NRL Player Movements & Rumours

[Dash]

Do the unvaccinated pose a greater risk to others than the vaccinated? Don’t they spread it all the same however the vaccinated have better personal health outcomes if they contract it?

Genuinely asking

A vaccinated person will spread less of the virus around. A dead virus doesn't reproduce.

 

[BroncosFever]

I think they want everyone vaccinated for travel, although obviously.. having everyone vaccinated is also the best thing for society

 

[McHunt]

Do the unvaccinated pose a greater risk to others than the vaccinated? Don’t they spread it all the same however the vaccinated have better personal health outcomes if they contract it?

Genuinely asking

Don't take these numbers literally, but all other things being equal, an unvaccinated person is about 20 times more likely to be an unwitting carrier of asymptomatic infection. So yes, they are massively more risky to be around.

Once infected, there's some contention over the transmission rate between the two cohorts. They're both capable of transferring the same viral load, but the vaccinated are more likely to have a shorter duration of infection. The point of mass vaccination is to reduce the R0, the reproduction rate of the virus. Once this rate falls below 1, outbreaks wane. Even though the vaccines aren't perfect, the more who are vaccinated, the better chance we have of reducing transmission and ultimately beating the pandemic.

Each member of our herd's immunity helps protect us iteratively. My immunity protects me, which in turn protects you, which in turns helps you protect others.

It's not solely about your body, it's about everybody else's body as well.

At the risk of sounding histrionic, the unvaccinated are very literally enemies of the state.

Some further reading:

Your unvaccinated friend is roughly 20 times more likely to give you COVID

Unvaccinated people are ten times more likely to contract COVID, and more likely to pass it on than vaccinated people.

theconversation.com

Oh, and if you come across the term "natural immunity" this is another American political import being sloganized by anti-vaxxers. It's not actually a term used in immunology, but in this context it refers to acquiring antibodies through previous infection. The political aspect came from demanding this be recognized in vaccination passports.

Unfortunately, the immunity conferred from previous infections has transpired to be not quite as effective as vaccination, and also wanes within months. Meaning even if you've previously caught it, you can definitely catch it, and spread it again. Though the good news is it's less likely to be as severe the second time.

I've noticed a lot of shouty types, particularly in Australia, have confused this with the notion of an inherent immunity, which might or might not exist. These are the "I trust my immune system" types. They have this quasi-religious faith that because they haven't caught the flu recently, they're magically immune to bugs in general. Ignoring that this is the once in a century cyclone that lifts the roof off your house that's been standing for 99 years already.

 

[WASSHHH]

One club with their noses in front, hey…

In that case it must be the Titans, if you know what I mean

 

[Foordy]

View attachment 15938
One club with their noses in front, hey…

In that case it must be the Titans, if you know what I mean

that story has come from a quote from Peter O'Sullivan, who also claims that Smith's manager told him that they were only meeting because of Wayne Bennett being the coach ... sounds credible given Smith's manager sent an email to every club to start the bidding.

p.s. the Courier Mail reporting that the offers were:

Dolphins: up to $900k per season
Titans: around $800k per season
Roosters: not mentioned, so i'm guessing minimum wage PLUS 6 golf games with Uncle Nick

here is the quotes from Peter O'Sullivan:

“I’m not saying we are definitely going to get him, but I think we have our noses in front,” said O’Sullivan, the former Storm, Roosters and Warriors recruitment chief.

“The Titans will think they are in front and I’m sure the Roosters will also think they are in front.

“We’ll find out in the next week or so who ends up in front.

“The money has stopped now so it’s a matter of where Brandon wants to go.

“Wayne is a huge factor in getting Brandon. I had a meeting with a manager the other day and he said I wouldn’t be meeting you if it wasn’t for Wayne Bennett.

“Wayne has reinvented himself as a coach in the last three years. He has an incredible aura and I see players’ eyes light up when he talks to them.

“Brandon and Harry Grant (Storm teammate) are the two best hookers in the game, so common sense tells you they both aren’t going to stay forever in Melbourne.”

 

[WASSHHH]

that story has come from a quote from Peter O'Sullivan, who also claims that Smith's manager told him that they were only meeting because of Wayne Bennett being the coach ... sounds credible given Smith's manager sent an email to every club to start the bidding.

p.s. the Courier Mail reporting that the offers were:

Dolphins: up to $900k per season
Titans: around $800k per season
Roosters: not mentioned, so i'm guessing minimum wage PLUS 6 golf games with Uncle Nick

here is the quotes from Peter O'Sullivan:

“I’m not saying we are definitely going to get him, but I think we have our noses in front,” said O’Sullivan, the former Storm, Roosters and Warriors recruitment chief.

“The Titans will think they are in front and I’m sure the Roosters will also think they are in front.

“We’ll find out in the next week or so who ends up in front.

“The money has stopped now so it’s a matter of where Brandon wants to go.

