Player contracts

[Coxy]

I wouldn't have a problem dropping Wallace, as long as we got someone better for the position, and there lies the main problem.
Good halves are as rare as hens teeth in the NRL. And the ones I would take over Wallace: Thurston, Cronk, DCE, Maloney, Johnson... are tough to get!

But even then, they'd still need a good partner!

Agree completely. If DCE wanted to come to Brisbane I'd have no hesitation of saying "see ya later Wal" but we can't ditch his experience now.

Macca's growing into a pretty good hooker. Hoffman is a superstar in the making at fullback. Wallace is a solid organiser and defender with a decent kicking game. All we need is a Lockyer :P LOL, or at least a five-eighth with some vision, a good running, passing and kicking game. Hunt, Norman, Capewell....hrmm. Berrick Barnes would be ideal, but I worry how much he'd come for.

 

[Porthoz]

I wouldn't take Maloney over Wallace, I think he's on par with Wallace all things considered and it'd be a shame to see us chase after a player of similar ability then stick loyal to somebody who's put his body on the line for us for 3 going on 4 years now.

I would definitely consider Barnes though. As concerned I am about a players making that transition back from another code and the amount of money it would take to do so, Barnes is a Brisbane junior who left on good terms and achieved just about all he will achieve in Union. Big talent and I think his signing would be fantastic on and off the field.

Also rumours keep circulating about Dave Taylor returning to Brisbane in 2013. We've already discussed here that our backrow is over-stocked but would you say no to a talent like Dave Taylor? Especially one that is largely untapped?

I think Maloney has it over Wallace in the creativity department, and is a tough defender as well, besides being an excellent goal kicker.

As for Taylor, it largely depends on the kind of money he asks. Like Inglis, he's not worth us losing several of our great youngsters!

 

[Big Pete]

Are we watching the same Maloney here?

Maloney is right up there as one of the worst defenders in the competition. Soward has it over him.

And in terms of creativity, they're about equal. Maloney can be very pedestrian and will float in and out of games, what really makes Maloney a good player though, is his speed and running game. He's a good supporter and will making a lot of breaks running off one of his big forwards. But really, he's not exactly a talented half like JT or an organisational half like Cooper or even DCE to an extent.

Goal kicking would be a bonus. Parker's boot has cost us a few games.

I guess what I'm asking is, would you take Taylor over Te'o?

 

[m1c]

Maloney is over-hyped IMO. He can run a hole and kick goals, but that's about it.

 

[Coxy]

Maloney is over-hyped IMO. He can run a hole and kick goals, but that's about it.

So he's got one extra skill over Foran then?

 

[Big Pete]

Foran would be behind JT and Cronk as my pick.

He's the type of player you want in the halves.

 

[m1c]

I have huge wraps on Foran, IMO he's far superior to his halves partner. I'm going to call it now - DCE is blessed in being introduced to first grade through what was a very strong structure. That structure is now on the decline through age and the imminent loss of Hasler. I wouldn't at all be surprised to see him get the struggles.

On Foran, he's got a knack for coming up with big plays. Not many his age take the ball to the line like he does. He's quite good at reacting to whatever then presents itself. I think he'll surprise you over the coming years, Coxy. He had a poor back end to the year, however I'm willing to attribute that to his youth. So many youngsters struggle to see out a full year.

 

[Porthoz]

DCE is by far the better half of the Manly duo IMO, he's the creative one, not Foran!
I dare say Foran may be slightly better than Wallace, but both are made of the same mold: Tough, hard working, good kicking, great defense, little x-factor.

As for Taylor, I'd have him over Te'o on the same coin, but I doubt that would happen...

 

[Coxy]

DCE is by far the better half of the Manly duo IMO, he's the creative one, not Foran!
I dare say Foran may be slightly better than Wallace, but both are made of the same mold: Tough, hard working, good kicking, great defense, little x-factor.

Poor Porthoz. Just like me you don't see the subtlety in Foran's awesomeness.

 

[m1c]

I'd say the complete opposite. DCE is not really a 'creator'. His success is built on a solid all-round skill base and a variety of rehearsed plays, each with their own little variance. These plays are successful on the back of a club with strong confidence in it's structure and game plan. Each player knows the role he plays, allowing DCE the chance to execute these perfectly. It's a hallmark of the Hasler/Bellamy dominance of the last decade. Let's not forget his first full year in first grade was inside Lyon and outside of GStewart. He has received the absolute rails run. Blessed comes to mind.

I'd liken his current status to that of Cronk following his first season in the 7. Does anyone genuinely believe he'd have developed into the player he is today had he left the strong set-up under Bellamy?

If anything most of Foran's plays are the ad-lib, x-factor style plays that you talk of.

 

[Big Pete]

Cherry-Evans isn't really that creative either. Kicks to corners, puts up a mean bomb, runs like a headless chook and confuses a lot of defensive lines but wouldn't say he's asking questions like a Joey Johns or an Allan Langer would. Not that you'd expect him to at this age. And personally, I think creativity is overrated, effectiveness is far better.

I'd take Foran over Cherry-Evans, but not by much and I have to say, these two compliment each other brilliantly. As m1c said, no one runs it to the line better than Foran or positions himself better for the big plays. Has one of the best passing games, right up there as a defensive player.

 

[mrslong]

Foran has had 3 years in the NRL, DCE has had 1.
Let's see how good DCE is after 3 years...he will probably be ahead of Foran at 3 years......DEPENDING on how Toovey goes as coach. (I forsee Toovey being an epic failure....but that could be my blind hatred bias shining through)

 

[Big Pete]

And on the flipside, Foran is younger than DCE.

 

[Jeba]

And more subtle as well, apparently.

 

[Bucking Beads]

Hopefully the club is quick to sign Jack Reed up to another contract.

 

[Alec]

Glenn by far at the top of the list for me as well.