Reason it's hard - who to sign ??

[maxta]

It's a tricky situation, with many various options on the team required to get Manly that Golden success again and which players to sign in what position ??

Thing is - it's real tough to single out many positions as even the "Fill in" type players have bettered expectations and had such a dig, its hard to say they should be cut....would have found it easier the last couple of seasons, with plenty of average attitudes and efforts to show the door.
I mean previously I would have been happy to see the back of Parker who has been nothing short of the most improved player in the game imo....Taufua still a little sluggish, but improved and his powerful carries have again been a feature of Manly's success.
Thompson seems likely to be off so a backrow option is on the cards.
Didn't expect anything from Elliott and though has made a few well highlighted errors, has done far more good than bad.
Waddell and Rueben have been handy acquisitions and would be hard to say they should go.
Based on recent form I would lean straight at 5/8, but then again Cust is only a few games in and done reasonably well, Croker was a new improved player and deserves the chance to earn a spot....but Elgey has failed to impress imo.

My question is - what positions do we strengthen ??

Here's my call and hoping this is a debate that does not incite a riot as I support all the players, but keen to hear Silvertails opinions, regardless how different 1 is from the other....

Massive Taufua fan for many years, but feel his best is behind him - Oates/Cotric/Rapana

Thompson - Thompson (Luke) from England

Add the Schuster, Turbo Jnr to the mix of what we already have and work out that elusive 5/8 role....this would be a Premiership contender....provided the centre pairing continues to improve (Walker/Suli/Parker)....just not sure where Des is with this pairing long term - I guess they can convince him on the field.

 

[Woodsie]

It is always a challenge ... and as soon as you get it spot on ... success guaranteed .... you get serious injuries to all your halves, backs or spine, and their back ups ...... or a key player makes a sex tape or finds God .... the plans of mice and men ....

The ingredients of a premiership go welll beyond just a roster and coach .... but they do start there ...

Another related issue ... is 30 players in the modern game enough ... you would think so ... but ..

 

[Chip and Chase]

I know you love Oates and Rapana as you have been pushing their barrows all season as potential signings, but I wouldn't spend big dollars on either of them TBH - especially Rapana. Overrated grub. Oates won't leave Brisbane either I suspect

I do agree Horhay is only just hanging on by his fingernails - he just won't get enthusiastic in a game and he has become very one dimensional - good at grinding out of our end but that's it unfortunately. If he could just get some urgency in his play and a willingness to go looking for involvement I think he still has upside. I'd like to see us sign a young winger/fullback - someone with some size and speed and a bit of impact. Every other team seems to be able to unearth one or two - Isaako, Campbell Graham, To'o, Sivo, Crichton, Xerri, etc - surely there are young outside backs out there looking for a go who have a bit of X factor. Maybe young Hoppa is that player - but we'll have to wait another year now to find out.

But I think it's pretty clear the main area we need to shore up is 6 - unless Croker can really make a fist of it this year then that's where I'd be concentrating.

 

[Sue]

Five Eight
Second Row
Wing

5/8 Cust looks promising but needs work and Croker unfortunately can’t stay on field. This is a must fill position to be a top 4 regular.Hard to see where an elite 5/8 will come from so this will continue to haunt us unless Cust or Croker develop and if they don’t we are in real strife. Shuster maybe ?? Looks more like a wide ranging lock to me.

Second row. Need a hard head Wade Graham type to partner the much improved Sirro.Jetski isn’t the answer.Maybe Guacamale ??? Has talent to burn. He’s the real hope if we can’t buy one. Like 5/8 not many available. The real good ones look locked down at their clubs.

Wing. We are so far behind other clubs in this position. Seems every club finds these great young big wingers easily.I’ve been a Jorge fan but fair dinkum we need more than just strong kick returns. His slow play the balls and lack of involvement isn’t good enough.And the high ball is always an issue in defence and attack. Leaving out the defensive side of it , apart from that lucky rebound in the Sharks game when was the last time we scored a try by genuinely contesting a bomb on the goal line ? Which is another reason to be stunned at Elgeys obsession with bombs. Never scoring off bombs puts you well behind other teams before a ball is kicked as it’s such a feature of the modern game.

I think Sipley is going to be a top liner but we need a big body short term as well with him out. Can’t rotate Waddell and JetSki. Boyle or Paseka need to lift. Our bench outside Fainu is ordinary at the moment.

