Broncos-Chooks in tug of war

[King Salvo]

The Broncos have joined the race to sign rising star Fletcher Baker as the Roosters battle to keep the 23-year-old at the club.

Baker is off-contract at seasons end and has already attracted the interested of a handful of rivals with Brisbane the latest club to express an interest.

The Roosters are keen to retain Baker but are navigating through their salary cap situation. The impressive prop has been a mainstay for the Roosters in recent seasons and featured in the opening five games for the club.

He missed last weeks loss to the Sharks because of concussion and is again unavailable for their clash against the Dragons on Tuesday.

The Roosters have a host of players off-contract at the end of the season. Aside from Baker the likes of Billy Smith, Connor Watson, Corey Allan, Drew Hutchinson, Jake Turpin, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Jaxson Paulo and Matt Lodge are all free agents. So too is new recruit Nathan Brown who returned to the field in NSW Cup last weekend.

[Inflictor]

I think we will lose him and try to keep Lodge.

[Steakface]

If we keep Lodge, then Baker is surplus to requirements in my opinion.

Collins
JWH (for an extra year)
Lodge
Leniu
E Butcher
May

Is a superior collection of front rowers.

[SupermanSupportsEasts4Eva]

Thanks for the service Baker. But Lodge and an extra season from JWH are both must haves

[King Salvo]

If we keep Lodge, then Baker is surplus to requirements in my opinion.

Collins
JWH (for an extra year)
Lodge
Leniu
E Butcher
May

Is a superior collection of front rowers.

E Butcher is a backrower though - 187 cm and 96 kgs

No Guarantee they will retain Lodge though - NRL Salary cap folk will value him between 500 to 600 k irrespective of what the Roosters may try to register a contract for.

I hope they can retain him though but it may hard cap wise

[HunchoRooster]

I really rate Fletcher. Growing into his own this year already. Huge potential and I'd love to keep him.

[Steakface]

E Butcher is a backrower though - 187 cm and 96 kgs

No Guarantee they will retain Lodge though - NRL Salary cap folk will value him between 500 to 600 k irrespective of what the Roosters may try to register a contract for.

I hope they can retain him though but it may hard cap wise

I'd like to see Egan as a bench front rower with a couple more kg's though. Just run straight and hard, simple job. Less chance of errors as he wont be required for any (or much) passing duties.

If Lodge goes I would prefer to keep Butcher for depth. Although I cannot see him becoming an upper echelon front rower....he appears to slow to me

[Random Rooster]

Keep Lodge over Baker

[Thirteen]

“Star”?

[NorfolkStreetKid]

If we keep Lodge, then Baker is surplus to requirements in my opinion.

Collins
JWH (for an extra year)
Lodge
Leniu
E Butcher
May

Is a superior collection of front rowers.

I think Baker is better than May or E Butcher as a Prop, and with JWH having to be managed to get through another full season we should be trying to keep Baker for sure, hes been in our system a few years, only 23, hasn't hit his prime yet and has plenty to offer. Madness to let him go and start again, if May gets a decent offer he will go back to Penrith.

[Kelby]

JWH, Lodge and Baker out.


Leniu and Haas in.

[Eggspert]

The Broncos have joined the race to sign rising star Fletcher Baker as the Roosters battle to keep the 23-year-old at the club.

Baker is off-contract at seasons end and has already attracted the interested of a handful of rivals with Brisbane the latest club to express an interest.

The Roosters are keen to retain Baker but are navigating through their salary cap situation. The impressive prop has been a mainstay for the Roosters in recent seasons and featured in the opening five games for the club.

He missed last weeks loss to the Sharks because of concussion and is again unavailable for their clash against the Dragons on Tuesday.

The Roosters have a host of players off-contract at the end of the season. Aside from Baker the likes of Billy Smith, Connor Watson, Corey Allan, Drew Hutchinson, Jake Turpin, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Jaxson Paulo and Matt Lodge are all free agents. So too is new recruit Nathan Brown who returned to the field in NSW Cup last weekend.

Baker, Billy Smith & Hutch can go to the Broncos in exchange for Haas.

Also we can chuck in some driving lessons for his mum & deal should be done.

[Jacks Fur Coat]

Baker, Billy Smith & Hutch can go to the Broncos in exchange for Haas.

Also we can chuck in some driving lessons for his mum & deal should be done.

I'd keep Billy, he's one of ours. Maybe they could add Allan or Momo to the trifecta instead.

[DP1990]

Baker, Billy Smith & Hutch can go to the Broncos in exchange for Haas.

Also we can chuck in some driving lessons for his mum & deal should be done.

LMAO !!!!


Yeah I like this proposal ... in before Rugby Australia the flops

[DP1990]

Yeah in my opinion ... I wouldn't be mad/upset if we lost Baker ... especially if that means we can retain Lodge for another season, add to that the likes of May, Egan Butcher, maybe Nathan Brown (subject to salary) for next season with young up and comers like the Va'a brothers (Xavier and De La Salle) ... I think our engine room will be in good stead !