2026 recruitment & retention

[Waz13]

The fact that the only 2 players that aren’t flashy and consistently give 100% performances along with having extremely good defence in Garrick and Talau aren’t re-signed is a worry especially when we are signing cast offs from canterbury in their position. It is criminal that we aren’t signing them. Yet we offer guys like Saab long extensions. Don’t get me started on the forward pack. Sione Fainu should have been offered big money before he left for tigers, and we should have leaned on the guilt trip that we stood by his brother because nobody else did. Our recruitment is a joke.

You lost me at Garrick and extremely good defence. The rest I agree with.

 

[Waz13]

Spot on

We should have used Garrick as trade bait for a decent middle. He’d have reasonable value goal kicking outside back that’s versatile. Can even play fb.

 

[manly al]

Garrick is still on the books for 2026 and seemed to be an additional aspect to his previous contract upgrade with that desire or part demand that he wished to be considered seriously as a centre
Probably going to come more down to whether a club like the Perth Bears is prepared to pay that much more then his current deal and that Manly would most likely be less inclined to go over or into overs territory to any major degree .
Even allowing for the cap increase soon
Doubt that Saab would be on anywhere near big money but the priority again has to be Koula to try and get well beyond 26 with Manly.
He has shown against good sides or average sides that he has some definite and consistent line breaking ability
Talau may be inclined to extend for at least another year though may be some interest from less successful performing clubs right now and depending presumedly also how much Manly wish to keep him and on moderate money
Jake Arthur may have been on just above a basic contract level but the savings on his contract no doubt will help a bit also for either retaining or signing worthwhile ability players of whatever level

 

[Nambawan]

Our roster is a shambles

Who gave Saab a 5 year contract FMD in June 2024 until the end of 2029.

Corey Waddell is only here because he is now part of the Trbojevic family and has a contract to 2027.

While on the Trbojevic there a lovely family but honestly ruthless calls need to be made and even if they love the club we are a professional football club not a charity for them.

The club needs to move on Ben & Waddell.

Jake tapped on the shoulder with his concussions for a post career club role.

Tom can either stay or if he isn't happy with the those 3 being moved on go to the SL.

Luke Brooks go over to the UK and coast there.

Matt Lodge didn't want you here in the first place and certainly don't want you here now.

At least another slug in Aloiai is going to be taken off the books

Benn is evolving into one of our best forwards. Probably will continue to get even better.