Manase Fainu

[The better Robbo]

Only a portion IIRC.

And it has to be paid by the club not the NRL

 

[Ranga]

I can understand the Club standing by Manase - they are legally required to for season 2021 anyway given he was under contract for this year. I can also see why the Club would want to take an each way bet on 2022 onwards.

But the issue is now there are two of the best hookers in the competition on the market for season 2022 onwards - McInnes and B.Smith. If these guys weren't available, I would be OK with our gamble but like others here I am now nervous...

I am relatively confident of this situation being resolved one way or another this year. Unlike DH1 and DH2 that have been in court over the last few weeks, Manase's case will involve witnesses so the dreaded "he said, she said" will be avoided.

 

[Loobs]

Isn't it odd B.Smith has been told he can leave considering his talent level and C.Smith's age? Usually that is a precursor to some bad juju...

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

I can understand the Club standing by Manase - they are legally required to for season 2021 anyway given he was under contract for this year. I can also see why the Club would want to take an each way bet on 2022 onwards.

But the issue is now there are two of the best hookers in the competition on the market for season 2022 onwards - McInnes and B.Smith. If these guys weren't available, I would be OK with our gamble but like others here I am now nervous...

I am relatively confident of this situation being resolved one way or another this year. Unlike DH1 and DH2 that have been in court over the last few weeks, Manase's case will involve witnesses so the dreaded "he said, she said" will be avoided.

Trouble is it’s like a game of blackjack, do I take that extra card sitting on 15 or sit and hope the dealer goes bust.

Sadly it’s not often that TWO top line hookers are coming on the market so if we roll the dice and lose well we are not only behind the 8 ball for 2021 but potentially for a few years to come.

 

[davohan123]

Sign Brandon Smith NOW. I'm sorry but we have to let him go. Thus could be another De Bellin case. We cannot carry someone who maybe out for 2 or more years due to their actions off field and not football related. This is a business and we need a quality #9.

Because even if we have our starting 13 fully fit comes finals time it won’t matter without a quality number 9 we won’t be a threat.

 

[Tragic Eagle]

We need a quality 9 from Round 1. Crocker or Cust are not the solution. They are not hookers they are halves.

 

[The better Robbo]

We need a quality 9 from Round 1. Crocker or Cust are not the solution. They are not hookers they are halves.

I reckon Cust will do a great job. The problem is he probably won't play 80 and also if he gets injured which he seems to do a lot in his early career. Agreed though, we definitely need to add a 9 to complete the squad. With our new back signings I'd even be happy to move on Walker straight away for Mcinness. I can't see Smith coming here

 

[The better Robbo]

With his case set for 26th July and expected to take 3 weeks he would only be available for the last 2 games. May as well put a line through his name this year!

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

With his case set for 26th July and expected to take 3 weeks he would only be available for the last 2 games. May as well put a line through his name this year!

And I assume the NRL pays his salary “ cap free “ until then as well so our exposure ( cost wise ) for 2021 is minimal

 

[The Wheel]

And I assume the NRL pays his salary “ cal free “ until then as well so our exposure ( cost wise ) for 2021 is minimal

No - cap exempt not cost exempt

 

[CoreyWaddellSuperFan]

I think those suggesting we cut Manase loose are forgetting:
He has very talented brothers coming through.
He’s tight with the other Western Sydney boys.
He is a great player who we recently extended.

 

[Kevinward777]

Because even if we have our starting 13 fully fit comes finals time it won’t matter without a quality number 9 we won’t be a threat.

I’m pretty sure we will have a specialist hooker by round one.

 

[Kevinward777]

I think those suggesting we cut Manase loose are forgetting:
He has very talented brothers coming through.
He’s right with the other Western Sydney boys.
He is a great player who we recently extended.

Exactly... not much forethought applied on here at times. If we were to sign Smith by sacking Manase It would p1ss of Suli, Schuster, Funa and the entire Fainu family. Ask the Eels how that worked out.

What if he is proven innocent of the charges he is accused of? What a disaster that would be. All because people demanded we sign a hooker NOW, NOW, NOW.

The acquisition of Saab, Tuipolotu, Davey, Aloiai and Foran shows that the coaching staff are well aware of what players the club needs. I’m sure they can see much clearer than any of us think we can. Make the right decisions without emotion clouding their judgement.

 

[Supreme Leader]

Wish I could find a specialist hooker that I could afford within my budget cap

 

[Leader of the Flock]

SL,

So, is that a per hour budget cap, or a retainer for your specialist hooking services requirements?

 

[Shoe1]

SL,

So, is that a per hour budget cap, or a retainer for your specialist hooking services requirements?

I think he is after unlimited interchange

 

[Supreme Leader]

I think he is after unlimited interchange

I'd need to wait till 1st July as I'm on a development contract

 

[bSw]

 

[eaglebuzz]

We're a different side when he plays. This no fault stand down rule is a travesty, especially for any players who turn out to be innocent.

 

[The better Robbo]

We're a different side when he plays. This no fault stand down rule is a travesty, especially for any players who turn out to be innocent.

And he would dominate even more with the 6 again rule