Recruitment and retention

[Liverbird with Phins up]

If an approach to us has been made, it would have to be with the Roosters permission otherwise it would be against the rules.

Yeah. And youre probably right. The source I had suggested he was being shopped.

Having said that, the standard Bennett response would have been we didn’t meet. He went from coaching the Roosters to coaching the dragons for that very same reason.

 

[Jetty]

Yeah. And youre probably right. The source I had suggested he was being shopped.

Having said that, the standard Bennett response would have been we didn’t meet. He went from coaching the Roosters to coaching the dragons for that very same reason.

Good point but I really don't see how he'd be interested in Walker. From what I have seen of him play. Looks to me, if he had an extra 10~15kg of muscle and an excellent organising halfback inside of him, he'd be an excellent 5/8 or fullback. As a halfback, no way! That's my opinion anyway.

 

[Red]

Been quiet on this front for a long time! So far the following are off contract. If they haven't been signed by now, not likely they will be:

• JJ Collins (Hasn't kicked on.)
• Kurt Donoghoe (Jack of all trades, master of none. I want to see a local succeed as much as anyone but this is a professional competition. No room for sentimentality.)
• Poasa Faamausili (Won't be retained unless he has a blinder this weekend.)
• Tesi Niu (Don't know why Niu hasn't been resigned. I thought he's been really good.)
• Michael Roberts (On a development contract but not even sighted in the QLD Cup. Is he injured or just not very good?)

 

[Equaliser]

Been quiet on this front for a long time! So far the following are off contract. If they haven't been signed by now, not likely they will be:

• JJ Collins (Hasn't kicked on.)
• Kurt Donoghoe (Jack of all trades, master of none. I want to see a local succeed as much as anyone but this is a professional competition. No room for sentimentality.)
• Poasa Faamausili (Won't be retained unless he has a blinder this weekend.)
• Tesi Niu (Don't know why Niu hasn't been resigned. I thought he's been really good.)
• Michael Roberts (On a development contract but not even sighted in the QLD Cup. Is he injured or just not very good?)

Michael Roberts is a half or 5/8, isn't he? Probably needed him to kick on as Kodi and Milf aren't getting any younger.

 

[Red]

Dolphins​

ROSTER SPOTS LEFT: 1
HEALTH CHECK: B
Felise Kaufusi (suspension, R17), Sean O’Sullivan (pectoral, R17), Anthony Milford (suspension, R19), Jarrod Wallace (suspension, R19), Tom Gilbert (shoulder, season)

WHO THEY NEED TO SIGN​

Jake Averillo. The Dolphins badly lack speed in the outside backs and Bulldogs flyer Averillo, who is off contract at the end of the season, would fit the bill nicely. He would also provide some cover - he can play fullback, centre and five-eighth.

 

[Jetty]

Dolphins​

ROSTER SPOTS LEFT: 1
HEALTH CHECK: B
Felise Kaufusi (suspension, R17), Sean O’Sullivan (pectoral, R17), Anthony Milford (suspension, R19), Jarrod Wallace (suspension, R19), Tom Gilbert (shoulder, season)

WHO THEY NEED TO SIGN​

Jake Averillo. The Dolphins badly lack speed in the outside backs and Bulldogs flyer Averillo, who is off contract at the end of the season, would fit the bill nicely. He would also provide some cover - he can play fullback, centre and five-eighth.

Wonder what's going on with JMKs shoulder. Hate to be an alarmist but if he also needs a reco, I think we can say bye to the finals this year.

 

[Liverbird with Phins up]

Heard a rumour that we are after Jake Avarillo from the bulldogs.

400-500k.

 

[Equaliser]

Heard a rumour that we are after Jake Avarillo from the bulldogs.

400-500k.

Where did you hear that? In my view, we don't need any more depth signings.

 

[Liverbird with Phins up]

Where did you hear that? In my view, we don't need any more depth signings.

Id say that's more Bennetts opinion of our current center's, rather than anything else.

Whilst Id prefer better, he is an upgrade on Lee and Aitken. Actually playing well this year, and is versatile in relation to his ability to play in the halves as well as fullback.

 

[Josh]

Id say that's more Bennetts opinion of our current center's, rather than anything else.

Whilst Id prefer better, he is an upgrade on Lee and Aitken. Actually playing well this year, and is versatile in relation to his ability to play in the halves as well as fullback.

Aitkens form has fallen off a cliff since he had that blinder vs Cronulla.

 

[Liverbird with Phins up]

Aitkens form has fallen off a cliff since he had that blinder vs Cronulla.

Aitken is a poor attacking centre. And has been ever since he came to grade at the dragons. He flashes, but everyone at nrl standard can have the odd game. But he is a specialist at bombing a try because he has no idea how to set up a winger.

Avarillo, whilst not a flavour of the month signing would be a massive upgrade on Aitken. Which says more about Aitken then it does Avarillo.

 

[Liverbird with Phins up]

I also just heard Kerr has been released early to join us this year.

 

[Jetty]

Aitken is a poor attacking centre. And has been ever since he came to grade at the dragons. He flashes, but everyone at nrl standard can have the odd game. But he is a specialist at bombing a try because he has no idea how to set up a winger.

Avarillo, whilst not a flavour of the month signing would be a massive upgrade on Aitken. Which says more about Aitken then it does Avarillo.

Aitken can sure break a tackle but sure doesn't know how or when to pass.

 

[Jetty]

I also just heard Kerr has been released early to join us this year.

Who?

 

[DolphinLungren]

Where did you hear that? In my view, we don't need any more depth signings.

It's Riccio lol - https://www.sen.com.au/news/2023/06...e-bulldogs-will-lose-star-centre-to-dolphins/

Not sure who/what he has heard, but if true, Averillo is an interesting option.

Herbie is exclusively a left centre so he has that spot sewn up. Averillo plays on the right - so it would mean usurping Aitken there as well as Te Whare & Bostock.

We need a crystal ball to see if Aitken can sustain his form for the most of this season longterm after the initial 1st season hype, plus if Te Whare especially can fulfill his potential.

Herbie + Averillo is pretty exciting though.

 

[Equaliser]

It's Riccio lol - https://www.sen.com.au/news/2023/06...e-bulldogs-will-lose-star-centre-to-dolphins/

Not sure who/what he has heard, but if true, Averillo is an interesting option.

Herbie is exclusively a left centre so he has that spot sewn up. Averillo plays on the right - so it would mean usurping Aitken there as well as Te Whare & Bostock.

We need a crystal ball to see if Aitken can sustain his form for the most of this season longterm after the initial 1st season hype, plus if Te Whare especially can fulfill his potential.

Herbie + Averillo is pretty exciting though.

I like Herbie and Te Whare as the centres long-term.

 

[DolphinLungren]

I like Herbie and Te Whare as the centres long-term.

Me too mate. If Te Whare comes good it's perfect combo of his power and herbie's speed/footwork.

 

[Liverbird with Phins up]

Who?

Josh Kerr

Just confirmed an hour ago.

 

[DolphinLungren]

Josh Kerr

Just confirmed an hour ago.

View attachment 55

What a strange signing. I've never really seen him play.

 

[Red]

Josh Kerr

Just confirmed an hour ago.

View attachment 55

This year and 2 more?