 

[The better Robbo]

It's a tricky situation, with many various options on the team required to get Manly that Golden success again and which players to sign in what position ??

Thing is - it's real tough to single out many positions as even the "Fill in" type players have bettered expectations and had such a dig, its hard to say they should be cut....would have found it easier the last couple of seasons, with plenty of average attitudes and efforts to show the door.
I mean previously I would have been happy to see the back of Parker who has been nothing short of the most improved player in the game imo....Taufua still a little sluggish, but improved and his powerful carries have again been a feature of Manly's success.
Thompson seems likely to be off so a backrow option is on the cards.
Didn't expect anything from Elliott and though has made a few well highlighted errors, has done far more good than bad.
Waddell and Rueben have been handy acquisitions and would be hard to say they should go.
Based on recent form I would lean straight at 5/8, but then again Cust is only a few games in and done reasonably well, Croker was a new improved player and deserves the chance to earn a spot....but Elgey has failed to impress imo.

My question is - what positions do we strengthen ??

Here's my call and hoping this is a debate that does not incite a riot as I support all the players, but keen to hear Silvertails opinions, regardless how different 1 is from the other....

Massive Taufua fan for many years, but feel his best is behind him - Oates/Cotric/Rapana

Thompson - Thompson (Luke) from England

Add the Schuster, Turbo Jnr to the mix of what we already have and work out that elusive 5/8 role....this would be a Premiership contender....provided the centre pairing continues to improve (Walker/Suli/Parker)....just not sure where Des is with this pairing long term - I guess they can convince him on the field.

5/8
Prop (Cheaper Taupau replacement)
Second row (Thommo replacement)
Wing (Jorge replacement)
As I mentioned in another thread none of this is possible unless we offload a big money player. I have my obvious choice who this should be against popular belief. The rest can be filled by Schuster, olokoatu keppie etc

 

[Disco]

Personally I have a tonne of faith in this current batch of kids, I think next year we start seeing them come through then 2021 is really the year.

With that in mind we have to keep one eye on the future so as not to get ourselves in a salary cap mess

I'd keep Thompson 1 more year, throw him a year extension then he can take his family to Europe as he seems to be keen on. Time is probably right for Taufua to go, Perrett and Hodko can go, and personally I'd see if we can get someone to take Api on full freight and replace him with say Liddle for 200k less a year the than that is the move.

Api > Liddle
Perrett - Luke Thompson
Hodko > Schuster
Taufua > B Trbojevic

T Trbojevic
Elliott
Hopoate

Garrick
Miski
Funa/Kioa/Smith/Anderson
Funa/Kioa/Smith/Anderson
Parker
Suli
Walker

DCE
Cust
Elgey
Croker

Fainu
Liddle

AFB
Taupau
J Trbojevic
L Thompson
Waddell
Paseka
Sipley
Boyle

Sironen
J Thompson
Gosiewski
Olakau'atu
Schuster
B Trbojevic

 

[KNUCKLES]

Wing
5/8th
Backrower
Bench prop.

I agree with maxtas assessment of Taufua I think his time is coming to a close. His biggest trump card was being able to power his way over the tryline.. he hasn't been able to do that in a longtime. You think he scores one on one against the much smaller Too on the weekend but was manhandled. Whether it's because or injuries his suffered over the years or players have worked out how to bring him down easier? I dunno. Either way, his biggest asset is no more. His runs are still handy in our own 20.. but most wingers nowadays have this too along with speed, height, power and being safe with ball in hand and in the air. Jorge also has to have the slowest play the ball in the comp, which almost nullifies the good runs he makes prior. You'd think hoppa will eventually take his spot.. but we don't even know if he will cut it or if he re-injures again. For that reason I say we need to look at options now.. perhaps suli to wing and we look for another quality centre ?? anybody know what Curtis Rona is up to these days?? I think Waddell will prob fill the Thompson void with haumole coming on to the bench, and would prob make alot of sense if we're serious in targeting another half.. the only one worth getting imo that isn't gonna cost an arm or leg is townsend. I don't know why we haven't tried yet. If not CHN would be the player I targeted for the back row. Packer or matulino would be perfect for us to come off the bench. Either one is fine imo.. before June 30 would be ideal

P.s Reimis Smith would be a good target

 

[maxta]

Wing
5/8th
Backrower
Bench prop.

