Recruitment

[Rooster_6]

Last year the threads were about why we didn't sign Lomax or Jack Wighton. We got Nawaqanitawase for half the price...

There is nothing smart about signing a prop on 1.4m a season, just like there was nothing smart about paying a centre 1m to play fullback or signing a 32yo for 4 years on 1m a season to play in the centres.

Souths didn't lack depth last year when they copped injuries, they just structure their salary cap poorly.

Imagine having 2m in the centres and 1.4m at prop. What are you paying your spine?

And be honest how many from their spine makes our best 1, 6, 7 or 9…

I reckon Savala and Ioelu would start for Souths if not go very close.

There are some some clubs where this signing would make sense, but when you look at Souths prospective spine for 2027, they are cooked, they are spending money in the wrong areas... This is just a hype signing to ensure 20,000 pets renew their memberships for 2027.

[ChookMaster]

Last year the threads were about why we didn't sign Lomax or Jack Wighton. We got Nawaqanitawase for half the price...

There is nothing smart about signing a prop on 1.4m a season, just like there was nothing smart about paying a centre 1m to play fullback or signing a 32yo for 4 years on 1m a season to play in the centres.

Souths didn't lack depth last year when they copped injuries, they just structure their salary cap poorly.

Imagine having 2m in the centres and 1.4m at prop. What are you paying your spine?

And be honest how many from their spine makes our best 1, 6, 7 or 9…

I reckon Savala and Ioelu would start for Souths if not go very close.

There are some some clubs where this signing would make sense, but when you look at Souths prospective spine for 2027, they are cooked, they are spending money in the wrong areas... This is just a hype signing to ensure 20,000 pets renew their memberships for 2027.

hear you on the Souths cap—spending $1.4M on a prop while your spine is aging out is definitely a 'cook.' And you're right, our value-buys like Nawaqanitawase (before the Japan news) and the development of Ioelu are wins we have over them.

But I’m still not convinced we haven't fallen behind our own standards. A few years ago, we were the 'destination club' that didn't miss. Lately, it feels like we’ve been the bridesmaid for a few major targets, and seeing Angus Crichton and Marky both heading to Union for 2027 leaves a massive hole in our strike power that we haven't officially filled yet.

It’s great that we have the 'war chest' for 2027/28, but cap space doesn't score tries. While Souths are definitely making bigger mistakes, we’re currently relying on a lot of 'ifs' and 'maybes' in the junior ranks to replace proven international stars. I’d rather have the Roosters' problems than the Rabbitohs' mess, but I still think we’ve lost that clinical edge in recruitment we used to have. We need a 'statement' signing soon to prove we're still the benchmark.

[QWERTY]

I agree on Whyte; his ceiling is massive and the value-for-money is clearly better for our long-term balance… although seeing our biggest rivals assemble a pack with Haas, Fifita, Murray, and Duncan is grim. I trust our system to develop Whyte into that top-tier prop, but it definitely adds some extra pressure on our recruitment to ensure we aren't bullied by that Souths middle for the next few years.

Murray will be 30 and is a head knock or two away from retirement. Fifita is consistently inconsistent and is on his last chance.

[ChookMaster]

There's plenty of water to pass under the bridge before we hit season 2027.

The only player of note we have signed for 27 is Ruben Garrick but I'm not a big fan.

Our pathways are full of potentially high quality NRL standard backs, forwards and halves but only time will tell if our pathways produce the goods.

Souths have done very well by signing Hass but I still believe our squad will be superior to theirs in 2027. For a start they need to find a high quality half.

I am not trying to be argumentative Chookmaster just giving my opinion.

The Ruben Garrick signing at $600k–$650k feels like we’re paying a premium for a player Manly were only willing to offer $550k to keep. He’s solid, but is he the game-breaker we need to replace the strike power we're losing?

I appreciate the footy chat Red, neither am I.

[Red.]

Yes Chookmaster the Garrick signing is a real head scratcher. Let's hope Carbone, the new recruitment manager, can pull something out of the salary top-hat.

[Juggler]

I agree on Whyte; his ceiling is massive and the value-for-money is clearly better for our long-term balance… although seeing our biggest rivals assemble a pack with Haas, Fifita, Murray, and Duncan is grim. I trust our system to develop Whyte into that top-tier prop, but it definitely adds some extra pressure on our recruitment to ensure we aren't bullied by that Souths middle for the next few years.

Only Haas & Murray would definitely make our team, Fifita if in the mood. Duncan is meh at best for now. But that is around 25% of your salary cap. Souffs have Walker & Koloamatangi as the two main players off contract in 2027. Humphries probably gets an upgrade. No-one else of great impact. They will need a 5/8 and possibly a hooker.

[Lydon]

Last year the threads were about why we didn't sign Lomax or Jack Wighton. We got Nawaqanitawase for half the price...

There is nothing smart about signing a prop on 1.4m a season, just like there was nothing smart about paying a centre 1m to play fullback or signing a 32yo for 4 years on 1m a season to play in the centres.

