NRL Player Movements and Rumours 2014

[Super Freak]

Bulldogs apparently chasing Locke and Tedesco..

 

[Super Freak]

Competition for contracts fierce following Canterbury’s big money signing of Andrew Fifita

TONY “T-Rex” Williams breaks three times the tackles of Canterbury’s other big boppers — but is it enough reason to keep him?

With the Bulldogs snaring star Kangaroo Andrew Fifita — and outlaying some $3 million to do so — League Land is awash with rumours about which of the Doggies’ hulking “Super Six” will be punted to squeeze him in.

On Saturday, the club announced Englishman James Graham had signed a new four-year deal, which puts the spotlight squarely on the likes of Williams, Greg Eastwood and Sam Kasiano — all of whom have contracts until the end of 2015 or 2016.

But as one NRL manager told The Daily Telegraph last night: “Seven into six, it just doesn’t fit. While the Bulldogs have tied a lot of these guys up to long-term contracts, someone, somewhere is going to go.”

But will it be Williams?

Despite receiving widespread criticism for his performances last year, Fox Sports Statistics reveal that T-Rex has made 73 tackle breaks — or roughly three times that of his nearest Doggies forwards Kasiano and Graham (both 25).

Contracted until the end of 2016, Williams also leads the big men for offloads (27), while his six tries are twice that of his fellow forwards.

However, the former Kangaroo has also conceded a whopping 35 individual *errors/penalties — the most of any forward at the club.

The re-signing of Graham, meanwhile, is an obvious plus given he leads the way in metres (126), averages almost twice the tackles (32) of Canterbury’s other big men and boasts an undisputed X-factor with his ability to ball play.

“When you look at the stats, James is consistently at the top of the list,” coach Des Hasler agrees. “I’m happy he’ll be here another four years.”

The other key forwards looking to secure a spot in what, with Fifita, is shaping as the largest pack in NRL history are Aiden Tolman — who averages 123m and 32 tackles per game — youngster Dave Klemmer and new co-captain Frank Pritchard.

“Frank is only in the first year of a new three-year deal,’’ his manager Mario Tartak says. “He has also just been made a co-captain and certainly doesn’t want to go anywhere.”

When asked about Kasiano, whom Tartak also has in his stable, the manager denied rumours the hulking Kiwi had been approached by Parramatta or Wests Tigers. Cronulla are, however, keen to have the bopper replace Fifita should he become available.

“Sam’s first choice is to stay with Canterbury,’’ Tartak said. “He’s signed until the end of 2015 and, as of right now, no one from Canterbury has told us otherwise.”

Kasiano averages the lowest minutes (31) and metres (77) per game. He is also reasonably high in the *errors/penalties list with 23.

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[Morkel]

Klemmer, IIRC, signed a 3 year $250k/yr deal just before the start of last season (yes, before he even played one game). But I guess it's irrelevant if they're all under contract and will need a release anyway.

 

[Sproj]

But another forward is not what we need unless it's Taylor, Guerra or Napa.

 

[Super Freak]

I think we need an impact forward with some ball skills. If Taylor comes at the right price, I would be open to him coming back.

Graham would have been perfect. He can play in the second row, the front row, he has ball playing skills and he has a lot of mongrel in him. You could say he adds "bite" to the pack..

Guerra would be a great option also.

One more quality forward and we will have a bloody awesome forward pack imo.

Broncos will still have enough money to chase another half.

 

[Morkel]

Ferguson in the stands for the Rabbitohs vs Manly game. I reckon Souths would most definitely be willing to lower themselves to sign him (NRL permitting) as they'll be seen as failures of they don't make the top 4 this year. [MENTION=8311]Harry Sack[/MENTION] [MENTION=7802]broncos4life[/MENTION] I'd love to see Les's face if it happens ;)

 

[bb_gun]

Ferguson in the stands for the Rabbitohs vs Manly game. I reckon Souths would most definitely be willing to lower themselves to sign him (NRL permitting) as they'll be seen as failures of they don't make the top 4 this year. @Harry Sack @broncos4life I'd love to see Les's face if it happens ;)

Was Les from that other forum that went all shite? I remember reading his posts, he was mental I think.

 

[broncos4life]

Ferguson in the stands for the Rabbitohs vs Manly game. I reckon Souths would most definitely be willing to lower themselves to sign him (NRL permitting) as they'll be seen as failures of they don't make the top 4 this year. [MENTION=8311]Harry Sack[/MENTION] [MENTION=7802]broncos4life[/MENTION] I'd love to see Les's face if it happens ;)

Haha. So much.

 

[broncos4life]

Was Les from that other forum that went all shite? I remember reading his posts, he was mental I think.

Sure was mate. Both for the other forum and mental

 

[Morkel]

Sure was mate. Both for the other forum and mental

Stopped being a Rabbitohs member because they signed "Inglis the Wife Beater". Admirable I guess. If they sign Ferguson, my guess is he'll ask for a refund for the 80-odd years he was a member.

 

[Sproj]

As much as I agree with the principle, let's not forget we were about to sign Fergo's best mate who is also a douché. We can't really talk when it comes to being willing to sign morons unfortunately. Mundine also played for us. At least none of them were at his level of stupidness and feral ness though.

 

[Cult]

As much as I agree with the principle, let's not forget we were about to sign Fergo's best mate who is also a douché. We can't really talk when it comes to being willing to sign morons unfortunately. Mundine also played for us. At least none of them were at his level of stupidness and feral ness though.

Dugan never grabbed a girls vagina and blamed the people who pay him for everything. He just drank a lot.

 

[Alec]

Dugan never grabbed a girls vagina and blamed the people who pay him for everything. He just drank a lot.

I remember when I used to get drunk off Passion Pop.

 

[Morkel]

I remember when I used to get drunk off Passion Pop.

Me too. Last week. PS, I'm kind of broke.

 

[Super Freak]

Not sure how true this one is.

Roosters are chasing Tedesco as a replacement for Mini.

Apparently the offer is 550k a season.

 

[jarro65]

Not sure how true this one is.

Roosters are chasing Tedesco as a replacement for Mini.

Apparently the offer is 550k a season.

I heard they aren't after Tedesco, but rather Ferguson.

 

[Broncoman]

Not sure how true this one is.

Roosters are chasing Tedesco as a replacement for Mini.

Apparently the offer is 550k a season.

Bullshit really?

Tedesco is a very good prospect with potential but $550 K a year for him is just over the top and he isn't worth anything near that.

 

[Alec]

Swapping Mini AND SKD for Tedesco and playing him in the centres would be an excellent move. Actually just getting rid of Mini and SKD would be an excellent move, but Tedesco is the maple syrup on top. Sheck is a better fullback, but Tedesco's pace could have him dominate at centre too.