Recruitment and retention

[Liverbird with Phins up]

Here is a good debate for everyone.

What incentive does a club have to actually win the nrl comp?

They all get the same payout every year. And if you took away that handout, clubs would run at a massive loss, if they operated as a sporting body alone.

Winning the comp, from memory, doesn’t get you massive prize money. And the financial upswing is season tickets, which are small for the majority of clubs, and merchandise from that small pool of people. I see more epl jerseys in Brisbane then I do nrl jerseys.

So for a club like the Dragons. They can’t be relegated out of the league for bad performance. So what incentive do they actually have to win the comp? Or simply get better? None.

As a sport fan, I love watching my team and seeing them win. As an NRL fan. I am slowing getting to the point where I am failing to see the point.

The Dragons do enough to be pet of the competition. Do they extend themselves for excellence? I’m not sure. Is there a point for them to do so? I’m not sure there is.

Why then do clubs have private owners? It can’t be for winning? Because what would a smart mega rich owner gain from it? We know the answer to this is money, and that money comes from tv rites, not winning.

So why would any normal person spend his hard earned money flowing a team in a sport, where there is absolutely no incentive to win or achieve excellence?

The next question is. How has a governing body kept a sport like this relevant in a smart society?

I’d say Vlandys is doing just fine, and that his media puppy Gus, is doing exactly what he is told. Drumming up business.

 

[Liverbird with Phins up]

Apologies for the walls of text. Smoke alarm went off in my house.

Could t get back to sleep

 

[Josh]

Here is a good debate for everyone.

What incentive does a club have to actually win the nrl comp?

I think players at least get extea match payments for the finals games they win.

They all get the same payout every year. And if you took away that handout, clubs would run at a massive loss, if they operated as a sporting body alone.

Winning the comp, from memory, doesn’t get you massive prize money. And the financial upswing is season tickets, which are small for the majority of clubs, and merchandise from that small pool of people. I see more epl jerseys in Brisbane then I do nrl jerseys.

So for a club like the Dragons. They can’t be relegated out of the league for bad performance. So what incentive do they actually have to win the comp? Or simply get better? None.

As a sport fan, I love watching my team and seeing them win. As an NRL fan. I am slowing getting to the point where I am failing to see the point.

The Dragons do enough to be pet of the competition. Do they extend themselves for excellence? I’m not sure. Is there a point for them to do so? I’m not sure there is.

Why then do clubs have private owners? It can’t be for winning? Because what would a smart mega rich owner gain from it? We know the answer to this is money, and that money comes from tv rites, not winning.

So why would any normal person spend his hard earned money flowing a team in a sport, where there is absolutely no incentive to win or achieve excellence?

The next question is. How has a governing body kept a sport like this relevant in a smart society?

I’d say Vlandys is doing just fine, and that his media puppy Gus, is doing exactly what he is told. Drumming up business.

 

[Red]

Here is a good debate for everyone.

What incentive does a club have to actually win the nrl comp?

They all get the same payout every year. And if you took away that handout, clubs would run at a massive loss, if they operated as a sporting body alone.

Winning the comp, from memory, doesn’t get you massive prize money. And the financial upswing is season tickets, which are small for the majority of clubs, and merchandise from that small pool of people. I see more epl jerseys in Brisbane then I do nrl jerseys.

Good question. These are the financial incentives according to DeepSeek: (strictly financial)
### 1. **Premiership Bonuses**
- Many NRL players have **performance-based bonuses** written into their contracts, which include significant payouts for winning the premiership. These bonuses can vary depending on the player's contract and their role in the team, but they can be substantial, often reaching tens of thousands of dollars.

### 2. **Grand Final Prize Money**
- The NRL awards prize money to the winning team of the Grand Final. While the exact amount can vary from year to year, the prize pool is typically divided among the players, coaching staff, and support staff. Each player on the winning team can receive a share of this prize money, which can be a significant financial boost.

### 3. **Increased Market Value**
- Winning a premiership can significantly enhance a player's **market value**. Players who perform well in high-pressure games, such as the Grand Final, often attract attention from other clubs, sponsors, and media opportunities. This can lead to more lucrative contract offers, endorsement deals, and other financial opportunities in the future.

### 4. **Sponsorship and Endorsement Opportunities**
- Premiership-winning players often gain increased visibility and recognition, making them more attractive to sponsors and brands. This can lead to additional income through **endorsement deals**, appearances, and other commercial opportunities.

