Canberra Raiders miss out on David Fifita

[greeneyed]

A pie and sauce and a Coke.

[Seiffert82]

Wighton's performance this year is barely worth the $700k Souths are reportedly paying him next season. The $1+m he is already getting from us is significant overs.

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[T_R]

Wighton's performance this year is barely worth the $700k Souths are reportedly paying him next season. The $1+m he is already getting from us is significant overs.

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He's been paid on potential for most of his time in Canberra. I think he was worth the money for one or two seasons of his stay at very most.

To be fair, the club took a very good centre and tried to turn him into something that he is not.

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[Seiffert82]

Wighton's performance this year is barely worth the $700k Souths are reportedly paying him next season. The $1+m he is already getting from us is significant overs.

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He's been paid on potential for most of his time in Canberra. I think he was worth the money for one or two seasons of his stay at very most.

To be fair, the club took a very good centre and tried to turn him into something that he is not.

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We might have to agree to disagree there.

When Wighton was focussed and working hard on his kicking game he was an elite running 5/8 in 2019 and 2020, instrumental in getting us to a grand final and a prelim in those seasons. You don't win the awards he did playing out of position.

He has clearly lost some focus since 2021.

Does that mean Stuart tried to turn him into something he wasn't, or that Jack also needed to take some responsibility for his own personal performances?

I'm in the latter camp, but can appreciate other views.

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[Bluesbrother]

Wighton's performance this year is barely worth the $700k Souths are reportedly paying him next season. The $1+m he is already getting from us is significant overs.

Sent from my CPH2021 using Tapatalk

He's been paid on potential for most of his time in Canberra. I think he was worth the money for one or two seasons of his stay at very most.

To be fair, the club took a very good centre and tried to turn him into something that he is not.

Sent from my SM-G998B using Tapatalk

We might have to agree to disagree there.

When Wighton was focussed and working hard on his kicking game he was an elite running 5/8 in 2019 and 2020, instrumental in getting us to a grand final and a prelim in those seasons. You don't win the awards he did playing out of position.

He has clearly lost some focus since 2021.

Does that mean Stuart tried to turn him into something he wasn't, or that Jack also needed to take some responsibility for his own personal performances?

I'm in the latter camp, but can appreciate other views.

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I think Jack is still the same player he was. He can turn it on in a big game. He just doesn't do it consistently which is why he isn't one of the greats. Always been the way. Got ability but his mental game is all over the shop.

[Finchy]

Wighton has been an absolute passenger this year. Hasn't registered a single PotY point. Pretty alarming for a half playing in a team that's basically in the top 4.

[Dr Zaius]

I'm a huge advocate of leaking our offer for marquee players that we are genuinely pursuing. It keeps the salary cap auditor and other clubs honest.

However, we do need to be sensible in offering long term, high dollar deals to any player, especially middle forwards.

The recipe for success has always been investing most of your cap in the spine.

I think many have forgotten the days of having White, Shillo, TLL and Tilse in the books at the same time. Not good business.

We did that for both Milford and Wighton. They signed for other clubs for a fraction of the price. NRL: meh.

That's not entirely true.

There was a fair bit of media coverage around both instances. To the extent that with the Milford scenario it triggered an NRL investigation into the deal. They audited the books of their leagues club and $300k was found to have 'gone missing. The chair of the league's club (Andrew Gee) mysteriously resigned before they could further interview him.

So yeah, on one hand nothing happened, but on the other hand it actually led to increased scrutiny on the Broncos. They were eventually forced to clean up their act a little and within a few years of making the grand final in 2015 they were struggling on the edge of the 8 and missing finals.

There was also a fair bit of media coverage on the Wighton deal with Souths, which otherwise would not have happed without us being so public. That deal was far less shonky than the Milford one, but it has forced Souths to be quite transparent. Wighton did not sign for a pie and coke like Milford.

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The practicality is that those clubs got star players well below market value, and the NRL did nothing about it. The Broncos fell in a heap once Bennett left. They've maintained a good roster, but have had poor coaches. Nothing to do with salary cap scrutiny.

[Seiffert82]

Sure.

But they also lost the likes of Hunt, Ash Taylor, McGuire, Wallace, Nikorima, Arrow, McCulloch, Roberts, Sims and Blair within a few years of making that 2015 Grand Final and the League's Club issue blowing up, and before Bennett left at the end of 2018.

Years gone by I'm sure the exodus of youngsters (in particular) would never have happened so rapidly.

But yeah, let's just say it was Wayne Bennett leaving.

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[Dr Zaius]

Or we could pretend that all of those players left because they were squeezed out by the salary cap, rather than a variety of reasons including being too old, too young and behind other talent, disciplinary and being disgruntled with the club.

