On a brighter note and a bit of respite from all this doom and gloom on here ,a well known ,(I’ll not say reputable) agent who had us down for the chop has now said after our success’s in the friendly’s and talking to fordy about the enthusiasm in the camp and how the players have bought into mash’s philosophy,that we are no longer seen as relegation fodder .

We should be used to that by now, just think about our recently departed star wing man, how many games did he play in the last 3/4 seasons, and we still paid his contract.

......But that's the risk with [iany[/i player who's new or on a good retained contract eg Bill, Tom.....

Sorry Ketty, I was referring to big Jorge.

Bizarrely, it does tend to be the players who see less of the action who suffer most from injuries. I presume it's because when they go, they go at full tilt. Those guys who biff and bash their way up the middle, who carry more injuries on the whole, tend to be miss fewer games, it seems. With a winger or centre, one ACL and you lose them for the year.

Absolute Gold FIL, absolute Gold....


Can't wait now to meet Mrs FIL and tell her that on one occasion you have [iactually[/i done what you were told...

Took me a long time to get used to players signing a contract to move clubs a year in advance here in Aus… I took it that they no n longer wanted to play for the club and should move on… I was wrong, and those players genuinely remain committed to do their best during their contract and then move with integrity!

I expect big things from Murph this year and will cheer him all the way!

Might even go watch a few games where he plays in Sydney too

Seen an a few articles today that Roosters might be trying to resign RTS. If that's the case wonder if it will put them near cap as he won't come cheap. Also if he did go with their back line it would prove difficult for him to get into their team in the two years he's there. Could be another Hall scenario.

Hall was past his best, Murphy will just get better

Murphy is as good as TJ coming through though with differing styles. The one thing Murphy has on the young TJ is he seems to be a better defender (probably why the NRL are showing early interest).

Big statement after just one season

I read it that he meant as good as TJ at the same age.
TJ wasn't the finished article at that age by any means.

TJ is a very special player so any comparison to him now is premature I think.

Yes that’s what I meant as I said ‘coming through’. I was talking competitively off both their debut seasons. Both had impressive breakthrough years. It’s important Murphy backs it up like TJ did. If he does his stock will rise by some distance.

We are seriously pumping out some good young players recent years. I hope we keep investing in our youth promoting 2/3 yearly.

The big difference is Johnstone played out his career in our domestic league where competition isn’t as cut throat or intense. Murph on the other hand is going to try his luck in the toughest environment possible where unbelievable competition will await him , he’ll no longer be that big fish in the little pond . It well documented that our domestic backs struggle in the NRL comp compared to forwards that go over . Anyway good luck to the lad , if it doesn’t work out I’m sure saints or the like will pick him up dust him down and give him a gig .Hopefully there are more Johnstone and Murphy waiting in the wings for their chance to impress the fans

Not sure about the backs that struggle in NRL part. More specifically young backs at the start of their career.

Can you name these backs that struggle recent years as younger end players?

I can think of a few young ones to go over in Dom Young and Farnworth.

There’s been Gildart who seems to have had a fair few appearances.

Hall recently struggled but he went at the wrong time in his career.

Nathan brown was on a podcast recently talking about how it’s a much easier transition for our forwards in their game to establish themselves than our backs ,a very good listen if you have the time ,can’t remember all the why’s and how’s but I’ll back his assessment.

we need to find another Murphy or Johnstone, (or one of each) with the allegiance to Trinity of Jordy Crowther, simple!

Tbf, Murphy hasn't played a game over there yet, although, like most, I hope that he absolutely smashes it.

TJ showed considerable loyalty to Trinity.

I agree

I think that's the first time Ive totally agreed with you.

Pity Murphy doesn't feel the same.

Johnson did show considerable loyalty, but the club gave him a three tear deal on one of the highest wages the club has ever made, the club also put considerable resource and care into him.

I wish to well at Catalan , just think hinting that Murphy is less loyal is a bit harsh, end of day he was on a three year deal on not a lot of money - who can blame him for taking up this offer ?

I doubt if you or anybody else knew what terms Johnstone was on as they are closely guarded secrets for obvious reasons unless of course your family, but it doesn’t stop everyone including the guy behind the chippy counter quoting facts and figures . I’m all for good honest banter and love the odd tale , but I trust the board to do the right thing with the players regarding contracts without me having or wanting to know what they are on . That’s simply between the said parties and not the general public , although that’s never stopped the truth getting in the way of a good story .Murph wants to test himself against the best and be paid handsomely for the privilege, time will tell iff it’s a good or bad move , his choice and we move on without him next season , and I’m comfortable with that without bashing the board .

Did you read someone else’s post when framing this reply, bashing the board ? Chippy counter? Honest banter , the truth gettting on the way of a good story ? What does make me smile is that you criticise my knowledge of what Johnson was on - even though it was pretty well reported on at the time, then go on to say Murphy is being paid handsomely ! Are you his family ?

Yes, course he did, but I’m sure you really get what I mean, neither Johnstone (who don’t forget was well looked after by Trinity) or Murphy have the same feelings for Trinity as Crowther obviously has!