I agree with maxtas assessment of Taufua I think his time is coming to a close. His biggest trump card was being able to power his way over the tryline.. he hasn't been able to do that in a longtime. You think he scores one on one against the much smaller Too on the weekend but was manhandled. Whether it's because or injuries his suffered over the years or players have worked out how to bring him down easier? I dunno. Either way, his biggest asset is no more. His runs are still handy in our own 20.. but most wingers nowadays have this too along with speed, height, power and being safe with ball in hand and in the air. Jorge also has to have the slowest play the ball in the comp, which almost nullifies the good runs he makes prior. You'd think hoppa will eventually take his spot.. but we don't even know if he will cut it or if he re-injures again. For that reason I say we need to look at options now.. perhaps suli to wing and we look for another quality centre ?? anybody know what Curtis Rona is up to these days?? I think Waddell will prob fill the Thompson void with haumole coming on to the bench, and would prob make alot of sense if we're serious in targeting another half.. the only one worth getting imo that isn't gonna cost an arm or leg is townsend. I don't know why we haven't tried yet. If not CHN would be the player I targeted for the back row. Packer or matulino would be perfect for us to come off the bench. Either one is fine imo.. before June 30 would be ideal

P.s Reimis Smith would be a good target

Agree Smith has a stack of potential and would be a shrewd signing...

 

[Woodsie]

We have a boatload of players with potential coming through ...

Hoppa. Guacomole Garrick Suli Cust Croker Waddell Boyle Ben T Shuster Sione Fainu younger Fainu Anderson Funa Kiora Metcalf the 3 others in the u/18's SOO I missed

.they are crawling out of the woodwork .... our proirity should be one or two seasoned mongrel campaigners in key positions ...

 

[Damien2812]

5/8 is 1st priority for next year. Tall fijian winger with speed and maybe another experienced forward and backrower..

 

[R3]

The two ambitious stand out suggestions I like the most here would be a prop like Russel Packer and Chad Townsed as a half option.
I still hold hope for Paseka to improve by the end of the year and we may get an injury free ‘rest of season’ from Croker and Cust that may determine whose the best half to persist with or look outside the club if they don’t fire. Townsed is rated by every good judge but he still doesn’t always get full credit for steering the sharks to victory due to bigger names in their squad

I trust Des and the coaching staff are monitoring anyone that might compliment this team to go further

Scott Drinkwater is the other half option I’m intrigued by. Hope Des and Crusher have him ‘in the mix’ too

 

[Ryan]

If I'm in the acquisition / retention team, here is what I'd do:

Top 17
01. Tom Trbojevic - (signed to 2020) - extend 3 years
02. Albert Hopoate - (signed to 2020) - no action
03. Will Hopoate - Release sought from Bulldogs (or similar player)
04. Dylan Walker - (extend 4 years)
05. Reuben Garrick - (signed to 2021) - no action
06. Joshua Schuster - (signed to 2020) - no action
07. Daly Cherry-Evans - (signed to 2023) - no action
08. Marty Taupua - (signed to 2020) - extend 2 years
09. Apisai Koroisou - (signed to 2021) - no action
10. Addin Fonua-Blake - (signed to 2022) - no action
11. Joel Thompson - (extend 2-3 years)
12. Curtis Sironen - (signed to 2021) - no action
13. Jake Trbojevic - (signed to 2020) - extend 4 years

14. Manase Fainu - (signed to 2021) - no action
15. Taniela Paseka - (signed to 2021) - no action
16. Toafofoa Sipley - (extend 1 year)
17. Corey Waddell - (signed to 2020) - no action

Greater Squad - can be swapped for top 17 with choice
18. Brendan Elliott - (signed to 2020) - no action
19. Abbas Miski - (extend 1 year)
20. Brad Parker - (extend 1 year)
21. Moses Suli - (signed to 2020) - no action
22. Cade Cust - (extend 1 year)
23. Kane Elgey - (signed to 2020) - no action
24. Lachlan Croker - (extend 1 year)
25. Jack Gosiewski - (extend 1 year)
26. Sam Smith - (signed to 2020) - no action
27. Morgan Boyle - (signed to 2021) - no action
28. Haumole Olakau'atu - (extend 1 year)

Development Players
01. Ben Trbojevic - no action
02. Luke Metcalf - no action
03. Sione Fainu - - no action
04. Kaeo Weekes - no action
05. Alec Tuitavake - no action

NOTES
+ Trbojevic's are now off contract at differing times (important)
+ 2 spots open in the top 30 squad
+ Only one acquisition required, and will allow Will to mentor Albert
+ 7 primary actions for the main squad to be completed (biggest is Will's release)

Players released or not Re-Signed
+ Lloyd Perrett
+ Kelepi Tanginoa
+ Brian Kelly
+ Jorge Taufua
+ Zach Dockar-Clay
+ Tevita Funa
+ Trent Hodkinson

 

[ricardo]

Great, well thought through post.