Souths didn't lack depth last year when they copped injuries, they just structure their salary cap poorly.

Imagine having 2m in the centres and 1.4m at prop. What are you paying your spine?

And be honest how many from their spine makes our best 1, 6, 7 or 9…

I reckon Savala and Ioelu would start for Souths if not go very close.

There are some some clubs where this signing would make sense, but when you look at Souths prospective spine for 2027, they are cooked, they are spending money in the wrong areas... This is just a hype signing to ensure 20,000 pets renew their memberships for 2027.

Now I feel better R6,thank you for putting it in perspective..

[Bates]

Sure, a lot of links are agent/media noise. But pathways and proactive recruitment aren’t either/or — the best clubs do both. The frustration is the outcome.

Is it fair to say that we land 2 from 3 players that we target to bolster our squad? That's a pretty decent strike rate imo. The only miss that comes to mind in recent times is Fifita.

I highly doubt that we were interested in Payne based on his outrageous price tag.

Club obviously has plans in place and a model that would struggle to accomodate a $1.4 million asking price.

[David Sutherland]

I don't recall the Roosters being seriously active in wanting to sign Max this time around though

Max Jorgenson was always going to re-sign with Rugby Australia on a very lucrative 5 year deal and said himself he didn't this time around consider switching to the NRL(not an option) and had not spoken to the Roosters/Trent Robinson. - His heart is with the Waratahs and Wallabies.

As for Tino there was only speculation that the Roosters were interested and nothing to suggest any prelim discussions even took place - of course other clubs were supposedly interested as well - Melbourne Storm , Perth Bears , Bulldogs and Dragons for instance.

Tino is on big coin reportedly @ 1.2 mill a season at the Titans - 10 year 12 mill contract and has opted to remain at the Titans until 2030. - Had a get out clause which was never exercised to test the market for the 2027 season and beyond so basically no club could speak with him in any case until November 1 2026 if he did elect to activate the get out clause which of course he didn't.

Payne Haas was linked to the Roosters back in 2022 but this was shut down by Nick Politis and Trent Robinson who officially denied they were chasing him.

The Roosters are doing okay recruitment wise as well as developing players through the pathways. - need to keep on that path

The NRL need to get the broadcast deal done though so clubs know what the cap is going forward from 2028.

[bondi.boy]

Last year the threads were about why we didn't sign Lomax or Jack Wighton. We got Nawaqanitawase for half the price...

There is nothing smart about signing a prop on 1.4m a season, just like there was nothing smart about paying a centre 1m to play fullback or signing a 32yo for 4 years on 1m a season to play in the centres.

Souths didn't lack depth last year when they copped injuries, they just structure their salary cap poorly.

Imagine having 2m in the centres and 1.4m at prop. What are you paying your spine?

And be honest how many from their spine makes our best 1, 6, 7 or 9…

I reckon Savala and Ioelu would start for Souths if not go very close.

There are some some clubs where this signing would make sense, but when you look at Souths prospective spine for 2027, they are cooked, they are spending money in the wrong areas... This is just a hype signing to ensure 20,000 pets renew their memberships for 2027.

With Haas now confirmed as that prop going to Souths end of 2026...10 day cooling off period now in place.
My heart skipped a beat (never a good thing these days) when I read "Sydney club" just now in the Telegraph.
I believe we're still a big forward short....and need a JWH 'clone'.

[SupermanSupportsEasts4Eva]

Unless souffs are paying Latrell in buckets of KFC I honestly fail to see how they are under the cap.

[B2B]

Just wondering why Haas chose the vermin? Surely there were other clubs excluding ours that would have more appeal ? Panthers , Bulldogs , Sharks , Eels etc . Is it Bennett ? This is a coach who hasn't won a premiership since 2010 . So not sure what the appeal is ?? Also the vermin are a rabble . Haas is not going win a premiership on his own , it is a collection of talent which will win and the vermin don't have it . Case in point look at Tino , they cannot even make the eight .

[Thirteen]

Where’s Grubber? Banged on for ages about how we were getting Haas.

[mattyh]

Hass , cant win a premiership by himself, agreed , however he can be a massive catalyst . Generational talent , he def didnt win the broncs the premiership in 2025, however without him they dont make top 4 , maybe even top 6 .

imo.

[Chook2]

Incorrect. Wighton is on $1m this year. Fact.
Walker is not on $800k. Nowhere near.

I have a business partner heavily involved with Souths.

Maybe but I know Wighton signed with souths for $800k for at least his first year or two which surprised many as he gave up a $1.2m offer to play in the halves to go to the phins to play at souffs which raised eyebrows
walker would be on decent money
and it’s not to mention with Fifita, Murray, cheese etc all on big coin in the forwards
I can’t Bellieve they just signed cheese and Fifita without loosing anyone
there must be a player or 2 leaving their squad soon