frankLauda
Ben Kennedy
And Ponga needs to take a cut also.
2026 Recruitment And Retention
- Thread starter HarVeeGee13
- Start date
KPGreatness
Shane O'Grady
True, like I said before he has always said how he loves Newcastle and the Knights and wants to win a premiership with us, if that is true he wouldn’t mind taking a pay cut to help us keep players that will help us in a premiership window
Get him a few third parties after we’re playing well. A few free dog grooming appointments in Merewether should be enough.
IDK that I'd expect KP to take a pay cut to stay, it'd be great if he did, and I hope KP is the next Knights Captain to raise the trophy, but if PNG (or even the Roosters) drive a dump truck of money up to his house *, then good luck to him. They only have a short time to get that cash, and many of them have ongoing issues when it's all over. Trophies are great, and loyalty is grand, but they don't pay the bills when your career is over.
* Issues with the salary cap notwithstanding, I wouldn't be the only fan who believes that some clubs are hugely advantaged over others.
** Recent injury history may be a factor in KP's market value, but that probably won't deter PNG.
* Issues with the salary cap notwithstanding, I wouldn't be the only fan who believes that some clubs are hugely advantaged over others.
** Recent injury history may be a factor in KP's market value, but that probably won't deter PNG.
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krustykraz
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
If KP re-signs for the same money without ratchet clauses it will save money on the cap once the new deal kicks in.
nighttiime
James Goulding
literally no way an established team would offer Ponga same money as he's on now. He'll get 1.1m max with the cap expected to rise. With his average number. of games played and concussion history it'd be madness paying him that much
Yep, only teams possibly offering him more would be the foundation teams. Those teams won’t be competing for finals for the first 3 or so years let alone a premiership. So he would’ve been in his 30s then.
As it was mentioned the Brown gamble is definitely something to show Ponga we can attract big talent and need an anchor in the halves rather then the chop and change we’ve had. Small sample size from Brown was promising.
I think we can get another contract out of Ponga even if it’s a shorter 3 year one if he wants it but after that if he changes his mind and wants to play elsewhere then all the best
I think Gags has still been great this season so far. A couple great games, a couple quieter ones. But some of the things he does are irreplaceable. I think he has the best soft hands/tip on pass in the game, opens up so many opportunities for Dom on his outside.
frankLauda
Ben Kennedy
Yeah there was one during the last game that got pulled up as a forward pass. It was close! Not as forward as the dogs allowed try.
Treadly
Todd Bates
What bulldogs try? The first or last. How good would the score have been at 24-6 if those were spotted
frankLauda
Ben Kennedy
The last one was a shocker. Ball goes forward, bounce’s off Burtons head and the Kiraz’s grounding was even suspect. Roach and Kevie calling it forward instantly in the commentary. But the ref calls that a try on field, and nothing from sideline ref. Joke.
HarVeeGee13
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Burton was in front of him when the ball came out of his hands so the video ref actually could have ruled on it. Offside. That's how far forward it was lol.
Grandpa Joe
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
People on here sure love an over reaction for 40 good minutes of first grade.
Or bad
HarVeeGee13
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
He was good in his other game for us too though Graham.
He looks like he should be on a top 30 deal, not a development one, and he always looked like he knows how to play at the Phins too. I think there are hookers running around on top 30 deal right now that he’s better than. Don’t think it’s an over-reaction.
He looks like he should be on a top 30 deal, not a development one, and he always looked like he knows how to play at the Phins too. I think there are hookers running around on top 30 deal right now that he’s better than. Don’t think it’s an over-reaction.
KPGreatness
Shane O'Grady
Graham is really good anyone with eyes can see that, and should be resigned and given a top 30, he is already better than the likes of Arthur.
Graham came here for a shot now he finds himself top two hookers at our club that should be rewarded, I’m glad for him
Graham came here for a shot now he finds himself top two hookers at our club that should be rewarded, I’m glad for him
MullosLefttoRight
Logan Campbell
The predicament of the current recruitment climate, with two new teams entering in 2027 and 2028, is that a player like Graham having a couple of breakout performances in a row will undoubtedly result in him fielding offers almost immediately.
As much as I agree that Graham has been brilliant, our current spine depth doesn't necessarily warrant giving him any significant offer, other than perhaps a top 30 upgrade. He likely remains our third choice 9, behind Crossland and Smith - Arthur floating not far behind, touted as having more potential than Graham and having also performed well at NSW Cup level already.
As much as I agree that Graham has been brilliant, our current spine depth doesn't necessarily warrant giving him any significant offer, other than perhaps a top 30 upgrade. He likely remains our third choice 9, behind Crossland and Smith - Arthur floating not far behind, touted as having more potential than Graham and having also performed well at NSW Cup level already.