If I'm in the acquisition / retention team, here is what I'd do:

Top 17
01. Tom Trbojevic - (signed to 2020) - extend 3 years
02. Albert Hopoate - (signed to 2020) - no action
03. Will Hopoate - Release sought from Bulldogs (or similar player)
04. Dylan Walker - (extend 4 years)
05. Reuben Garrick - (signed to 2021) - no action
06. Joshua Schuster - (signed to 2020) - no action
07. Daly Cherry-Evans - (signed to 2023) - no action
08. Marty Taupua - (signed to 2020) - extend 2 years
09. Apisai Koroisou - (signed to 2021) - no action
10. Addin Fonua-Blake - (signed to 2022) - no action
11. Joel Thompson - (extend 2-3 years)
12. Curtis Sironen - (signed to 2021) - no action
13. Jake Trbojevic - (signed to 2020) - extend 4 years

14. Manase Fainu - (signed to 2021) - no action
15. Taniela Paseka - (signed to 2021) - no action
16. Toafofoa Sipley - (extend 1 year)
17. Corey Waddell - (signed to 2020) - no action

Greater Squad - can be swapped for top 17 with choice
18. Brendan Elliott - (signed to 2020) - no action
19. Abbas Miski - (extend 1 year)
20. Brad Parker - (extend 1 year)
21. Moses Suli - (signed to 2020) - no action
22. Cade Cust - (extend 1 year)
23. Kane Elgey - (signed to 2020) - no action
24. Lachlan Croker - (extend 1 year)
25. Jack Gosiewski - (extend 1 year)
26. Sam Smith - (signed to 2020) - no action
27. Morgan Boyle - (signed to 2021) - no action
28. Haumole Olakau'atu - (extend 1 year)

Development Players
01. Ben Trbojevic - no action
02. Luke Metcalf - no action
03. Sione Fainu - - no action
04. Kaeo Weekes - no action
05. Alec Tuitavake - no action

NOTES
+ Trbojevic's are now off contract at differing times (important)
+ 2 spots open in the top 30 squad
+ Only one acquisition required, and will allow Will to mentor Albert
+ 7 primary actions for the main squad to be completed (biggest is Will's release)

Players released or not Re-Signed
+ Lloyd Perrett
+ Kelepi Tanginoa
+ Brian Kelly
+ Jorge Taufua
+ Zach Dockar-Clay
+ Tevita Funa
+ Trent Hodkinson

 

[Woodsie]

If I'm in the acquisition / retention team, here is what I'd do:

Top 17
01. Tom Trbojevic - (signed to 2020) - extend 3 years
02. Albert Hopoate - (signed to 2020) - no action
03. Will Hopoate - Release sought from Bulldogs (or similar player)
04. Dylan Walker - (extend 4 years)
05. Reuben Garrick - (signed to 2021) - no action
06. Joshua Schuster - (signed to 2020) - no action
07. Daly Cherry-Evans - (signed to 2023) - no action
08. Marty Taupua - (signed to 2020) - extend 2 years
09. Apisai Koroisou - (signed to 2021) - no action
10. Addin Fonua-Blake - (signed to 2022) - no action
11. Joel Thompson - (extend 2-3 years)
12. Curtis Sironen - (signed to 2021) - no action
13. Jake Trbojevic - (signed to 2020) - extend 4 years

14. Manase Fainu - (signed to 2021) - no action
15. Taniela Paseka - (signed to 2021) - no action
16. Toafofoa Sipley - (extend 1 year)
17. Corey Waddell - (signed to 2020) - no action

Greater Squad - can be swapped for top 17 with choice
18. Brendan Elliott - (signed to 2020) - no action
19. Abbas Miski - (extend 1 year)
20. Brad Parker - (extend 1 year)
21. Moses Suli - (signed to 2020) - no action
22. Cade Cust - (extend 1 year)
23. Kane Elgey - (signed to 2020) - no action
24. Lachlan Croker - (extend 1 year)
25. Jack Gosiewski - (extend 1 year)
26. Sam Smith - (signed to 2020) - no action
27. Morgan Boyle - (signed to 2021) - no action
28. Haumole Olakau'atu - (extend 1 year)

