I realize from my involvement in the game on the salary cap side that many on here think that we could somehow sign another 2 x $1m per season players from 2021 because unfortunately, Hill has created that impression. Without significant 3rd party contributions though, this just isnt feasible. If we did then we wouldnt be able to upgrade players like Wakeham, Okunbor, JMK, Lewis or Smith that will all be due upgrades. We'd stand the chance of losing most of these players.
With almost the lowest share of 3rd parties in the NRL, the Dogs are heavily reliant going forward, on continually looking at bargain guys simply because of the neglect of our juniors and the inability of Hasler and Cleal to spot talent...Mitchell and Lichaa, T Rex and Woods classic examples. Their neglect to bring through future players means we must look elsewhere for talent for a few years yet. Then with 9 teams in Sydney and Gary Johnston choosing to take a step back its nigh impossible to get 3rd parties across the line.
So we have $9.5m to be spread across 30 players. Lets say we keep Foran at say $850Kpa and we got 2 x $1m players, that would leave $6.65m to be spread across 27 players or $246k each. Your not going to hang onto players like DWZ, CHN, Jackson, Napa, RFM, Tolman, Stimson etc etc paying them $246k. The ONLY way to build a competitive roster is WITHIN. Concentrate on spotting and developing juniors who while under your control are cheap. Exactly what our Board is focussing on. Exactly what Roosters, Souths, Sharks, Manly and Broncos are doing.
For what its worth we can fit 1 marque player on $1m+...and Id be going for David Fifita or Haas. Failing to secure either 1 Id be going hard for Manu, Staggs then Xerri all of who would be much cheaper. Dont forget weve been considering Mitchell already and the Trebovovich's and I cant knock the Manly bros. wish to stay together on the Nth beaches. You cant knock our Board for that. We are building nicely. Hard years make you appreciate the good years more. The salary cap over a long period of time does work to spread the talent out. Some clubs still backend key deals...and 1 or 2 backended deals can work as long as you have a bunch of promising kids coming through in the later years, but under Hasler, we were honestly f##ked by how many backenders we did. We are still paying the price for those deals next year.