J. Smith wanted by Bennett at Dragons

[Cronk7]

Oh well.Ya win some and ya lose some I guess.

[mb09]

Why didn't he sign with the Dragons at the end of last year then we could have retained Clint Newton.

[Cronk7]

Were they after him then or not?
If so,perhaps the offer wasnt right or something.

[nacho]

theres plenty of 2nd row's from the u20s that im sure could do the job fine. but we need a towering winger or center for next year, i hope they use this extra money wisely and not piss it all away

[steaming stormer]

Big loss I reckon.  he's been a very solid player for a few years now... but not totally unexpected, although we need to do something now as we seem to be losing players without picking anyone up

[mb09]

Were they after him then or not?
If so,perhaps the offer wasnt right or something.

He was offered a 3 year deal by the Dragons & Storm were prepared to release him & then they would have been in a position to offer Newton a multi year deal.

[Cronk7]

Were they after him then or not?
If so,perhaps the offer wasnt right or something.

He was offered a 3 year deal by the Dragons & Storm were prepared to release him & then they would have been in a position to offer Newton a multi year deal.

So it was pretty much him holding out another year and if so it could be seen as him f***ing us over twice?

[Super Cronk]

Were they after him then or not?
If so,perhaps the offer wasnt right or something.

i think bennet would have been the deciding factor. Maybe he just wants to be coached under Wayne, the second best coach in the comp.

[Fampa]

Losing Croker and Smith in the one go will need to be addressed.  We lose mongrel and some well crafted experience as well as confident ball players.

We need to hit the market.  Losing three internationals in the one year should free up some $$.  Retain Cam and get a wide running ball playing backrower.  And if it's not too much to ask could we get one that's not eligible for SoO?

[nacho]

  And if it's not too much to ask could we get one that's not eligible for SoO?

yeah get a kiwi!

[mb09]

Were they after him then or not?
If so,perhaps the offer wasnt right or something.

He was offered a 3 year deal by the Dragons & Storm were prepared to release him & then they would have been in a position to offer Newton a multi year deal.

So it was pretty much him holding out another year and if so it could be seen as him f***ing us over twice?

Yes

[Hailstorm]

Were they after him then or not?
If so,perhaps the offer wasnt right or something.

He was offered a 3 year deal by the Dragons & Storm were prepared to release him & then they would have been in a position to offer Newton a multi year deal.

So it was pretty much him holding out another year and if so it could be seen as him f***ing us over twice?

I was thinking the same thing 

[steaming stormer]

no, he hasn't f&*ed us twice.  He stayed and will potentially help us win another comp.  We don't know what the club offered either... from earlier reports we'd basically told him he was free to go if he wanted.

[MENACING*STORM]

Well thats crocker, Taga and smith gone

I also read on the New Ltd RL site that Antonio Kaufusi has been told to look for another club next year too. 

Ever since Pumba stepped into the Foos' shoes, he has never looked back. 

Good luck Antonio for the future.

[storm_rhinos]

Look at it this way jez is 28, a 3 year deal takes him to 31 - i reckon they perhaps may be looking for a younger guy to bring through who wont cost the $$ as a balance for the contracts they need to renew next year like Cam etc