“Wayne is a huge factor in getting Brandon. I had a meeting with a manager the other day and he said I wouldn’t be meeting you if it wasn’t for Wayne Bennett.

“Wayne has reinvented himself as a coach in the last three years. He has an incredible aura and I see players’ eyes light up when he talks to them.

“Brandon and Harry Grant (Storm teammate) are the two best hookers in the game, so common sense tells you they both aren’t going to stay forever in Melbourne.”

Thanks for the info mate!

I was just being silly though.

 

[Foordy]

Thanks for the info mate!

I was just being silly though.

I realised that .... i just wanted to share Peter O'sullivan's joke

 

[Foordy]

The Mole says Isaiah Papali'i has rejected a huge offer from the Dolphins.

According to his manager Papali'i doesn't want to leave Sydney. Tigers still in the running for his signature

 

[Jedhead]

Don't know about anyone else, but I'm beginning to get the impression that the Dolphins are resembling the social misfit that no one wants to take to the ball.

I'm sure they'll find somebody, but I can't help but feel a huge chunk of schadenfreude at the moment.

 

[theshed]

Don't know about anyone else, but I'm beginning to get the impression that the Dolphins are resembling the social misfit that no one wants to take to the ball.

I'm sure they'll find somebody, but I can't help but feel a huge chunk of schadenfreude at the moment.

It’s a bit early to call but any thought that players would be tripping over themselves to get there is dwindling. A few other marque players reject them and the inaugural team is looking a bit skinny on star power.

 

[Jedhead]

It’s a bit early to call but any thought that players would be tripping over themselves to get there is dwindling. A few other marque players reject them and the inaugural team is looking a bit skinny on star power.

That’s it. When Munster pulled the pin and back tracked it sort of put the brakes on their recruitment process. I mean the only person theyve got confirmed is a kid who has yet to play ISC. Very underwhelming.

 

[Wolfie]

It’s a bit early to call but any thought that players would be tripping over themselves to get there is dwindling. A few other marque players reject them and the inaugural team is looking a bit skinny on star power.

There arent that many top line players available for 2023, which is why i've always been of the opinion 2024 will be the year they have the better side. Much better group of players off contract then imo. Grant, Savage, Tino, Munster, Fifita, Kennedy, Bullemor just off the top of my head, the list is much better for them in the group of players off contract in 2023. I dont think they will just throw money at anyone, they will be fairly conservative in with their 2023 roster imo.

 

[BroncsFan]

There arent that many top line players available for 2023, which is why i've always been of the opinion 2024 will be the year they have the better side. Much better group of players off contract then imo. Grant, Savage, Tino, Munster, Fifita, Kennedy, Bullemor just off the top of my head, the list is much better for them in the group of players off contract in 2023. I dont think they will just throw money at anyone, they will be fairly conservative in with their 2023 roster imo.

They do still need to spend their $10m for 2023 though ... so unless they plan to sign the majority of players on 12 month deals a fair chunk of their money may already be tied up heading into 2024

 

[Wolfie]

They do still need to spend their $10m for 2023 though ... so unless they plan to sign the majority of players on 12 month deals a fair chunk of their money may already be tied up heading into 2024

I do reckon you will see quite a few 12 month deals from them. Probably not going to get too many players in their peak years though, i'd say a lot of younger talent plus players who only have a couple of years left in the game. 2023 will be tricky but i still think they will get it right.

 

[Big Pete]

I don't buy for a second that the Dolphins won't continue to sign Broncos players and expect at the very least Corey Oates will find his way up north. It wouldn't shock me at all if Isaako follows suit. Farnworth and Carrigan would surprise me, but not completely out of the realms of possibility.

I wonder if there is something to the McGuire-Bennett rift? Bennett had very little wriggle room with that 2020 Origin squad and yet still chose to overlook McGuire (a call I liked). Even if there is one, he wouldn't be the first player Bennett has mended fences with for the balance of his squad and think he'd be a decent signing. A 'come home, put your name in the history books and potentially set yourself up for life after footy'.

Horsburgh is another who would fit right in and seems likely to happen. Local junior, has really fallen off these past couple of years but gets an opportunity to re-invent.

Howarth is supposedly off contract. He had a really disappointing '21 season, but I still rate him as one of the best backrow prospects coming through.

I wonder if Bennett will return to the Milford/Nikorima combination? The halves seem to be in really short supply so unless they go after Talatau Amone, Jayden Sullivan or somebody of that ilk they may have to settle for the likes of Milford, Nikorima, Taylor etc. Taylor could actually be a decent pick-up as long as he's priced right and his body isn't as bad as rumoured.

 

[Wolfie]

I don't buy for a second that the Dolphins won't continue to sign Broncos players and expect at the very least Corey Oates will find his way up north. It wouldn't shock me at all if Isaako follows suit. Farnworth and Carrigan would surprise me, but not completely out of the realms of possibility.

