Parramatta’s ‘Elite 7’ Hit List was revealed on the weekend and The Tip Sheet is ready to put bounties on each individual based on who is the biggest priority for the Blue & Gold. Sixties and Forty20 discuss the latest recruitment and retention news before reviewing the weekend’s action and then turning their eyes to the Ken Thornett Medal and Team List Tuesday.
Injuries and suspensions have wrought havoc in the NRL ahead of the finals…who emerged unscathed and who is panicking? PVL wants to bring back a midweek cup in an already jam packed schedule while the code celebrated a hugely emotional moment for Jai Arrow as he took to the field in the first leg of a two-game stretch that will see him notch 100 games as a Bunny.
On the “Elite 7”.
I agree I think it is Stefano or Leniu. That said. If Jnr is only a 1 yr situation, then that changes because presumably Stefano is a 2028 signing.
I am wary of a team with premiership aspirations releasing a “Origin” player early if the Roosters let Leniu go.. But that sort of signing is par for the course for us.
The backs. Agree Farnsworth is no chance (unless he does something utterly horrific and has his contract torn up). Best – Too much injury history. Howarth. I thought he would be better but he hasn’t kicked on. I don’t think he is that big an upgrade on Penisini. Bostock surprises me. I like his determination and winning desire he seems to have and he is improving and young. Not sure what his ceiling is. Burton would be my first choice, then Bostock – but again, we’re talking 2028.
Nanai – again, an upgrade on what we have, but his trajectory isn’t great. I think Penisini is on route to being a backrower, so if we have nothing else in the wings and we are looking to sign centres, that might be an option.
Jim – I wouldn’t question his passion. I appreciate that. When your final home game you are practically giving away ($5) reserved tickets, that, I think, speaks to the poor state you have left the club in.
Ken Thornet – it might be recency form bias, but the way the players are getting around Volkman – he seems popular so that makes him favourite I think. Whether the Club give him the medal if they are not signing him – as it would be an ordinary look – who knows.
I have never been to the KTA, but I am going to an Awards Ceremony on the field at Commbank this Friday… It will be interesting how it scrubs up as a formal outdoor venue.
Oh to the point that the favourites for the Medal are all recruits: That would be a positive endorsement on Recruitment if we were a Top 4 team. … But we’re a bottom 4 team… again. So yes it is a reflection on Recruitment and Development… Just not a good one.