Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Wed Jun 15, 2022 6:06 am  

We targeted halfbacks for this season but our overseas recruitment has been pretty poor for a long time. Lots of duds, a few knee-jerk signings we've then been stuck with. Looking back to the retirements of Sinfield et al in 2015 and McGuire and Burrow in 2017, we've had far more misses than hits and not one overseas player we'll look back on as a major signing. There's time for the current batch to turn that around obviously, but Fusitu'a is the only one who so far looks like he could be something special.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Wed Jun 15, 2022 6:27 am  

Fully expect any overseas signings made by Smith to be based on potential to improve rather than reputation. Prior Merrin Tetevano Galloway and Thompson were all signing that were all entering the final stages of their career. Austin and Sezer also fall into this category albeit half backs tend to have more longevity than forwards. Smith has openly said he wants to lower the age profile of the team which I agree is the right way to go. When you lɔɔk at our successful overseas imports like Brent Webb Big Ali Lautiti and Kylie we got them at the right age. There is no point signing 30 plus year old forwards qho cant get a contract in the NRL anymore unless its true world class players like Buderus who are coming for a different experience before they hang up their boots.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Wed Jun 15, 2022 6:53 am  

Once were Loiners wrote:

We targeted halfbacks for this season but our overseas recruitment has been pretty poor for a long time. Lots of duds, a few knee-jerk signings we've then been stuck with. Looking back to the retirements of Sinfield et al in 2015 and McGuire and Burrow in 2017, we've had far more misses than hits and not one overseas player we'll look back on as a major signing. There's time for the current batch to turn that around obviously, but Fusitu'a is the only one who so far looks like he could be something special.

I hope so, he does look a lot slower than I imagined though?

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Wed Jun 15, 2022 8:57 am  

I think and hope that`s where Smith can use his knowledge of players either wanting to prove a point or have some raw potential.
Players like what`s been said at the end of their NRL careers with a reputation tend not to be a good fit and will still cost us salary wise.
A Craig Izzard type player that we signed many years ago is what we should be looking at.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Wed Jun 15, 2022 11:11 pm  

Craig Izzard has been a bit naughty in recent times.....but yes he was great in his very short stint with us.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Thu Jun 16, 2022 11:11 am  

Once were Loiners wrote:

Craig Izzard has been a bit naughty in recent times.....but yes he was great in his very short stint with us.

Didn`t know that mate.
Izzard and a few others at that time were all unknowns but certainly played well for us.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Thu Jun 16, 2022 2:13 pm  

Manu M`au available for next season.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Thu Jun 16, 2022 3:15 pm  

chapylad wrote:

Manu M`au available for next season.

Not a prop?

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Thu Jun 16, 2022 4:01 pm  

Manu is a second rower plus 33 I'd pass on him

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Thu Jun 16, 2022 4:08 pm  

Isn't Ryan Sutton OOC end of season at raiders ?