NRL Player Movements and Rumours 2015

[Morkel]

I wonder who is making all the money at Manly. Brett Stewart must be getting paid big $$. They have no real standout forwards so all their money must be in the backs/halves. TBH it sounds like DCE just wants out at Manly.

Watmough etc. Remember the problem they had (and still have) is all the back-ended deals. The "staying at Manly for less" is BS. Watmough was on nearly a million dollars this year. If he's signed for, say, $600k at the Eels, then this year Manly will be paying $400k of their cap for a player they don't have. They were lucky that Glenn Stewart's contract had expired. Lyon would be on a LOT, he had interest from a few places, most importantly the Titans who went hard for him. They'll have to pay big dollars for Matai. Brett Stewart has been royalty and paid accordingly. Ballin's been in the top 3-4 hookers in the game for 6 or 7 years now.

 

[Morkel]

On Foran, not to downplay him, but he is only as useful as the half next to him. His strength is in running the ball when no other half would dare, right in to the forwards, knowing he'll get smashed. This takes a lot of pressure off his other half as the opposition needs to follow Foran every time the ball goes near him, even if the defence is on their toes and muscling up. If he's playing with DCE (or SJ), then the latitude they're given is enough for them to tear most teams apart. But if Foran is being paid all the money, then a mediocre half will not be as effective. They'll certainly look a lot better for it, like if you put Jeff Robson next to him he'll look a hell of a lot better than he does now, but is a purple-patch Jeff Robson worth the #6 taking up one seventh of the entire cap? Whoever takes him will need a very creative halfback.

 

[Kimlo]

I will hope on hope that both Foran and DCE leave Manly. **** Manly.

 

[Ari Gold]

I really don't like to see teams shed players like this. Manly brought these guys through and the Manly spine work really well together in addition to being home grown.

I don't really care who the club is, the game is poorer as a result of all these players going to the Roosters and Titans of the world.

 

[Cult]

I really don't like to see teams shed players like this. Manly brought these guys through and the Manly spine work really well together in addition to being home grown.

I don't really care who the club is, the game is poorer as a result of all these players going to the Roosters and Titans of the world.

The Broncos have lost enough home grown talent for me to not care about the other clubs losing them. As long as they're staying in our game and going to teams like the Eels and the Titans who are constantly near the bottom of the ladder, they are helping the game. The Roosters and Manly are the only teams who could be constantly around the top of the ladder and rarely lose someone worth while, until recently.

 

[Ari Gold]

I don't really think it helps the game - at least my enjoyment of it. I'm more than happy for teams to suck for a prolonged period if we get quality teams at the top. Titans would be more competitive with DCE but given their roster they would not produce high quality football. And I want to see more high quality teams and games, something you won't get with Foran at Parra and DCE at the Titans.

 

[Broncoman]

Really good pickup by Parramatta. Foran is still very young and has plenty of good footy in him. I still believe DCE will go to the Sharks btw.

 

[Harry Sack]

I'll believe all of it when that June 30 deadline has passed.

 

[Unbreakable]

Taumalolo has re-signed with the Cowboys

 

[QUEENSLANDER]

Taumalolo has re-signed with the Cowboys

That shows great loyalty. Couldve made a heap of money elsewhere. Good on him

 

[Bucking Beads]

Really glad he stayed at the Cowboys. The Warriors threw lots of $$ at him and he still stayed.

 

[Kimlo]

Awesome news, I'm glad the Cowboys got to keep him.

 

[Alec]

On Foran, not to downplay him, but he is only as useful as the half next to him. His strength is in running the ball when no other half would dare, right in to the forwards, knowing he'll get smashed. This takes a lot of pressure off his other half as the opposition needs to follow Foran every time the ball goes near him, even if the defence is on their toes and muscling up. If he's playing with DCE (or SJ), then the latitude they're given is enough for them to tear most teams apart. But if Foran is being paid all the money, then a mediocre half will not be as effective. They'll certainly look a lot better for it, like if you put Jeff Robson next to him he'll look a hell of a lot better than he does now, but is a purple-patch Jeff Robson worth the #6 taking up one seventh of the entire cap? Whoever takes him will need a very creative halfback.

I agree that his strength is his running game, but he's still a damn solid half in creative areas too, especially compared to the other rubbish going around. He does look like he needs an organiser to play off to be at his best, which is why he goes so well with DCE...and at the Eels he'll be with Sandow or Norman?

 

[mitch222]

Merrin 3 year deal to panthers for 750k a season

 

[Rally Towel]

Merrin 3 year deal to panthers for 750k a season

Oh lordy. That's well overs. Glad we didn't try and compete with that kind of offer.

Shouldn't pay that much unless it's for a game breaking player like JT, GI, etc.

 

[Foordy]

The Sea Eagles have reportedly pulled out of negotiations with DCE and have withdrawn their offer

 

[Unbreakable]

Will be good to have him at the Titans I guess, would rather him there than the Eagles.

 

[Bull Shark]

Merrin 3 year deal to panthers for 750k a season

that seems very out of whack given their 'money ball' approach of the past couple of years .. Paying big overs for a player in a position where they're pretty well stocked... Given they're a pretty 'meat and potatoes' squad I could understand them breaking open the bank for a player who gives them something they don't have and can put them over the edge but for Merrin? Strange ....