We could also pretend that the NRL now polices the salary cap with increased vigour, and that the big clubs aren't boosting their roster with shady third party endorsements, all thanks to us declaring the offers that we have made. I mean the Broncos have signed Reece Walsh for what is it, $350k? Nothing to see here.

The Broncos still had one of the best rosters in the comp. They have underperformed for years. The NRL have previously ruled that deals were not reflective of market value, and taken more out of the cap. They didn't extend that to us. I'm all for putting the spotlight on deals, not that I think that it will change much, more that it highlights how obviously dodgy the system is. That said, only Raiders fans seem to care.

[Finchy]

I know we can’t talk as our drought is longer, but it amazes me that the Broncos have not won a premiership in 17 years. With their many advantages that’s a disgrace

[Seiffert82]

Or we could pretend that all of those players left because they were squeezed out by the salary cap, rather than a variety of reasons including being too old, too young and behind other talent, disciplinary and being disgruntled with the club.

We could also pretend that the NRL now polices the salary cap with increased vigour, and that the big clubs aren't boosting their roster with shady third party endorsements, all thanks to us declaring the offers that we have made. I mean the Broncos have signed Reece Walsh for what is it, $350k? Nothing to see here.

The Broncos still had one of the best rosters in the comp. They have underperformed for years. The NRL have previously ruled that deals were not reflective of market value, and taken more out of the cap. They didn't extend that to us. I'm all for putting the spotlight on deals, not that I think that it will change much, more that it highlights how obviously dodgy the system is. That said, only Raiders fans seem to care.

Maybe there's something to what I'm saying, or maybe there isn't. No sweat either way.

I'm not here to convince you Doc, just pointing out some facts.

Firstly, the NRL actually did investigate the Milford thing, and Gee mysteriously resigned, so it's not exactly accurate to suggest the NRL did nothing.

Then, perhaps coincidentally, the Broncos progressively lost a large number of good players to other clubs before Bennett left in 2018. Then Milford got really fat. Then the Broncos lost even more good players (like Fifita) and finally hit rock bottom in 2020.

Whatever caused their collapse, I'm good with it.

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[Seiffert82]

I know we can’t talk as our drought is longer, but it amazes me that the Broncos have not won a premiership in 17 years. With their many advantages that’s a disgrace

So good.

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[Dr Zaius]

Or we could pretend that all of those players left because they were squeezed out by the salary cap, rather than a variety of reasons including being too old, too young and behind other talent, disciplinary and being disgruntled with the club.

We could also pretend that the NRL now polices the salary cap with increased vigour, and that the big clubs aren't boosting their roster with shady third party endorsements, all thanks to us declaring the offers that we have made. I mean the Broncos have signed Reece Walsh for what is it, $350k? Nothing to see here.

The Broncos still had one of the best rosters in the comp. They have underperformed for years. The NRL have previously ruled that deals were not reflective of market value, and taken more out of the cap. They didn't extend that to us. I'm all for putting the spotlight on deals, not that I think that it will change much, more that it highlights how obviously dodgy the system is. That said, only Raiders fans seem to care.

Maybe there's something to what I'm saying, or maybe there isn't. No sweat either way.

I'm not here to convince you Doc, just pointing out some facts.

Firstly, the NRL actually did investigate the Milford thing, and Gee mysteriously resigned, so it's not exactly accurate to suggest the NRL did nothing.

Then, perhaps coincidentally, the Broncos progressively lost a large number of good players to other clubs before Bennett left in 2018. Then Milford got really fat. Then the Broncos lost even more good players (like Fifita) and finally hit rock bottom in 2020.

Whatever caused their collapse, I'm good with it.

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I think that it's something that we can all celebrate and hope to see many more years of.

[Dylan’s Raiders]

Gold Coast Titans star David Fifita weighs up Canberra Raiders offer

Titans star David Fifita could postpone a decision on his future until the end of the season as he weighs up a $4 million poaching raid from Canberra. Under a clause in his contract, Fifita is a free agent after the sacking of coach Justin Holbrook in June. Fifita’s manager Michael Hudson is overseas until later this month, making it more difficult to reach a resolution before the end of the NRL regular season. Fifita has until mid-September to finalise his future.

Read more: https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nr ... d15aac8be3

I don’t think it happens, but imagine if it does.

[IBG]

2025:

1. Chevy
2. Asomua
3. Timoko
4. Kris
5. Cotric/Hoppa
6. Strange
7. Sanders
8. Papa/Mariota
9. Trev (hopefully he kicks on)
10. Tapine
11. Young
12. Fifita
13. Horse

Sheeeeeesh. Yes it's a young spine but give them time they have massive potential.