Development Players
01. Ben Trbojevic - no action
02. Luke Metcalf - no action
03. Sione Fainu - - no action
04. Kaeo Weekes - no action
05. Alec Tuitavake - no action

NOTES
+ Trbojevic's are now off contract at differing times (important)
+ 2 spots open in the top 30 squad
+ Only one acquisition required, and will allow Will to mentor Albert
+ 7 primary actions for the main squad to be completed (biggest is Will's release)

Players released or not Re-Signed
+ Lloyd Perrett
+ Kelepi Tanginoa
+ Brian Kelly
+ Jorge Taufua
+ Zach Dockar-Clay
+ Tevita Funa
+ Trent Hodkinson

With all those "no actions" ... I hope you're not expecting to get paid much .....

 

[Ryan]

With all those "no actions" ... I hope you're not expecting to get paid much .....

No immediate action that should read

 

[KNUCKLES]

If I'm in the acquisition / retention team, here is what I'd do:

Top 17
01. Tom Trbojevic - (signed to 2020) - extend 3 years
02. Albert Hopoate - (signed to 2020) - no action
03. Will Hopoate - Release sought from Bulldogs (or similar player)
04. Dylan Walker - (extend 4 years)
05. Reuben Garrick - (signed to 2021) - no action
06. Joshua Schuster - (signed to 2020) - no action
07. Daly Cherry-Evans - (signed to 2023) - no action
08. Marty Taupua - (signed to 2020) - extend 2 years
09. Apisai Koroisou - (signed to 2021) - no action
10. Addin Fonua-Blake - (signed to 2022) - no action
11. Joel Thompson - (extend 2-3 years)
12. Curtis Sironen - (signed to 2021) - no action
13. Jake Trbojevic - (signed to 2020) - extend 4 years

14. Manase Fainu - (signed to 2021) - no action
15. Taniela Paseka - (signed to 2021) - no action
16. Toafofoa Sipley - (extend 1 year)
17. Corey Waddell - (signed to 2020) - no action

Greater Squad - can be swapped for top 17 with choice
18. Brendan Elliott - (signed to 2020) - no action
19. Abbas Miski - (extend 1 year)
20. Brad Parker - (extend 1 year)
21. Moses Suli - (signed to 2020) - no action
22. Cade Cust - (extend 1 year)
23. Kane Elgey - (signed to 2020) - no action
24. Lachlan Croker - (extend 1 year)
25. Jack Gosiewski - (extend 1 year)
26. Sam Smith - (signed to 2020) - no action
27. Morgan Boyle - (signed to 2021) - no action
28. Haumole Olakau'atu - (extend 1 year)

Development Players
01. Ben Trbojevic - no action
02. Luke Metcalf - no action
03. Sione Fainu - - no action
04. Kaeo Weekes - no action
05. Alec Tuitavake - no action

NOTES
+ Trbojevic's are now off contract at differing times (important)
+ 2 spots open in the top 30 squad
+ Only one acquisition required, and will allow Will to mentor Albert
+ 7 primary actions for the main squad to be completed (biggest is Will's release)

Players released or not Re-Signed
+ Lloyd Perrett
+ Kelepi Tanginoa
+ Brian Kelly
+ Jorge Taufua
+ Zach Dockar-Clay
+ Tevita Funa
+ Trent Hodkinson

I'm interested to find out who you mixed Brian Kelly up with

 

[Freagle]

I'd be keeping Zach Dockar-Clay. Tough, versatile player with heaps of energy and a bit of class. Might come good in a year or two, with proper guidance.

 

[master blaster]

Moses Mbye, apparently he is on the outer at the Tigpies. Can cover a few positions

 

[Ben]

Moses Mbye, apparently he is on the outer at the Tigpies. Can cover a few positions

Costs too much. We have Elliott that can cover a number of positions at a fraction of the price.

 

[master blaster]

Costs too much. We have Elliott that can cover a number of positions at a fraction of the price.

Not if the tigpies carry some of the freight, and I think Mbye is way better than Elliott, but he has done real good for us, anyway ,thats my opinion