Toohey's News

4/3

Toohey says the belief is that Mitch Barnett wants to return to the Knights but the Knights interest so far has been lukewarm.

Knights are in negotiations to re-sign Greg Marzhew for at least another year, but he'll need to take a paycut.

Knights want to get Dylan Lucas locked down before he's a free agent in November but he has shut down those talks so far, preferring to wait.

Kingston Seve has been out with a lacerated kidney, but is back in full training and not far off returning to the field.
 
Asking Greg to take a pay cut with a new team entering the comp might be a tough ask unless he really doesn’t want to got to Perth. Wonder how much they’re actually paying him?

Lucas might be waiting to see if he gets picked for Origin in which case his asking price is would most likely surge.

POS didn’t have an issue signing aging front rowers at the Fins so I wonder what the reluctance is with Barnett?
 
Joel.M said:
Maybe Frizzell extends for another year?
Click to expand...
Said it before will say it again I’d rather Friz on 600-650 then Barnett on 500ish

Edit: As I say that he’s meeting with Macguire as well now

Newygirl said:
Lucas might be waiting to see if he gets picked for Origin in which case his asking price is would most likely surge.
Click to expand...
As much as he absolutely will one day will need injuries to others to get in this year anyway.

I’d take Marzhew for a year at the right price. Wingers pushing 30 etc.
though We are assuming Gagai hangs it up this year? Rather lose one not both.
 
Last edited:
R_A said:
Said it before will say it again I’d rather Friz on 600-650 then Barnett on 500ish
Click to expand...
Last we saw Barnett he was the starting prop for NSW and clearly one of the elite props of the comp. It's possible he comes back from the injury and isn't the same player but Frizell already hasn't been close to that level in half a decade, and is a few years older than Barnett to begin with. On the open market right now Barnett will get considerably more than $500k, and Frizell would be lucky to get half as much.
 
mullenmagic said:
Probably easier to justify when you’re building a roster from scratch and don’t already have big money tied up elsewhere. Kaufusi and Bromwich had better injury histories, too.
Click to expand...
Remember he was working with Wayne who has history with signing experienced forwards so it probably fits his coaching style more.
 
mullenmagic said:
Probably easier to justify when you’re building a roster from scratch and don’t already have big money tied up elsewhere. Kaufusi and Bromwich had better injury histories, too.
Click to expand...
True, but how often are the Knights actually in a position where a rep quality prop actually wants to sign here?

It’s pretty slim pickings for props atm. If POS has something better in mind, by all means, but it’s hard to see why we wouldn’t at least try given our forward situation.
 
Newygirl said:
Asking Greg to take a pay cut with a new team entering the comp might be a tough ask unless he really doesn’t want to got to Perth. Wonder how much they’re actually paying him?
Click to expand...
My guess would be close to around the league average salary, which is $400Kish.

Newygirl said:
Lucas might be waiting to see if he gets picked for Origin in which case his asking price is would most likely surge.
Click to expand...
Bingo.
Newygirl said:
POS didn’t have an issue signing aging front rowers at the Fins so I wonder what the reluctance is with Barnett?
Click to expand...
If you've seen the Dolphins documentary, those signings were 100% Wayne giving him a list of names and sending POS to work on getting them specifically. Wayne was almost the shadow director of football up there as much as head coach. Ray Stone was right up the top of his list for signing priorities lol. He was looking for culture setters. The signings POS led the way on were the up and coming spine players they got eg Izzy Katoa, Harrison Graham (who's now with us), Donoghue, etc.
 
Last edited:
Not sure about all the ifs, buts, maybes but some things just seem right.
Barnett has a need to return to Aussie, family illness and need for family support.
That support is based close to Newcastle, Taree.
Barnett plays prop/middle with plenty of experience and a representative player, yes heading to his last couple of years at top level
Knights have quite a few young prospects at Prop/middle but a few years away from top level
The release of Barnett from Warriors is currently 2027 but could???/maybe be sooner depending on negotiations
By all reports it seems that Barnett would prefer Knights due to location
From both a need for a strong middle and Barnett’s family needs it makes sense to make a deal from both compassionate grounds and future strengthening of the Knights squad.
Surely all parties realise this and serious talks should be happening, I cannot imagine that the other clubs making enquiries to signing him do not realise this and if Barnett wishes Knights then the top dollar shouldn’t enter discussions, as long as he gets a fair deal and his family needs are addressed
 
R_A said:
As much as he absolutely will one day will need injuries to others to get in this year anyway.

I’d take Marzhew for a year at the right price. Wingers pushing 30 etc.
though We are assuming Gagai hangs it up this year? Rather lose one not both.
Click to expand...
IMO the only players from the 2025 decider who shouldn't be under any pressure to retain their spot are Brian To'o and Payne Haas. Losing in the fashion they did warrants a squad overhaul and Lucas should be closer to the first player named than the 20th.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top