Heard 3rd hand info yesterday regarding May and Pole so please take with a big bag of salt but thought it was worth posting now with the rumour we might be in the box seat for May.
Most around the game believed May would walk into the Dogs, still might imo, but May and his manager decided to take meetings with Flanagan then Benji after Luai speaking to him in Samoa camp. As we all know from reports May was happy after meeting Benji. Apparently May felt comfortable with Benji and connects with him better than the other coaches. Possibly why we’re a good chance now.
Re. Pole there’s a thought around he’s waiting for the Papenhuyzen situation to play out as this will directly affect his best mate Sua Faalongo and indirectly effect how much money the Storm have. Pole would like to go to Melbourne for similar reasons as Stefano but if Faalongo stays he’ll have plenty of mates at the Storm along with his younger brother (who has big wraps on him) but theyll also have the cap space to sign him. If Faalongo leaves Storm there’s a good chance Pole stays but he’ll be in demand if not already.
Heard 3rd hand info yesterday regarding May and Pole so please take with a big bag of salt but thought it was worth posting now with the rumour we might be in the box seat for May.
Most around the game believed May would walk into the Dogs, still might imo, but May and his manager decided to take meetings with Flanagan then Benji after Luai speaking to him in Samoa camp. As we all know from reports May was happy after meeting Benji. Apparently May felt comfortable with Benji and connects with him better than the other coaches. Possibly why we’re a good chance now.
Re. Pole there’s a thought around he’s waiting for the Papenhuyzen situation to play out as this will directly affect his best mate Sua Faalongo and indirectly effect how much money the Storm have. Pole would like to go to Melbourne for similar reasons as Stefano but if Faalongo stays he’ll have plenty of mates at the Storm along with his younger brother (who has big wraps on him) but theyll also have the cap space to sign him. If Faalongo leaves Storm there’s a good chance Pole stays but he’ll be in demand if not already.
I have heard a rumour that Pole will stay.
In memory of Geoff Chisholm (1965-2022)
@garry let’s hope so. Our pack will be decimated if he doesn’t re-sign. The worry is that it’s taken a while already.
During the convo I had the thought came up that if we get May and pay “overs” Dogs will come in with an offer for Pole. Driving up the price for May then going after Pole is certainly something I could see Gus doing
NRL 2025: David Klemmer, Christian Welch face uncertain future over secret contract clauses | Sunday Sesh
Former Origin representatives David Klemmer and Christian Welch face an uncertain future in the NRL, as Sunday Sesh reveals the secret contract clauses that could decide their fates.
They are the two clauses worth more than $1 million that could determine the future of two former State of Origin stars.
David Klemmer and Christian Welch played against each other in the final game of the 2019 Origin series and now look to be fighting for their futures at the Wests Tigers and Melbourne respectively thanks to clauses in their current contracts that may determine whether they have a deal for 2026.
Sunday Sesh understands that Klemmer needs to play as many as 14 games in 2025 to be guaranteed another year on his deal. Welch needs to play at least 18 games to enact a clause in his deal for 2026.
David Klemmer needs to play 14 games for the Wests Tigers in 2025 in order to activate a contract clause for 2026. Picture: Getty Images
The alternative is to win a State of Origin recall, which would also secure him another season. Regardless, the pair know what they need to do to guarantee themselves a contract in 2026 and extend their careers by another season.
Klemmer turns 31 later this year and is coming off a season where he made 20 appearances in first grade. He was generally a fixture in the Tigers when he was fit and available and there is every chance he hits his mark provided he maintains his form next season.
With Stefano Utoikamanu’s exit, the Tigers will need Klemmer to stand up, although they are also one of three Sydney clubs in the market for Sydney Roosters prop Terrell May.
Storm star Christian Welch will need to play 18 games in 2025 to enact a clause in his deal for 2026. Picture: Getty Images
Sunday Sesh understands that Tigers recruit Jarome Luai has been working hard to convince May to join the club, the pair having recently toured England with the Samoan side.
Welch also made 20 appearances for the Storm, the majority off the interchange bench.
He turns 31 in July and faces added competition in the form of Utoikamanu, who is due to start training with the Storm soon as he targets a starting spot in the opening round.
The Maroons prop has been a loyal servant for the Storm but there were whispers last year that the club would not stand in his way had he secured a longer deal elsewhere.
Welch stayed and his future, along with that of Klemmer, will be one of the stories to keep an eye on in 2025.
In memory of Geoff Chisholm (1965-2022)
i reckon without shenanigans or injury, Klemmer plays 14 games easily
Bulldogs have taken their offer to May off the table to prioritise contracts for other players.
SMH
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Makes quite a bit of sense. I think he’d especially like to play with his brother down there. And Faalongo & Stef would be an added bonus plus they’re obviously a very, very successful club.Heard 3rd hand info yesterday regarding May and Pole so please take with a big bag of salt but thought it was worth posting now with the rumour we might be in the box seat for May.
Most around the game believed May would walk into the Dogs, still might imo, but May and his manager decided to take meetings with Flanagan then Benji after Luai speaking to him in Samoa camp. As we all know from reports May was happy after meeting Benji. Apparently May felt comfortable with Benji and connects with him better than the other coaches. Possibly why we’re a good chance now.
Re. Pole there’s a thought around he’s waiting for the Papenhuyzen situation to play out as this will directly affect his best mate Sua Faalongo and indirectly effect how much money the Storm have. Pole would like to go to Melbourne for similar reasons as Stefano but if Faalongo stays he’ll have plenty of mates at the Storm along with his younger brother (who has big wraps on him) but theyll also have the cap space to sign him. If Faalongo leaves Storm there’s a good chance Pole stays but he’ll be in demand if not already.
With the likelihood of Klemmer not being at the club in 2026 also very high I’d guess we might be looking at King or Kamikamica for a couple of years whilst the likes of Tapau-Moors, PJ French & one or two others come through. Either of those guys would be ideal mentors for young props as well.
Brandon Smith free to leave Roosters. I’d love to have him here playing lock.
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No thanks for Cheese. Coming back from an acl injury which will keep him out for some time. Plus cheese and a crocodile roll wouldn’t go in my opinion.
No thanks for Cheese. Coming back from an acl injury which will keep him out for some time. Plus cheese and a crocodile roll wouldn’t go in my opinion.
Good player though
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Great player when he is on, I wouldn't turn him down at lock. However not sold on his attitude, when he is on he is a world beater, however when he is off he is woeful. Needs a Bellamy or Bennett to keep him straight.
I think cheese could work at lock. He is a competitor and his career has gone off track, he has a bit to prove and we don’t need another ball player. I would rather a high work rate/high minute mobile competitor at lock that another prop rotation.
