Morkel
International Captain
Contributor
- Jan 25, 2013
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I have no doubt it happens. The best quote I've heard is that "every club does it, some are just better than others". Even journos don't deny it.
I'm not playing coy, I am genuinely baffled as to how they have this team. Not being on elite dollars is one thing, but with the talent around the park you'd expect them to have to throw a rookie or three around them. But no, even when they need to drag out some depth it's a talented half that was lured from another club who fought to keep him.
Even when the Storm were cheating they were bringing in journeymen and plugging them in where required. The Roosters are actively poaching. Luring players whose incumbent clubs do not want to lose and fight to keep them.
Uhuh, okay.
So what happened to a few weeks ago (or whenever it was), when you said, and I'm obviously paraphrasing here, that the Roosters wouldn't be saving that much coin because RTS was on his pre-existing salary? It sounds like awfully like a case of having your cake and eating it as well, and suggests you knew full and well what was meant by the RTS nomination but couldn't help yourself.
The difference is pretty obvious. Melbourne were able to re-sign the four best players in the game when they were at their best. When the Roosters were in a similar position, they had to let at least one go after their pemiership victory. Last year, it was SBW, this year it was both RTS and Maloney. The type of re-signings they're making are all good players, but they aren't the elites of the game like Melbourne were making.
Plus, it was a different time in the salary cap as well. It was a lot more restrictive back then compared to now.
I'm not saying the Roosters are a 100% clean mind you. I'm right with you on the ability of being able to re-sign the Latrell Mitchells, Joseph Manus, Connor Watsons, Nat Butchers, Vincent Leuluais while pilfering the likes of Taylor, Hastings, Matterson and Nikorima from other nursaries, but I think comparing the two teams on paper hides the context of when those Storm stars signed their deals.
Also, given the Broncos conduct last year, I wouldn't be throwing stones if you know what I'm saying.
I'm not going to talk this thing to death and ruin this thread for other people. However, that's the other side of the coin, one that probably wouldn't be represented otherwise.
To be fair, they're getting Turd Ferguson on the cheap because he's a convicted sex offender. And having a shite halfback frees up a fair whack of coin for other positions too.
My biggest concern is how we will perform after the week off.
Sometimes it can be a good thing, but sometimes it can be your undoing.
Take a look at our performances this year after the week off. Panthers, Storm, Bulldogs.. All of those, we were well below our best and came close to losing. Is that because the week off fucked with our momentum? Or is it because Bennett was just taking it easy through the Origin period?
If we turn up fired up and ready to rip in, we can win it. But, it doesn't always turn out that way.
Chooks have had a few errors creeping into their game of late, the sort of errors that could be telling a slip in form...I hope this isn't another close one, I fear our goal kicking could let us down, hopefully our fresh legs blow them off the park and we put 20 on em early.
Spot on! I feel the roosters had peaked and are on the way down. You can't maintain that kind of form these days. The game is too physical.
Simple maths here -
We lost the last game 12-10. I feel we are 12 point better team and the roosters are even or less better off. Predicted score 24-10
We lost the last game 12-10. I feel we are 12 point better team and the roosters are even or less better off. Predicted score 24-10
Call me a cynic, but this is not a good look for the game