### 5. **Team and Individual Awards**
- Some clubs and organizations offer additional financial rewards for individual achievements during the premiership-winning season, such as being named the **Clive Churchill Medalist** (awarded to the best player in the Grand Final) or other accolades. These awards often come with cash prizes.

### 6. **Legacy and Long-Term Earnings**
- Being part of a premiership-winning team can enhance a player's legacy, leading to long-term financial benefits. This includes opportunities in **media roles**, coaching, or other post-playing career paths that can be more lucrative for players with a premiership on their resume.

### 7. **Fan Engagement and Merchandise Sales**
- Premiership-winning teams often see a surge in fan engagement and merchandise sales. While players may not directly profit from merchandise sales, the increased popularity can lead to more opportunities for fan events, signings, and other revenue-generating activities.

### 8. **Club Incentives**
- Some clubs may offer additional incentives, such as **bonuses for making the finals** or winning specific games leading up to the Grand Final. These incentives can add up over the course of a successful season.

So for a club like the Dragons. They can’t be relegated out of the league for bad performance. So what incentive do they actually have to win the comp? Or simply get better? None.

As a sport fan, I love watching my team and seeing them win. As an NRL fan. I am slowing getting to the point where I am failing to see the point.

The Dragons do enough to be pet of the competition. Do they extend themselves for excellence? I’m not sure. Is there a point for them to do so? I’m not sure there is.

Why then do clubs have private owners? It can’t be for winning? Because what would a smart mega rich owner gain from it? We know the answer to this is money, and that money comes from tv rites, not winning.

So why would any normal person spend his hard earned money flowing a team in a sport, where there is absolutely no incentive to win or achieve excellence?

The next question is. How has a governing body kept a sport like this relevant in a smart society?

I’d say Vlandys is doing just fine, and that his media puppy Gus, is doing exactly what he is told. Drumming up business.

Are the Dragons that bad? I would have thought there would be 4 or 5 clubs that should be relegated before them. But for sure, if there was enough depth for relegation/promotion, that would be good.

 

[Red]

Apologies for the walls of text. Smoke alarm went off in my house.

Could t get back to sleep

Hope you can get some rest today.

 

[257Matt]

I’ll phrase it differently. Do you think that’s Vlandys buckling? Or do you think it’s how vlandys makes things run smoothly?

Do you think causing public issue with Gus is a great look? Or do you think sorting behind closed doors is the way to go?

As I said to you. Gus is a moron and a whore to the media. Policing the cap and creating noise around the comp is bad for the masses.

Matt I like you. You seem like a nice poster. However, you’re parroting the words of the masses. There is a reason a man like Vlandys gets to the top of the game in a sport run by gambling houses, and another sport run by gambling houses. And it’s not because he is a violet crumble.

Wind it in on Gus, he is a small fish in Vlandys sea mate. I could sit hear and write a 5 page post and answer each of your points. However, it’s hard on an iPhone. I might save it for a day I meet you I a pub and chat nrl with you. Let’s just say, the DT is the mouthpiece of the NRL. Any publicity is good publicity in sport. And whatever you read is scratching the surface. And fact comes secondary to perception in life. All of those points are what you call facts, and what I would call opinions. And the problem with society is they will continue push them as fact and die in that hill. And generally they finish second on that hill in The game if life.

Gus is a very polarising figure one thing is is though is a winner warts and all. He's showed with the Penrith pathways systems and academies he can set them up they're now crumbling in the junior reps without his legacy. The last of the generation to benefit from Gus setting it up young was Isaiya Katoa now a beneficiary of the Dolphins thankfully.

The NRL tried to fine and punish Gould last year and for some reason he won his case when all evidence was against him. He does it now commenting on clubs and players. He's great for Canterbury and he was immense for Penrith but outside of that I know he's largely despised. Only two media people dared to challenge him Paul Kent is now in oblivion and Phil Rothfield is even more despised the rest of the media is either scared of Gus or part of the Gus cartel.

The NRL is based around gambling outcomes and what's good for gambling outcomes. The Broncos are the most gambled on team so they've received massive favours with V'Landys virtually allowing Mam to get off scott free players have done far less to be slapped with longer bans. The NRL needs the Broncos being the flavour of every month because they attract the most gambling interest and TV ratings they need Suncorp during the NRL finals. Having Ben Hunt return home has allowed Peter Badel to write daily stories about the home coming.

Roosters used to be a law to themselves and now it's the Broncos.

For whatever reason Dolphins and Courier Mail have badly fallen out and I hope it doesn't damage the Dolphins brand, season ticket sales, growing new fans, sponsorship revenue and the like.

