Re: Planning for next season : Tue Nov 12, 2024 11:37 am  

I hope there is something in the Pryce rumour, but all I've seen is the so called ITK twitter account, that isn't very in the know.

Ethan O'Neill signed. Another second rower which I think we needed, and not on quota, but no idea if he's any good or not.

Re: Planning for next season : Tue Nov 12, 2024 5:45 pm  

Regardless of what the Pie Fans might say, I believe the NRL is stronger than Super League. Super League is stronger than QLD and NSW cups and they in turn are stronger than the Championship. There is obviously a lot of overlap in these statements and plenty of players have bridged the gap when moving up, and everyone remembers the NRL players who flop in Super League.

Without knowing anything about Ethan O'Neill (still not achieved enough to warrant a Wiki page) he does appear to run the edge in the style of Kai O'Donnell. I guess we might not have been so keen if he appeared on the overseas quota. Honestly, I believe he will probably be close to a starting spot and Lammy can use Ben Condon as a Prop instead of second rower.

Moylan's salary can be re-distributed to bring in a half of some quality, and if worthwhile you can see Deggsy dipping into his pockets for a marquee signing.

Hats off to Chezzy for spotting an opportunity of breaking the overseas quota, especially when it will take several years for the academy to bear any fruit.

Re: Planning for next season : Tue Nov 12, 2024 6:51 pm  

Have we signed player from Burleigh Bears previous

Re: Planning for next season : Tue Nov 12, 2024 9:04 pm  

satanicmills wrote:

Have we signed player from Burleigh Bears previous

No

Re: Planning for next season : Fri Nov 22, 2024 6:01 pm  

I still think we should use the quota spot and cap space created by the retirement of Matt Moylan to bring in a prop particularly with the retirement of Dan Norman. Gaz O’Brien is reliable in the halves and Ben McNamara who put in some excellent performances last season before his injury will be challenging for a starting spot. I’d much rather see either of them than Milford.

Re: Planning for next season : Fri Nov 22, 2024 11:55 pm  

J7P1 wrote:

I still think we should use the quota spot and cap space created by the retirement of Matt Moylan to bring in a prop particularly with the retirement of Dan Norman. Gaz O’Brien is reliable in the halves and Ben McNamara who put in some excellent performances last season before his injury will be challenging for a starting spot. I’d much rather see either of them than Milford.

If you think Lokie & Gaz O’Brien in the halves will reap rewards, you're living in cloud cuckoo land pal. That right edge was starved at the end of last season. I agree that Milford isn't the answer, but we definitely need a quality smart half along side Lokie with hopefully a good kicking game as well.

Re: Planning for next season : Sat Nov 23, 2024 2:35 am  

Cokey wrote:

If you think Lokie & Gaz O’Brien in the halves will reap rewards, you're living in cloud cuckoo land pal. That right edge was starved at the end of last season. I agree that Milford isn't the answer, but we definitely need a quality smart half along side Lokie with hopefully a good kicking game as well.

I’m not convinced that O’Brien or McNamara are the ultimate answer at halves with Lokie and either, but both are strong back-up and can do a job if needed.
Another twist on the overseas prop required angle is the Dan Norman retirement. He was maybe not a shoe in for prop in the 17 based on previous performance, but now appear to have an even bigger need for a big starting 8-10.
What we will do next, I don’t know, but I lean towards an overseas halfback, ahead of an overseas big’un, but the Norman wrinkle has made it a closer call.

Re: Planning for next season : Sat Nov 23, 2024 3:03 am  

A half back is more of a priority for me. Norman was a squad player more than a definite in the starting seventeen, so I think he could be replaced by a uk based player.

Re: Planning for next season : Sun Nov 24, 2024 3:42 am  

Have to say I’m more in line with that thinking NZ and Cokey.

Re: Planning for next season : Sun Nov 24, 2024 8:51 am  

A half back for me too.

On a completely different matter, I bumped into Davey Armstrong and his partner the other night and said hello to them both and welcomed them to the town. I was struck on first impressions by what an extremely pleasant and genuine young man that he appears be. Great things are anticipated from him next season and probably needed because I just get the feeling that next season will be more difficult for us than the last two.

This is why, for me, we have to get the next signing - or two - absolutely spot on. There's no reason why we cannot do so, so I am really taking an interest in the speculation - nothing at the moment - that will surround who we make a move for. The next signing announcement could just be one of the most important that the club makes and will determine whether we hold our position in the league's top 4-5 teams