Jake Friend

[Maxy Walker]

A two year extension at least. Maybe three.

A friend in the hand is worth two in the bush. Remember 2016. Experienced spine players aren’t easy to replace.

[Kelby]

Id let him go after 2020.
Sam in.

Keep Latrell, money available.

[Rooster_6]

Must be re-signed.

We can't whinge about loyalty if we have none ourselves.

Friend is a top 4 dummy half and role models exceptional behaviours for our younger players. We did a lot for him when he was young and stupid but in return he has been a brilliant servant.

He should be a Rooster for life.

[Headless Chook]

Must be re-signed.

We can't whinge about loyalty if we have none ourselves.

Friend is a top 4 dummy half and role models exceptional behaviours for our younger players. We did a lot for him when he was young and stupid but in return he has been a brilliant servant.

He should be a Rooster for life.

I agree, people are quick to forget and whilst Verrills has been good in his short time in first grade, he still has a lot to learn

[Johnny Tobin]

Must be re-signed.

We can't whinge about loyalty if we have none ourselves.

Friend is a top 4 dummy half and role models exceptional behaviours for our younger players. We did a lot for him when he was young and stupid but in return he has been a brilliant servant.

He should be a Rooster for life.

And lose Verrills?

[Johnny Tobin]

I agree, people are quick to forget and whilst Verrills has been good in his short time in first grade, he still has a lot to learn

I can guarantee you he won’t want to play behind Jake for another three years. Nor should he.

Pretty clear we lose him if Jake gets a new contract.

Tough call to make. Glad I’m not making it.

[milanja]

Must be re-signed.

We can't whinge about loyalty if we have none ourselves.

Friend is a top 4 dummy half and role models exceptional behaviours for our younger players. We did a lot for him when he was young and stupid but in return he has been a brilliant servant.

He should be a Rooster for life.

Friend deserves to be a rooster for life, but, how much is he on and how much is he worth?

that worth probably goes on how many clubs need a hooker and are willing to pay more than what he may be on, 10 clubs are probably sorted for that position, or don’t see the value in paying more than what they already have, and at his age, the other clubs may not think he is the X factor that can change the fortunes of their club.

Interesting to know what he is on and what verrills is on.

[Bondicigar]

Thanks for everything Jake.
The sky is the limit for SV and if we 're sign friend another club will pounce on SV.

[ism22]

Jake came straight on after Cronk was sin binned to provide leadership - his value to the team is immense.
I say give him a 2 year extension as he has earned it.

Yeah he's our captain. Last year he had bad luck because he came back early from a serious injury and it broke right away. IMO this doesn't mean he's busted, it just means he wasn't ready to return. He is now and I see no reason why we wouldn't extend him.

[Tommy Smith]

I believe Sam Verrills will be the next Kangaroos hooker. He can be THAT good.

And he has 12+ years of first grade ahead of him in a crucial position that is the hardest in the game to find quality in (along with halfback).

So we absolutely must not lose him.

I understand Jake is a Roosters legend and a heart & soul player so he deserves another contract.

But from a club perspective they simply can't choose 2 years of Jake Friend over 12 years of Sam Verrills. That's madness.

So I'd say a 1 year extension is in order, by which time both are off contract. Then re-sign Verrills long term and see if Jake wants to continue to split time at hooker for a year or so after that.

Let's also not forget that Jake's body has taken a battering. He has bled and almost died for this club. So his longevity will not be in the Cameron Smith realm. So after two more years maybe he'll be happy to retire into a Sam Burgess esque cushy 10 year office job.

[The Skeez]

You’ve only got to look at what’s happening at the Storm with the two Smiths. In order to keep Brandon they have shifted one of the games greatest players in Cam Smith to half.

It is worth noting that they played Brandon at lock and utility to keep him this long.

Neither Jake nor Sam have that versatility unfortunately.

[zac]

You’ve only got to look at what’s happening at the Storm with the two Smiths. In order to keep Brandon they have shifted one of the games greatest players in Cam Smith to half.

It is worth noting that they played Brandon at lock and utility to keep him this long.

Neither Jake nor Sam have that versatility unfortunately.

And we already have two smaller guys who play at lock anyway.

My vote is for a one year extension for Jake and then have another look. SV has ticked every box so far, and looks the goods, but no need to put too much pressure on him (even though it seems that pressure doesn't worry him).

[Headless Chook]

I can guarantee you he won’t want to play behind Jake for another three years. Nor should he.

Pretty clear we lose him if Jake gets a new contract.

Tough call to make. Glad I’m not making it.

I doubt Jake has another 3 years in him as a 70-80 minute hooker anyway. I'm confident that the club will handle this so we don't lose Verrills

[Rooster1908]

Give jake 2 years then Sam will take over from Aubo as a utility , good to learn different rolls , Jake can play 50 min at hooker and sam for 30min .Then in 2 years have a perfect replacement.
Sam will stay

[Chookies74]

Jake will be re-signed, great cultures look after their own. He can also play utility fwd, after Maubs goes. Sam will have been told and is prob smart enough to know he needs another 12 mths to build up the strength for the D required at hooker. It's all good , we're Easts, we don't fuk it up