Last week I received an interesting response to this column.
“Why tell us things in your article what we know already from the paper?”
The responder was obviously new to any form of media – mainstream or social.
Besides the fact that this column is clearly about NRL and Eels news from the past week, all platforms of the media continue to explore current issues with their takes – both educated and otherwise.
Still, in heading into the contact with bumpers up, I am inviting readers to tackle my opinions head on. After all, reading different perspectives makes for some interesting footy talk.
And as always, we’re not without a range of topics.
It’s On Again
Week one of the Eels pre-season is already behind us and the countdown is on!
Around 23 players fronted on Monday, and they’ll be joined by the next group on December 14. In terms of the calendar, this is a later return than usual.
Those who read my exclusive training reports would already be aware that there are different mandated breaks for players, depending on their years in the game. The more experienced players receive nine weeks of leave, and given the date of their last commitments, Origin players won’t be due back until January.
Of the new recruits, Bryce Cartwright is in superb shape. Hipgrave and Papali’i have also impressed. It’s ridiculously early to make a call, but I will. I expect all three to play first grade this season, and at least two of them to become regular members of the top 17.
Haze Dunster
On the conditioning front, the first week has unsurprisingly been a battle between Dylan Brown and Jake Arthur. Haze Dunster has also thrown his hat into the ring in the fitness stakes, something that he’s done since his initial elevation at the end of 2018.
It’s not been unusual to watch the big wingers be amongst the stragglers in preseason. In the modern game, these athletes are explosive, power runners. Their running metres add up via kick returns, but the real grind of getting up and down off the ground happens in the defensive loads through the middle, or with the fullbacks who are continually moving behind the play.
Haze is an exception. He’s added some kilos over the last couple of years but hasn’t lost any edge in conditioning. After his debut in the final against the Bunnies, he could be ready to stake his claim for a regular NRL berth in 2021.
Heard It Through The Grapevine
On the rumour front, the media has linked classy Wests Tigers winger David Nofoaluma to the Eels.
The interesting thing about rumours is that many of those that prove to be true often start their life as whispers on the grapevine that are eventually picked up by the media. In such instances it leaks through connections of the players – families, friends etc.
However, when something first hits the media, with little or no “noise” preceding it, it’s often the case of media pressure being used during contract negotiations.
That’s not to say that the media can’t truly break a story. But in the Nofoaluma case, there definitely wasn’t much noise prior to the headlines. And there’s also the matter the Eels already having two wingers on fairly decent coin.
The Immortal Returns
Legendary half, Andrew Joey Johns, is back for his second season on the Eels coaching staff.
As a specialist spine coach, he’s currently providing his expert tutelage in dedicated sessions with the halves, hookers and fullbacks in the squad.
Joey and BA during the previous pre-season
When COVID-19 struck during 2020, Joey was not part of the bubble and when he resumed his coaching duties it was almost like distance education. I watched him take sessions from outside the fence at Kellyville, not easy for a bloke who demonstrates movement, positioning and passes.
Fingers crossed that the return to “normal” continues.
Just on the coaching front, I’ve had numerous people ask me whether there had been changes. The take being that it’s good to have fresh voices and opinions on staff.
Though Brad Arthur and Steve Murphy have been with the club since 2014, other key personnel are very recent. The aforementioned Andrew Johns was added for 2020, as was Ryan Carr and Trent Elkin. Head of Athletic Performance, Brendan Inkster was elevated into his role at the end of 2019. Furthermore, David Kidwell only joined the club during the 2018 season.
The football staff are like a team. They need their own spine, their own combinations. It’s why you see newly appointed coaches often taking their staff with them when they change clubs. And like any team, they need a certain level of continuity as well as evolution. I think it’s fair to say that BA has provided both.
Salary Cap Clarity
When will the 2021 Salary Cap be finalised?
At this stage we know that next year’s cap will be reduced by between 5% – 7.5%. In dollar terms, based on a $9.6m cap, that’s something like $480k – $720K. In player terms, you’d get at least a couple of quality players with the top end of that range.
Undoubtedly, clubs have been told to work with those figures in mind as the NRL works through details with the RLPA. However, it just doesn’t sit right that we are in December, with clubs back in their preseason, and the cap is yet to be signed off.
Call me cynical, but I can just see a club or two having dramas with contracts or breaches. Then again, maybe we are heading into a brave new world of good governance and salary cap compliance. And if you look up into the sky right now, you’ll probably see Babe.
Contract Reform?