[deanoman]

*insert Jim Carrey "so your telling me theres a chance, yeah" gif

[GreenMachine]

2025:

1. Chevy
2. Asomua
3. Timoko
4. Kris
5. Cotric/Hoppa
6. Strange
7. Sanders
8. Papa/Mariota
9. Trev (hopefully he kicks on)
10. Tapine
11. Young
12. Fifita
13. Horse

Sheeeeeesh. Yes it's a young spine but give them time they have massive potential.

But where is our Super Coach going to play Levi?

[FROG]

Gee whiz... finding out you've got 1m to spend on your cap in the off-season wouldn't be ideal. Surely we'd be wanting a decision sooner so we can make other arrangements as required.

[SeeBee101]

Gee whiz... finding out you've got 1m to spend on your cap in the off-season wouldn't be ideal. Surely we'd be wanting a decision sooner so we can make other arrangements as required.

More like 2.5 Mill if you count Hodgo/Wighton/Croker money.

[Raider Azz]

Gold Coast Titans star David Fifita weighs up Canberra Raiders offer

Titans star David Fifita could postpone a decision on his future until the end of the season as he weighs up a $4 million poaching raid from Canberra. Under a clause in his contract, Fifita is a free agent after the sacking of coach Justin Holbrook in June. Fifita’s manager Michael Hudson is overseas until later this month, making it more difficult to reach a resolution before the end of the NRL regular season. Fifita has until mid-September to finalise his future.

Read more: https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nr ... d15aac8be3

I don’t think it happens, but imagine if it does.

[Billy Walker]

Brent Read thinks we'll play for David Fifita



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42 pages later, some big ramps and falls and I’m not sure we have moved far from TW’s original post.

[Raidernation]

Wighton's performance this year is barely worth the $700k Souths are reportedly paying him next season. The $1+m he is already getting from us is significant overs.

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He's been paid on potential for most of his time in Canberra. I think he was worth the money for one or two seasons of his stay at very most.

To be fair, the club took a very good centre and tried to turn him into something that he is not.

Sent from my SM-G998B using Tapatalk

Has Jack ever played more than 3 games in a row at centre.

[Finchy]

Wighton's performance this year is barely worth the $700k Souths are reportedly paying him next season. The $1+m he is already getting from us is significant overs.

Sent from my CPH2021 using Tapatalk

He's been paid on potential for most of his time in Canberra. I think he was worth the money for one or two seasons of his stay at very most.

To be fair, the club took a very good centre and tried to turn him into something that he is not.

Sent from my SM-G998B using Tapatalk

Has Jack ever played more than 3 games in a row at centre.

I assume so, he’s played 36 games there

https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/play ... tions.html

[greeneyed]

Wighton's performance this year is barely worth the $700k Souths are reportedly paying him next season. The $1+m he is already getting from us is significant overs.

Sent from my CPH2021 using Tapatalk

He's been paid on potential for most of his time in Canberra. I think he was worth the money for one or two seasons of his stay at very most.

To be fair, the club took a very good centre and tried to turn him into something that he is not.

Sent from my SM-G998B using Tapatalk

Has Jack ever played more than 3 games in a row at centre.

I assume so, he’s played 36 games there

https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/play ... tions.html

He has, the last time being in 2014.

https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matc ... 0tLS0tLS0t

[Raidernation]

Wighton's performance this year is barely worth the $700k Souths are reportedly paying him next season. The $1+m he is already getting from us is significant overs.

Sent from my CPH2021 using Tapatalk

He's been paid on potential for most of his time in Canberra. I think he was worth the money for one or two seasons of his stay at very most.

To be fair, the club took a very good centre and tried to turn him into something that he is not.

Sent from my SM-G998B using Tapatalk

Has Jack ever played more than 3 games in a row at centre.

I assume so, he’s played 36 games there

https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/play ... tions.html

He has, the last time being in 2014.

https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matc ... 0tLS0tLS0t

I stand corrected, he has only ever had a stretch of more than 3 games played at centre one time and that was 8 games, 9 years ago and lost all but 1 game and i dont remember him ever being a standout at centre. itll be interesting to see how he goes.

[President Clinton]

He's been paid on potential for most of his time in Canberra. I think he was worth the money for one or two seasons of his stay at very most.

To be fair, the club took a very good centre and tried to turn him into something that he is not.

Sent from my SM-G998B using Tapatalk

Has Jack ever played more than 3 games in a row at centre.

I assume so, he’s played 36 games there

https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/play ... tions.html

He has, the last time being in 2014.

https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matc ... 0tLS0tLS0t

I stand corrected, he has only ever had a stretch of more than 3 games played at centre one time and that was 8 games, 9 years ago and lost all but 1 game and i dont remember him ever being a standout at centre. itll be interesting to see how he goes.

