OFFICIAL James Roberts granted immediate release

[Wolfie]

Sadly we probably don't have shit free. Niko & Jimmy were presumably on about $900K between them, maybe slightly less. That'll be quickly eaten up with the retention of Lodge, Joffa, TPJ & Oates on upgraded contracts.

I'd let TPJ walk to get Ponga

 

[Fat Gandalf]

Good move for Jimmy, he'll get a Premiership ring at the end of the year for it. With the speed of Cook and Cody Walker playing alongside him he will hit some good form, but his defense still sucks. We really need a speedy replacement though.

Anyone else find it kind of funny that we lost our slowest & fastest players in 1 year? ie Kahu & Roberts

 

[Wolfie]

So what does this say about Shane Richardson?

Makes him look like a pushover.

Could have all been a ruse.

 

[Lightning Leon Bott]

I hope the boys absolutely give it to him when we take on Souths later in the year, and again in the finals while reminding him that he took the easy way out.

Yeah and call him a traitor like Cody Walker on Angus Crichton .

 

[Accept]

Seibold, WTF have you done?!!

Seibs had no choice and Jimmy is much better off playing under the master on a team that's a contender. He'd be the happiest man in Australia today.

 

[LGH]

So what does this say about Shane Richardson?

Makes him look like a pushover.

Agree, I thought perhaps he had Wayne on a short leash, but looks like Wayne is running things at Souths now.

 

[Big Pete]

It was only a matter of time once those photos surfaced. That put him on thin ice and his response simply wasn't good enough.

It's a shame really because he's a fan favourite and somebody a lot of younger fans instantly gravitate towards. It's also a blow in the interim because a fit and firing Roberts was easily their most potent option in the backline.

I just wonder what it says about Seibold. On the surface it's not a terrible decision considering Roberts had been released by two clubs prior to this and those photos were a bad look. On the other hand, being able to manage talent of his calibre is a part of the job description and if you can't do it, you'll find yourself in Hook's situation where you're forced to play the Lachlan Marantas of the NRL. It's actually appropos that he'll be joining Souths considering that's the team Gagai plays for and he'll be coached by Bennett. Perhaps it's a case of history repeating?

It's one of those situations that is what it is and it's impossible to know whether it was the right call until next year.

 

[mitch222]

If we paid a single fucking cent for him to play for souths I will be pissed.

 

[theshed]

Sadly we probably don't have shit free. Niko & Jimmy were presumably on about $900K between them, maybe slightly less. That'll be quickly eaten up with the retention of Lodge, Joffa, TPJ & Oates on upgraded contracts.

While I’m sure you’re correct, losing fairly big name players in Roberts, Niko, Kahu, and Moose should also free up some TPAs. Which I know we can’t technically arrange but I’m sure companies have a budget for TPAs and they won’t be spending it on these players anymore. Allowing them to spend it on some of the other guys.

 

[Morkel]

I prepared myself for it. Mentally. But not emotionally. It’s for the best, but I’m still sad.

 

[I bleed Maroon]

If we paid a single fucking cent for him to play for souths I will be pissed.

I doubt it. He probably requested a paid release shortly before he was dropped, and Seibold was like "lolnah enjoy Qcup" and that forced him to go for the compassionate release.

 

[Broncapz]

Let's not forget the moments of skill and speed that made you shout at your TV in joy, we hadn't had that in a long time. Thanks for the service Jimmy.

 

[Morepudding]

I'd let TPJ walk to get Ponga

What about McGuire and Kahu... That's another 800k+ surely...

 

[holdzy]

Seibs had no choice and Jimmy is much better off playing under the master on a team that's a contender. He'd be the happiest man in Australia today.

He's going to party tonight, for sure!

 

[tommy]

When was Oates' last contract? It was relatively recently I thought. I can't imagine we would have to upgrade him by more than 50-100k

 

[holdzy]

Always thought he'd win a premiership here. That's a shame.

 

[Kyall]

His not going to have us to cover up anything for him anymore so could be some stories coming out while in Sydney.

 

[Morkel]

Let's not forget the moments of skill and speed that made you shout at your TV in joy, we hadn't had that in a long time. Thanks for the service Jimmy.

Oh no, your post just reminded me that my son’s favourite player is/was Roberts. Always looking out for the #3 jersey. How do I break the news to him???