On the subject of contracts, the ARLC is reportedly discussing contract reform. This comes on the back of players agitating for immediate release from their clubs to accept more lucrative deals elsewhere.
Does legislating against such moves by players constitute a restraint of trade?
Many, many years ago, I sat in the Supreme Court in Sydney, with QCs arguing contract law as I tried to move from one employer to another in the same industry. My old employer was trying to prevent me from commencing a new job, theoretically rendering me unemployed.
It was a daunting process, and ultimately the decision fell my way as preventing my employment was ruled a restraint of trade. However, there were conditions restricting my work applied to the decision.
My own experience leaves me in no doubt that a legal minefield awaits the NRL. We all want contracts to mean something. But binding every player to their club, no matter the circumstance, is easier said than done. And clubs are no angels when it comes to loyalty.
We can only hope that the RLPA and the ARLC can sort something out that is mutually beneficial for all parties, and ultimately the code. Because as usual, it ends up being the fans who become disillusioned by the actions of a few.
Jennings
The result of the B sample from Michael Jennings’ drug test remains a hot topic for Eels fans.
Jenko
In his recent chat with TCT, Mark O’Neill outlined that there are processes to go through before the case is finalised.
Jenko has consistently proclaimed his innocence, but should he not return to the field in 2021, fans rightly believe that he leaves a massive hole in the Eels roster.
New recruit, Tom Opacic, is a specialist centre and at this stage seems most likely to get the gig. There really aren’t any strike weapons on the market for next season, and the recent Origin series saw both sides fielding players out of position in the centres.
Wouldn’t you like to be Katoni Staggs’ manager right now!
Can I suggest Katoni would look good in Blue and Gold?
Eels forever!
Sixties
On Cartwright, I’m slowly coming around to the signing and thinking he may be a vital part of our bench and fight for the premiership. Looking back at successful Eels teams in the past 2 decades we’ve had a ball-playing forward come off the bench: David Solomona, Dean Widders, and Feleti Mateo all caused problems for the opposition when they came on. I thought we lacked some short balls around the middle when Junior went off and Bryce can provide that, would like to see Marata and Oggy getting 1v1 against the opposition off these short passes
Get on the Carty Cart Ham. Like you said, you increase the potency of your noted power runners when you can provide the passes that complement their lines.
G’day Ham, always good to hear your opinions and envisage your perspectives. Although I had not considered the option of Big Bad Bryce making his bench entrance role as a middle forward with his incredible clutch of skills, he also has a subtle step and a “deceptive slight of hand” which might be more suitable to an edge forward whre he can also use his speed for a big unit when deciding not to pass and the heads open up. I do believe Isaiah Papali’i would have the perfect pass combo for the role you suggested to put Marata or Oggy 1 on 1 with any edge defender. He also has the nuggety body to withstand middle defenders and still accomplish the objective imo.
We could be light on centers but they let taka and the fish go. Just doesn’t make sense
To be fair, Jaeman was still unproven as a centre. As forTaka, I’d have kept him for experience and utility value.
So, Staggs to Parra? Is that a whisper I’m hearing or just media agitating on behalf of a manager?
That’s me wishful thinking mate 😁.
Hi mate with the centre possie what would you say about giving young Haze a go just saying maybe in a trial
I can see where you’re going there Joe, especially given Haze’s versatility when he was younger. However, they’ve invested a lot of time in his development as a winger so I think that will stay the plan.
sixties, I have tried to post at least 3 initial ones regarding the post you but up, but nothing has happened.
I’m getting this one so I’m not sure what’s happening.
Same here, there was only 2 other posts when I tried to post comment, nothing happened, I then copied what I had written, refreshed the page & tried again, nothing again, closed it down and tried again Nothing.
We have had a terrible windy day up here so maybe it got into the cables and blew the data out.
Can’t remember what I said, so it was irrelevant I guess/
Colin, that’s my go to line – I can’t remember what I said. 😁
Looks like we’re in the same club
If IIRC, I had mentioned a bit of concern about the backs, especially if we lose MJ, I would hazard a guess that Opacic would take his spot, the other aspect was regarding Fergo & his ability to go the season, Blake also really needs to make a big lift for game defence and decisions.
In all of this I hope to see Haze take a spot on the wing.
That Jenko issue again. It really is at the forefront of many supporters minds. The process is what it is and solutions might come later than we want.
Is it the contract or the process that needs review? Players signing with new clubs months, occasionally years, in advance just seems a recipe for problems. I suppose that’s what full time professionalism brings.
