pretty dodgy. We got lumped with Faatape because of him too.For those not aware - Shane Richardson's son manages Toby Rudolf.
The issue is, what do we do? We pulled out of the race for AFB because apparently our forward pack was strong and subsequently neglected signing any forward for 2025. Now we're left in a position where we only have 1 middle forward who's really nrl quality. We are no chance to sign anyone decent for next year, so we need to upgrade as much as we can. Rudolf isn't great at all, but he's better than what we've got. It's quite simple - if we don't sign another 2 middles in the next two months, we're a good chance of getting the spoon again, definitely bottom 4. The ramifications of that will be major - Galvin will move on.Rudolph is probably the worst Cronulla prop. I get that we have been stuffed by the stef contract but I am petrified we are going to be going backwards in our forward pack in 2025 when we desperately need progression given our backline is locked down
So, we need to do whatever it takes to upgrade our pack so we're not bottom dwellers again. If week 1 we run out with Twal, Klemmer and Seyfarth all in the 17, it's all over.
The trouble at the moment is roster spots or lack thereof. Once the list of players departing is announced at the awards night then there will be roster movement.
100%, we need to know what departures we have (if any!)
And this brings me back to what i've complained about for a year now. Why on Earth did we extend To'a and Twal when they weren't off contract? Honestly one of the stupidest pieces of roster management i've ever seen.
The issue is, what do we do? We pulled out of the race for AFB because apparently our forward pack was strong and subsequently neglected signing any forward for 2025. Now we're left in a position where we only have 1 middle forward who's really nrl quality. We are no chance to sign anyone decent for next year, so we need to upgrade as much as we can. Rudolf isn't great at all, but he's better than what we've got. It's quite simple - if we don't sign another 2 middles in the next two months, we're a good chance of getting the spoon again, definitely bottom 4. The ramifications of that will be major - Galvin will move on.Rudolph is probably the worst Cronulla prop. I get that we have been stuffed by the stef contract but I am petrified we are going to be going backwards in our forward pack in 2025 when we desperately need progression given our backline is locked down
So, we need to do whatever it takes to upgrade our pack so we're not bottom dwellers again. If week 1 we run out with Twal, Klemmer and Seyfarth all in the 17, it's all over.
So take a substandard prop on a multi-year deal?
In memory of Geoff Chisholm (1965-2022)
There will be lots of contracted players being moved on over this summer I feel. Several big clubs coming off very poor years, a few new coaches plus the usual agent led churn.
We definitely need a few middles, but it's important that we don't throw money at the first names that get offered to us, unless they're the right players for us. Rudolph falls outside that category for me, so pass. Rather wait the market out a bit.
Which middles do we have coming up through the system?
Miller is bizarrely already in the top 30, I think Kit L is in next year too. Fa'agutu? The latter two don't really have prop size anyway, so I assume they project more as #13s (if anything at all).
so we’re writing off 2025 already?@garry what’s your alternative, sign no one and come last again?
My alternative is to not sign Rudolph and put ourselves in a position where we are stuck with him for 2-3 years. Must be smart about this.
what’s your pack for next year?
so we’re writing off 2025 already?@garry what’s your alternative, sign no one and come last again?
My alternative is to not sign Rudolph and put ourselves in a position where we are stuck with him for 2-3 years. Must be smart about this.
what’s your pack for next year?
Not Rudolph
In memory of Geoff Chisholm (1965-2022)
I’d take RCG for 3 over Rudolph for 2.
Klemmer and RCG to start, pole and Hunt to come on late H1, TDS or Latu at 14 and then twal and Seyfarth fight it out for the last bench spot.
understood. Who then?so we’re writing off 2025 already?@garry what’s your alternative, sign no one and come last again?
My alternative is to not sign Rudolph and put ourselves in a position where we are stuck with him for 2-3 years. Must be smart about this.
what’s your pack for next year?
Not Rudolph
understood. Who then?so we’re writing off 2025 already?@garry what’s your alternative, sign no one and come last again?
My alternative is to not sign Rudolph and put ourselves in a position where we are stuck with him for 2-3 years. Must be smart about this.
what’s your pack for next year?
Not Rudolph
I don't know yet, but I don't want Rudolph anywhere near the place in 26. I would take Lodge for a year over that, I would love to hear that we have signed RCG or NAS.
Would you be happy with Rudolph taking up a limited roster spot in 2026?
In memory of Geoff Chisholm (1965-2022)
@garry I would prefer him taking up a roster spot in 26 than us running out the forward pack we currently have. Because that’s ending the season before it’s started.
and fyi I’m no fan of rudolf.
@garry I would prefer him taking up a roster spot in 26 than us running out the forward pack we currently have. Because that’s ending the season before it’s started.
and fyi I’m no fan of rudolf.
So ruin multiple years with a desperation signing, haven't we done that in the past?
In memory of Geoff Chisholm (1965-2022)
if we run out the pack we have now we will finish in the bottom 4 and Galvin will definitely leave. Are you happy to sacrifice Galvin and come in the bottom 4 again to save a spot for 26?@garry I would prefer him taking up a roster spot in 26 than us running out the forward pack we currently have. Because that’s ending the season before it’s started.
and fyi I’m no fan of rudolf.
So ruin multiple years with a desperation signing, haven't we done that in the past?
