I imagine the rumours of Taumalolo and anither Burgess may heat up if one doesn't sign. Our backline is pretty settled. We will obviously need a half and hey will have to address that. But strike forwards will be key.
At least we are close to knowing.
I assume if you are the club, you hold off announcing until the launch for maximum impact. Look at the amount of coverage these two get. You'd almost think there are no other players off contract next year in the NRL.
Now think what happens if they announce they are resigning tomorrow. A week out from the start of the season. The media has already started up their annual "Manly are old/in turmoil/Tooves under pressure/this is the year they miss the 8" garbage.
They announce the resignings and boom - All of a sudden, we are right back in it, business as usual for us but the media has to move on and find a new story to beat into the ground.
Last thing - If you think about it - Foz wanted to sign SOMEWHERE before the start of the season. He has stated he has no other offers on the table. We have resigned Matai which really, was a good faith gesture to the man and team. I think Foz is in the bag (IMO). DCE - I think the size of the offers being thrown around from other clubs is bull****. I think DCE also while wanting to be the man, knows he needs a squad capable of making him look good. If he goes to the Tits or wooden spooners, not happening. If he has to force it and make things happen on the field, he isn't a top half. That's not his go. He needs talent around him and he lifts to that. He only gets that at one place. Maybe the Dogs in which case, fine, we'll take their half back for less money and move on.
Anyway, only one more day until hopefully, we don't have to waste another word or second thinking about this...