The squad takes shape

[The better Robbo]

With the 5 players departing our squad is taking shape. Taufua and Boyle officially re signed now. We had 31 players in our squad including De Luis and Fainu. With 5 leaving its safe to say we have 26 players on our books. Add in Bullemore so that makes 27. My priority would be to add the 2 best outside backs/back up fullback our money can buy. That leaves 1 spot to fill, which we don't need to fill until mid next year, I'd be keeping that spot open for a potential #9 pending the Fainu outcome and if we have a couple injuries in the #9 position.

I like the Boyle and Taufua signings. Taufua is great to have around the club and adds experience to our roster. Boyle is only 25 and with some luck with injuries I'd expect him to be pushing for selection in our 17.

 

[Ryan]

Taufua and Boyle? Not sure if anyone watched the Grand Final, or Melbourne vs. Panthers preliminary, but the games become explosively fast and intense (for the very successful clubs). Lightning quick play the balls. Blistering in your face hard hitting defense.

(Honest question, does Boyle or Taufua make a Bunnies, Panthers, Roosters, Eels or Storm teams?)

I'm not sure re-signing toilers / plodders is the way to go? I could go on a P&O trip through the Islands by the time Taufua plays-the-ball.

Anyways, I completely disagree with their re-signings (both slow, both injury prone), but it is, what it is. Let's hope the rest of the squad shapes up much, MUCH better.

 

[Briza]

stupid signings imho and 2 spots wasted when they could have went to talented juniors.

 

[Ryan]

stupid signings imho and 2 spots wasted when they could have went to talented juniors.

Winner, winner in every single way. Taking up two spots from prospects. Prospects that will likely look for alternatives sitting behind these two.

 

[Marto1970]

I bet our outside backs are happy George has signed up ,they won't be running into him at another club

 

[Eagle 1]

Taufua and Boyle? Not sure if anyone watched the Grand Final, or Melbourne vs. Panthers preliminary, but the games become explosively fast and intense (for the very successful clubs). Lightning quick play the balls. Blistering in your face hard hitting defense.

(Honest question, does Boyle or Taufua make a Bunnies, Panthers, Roosters, Eels or Storm teams?)

I'm not sure re-signing toilers / plodders is the way to go? I could go on a P&O trip through the Islands by the time Taufua plays-the-ball.

Anyways, I completely disagree with their re-signings (both slow, both injury prone), but it is, what it is. Let's hope the rest of the squad shapes up much, MUCH better.

Plodders...that's a bit harsh on George, I bet opposition wingers wouldn't put George in the plodders category, more like a big steam train building up speed.

 

[KaZa]

I would of thought it's be a thank you but no thanks. Tafua is a harder one as he's given us so much and is still fairly young.

Boyle.. imo.. is not good enough. Don't see what the fuss is with him at all. Would prefer we went shopping.

 

[lsz]

stupid signings imho and 2 spots wasted when they could have went to talented juniors.

I wonder how much the lack of junior comps plays into this. We saw the struggle of Shoe and Gauc later in the year v "experienced" players?

 

[Eagle 1]

With the 5 players departing our squad is taking shape. Taufua and Boyle officially re signed now. We had 31 players in our squad including De Luis and Fainu. With 5 leaving its safe to say we have 26 players on our books. Add in Bullemore so that makes 27. My priority would be to add the 2 best outside backs/back up fullback our money can buy. That leaves 1 spot to fill, which we don't need to fill until mid next year, I'd be keeping that spot open for a potential #9 pending the Fainu outcome and if we have a couple injuries in the #9 position.

I like the Boyle and Taufua signings. Taufua is great to have around the club and adds experience to our roster. Boyle is only 25 and with some luck with injuries I'd expect him to be pushing for selection in our 17.

Our wingers have had a relatively injury free run this season, you would have to think that George will be getting some decent game time next season. Good to have a back up in George, wont let anybody down. What he losses in speed he makes up in power and strength.

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

Back up depth only at base rates , every club has to have them.

Doubt either one , Boyle maybe if others injured , will make the 17 at any point.

 

[Ryan]

Plodders...that's a bit harsh on George, I bet opposition wingers wouldn't put George in the plodders category, more like a big steam train building up speed.

"Jorge" mate. And like I say, out of all the teams I've listed, which winger would he replace?

 

[The Wheel]

The salary cap and having a top 30 needs to be managed - maybe Jorge and Boyle are the right price which allows new additions or key retention?

 

[Eagle 1]

"Jorge" mate. And like I say, out of all the teams I've listed, which winger would he replace?

Take your point, probably none. But Jorge would be a good back up at a bargain price. We're not in the market for wingers anyway, so Jorge is a natural back up fit.

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

"Jorge" mate. And like I say, out of all the teams I've listed, which winger would he replace?

Maybe he’s not being considered as a winger ???

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

The salary cap and having a top 30 needs to be managed - maybe Jorge and Boyle are the right price which allows new additions or key retention?

^^^^^^^^^^^

110%

 

[The Who]

Give me an unproven local with potential over these two any day.
With a new face we at least have hope. Taking up space in our roster with these two former NRL players gives me no confidence that we'll improve in 2022.
(I know it sounds harsh and Jorge has been a great servant to the club over an extended period but he is no longer our future. Same with Boyle. And to think the club preferred Lance to a future NRL front rower in Tenterfield. Madness)

 

[tookey]

2 spots wasted with players who should have been sent on their way

Jorge is past it and Boyle was never up to it as he has been an injury prone log

Surely we could have used Boyle's money for Spencer Leinu?

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

Give me an unproven local with potential over these two any day.
With a new face we at least have hope. Taking up space in our roster with these two former NRL players gives me no confidence that we'll improve in 2022.
(I know it sounds harsh and Jorge has been a great servant to the club over an extended period but he is no longer our future. Same with Boyle. And to think the club preferred Lance to a future NRL front rower in Tenterfield. Madness)

Agree with your comments but note @The Wheel comments in the post above , this has more than do with salary cap than anything!!

 

[eaglezap]

Pretty sure that it came down to either keeping Boyle or signing Sharon 🤔

 

[Stewbojevic]

I don’t mind the Taufua signing… it’s depth at best, he knows the fabric of the club and has played in successful Manly teams, plus he was a standout in the NSW Cup games I watched this year. Still a class above that level.

Boyle has never done anything to impress me and seems injury prone