 

[mr_c]

Gus is a very polarising figure one thing is is though is a winner warts and all. He's showed with the Penrith pathways systems and academies he can set them up they're now crumbling in the junior reps without his legacy. The last of the generation to benefit from Gus setting it up young was Isaiya Katoa now a beneficiary of the Dolphins thankfully.

The NRL tried to fine and punish Gould last year and for some reason he won his case when all evidence was against him. He does it now commenting on clubs and players. He's great for Canterbury and he was immense for Penrith but outside of that I know he's largely despised. Only two media people dared to challenge him Paul Kent is now in oblivion and Phil Rothfield is even more despised the rest of the media is either scared of Gus or part of the Gus cartel.

The NRL is based around gambling outcomes and what's good for gambling outcomes. The Broncos are the most gambled on team so they've received massive favours with V'Landys virtually allowing Mam to get off scott free players have done far less to be slapped with longer bans. The NRL needs the Broncos being the flavour of every month because they attract the most gambling interest and TV ratings they need Suncorp during the NRL finals. Having Ben Hunt return home has allowed Peter Badel to write daily stories about the home coming.

Roosters used to be a law to themselves and now it's the Broncos.

For whatever reason Dolphins and Courier Mail have badly fallen out and I hope it doesn't damage the Dolphins brand, season ticket sales, growing new fans, sponsorship revenue and the like.

how has courier mail fallen out i think its good when club doesn't put there business in the media ( not really sure why you think its extra specsilly having us in media )

bro just stop about gus gus got away with it for one reason , if your smart enough you will work it out , its not anything nrl did wrong its more who looked after gus n wasnt inside buldogs, its happened mutiple times with gus n allways looked after


any of his teams hes been in could be millions over ( n gus has people that get them to turn blind eye )


theres more than one team that knows how to do it other than chocks if you dig deeper into who has the wheeling n dealing control between clubs n nrl ( it comes back to a few big names ) the days of brown paper bags are still around , just look like other things now

 

[257Matt]

All the Donga haters look away

Dolphins' utility Kurt Donoghoe has signed a two-year contract extension, securing his future at the club until the end of the 2027 season.

The extension marks the Fijian international's second contract renewal in just three months, having previously re-signed for the 2025 season in late December.
"The way Kurt trains and the way he competes in matches, he brings a real spark to the game," said Dolphins' CEO Terry Reader.

Kurt Donoghoe signing his Dolphins contract extension.

"Since making his debut for the Dolphins in our first-ever match, Kurt has developed his ability to cover multiple positions, and that is why he is so important to the team."

Primarily listed as a half, Donoghoe has also featured at fullback and hooker during the pre-season, showcasing his adaptability within the Dolphins squad.

His extension ensures the Dolphins retain a highly flexible and reliable player capable of contributing across multiple roles in the years ahead.

 

[257Matt]

 

[257Matt]

Morgan Knowles signed for 2026-2027.

 

[Saint]

There will be people naysaying this signing due to his disciplinary record.

Just a heads up in advance to ignore that. He's an absolute monster. He's perfect for the NRL. One of the fittest players I've ever seen at Saints. He'll be the one charging down drop goals in overtime, making four tackles in a set in the 75th minute when he's not had a spell etc etc.

He'll be the hardest working player in training and set a standard for everyone else at the club.

He's big. Not massively tall but he's stronger than the Wigan forwards that have come over recently. He is sneaky good at stepping up and making yards when needed to (like if you're big prop is having a spell) even if his overall gain per match isn't huge. He's more of a defensive forward anyway.

And yes, he has had discipline problems at times. Most of it is just over eagerness to do what he does rather than being an inherently dirty player. But we won four titles back to back and he was a massive part of it. He's a huge loss for us.

 

[Equaliser]

There will be people naysaying this signing due to his disciplinary record.

Just a heads up in advance to ignore that. He's an absolute monster. He's perfect for the NRL. One of the fittest players I've ever seen at Saints. He'll be the one charging down drop goals in overtime, making four tackles in a set in the 75th minute when he's not had a spell etc etc.

He'll be the hardest working player in training and set a standard for everyone else at the club.

He's big. Not massively tall but he's stronger than the Wigan forwards that have come over recently. He is sneaky good at stepping up and making yards when needed to (like if you're big prop is having a spell) even if his overall gain per match isn't huge. He's more of a defensive forward anyway.

