Quality. An improvement in quality top to bottom. We can't keep doing what we are doing. Our depth is horrendous. Look at that Blacktown team. Unfortunately you're right about contracts. Normally, if you're not wanted, another team would pick you up. Out of our lot, Parker may get a run elsewhere, but most of the others are glued on through lack of options in my opinion, so we are likely stuck with them.
Secondly yes, when Jakes contract is up, he needs to be paid what he's worth. He's well overpaid for his value add. I'd say 400-450 is about right / fair. If Tom gets the ****s and wants to leave, so be it. We can get a few players that actually take the field.
Point taken about the development squad - I just looked at the official site, and they were there, so assumed top 30. But certainly not the potential of days past, huh.
We need to lose blacktown man, come ON. Since they joined us in 2017,
27 wins, in 93 games (win percentage of 29%). There is no development coming out of that team.
As seasons go:
2022: 2nd last
2021: 2nd last
2020: Last
2019: Last
2018: 4th last !!! Yaaaay
2017: 3rd last
Bring the Sea Eagles home. Lose the gang crap. We NEED change Disco - drastic change. Remember, in first grade from 2017
2022: 10th - likely to drop - Des
2021: 4th - Des
2020: 13th - Des
2019: 6th - Des
2018: 15th - Barrett
2017: 6th - Barrett
Do you see a trend there?
I think there are changes to be made and areas to improve for sure but I dont agree with drastic change. We need some tweaks.
Overall despite a few recent loses I think the club is overall in a fairly healthy state (ha that comment will be like a red rag to a bull) so I wouldnt be throwing out the baby with the bath water so to speak.
On a few of your points made over a number of threads;
COACHING
I've had concerns about Des and his ability to adapt since his late Bulldogs days. That said he has proven to me that he is still a quality coach albiet with some limitations so I agree, a younger, stronger voice as an assistant may help.
I say may as, from the outside we really dont see what Monaghan, Randall etc bring.
ROSTER
This is were I think we will disagree the most. Overall I think our roster is strong, its just about getting them playing as a cohesive unit. The tools are there...for the most part, we just need to use them effectively.
For mine hooker is our biggest issue, Croker is solid and a great defender but we need more in this area. Fainu is the silver bullet but his court case, shoulder and time out of the game make him a hail mary. Failing that I'd look at Verrils maybe though his injury history is like Toms. Palasia and Mariner from the Broncos would give us some more young talent in the centres and at prop.
I'd love a Grant, Cook, Welch etc but they aren't available or feasible atm.
I so think we should be scouring Matthews, Ball and Flegg for the best young hooker around.
SPEED
We certainly meed to increase our line and ruck speed. But our team is not some slow plodding squad. We were the excitement team last year, flashy and fast. Schuster for example doesnt need to be rapid if he can create breaks for Turbo, Koula, Saab, Garrick etc.
Also not all teams need to be clones, Parra have a very effective park with Paulo, RCG, Brown and Lane...those guys are hardly rapid.
BLACKTOWN
Hmm tough one.
Generally speaking I want Manly reserve grade back, that said I dont want our production line of young western Sydney talent to stop. Most of the young guns and possible future of the club have come that way. However is that even to do with Blacktown or just good scouting....not sure but I thibk the later.
So ditch Blacktown.
That said.....reserve results mean little, particularly with 21 man squads and players not dropping down to play, plus injuries etc.
Bulldogs are going great in Reserves but its not helping their firsts.
Anyway there are my random musings
