well, HE signed a useless 25 year old bench utility player from Newcastle to a 3 year contract rumoured at 200k per year (which is probably close to the mark) I went on Knights supporters sites when he signed and the majority were doing what we are now doing (Beauty, thanks Manly) now we are (Sharks, please TAKE BAILEY) Most supporters have a reasonable clue.
That 200 grand could have been used for Lama and Hoppa to secure our long term future. Looking at Roosters ages, Smith knows what he is planning. Look at us, chock full of 27 plus aged players. The only forward who could come into 1sts grade is Junior Palau and we are losing Perry. Our future pack for 2011 includes the Matt Crosses, Gulavous and George Roses. When you weigh up Roosters pack of kids it isn't encouraging.
Des, you are a big factor in this top kid going elswewhere. This kid was unsigned yet people have been mentioning him for a long time (like me)Â
He also must have thought that he had no future with us as why would he leave? Lowe summed it up when he said Des doesn't like taking risks. Bet Lama saw that too.
Now, this years Toyota Cup has several top kids coming thru: we have Riccardi, Oldfield, Davey, Portlock, Cunningham and higgins in 20's. What are you now doing Des?? Let's get this warning out early!! In that group is a winger, 2 centres, a halfback, prop and hooker. Unfortunately, this group seem quite young, except Oldfield. Tasi was a certainty but he's now gone. Yet, Hoppa, Whare and Oldfield can step up so some good news but they are all backs, not quality forwards!!