And yes, he has had discipline problems at times. Most of it is just over eagerness to do what he does rather than being an inherently dirty player. But we won four titles back to back and he was a massive part of it. He's a huge loss for us.

Sounds excellent!

 

[Liverbird with Phins up]

Surprisingly coherent for early drunk posting

Bhahahahahaha

 

[Liverbird with Phins up]

I’ve had a few tonight too. Bedtime for me!

 

[Liverbird with Phins up]

I don’t mind donga. I just don’t think he is a starter. Yet

It’s a squad game, and he is a good squad player.

 

[Liverbird with Phins up]

Good question. These are the financial incentives according to DeepSeek: (strictly financial)
### 1. **Premiership Bonuses**
- Many NRL players have **performance-based bonuses** written into their contracts, which include significant payouts for winning the premiership. These bonuses can vary depending on the player's contract and their role in the team, but they can be substantial, often reaching tens of thousands of dollars.

### 2. **Grand Final Prize Money**
- The NRL awards prize money to the winning team of the Grand Final. While the exact amount can vary from year to year, the prize pool is typically divided among the players, coaching staff, and support staff. Each player on the winning team can receive a share of this prize money, which can be a significant financial boost.

### 3. **Increased Market Value**
- Winning a premiership can significantly enhance a player's **market value**. Players who perform well in high-pressure games, such as the Grand Final, often attract attention from other clubs, sponsors, and media opportunities. This can lead to more lucrative contract offers, endorsement deals, and other financial opportunities in the future.

### 4. **Sponsorship and Endorsement Opportunities**
- Premiership-winning players often gain increased visibility and recognition, making them more attractive to sponsors and brands. This can lead to additional income through **endorsement deals**, appearances, and other commercial opportunities.

### 5. **Team and Individual Awards**
- Some clubs and organizations offer additional financial rewards for individual achievements during the premiership-winning season, such as being named the **Clive Churchill Medalist** (awarded to the best player in the Grand Final) or other accolades. These awards often come with cash prizes.

### 6. **Legacy and Long-Term Earnings**
- Being part of a premiership-winning team can enhance a player's legacy, leading to long-term financial benefits. This includes opportunities in **media roles**, coaching, or other post-playing career paths that can be more lucrative for players with a premiership on their resume.

### 7. **Fan Engagement and Merchandise Sales**
- Premiership-winning teams often see a surge in fan engagement and merchandise sales. While players may not directly profit from merchandise sales, the increased popularity can lead to more opportunities for fan events, signings, and other revenue-generating activities.

### 8. **Club Incentives**
- Some clubs may offer additional incentives, such as **bonuses for making the finals** or winning specific games leading up to the Grand Final. These incentives can add up over the course of a successful season.


Are the Dragons that bad? I would have thought there would be 4 or 5 clubs that should be relegated before them. But for sure, if there was enough depth for relegation/promotion, that would be good.

Plenty of player incentives I agree. I mean club incentives. A-league is the same. They just announced a second tier. Not sure how it will work.

However, I don’t blame anyone for not understanding, early morning, hungover, still drunk.

Holy shit

 

[Liverbird with Phins up]

I see another Gus post in the Dolphins forum, and yes I’ve had something to drink.

I’m putting my phone away.

 

[mr_c]

There will be people naysaying this signing due to his disciplinary record.

Just a heads up in advance to ignore that. He's an absolute monster. He's perfect for the NRL. One of the fittest players I've ever seen at Saints. He'll be the one charging down drop goals in overtime, making four tackles in a set in the 75th minute when he's not had a spell etc etc.

He'll be the hardest working player in training and set a standard for everyone else at the club.

He's big. Not massively tall but he's stronger than the Wigan forwards that have come over recently. He is sneaky good at stepping up and making yards when needed to (like if you're big prop is having a spell) even if his overall gain per match isn't huge. He's more of a defensive forward anyway.

And yes, he has had discipline problems at times. Most of it is just over eagerness to do what he does rather than being an inherently dirty player. But we won four titles back to back and he was a massive part of it. He's a huge loss for us.

Yup my UK mates have said same was more excited for Matty but oh well

 

[257Matt]

I don’t mind donga. I just don’t think he is a starter. Yet

It’s a squad game, and he is a good squad player.

I think he's a 14-17 in a team as well. If he was ever to nail that starting role and it might happen when his game evolves is no.6.

 

[Equaliser]

I don’t mind donga. I just don’t think he is a starter. Yet

It’s a squad game, and he is a good squad player.

I agree. Good player and I think Woolf will call upon him sooner rather than later. He will get his chance.