Broncos release Garbutt

[Wolfie]

I think there is a player in him, but he hasn't impressed yet. I have no doubts he would do a better job than blair but it's a bit worrying the amount of little niggling injuries he seems to pick up. Would be nice if we could pick up another prop.

 

[Foordy]

Sea Eagles swoop

Manly are getting the bargain buy of the year when they pick up unwanted Broncos prop Mitch Garbutt for the remainder of the season.

The Broncos officially released Garbutt today and he is set to agree to terms to play for Manly.

The Broncos were so keen to get Garbutt off their books that they paid his entire wage for 2014 - meaning that effectively, Manly got him for free.

With the Sea Eagles struggling for go-forward up front, journeyman Garbutt could prove a handy gain.

He had too many established forwards ahead of him at Brisbane but will find getting into the top grade a little easier at the struggling Sea Eagles.

League | The Lurker - NRL Rumour File - Wednesday | SPORTAL

If that is true ... that is bloody ridiculous.

and of all the clubs we could have given a player to for free ... why the hell did we choose Manly.

 

[Kimlo]

It's not as ridiculous as it sounds, actually it's smart.

First off, we can't pay his entire wage, if he's going into their top 25, they have to at least cover his base wage (80k minimum I think?)

Secondly, if he's on 250-300k for next year, and we have salary cap space this year but don't want him, then if Manly agree to cover his full wage from next year in exchange for paying only the minimum this year, we save space next year instead of wasting it on a player who won't play first grade with us anyway.

 

[Morkel]

Fantastic journalism. We paid his wage from last year, did we ?!?!?

 

[broncos4life]

League | The Lurker - NRL Rumour File - Wednesday | SPORTAL

If that is true ... that is bloody ridiculous.

and of all the clubs we could have given a player to for free ... why the hell did we choose Manly.

How on earth is it ridiculous? By giving him to manly for free this year it means we don't have his amount on the cap next year, meaning we can sign someone for next year. It's not like we are going to use that money this year.

It's the smart thing to do.

 

[I bleed Maroon]

Lol, damn.

Poor Garbutt. That's pretty much Bennett telling you "You're overrated." Looking forward to seeing who we sign for next year.

 

[Super Freak]

Damn.

I think Bennett made a mistake, but I guess time will tell.

Who's next?

 

[I bleed Maroon]

Damn.

I think Bennett made a mistake, but I guess time will tell.

Who's next?

I'm sure a lot will disagree with me but I honestly think this game on Monday is do or die for Blair. If he doesn't put in big time being the most senior prop in the team, Bennett will tell him to hit the bricks just as he did for Garbutt.

 

[Alec]

I'm sure a lot will disagree with me but I honestly think this game on Monday is do or die for Blair. If he doesn't put in big time being the most senior prop in the team, Bennett will tell him to hit the bricks just as he did for Garbutt.

I dunno....Garbutt wasn't a Bennett signing. Blair was. A bit different.

 

[Ari Gold]

I have no issues in letting Garbutt go. It's saving money long term and who knows what kind of player that might allow us to sign in the future. Getting rid of deadwood is good.

Problem is if you're just replacing it with more deadwood, then you just end up paying for deadwood twice. I have no issues with Garbutt going, but it's less palatable that someone as experienced as Blair gets so many more chances.

 

[Sproj]

I'm sure a lot will disagree with me but I honestly think this game on Monday is do or die for Blair. If he doesn't put in big time being the most senior prop in the team, Bennett will tell him to hit the bricks just as he did for Garbutt.

Sounds good in theory but we have apparently signed him for three years I think I remember reading and he has been rubbish for the last five years. Who on earth would want to sign him with his record of uselessness? I don't even know why Bennett signed him.

 

[1910]

Storm will take him back.

 

[jarro65]

Storm will take him back.

I seem to recall reading somewhere that Bellamy was reluctant to let him go in the first place.

 

[Sproj]

Storm will take him back.

Thats good to know!! Do you know if there is anything in the works? Any idea of how Bennett feels about Blair now?

 

[Morkel]

Storm will take him back. For $200k a year while we pay the rest. Unless one of the Big 3 retires any time soon.

 

[K-Style]

Garbutt has that back injury yeah? I dont think he had gotten back to full fitness that he had with the Storm.

 

[1910]

Thats good to know!! Do you know if there is anything in the works? Any idea of how Bennett feels about Blair now?

Yep started looking into it last night.

 

[ethos]

He's such a nice bloke Mitch, I just hope he can find stability at a club.

Without being too critical, sometimes he almost plays too nice. Needs that real ruthless streak on the field.

It's just a shame it hasn't worked out for whatever reason at Brisbane though. I thought he'd really add a lot off the bench this year.