I very much expect Wighton to be an expectational centre. He’s played very well there for NSW and Australia. He hits like a truck in defence and has more than enough ball playing ability to be effective. I think the questions remains whether $700k is overs for a centre in 2024 and beyond. He’ll be on more $ than a number of spine players.

[Coastalraider]

Has Jack ever played more than 3 games in a row at centre.

I assume so, he’s played 36 games there

https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/play ... tions.html

He has, the last time being in 2014.

https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matc ... 0tLS0tLS0t

I stand corrected, he has only ever had a stretch of more than 3 games played at centre one time and that was 8 games, 9 years ago and lost all but 1 game and i dont remember him ever being a standout at centre. itll be interesting to see how he goes.

I very much expect Wighton to be an expectational centre. He’s played very well there for NSW and Australia. He hits like a truck in defence and has more than enough ball playing ability to be effective. I think the questions remains whether $700k is overs for a centre in 2024 and beyond. He’ll be on more $ than a number of spine players.

Hahah, he’ll be on more than every one of our spine players

[samvucago]

Has Jack ever played more than 3 games in a row at centre.

I assume so, he’s played 36 games there

https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/play ... tions.html

He has, the last time being in 2014.

https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matc ... 0tLS0tLS0t

I stand corrected, he has only ever had a stretch of more than 3 games played at centre one time and that was 8 games, 9 years ago and lost all but 1 game and i dont remember him ever being a standout at centre. itll be interesting to see how he goes.

I very much expect Wighton to be an expectational centre. He’s played very well there for NSW and Australia. He hits like a truck in defence and has more than enough ball playing ability to be effective. I think the questions remains whether $700k is overs for a centre in 2024 and beyond. He’ll be on more $ than a number of spine players.

You’re having a laugh if you think he is going to be on $700k. He will be getting a few more shandys than that in his pay packet making him a very expensive centre.

[President Clinton]

I assume so, he’s played 36 games there

https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/play ... tions.html

He has, the last time being in 2014.

https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matc ... 0tLS0tLS0t

I stand corrected, he has only ever had a stretch of more than 3 games played at centre one time and that was 8 games, 9 years ago and lost all but 1 game and i dont remember him ever being a standout at centre. itll be interesting to see how he goes.

I very much expect Wighton to be an expectational centre. He’s played very well there for NSW and Australia. He hits like a truck in defence and has more than enough ball playing ability to be effective. I think the questions remains whether $700k is overs for a centre in 2024 and beyond. He’ll be on more $ than a number of spine players.

You’re having a laugh if you think he is going to be on $700k. He will be getting a few more shandys than that in his pay packet making him a very expensive centre.

You are right, looks like his on $850. With Latrell, Walker and Cook in the side, I imagine they will be skimping elsewhere.

[bonehead]

I can't find any articles on koloamatangi re-signing but he wouldn't be cheap either

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[Botman]

I don’t know who the edge forward we’re going to land is
I very much doubt it’s Fifita but cash and some comments about the need to buy an edge forward for our top 30 give me reasons to optimistic that it’ll be a genuine upgrade

That said I’m very keen for a short sharp August to Mid Sept ramp up for a Fifita tilt! Dreams are free after all

[greeneyed]

He's been paid on potential for most of his time in Canberra. I think he was worth the money for one or two seasons of his stay at very most.

To be fair, the club took a very good centre and tried to turn him into something that he is not.

Sent from my SM-G998B using Tapatalk

Has Jack ever played more than 3 games in a row at centre.

I assume so, he’s played 36 games there

https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/play ... tions.html

He has, the last time being in 2014.

https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matc ... 0tLS0tLS0t

I stand corrected, he has only ever had a stretch of more than 3 games played at centre one time and that was 8 games, 9 years ago and lost all but 1 game and i dont remember him ever being a standout at centre. itll be interesting to see how he goes.

There was more than one. Also in 2012 and 2013.

[greeneyed]

Canberra Raiders play recruitment long game as David Fifita links continue

The Canberra Raiders are still interested in signing Gold Coast star David Fifita if he chooses to enact the get-out clause in his Titans contract. Raiders coach Ricky Stuart batted away questions about the fresh Fifita links.

"We're keen on a lot of players who are off-contract," he said. "We are working very, very hard and long hours on making sure we are recruiting the right people."

Read more: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... /?cs=14239

[Billy Walker]

It’s a looooong ramp

[Raidernation]

every time i see Fifita play im left underwhelmed. Ive never seen him hit in defense, when the speed of the game increases hes slow to get back in the line and hes still slow with his lateral movement. if we are going to throw a million dollar contract at someone olakuatu looks like a much better bet in almost every department. 1m a year over 3 years should be enough for him to hand in a transfer request.