I must say that I’m uncomfortable with a system that allows for contracts to be signed 12 months in advance. That’s just me but what the answer is, I don’t know.
One of the arguments put forward as justification to begin looking for and signing onto a new contract 12 months in advance is that players need time to resettle with family when they move clubs.
For me this argument defies logic. I know from personal experience that while it takes planning it is achievable. I have moved interstate a number of times chasing career advancement.
Some players are able to give their best knowing that they will be at a new club the following season. However most do not.
If I am a coach, in most instances my preference is going to be to get rid of the player. When I was working and someone gave me notice of leaving, nine out of ten I finished them up and didn’t have them work out their notice
For similar reasons NRL players are the same
Can’t argue with that John. Although in the instance that I described I worked out my notice and the next Monday received the legal papers!
Many bosses won’t do it because they do not want to give the employee something for nothing.
I used to look past that and think about the negatives of keeping someone who does not want to be there poisoning the rest of the team
I’ve seen my share of coworkers finished up on the spot.
Maybe, if you sign, you must go within 3 months for no more cash than your current deal for the remaining contracted term. That will stop plenty of “I miss my mum” excuses and threats to disrupt the team if not released.
The only problem with that strategy Rowdy is that it may lead to backending the contract to make up for the low money in the initial year or years of the new contract.
There was talk that the NRL were going to put a limit on increases in backended contracts but I do not know where that got to.
I agree with your sentiments though
Reports this morning that the NRL are to drop the money available to players between $10 & 20m players association apparently are accepting it.
Across all clubs it may not be great but in the NRL not all teams are equal.
Nice Lads, enjoyed this one.
Thanks Jimmy.
Great talking points mate; yes to a Stagg at Parra but know its all talk and I have no doubt the Broncs will not lose anyone they do not wish to lose.
I am personally glad we have moved some players on, but again may have persisted with Salmon and other but that is all opinion.
The wests rumour for Nofoaluma may be just that with Reynolds being on the UK move now. Good for wests I think in both ways.
Look, regarding contracts why can’t the NRL make the rules and have it stipulated this way? i.e. no moving between periods of the year, and players and clubs sign knowing this. My job is similar where we can move at certain negotiated times, but I cannot move tomorrow…all this bargaining etc is just time where not much is resolved.
Where are the NRL on player managers and TPA’s???
Milo, for me Staggs is the player needed to be signed for 2022, no doubt though its going to be a big auction event and whether he wants to stay North of the Border or come to NSW, his state of birth or not. While many list him being contracted to the mules, he has a POP for 2022.
Nofoaluma is an interesting issue, seems he wants out of tigs as he and Madge have issues, but he’s a key player for them and much depends on how much he’s prepared to compromise coin wise to stay with tigs. I don’t believe its all about money though.
If & that is the biggest word in the world, we were fortunate to score both Staggs, and Nofoaluma for 2022 it would be huge, and my backline would look like Nofoaluma on right wing. MJ/Opacic – Staggs – Dunster.
Personally I’m writing the Nofoaluma talk as his agent talking his price up. Doubt we’d pay the coin he’d want to switch, but who knows.
Thanks Col, youre optimistic mate and I like it. I cannot see either in blue and gold and the $$$ would be the issue. Staggs will stay if the Broncs need him.
I wish I had the answer mate, and I hope whatever the ARLC come up with that we at least get clarity.
G’day Sixties, nice stimulus for the Parra fan who has everything else already. I particularly liked your suggestion about Katoni Staggs. Even if our colours clash with his eye colour, I believe they are Green.
On the matter pertaining to the 3 backrowers? I really hope one of them can play a little bit of dummy half. With the expected continuance in development of Hollis my bench includes him and 2 of the 3 backrowers with Papali’i able to play in the middle as a perfect replacement for Browny. That leaves Oggy and Hollis fighting it out for the other big man spot on the bench.
Oggy is really stepping it up at training!
Then we will see if that translates to aggressive ball carries through the middle and big physical contact in D when the full contact stuff starts in mid January eh Sixties?
Either way I can our bench rotation stronger in middle and on edges than in previous years. Plenty of real depth this year which can also cover for a couple of potential injuries quite adequately. In previous seasons we dropped a fair/bit of real NRL experience after #15 to support whoever went on at #14 or #15. I thought we were strong through to #16 this year until we lost Penni in Rd 5.
Rowdy I’d agree with your contention that our bench options will be stronger in 2021.