James Maloney.......

[Rooster_6]

He's a solid player who'll compliment Pearce nicely he's just doesn't have the x factor of the elite 5/8's.

Aslong as we didn't pay too much it's a solid signing.

[Guest]

He's a solid player who'll compliment Pearce nicely he's just doesn't have the x factor of the elite 5/8's.

Aslong as we didn't pay too much it's a solid signing.

I would argue that he is one of the elite 5/8s. He is nowhere near Benji but I can't think of many others much better.

[Pass the Ball]

There is no way that he would have been anywhere near cheap..

He had more than a couple of clubs chasing his signature..

He is one of the best 5/8's in the NRL. They are not cheap.

He is a tough bugger too, in the Fittler mould...

[Guest]

Very tough bugger,he and Pearce will be very solid as a defensive unit!

[Cockadoodledoo]

There is no way that he would have been anywhere near cheap..

He had more than a couple of clubs chasing his signature..

He is one of the best 5/8's in the NRL. They are not cheap.

He is a tough bugger too, in the Fittler mould...

He is very tough for sure... Very solid player but hoping he can back up the form from this year.. Some players struggle particularly under the burden of extra expectation.

[Guest]

I would have preferred we went for Carlos Tuimavave but in reality to get rid of a 31 year old and replace him with a 21 year old is probably not the smartest move. You also have to consider that Mini will be gone by this stage and the oldest and most experienced player left (so long as he is re-signed) is Perrett at 26. Next would be Mitch Aubusson at 24. That is one extremely young side and to get a premiership with a team that yound would be unheard of.

If we have signed him and he continues his good form its a pretty good move I think. He'll have one of the best forward packs in the comp rolling him forward and we've seen what he can do with that.

He does have more flair than most people give him credit for and he was extremely consistent this year.

Hopefully Pearce develops his attacking game and short kicking more next year, and I think once Maloney arrives we'll see Pearce running a bit more cos he'll know that if he gets tackled there is a competent kicking option to cover for him. Maloney's support play will also suit Pearce's running game cos he's big on offloading in the line towards the centre of the field.

What I've like to see more than anything this year is a few more set plays from us this year cos I think this is where Pearce excels. I was watching a old game from 08 the other day (vs Panthers) and some of the set plays freddy put together for those guys were very clever. When you have slow outside backs and a slow fullback you're best chance is from a set play. Not many teams venture away from simple block/sweep plays, out-in plays, and the odd dummy half wedge variation. It's getting bloody boring!!! I've seen the Panthers put together some nice set plays in recent years so maybe Elliot will bring a bit of that to the table.

You post some extremely sensible stuff on here mate.

I understand the general fear that Maloney will be a flop - he is a little on the "flavour of the month" side of league at the moment - but like you, I think he'll be good for the club. By 2013, our forwards will be a little older, and a little wiser, and we saw at the Warriors that with front foot ball, he can do a fair bit.

He is also a balanced, slightly more experienced player with a good background. We have a very young team, and I can see him fitting in well.

In 2010, we needed a Carney type flair because our backs weren't doing much (SKD was an exception). But in 2013, the younger outside backs will hopefully have come through. I get the feeling there is a bit of pace still to be bought, especially at the back, and Maloney will have plenty to work with, without needing to break a game open like Carney did.

I think the club is taking a rather hopeful approach to halves: we have Friend and Pearce as a solid base, but then guys like Mortimer, Lazarus and potentially Maloney and Keating are all possibles rather than probables; if only one or two succeed, we'll have a nice looking spine.

[Rooster_6]

I would argue that he is one of the elite 5/8s. He is nowhere near Benji but I can't think of many others much better.

I'd consider Thurston, Campese, Carney & Benji as the elite 5/8's.

Maloney in a group with Soward & Foran just behind them.

[Pass the Ball]

Those saying he will be too old at 27 should consider Fittler played in 6 Grand Finals..

He was..

18
19

28
30
31
32 years old...

I see a lot of Fittler in Maloney, sure he will never be as brilliant as Freddy was, but not many will ever be...IMO

[Guest]

I'd consider Thurston, Campese, Carney & Benji as the elite 5/8's.

Maloney in a group with Soward & Foran just behind them.

Yeah I almost agree except Thurston is a halfback and I would rate Campese in the group you mentioned with Maloney just behind them. Carney of course is the X factor - brilliant at his best and awful at his worst. If he gets his head straight then yes I agree he is close to Benji.

[Guest]

Also not sure about you guys but I hope to Christ we don't sign Keating. Seems like a ridiculous idea in my opinion.

[Guest]

Also not sure about you guys but I hope to Christ we don't sign Keating. Seems like a ridiculous idea in my opinion.

I totally agree with you,Keating is average at best and would be a dud signing,hope we pass on this one!

[Guest]

So has it or when will it be confirmed?

[Roostarz]

Apparently a Rooster for 3 years from 2013.

At least according to Andrew Webster on Big Sports Breakfast this morning

Thoughts?

Are they usually on the mark cause i read yesterday that Souths were the favourites to snag him. It would be great to beat them to it. I rate him. A good solid player, as others have said he doesn't have the x factor like Benji and Carney but had an awesome 2011 and a great goal kicker. I say yes sign him.

[Guest]

This is just another rumour that won't happen and isn't true at all I bet.

[Guest]

About time!