to the game - I will give Des the benefit of the doubt that he had contractually planned for BAU season 2020, not 6-again shortened season with super-long injury list and Fainu on stabby-stabby street.
If Des doesn't learn and adjust then we know the old professor might be past his prime, sad as it is to say - and that is why 'The Purge' is actually encouraging. Who replaces purged fodder is now key - and sniffing around Hetherington (at the right price) actually suggests a wisening up to the modern form of the game.