Rumoured Signings 2008/2009

[Matabele]

Wow we need a half or 5/8 and were wasting our money on a backrower 

  Topou is playing like a 5/8th at the moment.

 

[Berkeley_Eagle]

http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/barrett-a-chance-to-rejoin-dragons/2008/04/04/1207249455715.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1


Meanwhile, Fitzgibbon - who played alongside Barrett in the 1999 grand final loss to Melbourne - has discussed with his Roosters teammates the possibility of hanging up his boots at the end of the season.

"It's a certainty," a highly placed Roosters source said last night.

But the retirement of the former Test and NSW back-rower, who turns 31 in June and is off contract at the end of the season, and the likely decision not to re-sign prop David Shillington, is unlikely to be enough to stop Tupou accepting an astronomical deal to join Manly.

It is understood that Tupou, who has been in sparkling form so far this season, has been offered a $1.6 million deal over four years - the same amount offered to Canberra halfback Todd Carney.

While Sea Eagles officials yesterday believed Tupou was certain to tell them he was staying at Bondi Junction, their Roosters counterparts were preparing for the news he was headed to the northern peninsula.

It is believed Tupou's decision will come down to a meeting with Roosters chairman Nick Politis, who returned this week from overseas and is yet to speak to the 25-year-old.

 

[Berkeley_Eagle]

Tupou reportedly Re-Signed with the chooks on a 4 year deal

 

[DUFFMAN]

Topou is a shark after signing a 4 year deal with them today.

 

[Ryan]

We have pulled out of being one of the clubs interested in Barrett.

 

[The Wheel]

Noticed the club has today denied being interest in Chris heighton from the tigers - a shame I rate him highly & would be come a lot cheaper than Gallen/Creagh/Topou & co

 

[Ryan]

Manly centre Steve Bell is likely to link with French club Catalans, while Brett Kimmorley may be a target for Hull and the Wales-based Celtic Crusaders if they are given a spot in the top competition.

The Sharks are trying to offload both Kimmorley and Ben Ross in an attempt to sign Barrett and Ryles. Manly officials said they were not interested in Barrett "at this stage" as the club tries to tie up Newcastle's highly rated five-eighth/back-rower Chris Bailey. The Sea Eagles are also in preliminary discussions with the manager of Cowboys utility Justin Smith.

http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/wigan-want-lockys-signature/2008/05/02/1209235154351.html?page=2

Bailey - this is up there with the Vaeliki purchase. Another back-rower that is in their team when injuries occur only, wanted as our specialist 5/8. Des or Crusher are obviously taking too many blue Mitsubishi's.

 

[Kiwi Eagle]

Did you watch Bailey at all today Ryan ? Once again he was very impressive, but is probably out of our reach now i reckon, his price is going up every week, and Wigan are now in the hunt from what i have heard

 

[Berkeley_Eagle]

Meanwhile, Chris Bailey's manager Wayne Beavis spoke with his client last night as the Sea Eagles circle the off-contract Knight.

Beavis told the Daily Manly is a genuine hope of snaring the talented young player.

``They are very competitive,'' Beavis said of Manly's chances.

``It's a serious offer.''


http://manlydaily.com.au/article/2008/05/20/10216_sports.html

 

[DVS Matt]

Bailey is a less aggressive version of burns.

He doesn't distribute the ball.....the dummy, step, run play is tiresome. He hasn't got the best boot in the world....but is a decent defender.

Pass

 

[DVS Matt]

not to mention he is the brother of that slimey f*ck Phil Bailey

 

[Kiwi Eagle]

Just a rumour, but apparently we have expressed interest in Luke Walsh, would be a damn good backup half

 

[willstyles]

Walsh hasn't kicked on after displaying some nice touches last year.

From what I remember from his few appearances last year he's not much chop as a defender, but in attack he had the potential to do great things. Ran to the line and held his passes very late, putting players into gaps beautifully. Can't remember much about his kicking game.

It would be comforting to know that we had some cover for the Ox if there was ever an injury.

 

[Canteen Worker]

Who does this Walsh play for? I have never heard of him.

 

[willstyles]

Newcastle.

The halves there are basically whoever Smith feels like choosing out of Mullen (who is very good), Dureau (who has a great kicking game at this stage but is extremely raw), Walsh and Bailey.

Mullen is the one they are pinning everything on. Dureau was the fella who kicked the field goal against us earlier this year.

Last year when Mullen was picked for Origin, Brian Smith said something like "it's strange that he is the NSW halfback, because he's not even the best number 7 at Newcastle", implying that Walsh was the best half and that Mullen would end up being a great 6.

Walsh really has gone downhill though. He hasn't even played first grade this year.

 

[Canteen Worker]

Ta BE. Smith is a classic though. He leaves Parra and in weeks Hayne is a superstar and playing Origin. Mateo was languishing in PL going nowhere!!!

 

[SF08]

Apparently he's on a 150K deal with the Knights for the next 2 years but they are willing to release him if we match it. He's worth 100K tops - anything more is overs in my opinion.

Still, would be a good signing to add to our depth in the halves.

 

[The Wheel]

We can't just hope Ox doesn't get injured for next seaosn as well - we need someone who can fill in & do the job well.  Would Cherry Evans be ready next season?

 

[Kiwi Eagle]

I wouldn't mind paying 150k for him, if say it was Bryants money, and we still kept Rose on a small contract for depth.

 

[SF08]

We can't just hope Ox doesn't get injured for next seaosn as well - we need someone who can fill in & do the job well.  Would Cherry Evans be ready next season?

From what I've seen, no, not in 2009. At earliest, based on what he's shown in the first 14 rounds this year, 2010 will be  around the time he'll debut. His development is coming along nicely though, he's improving every week!