Toohey's News

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?
Unless he knows more about Barny’s physical condition overall and is reluctant to take the risk on bringing him back??
 
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
I suspect POS thinks he can get him and doesn't want to appear too keen as a negotiating tactic. There's also honestly probably not that much space in the cap atm. Peter had a crack at Jesse Colquhoun but that's him trying to get another guy on the way up while still not that expensive. And it probably would have been our last big-ish free agent signing for a while.
 
Apparently Madge has flown to meet with Barnett.

Just seen that. Yeah the other complicating factor in any pursuit of a middle forward right now is that one club up north that has to find a way to replace roughly $1.2 million worth of representative front rower. So any offer we make for Barnett is likely going to compete with I'm guessing like a $800K bid for Barney from Brisbane. Demand outstripping supply a bit there.

Strongly suspect a big part of why we got Mooney was timing. At that stage of the middle forward musical chairs we were the only club in position to make a genuine pitch. Some part of that is luck of course due misses earlier in the year. But yeah Papalii stayed, Mooney's like, **** it I'm not waiting another year, and it was literally just us with real cap space and that specific roster hole. Whereas right now there's like 8 clubs after Barney.

Actually think it's a mistake for Brisbane, the player they should be looking at is Ata Mariota down in Canberra. Wouldn't mind if we made an inquiry there, he was allegedly signing an extension months ago which is still yet to eventuate.
 
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?
Could it m be that POS has faith in the next crop of forwards.
Hopwood, Manuleleua and ESL are all highly rated. Hopwood in particular looks a long term front row option, and the other two look like they could play anywhere in the pack (im betting Manuleleua is at lock by the end of the season). I was impressed with Manu and ESL the trials, they both looked bigger and stronger, maybe ready earlier than we thought? What positions do we see them playing? Unless front row is likely for one of them, I cant see why we would not be after Barney. Feels like we are still one class front rower short.
 
Wouldn't shock...the Broncos have far too much money at that position and a wide open premiership window even without Haas.
 
Who are the Broncos giving up in return to get him?
Apparently that is one of the terms of the release
 
I seriously don’t understand how this is a “compassionate release” when the Warriors are demanding a player in return to release him early, is that not just a regular transfer?
 
Who are the Broncos giving up in return to get him?
Apparently that is one of the terms of the release
Where the Wahs are a bit skinny is outside backs, but I can't imagine Brisbane would be willing to part with Mariner or Staggs. Maybe one of the others who I'm lumping in the "only look good because they play for Brisbane" basket.
 
Wouldn't shock...the Broncos have far too much money at that position and a wide open premiership window even without Haas.
Would be crazy if it happens this quickly, get a bit of a vibe that they are actually worried about the PR side of Haas walking out, instantly the stories stop and it becomes, as you say, "Brisbane keep window open by adding Origin enforcer".
 
Where the Wahs are a bit skinny is outside backs, but I can't imagine Brisbane would be willing to part with Mariner or Staggs. Maybe one of the others who I'm lumping in the "only look good because they play for Brisbane" basket.
The players thrown around for the Knights were Croker and Marzhew 🤷‍♂️

I imagine anyone would rather giving up an expiring as well…
 
Pretty sure Barnett won't be leaving the Warriors this year, and that's what the player trade talk was about. But he's their co-captain and have seen a bunch of interviews over here about how pumped up he is for his final year with them, he thinks they can do something special, how good his time there has been, etc. Would be surprised if he ends up walking away from that.
 
When they fly to meet them, generally it is a sign you are losing the battle. Remember Wayne with Kalyn? Snake Eyes.

Badel is a complete joke. His Broncos bias is nauseating.
 
Yeah it's an interesting spot we're in, I think the core group of players look really strong, but gee one really good key middle is a huge difference maker given what else we've got.

Also sounds like we're gonna need to replace Friz soon, and there's the looming question of re-signing Dyl Lucas. Of all the players we need to lock down long term over the next couple of seasons, probably only Fletcher Sharpe is a bigger priority IMO. Wouldn't want to give out any sort of deal which jeopardises that.

Wonder if there's a "solid value signing" type to replace Friz out there, & then maybe we just back Cody Hopwood to become the player we need him to be over the next couple of seasons?
 
Think player swap condition is just for this season.
Broncos don’t need replacement for Hass until 2027
Brisbane is better location than NZ as driving “at the drop of a hat” Is an option but it is a decent old drive
Broncos offer a better chance of winning a premiership than Knights and Warriors and a bigger pay is likely
Don’t like it but it is what it is
 
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