Ryan
Journey Man
Firstly, sorry about the length of this post. Just ignore anything you want - I'll put things into subjects so you can avoid what you don't want to read. This is just my opinion of course (would love to hear all of yours):
Team to the end of the season
So, been thinking about what to do if Tommy is out for the remainder of the season. Here's an idea (please hear me out
). Why not play Tolu Koula at fullback? He played junior representative footy there. Use Parker (is he back this week?) and Garrick in the centres, Saab and Tuipulotu on the wings. I'd then bring in Weekes as our 14 (he DID do quite well there), who can step in pretty well anywhere from 1-7.
Another note I'd make about the above if that could occur - give Koula a $350k increase in salary this year to play fullback (the cap dispensation from Tom), with a lower cap hit in his remaining years (which benefits us going forward cap wise), which I believe we are currently negotiating.
Anyways, just an idea.
Coaching
Okay, this is what I heard, and it may be complete crap, and while I DO hate sharing anything with you guys, here goes anyways. There is a reason Flannagan never interviewed for the role at the end, and that's because he actually spoke to them quite early on (and the rest of the media stuff was really just piss and wind). If anyone thinks Flannagan didn't provide a full business plan, including assumptions about juniors, growth & everything else, I don't know what to say.
I understand this was a pre-curser to both Fifita and Tuitavake leaving, and of late, a reason Latu Fainu has sought a release (as a possible medium term replacement for Ben Hunt), but I also understand Scott Fulton wants him at The Tigers to potentially replace Brooks at some point, and to play with his brother.
This kid is in demand, and rightfully so.
I'd go as far as letting Flannagan go immediately, to get over to The Dragons and away from our club / players, and acquire Justin Holbrook. He's worked with Siebold before at representative level football, and apparently they had a sound working relationship.
New Players versus incoming coaches
I'm actually quite shocked that we acquired THREE new coaches (who had left teams like The Bunnies, The Sharks, The Broncos, The Titans), and not ONE of them has ONE player wanting to join them (or has). I'd get if that were a one off, but all three? Hey maybe getting Holbrook might send us some Titans players (and they DO have some under rated players), particularly if Des is going to pick the eyes out of us.
The only player I think could possibly have a history is Flannagan with Woods - but if that's his call to grace - it's an absolute failure haha.
Cove Agency
We HAVE to stop doing business with them. They are literally using Manly as a dumping ground for unwanted and / or washed up players (Johns, Talau, Woods etc etc etc) - they have more plonks with us too. I'll give them Bullemor (he's come good). They need to come through with a REAL signing though, and soon.
Recruitment / Retention
This needs to be overhauled immediately. It's great we've gotten rid of Scott Fulton, but we HAVE to be on the ball right now - the vultures are circling, and we are already losing some of our best young talent (and replacing them with downright plonkers).
We need to remember, we are now desperately signing players on massive overs (look at Schusters abomination of a contract, wait till you hear Koula's numbers !), yet it's these very players that have won 6 games in their last 22. That's almost 25% - so be careful who we put our faith in.
We need someone VERY astute as our head of recruitment. Someone proactive, and on the ball. Someone who can again find us gems like Matai, Stewart 1 & 2, and many others. Winners.
I'd also be taking attitude and mentality into consideration with any acquisition. We want leaders and winners. Not more mopey, slow, lethargic, poor attitude buys like we've recently had that are burnouts everywhere else.
Other
Anyways, these are some of the changes I'd make to hopefully improve us, and would love to hear your thought's?
Team to the end of the season
So, been thinking about what to do if Tommy is out for the remainder of the season. Here's an idea (please hear me out
). Why not play Tolu Koula at fullback? He played junior representative footy there. Use Parker (is he back this week?) and Garrick in the centres, Saab and Tuipulotu on the wings. I'd then bring in Weekes as our 14 (he DID do quite well there), who can step in pretty well anywhere from 1-7.Another note I'd make about the above if that could occur - give Koula a $350k increase in salary this year to play fullback (the cap dispensation from Tom), with a lower cap hit in his remaining years (which benefits us going forward cap wise), which I believe we are currently negotiating.
Anyways, just an idea.
Coaching
Okay, this is what I heard, and it may be complete crap, and while I DO hate sharing anything with you guys, here goes anyways. There is a reason Flannagan never interviewed for the role at the end, and that's because he actually spoke to them quite early on (and the rest of the media stuff was really just piss and wind). If anyone thinks Flannagan didn't provide a full business plan, including assumptions about juniors, growth & everything else, I don't know what to say.
I understand this was a pre-curser to both Fifita and Tuitavake leaving, and of late, a reason Latu Fainu has sought a release (as a possible medium term replacement for Ben Hunt), but I also understand Scott Fulton wants him at The Tigers to potentially replace Brooks at some point, and to play with his brother.
This kid is in demand, and rightfully so.
I'd go as far as letting Flannagan go immediately, to get over to The Dragons and away from our club / players, and acquire Justin Holbrook. He's worked with Siebold before at representative level football, and apparently they had a sound working relationship.
New Players versus incoming coaches
I'm actually quite shocked that we acquired THREE new coaches (who had left teams like The Bunnies, The Sharks, The Broncos, The Titans), and not ONE of them has ONE player wanting to join them (or has). I'd get if that were a one off, but all three? Hey maybe getting Holbrook might send us some Titans players (and they DO have some under rated players), particularly if Des is going to pick the eyes out of us.
The only player I think could possibly have a history is Flannagan with Woods - but if that's his call to grace - it's an absolute failure haha.
Cove Agency
We HAVE to stop doing business with them. They are literally using Manly as a dumping ground for unwanted and / or washed up players (Johns, Talau, Woods etc etc etc) - they have more plonks with us too. I'll give them Bullemor (he's come good). They need to come through with a REAL signing though, and soon.
Recruitment / Retention
This needs to be overhauled immediately. It's great we've gotten rid of Scott Fulton, but we HAVE to be on the ball right now - the vultures are circling, and we are already losing some of our best young talent (and replacing them with downright plonkers).
We need to remember, we are now desperately signing players on massive overs (look at Schusters abomination of a contract, wait till you hear Koula's numbers !), yet it's these very players that have won 6 games in their last 22. That's almost 25% - so be careful who we put our faith in.
We need someone VERY astute as our head of recruitment. Someone proactive, and on the ball. Someone who can again find us gems like Matai, Stewart 1 & 2, and many others. Winners.
I'd also be taking attitude and mentality into consideration with any acquisition. We want leaders and winners. Not more mopey, slow, lethargic, poor attitude buys like we've recently had that are burnouts everywhere else.
Other
Anyways, these are some of the changes I'd make to hopefully improve us, and would love to hear your thought's?