I wonder if there is something to the McGuire-Bennett rift? Bennett had very little wriggle room with that 2020 Origin squad and yet still chose to overlook McGuire (a call I liked). Even if there is one, he wouldn't be the first player Bennett has mended fences with for the balance of his squad and think he'd be a decent signing. A 'come home, put your name in the history books and potentially set yourself up for life after footy'.

Horsburgh is another who would fit right in and seems likely to happen. Local junior, has really fallen off these past couple of years but gets an opportunity to re-invent.

Howarth is supposedly off contract. He had a really disappointing '21 season, but I still rate him as one of the best backrow prospects coming through.

I wonder if Bennett will return to the Milford/Nikorima combination? The halves seem to be in really short supply so unless they go after Talatau Amone, Jayden Sullivan or somebody of that ilk they may have to settle for the likes of Milford, Nikorima, Taylor etc. Taylor could actually be a decent pick-up as long as he's priced right and his body isn't as bad as rumoured.

Wouldnt be surprised to see Widdop there on a short term deal.

 

[Foordy]

Badel reporting that Jahrome Hughes has informed the Storm that he won't be taking up his player option for the 2024 season. according to him it is understood the Dolphins would consider a 4 year deal worth around $1 million per season.

Hughes manager, Tas Bartlett says:

“The Dolphins are a genuine option for Jahrome,” said Bartlett of PSM.

“We’ve advised Melbourne we won’t be taking up the option at this stage for 2024.

“The Storm are in the box seat to keep Jahrome given he is already contracted, but if we can’t get a long-term deal done, we will look to the open market.

“Jahrome has gone to another level this year. He is one of the NRL’s best players.

“Any club in the NRL would have some interest in a player of Jahrome’s stature in such a key position.”

“The next contract for Jahrome is probably his last, so we have to make sure he does the best thing for himself and his family moving forward,” Bartlett said.

“He was a bit of a late bloomer in the NRL so he needs to carefully consider his next deal.

“He likes being in Melbourne, so if they make him an attractive offer, it could tie him down for the next four or five years.

“Jahrome is now in the top echelon of halfbacks in the game. If Nathan Cleary is the best halfback in the game, Jahrome is not far off that. If you talk to Craig Bellamy (Storm coach), he wouldn’t swap Jahrome for any other halfback.

“The Warriors were close to signing him earlier this year and Peter O’Sullivan was their recruitment guy at the time. Now that ‘Sully’ is at the Dolphins, I imagine he would be interested in a player of Jahrome’s ability.”


Peter O'Sullivan says

“Jahrome isn’t off-contract until 2024 so it’s difficult,” he said.

“We’d have to possibly look at a tradesman at halfback for our first year (in 2023) and then look to bring Jahrome to the Dolphins for 2024.

“It’s certainly something we are prepared to look at because Jahrome is a seriously good player.

“Right now, there aren’t many halves coming off contract at the back end of 2022, but the landscape can change very quickly with the player market.

“Patience is the key for us.”

 

[theshed]

Badel reporting that Jahrome Hughes has informed the Storm that he won't be taking up his player option for the 2024 season. according to him it is understood the Dolphins would consider a 4 year deal worth around $1 million per season.

Hughes manager, Tas Bartlett says:

“The Dolphins are a genuine option for Jahrome,” said Bartlett of PSM.

“We’ve advised Melbourne we won’t be taking up the option at this stage for 2024.

“The Storm are in the box seat to keep Jahrome given he is already contracted, but if we can’t get a long-term deal done, we will look to the open market.

“Jahrome has gone to another level this year. He is one of the NRL’s best players.

“Any club in the NRL would have some interest in a player of Jahrome’s stature in such a key position.”

“The next contract for Jahrome is probably his last, so we have to make sure he does the best thing for himself and his family moving forward,” Bartlett said.

“He was a bit of a late bloomer in the NRL so he needs to carefully consider his next deal.

“He likes being in Melbourne, so if they make him an attractive offer, it could tie him down for the next four or five years.

“Jahrome is now in the top echelon of halfbacks in the game. If Nathan Cleary is the best halfback in the game, Jahrome is not far off that. If you talk to Craig Bellamy (Storm coach), he wouldn’t swap Jahrome for any other halfback.

“The Warriors were close to signing him earlier this year and Peter O’Sullivan was their recruitment guy at the time. Now that ‘Sully’ is at the Dolphins, I imagine he would be interested in a player of Jahrome’s ability.”


Peter O'Sullivan says

“Jahrome isn’t off-contract until 2024 so it’s difficult,” he said.

“We’d have to possibly look at a tradesman at halfback for our first year (in 2023) and then look to bring Jahrome to the Dolphins for 2024.

“It’s certainly something we are prepared to look at because Jahrome is a seriously good player.

“Right now, there aren’t many halves coming off contract at the back end of 2022, but the landscape can change very quickly with the player market.

“Patience is the key for us.”

I love how much the Dolphins are impacting Melbourne. It’s awesome.