Post by cookmysock on Aug 6, 2018 10:07:14 GMT
The highly active trade market continued with Auckland today announcing confirmation of the aquisition of powerhouse forwards Coen Hess & Adin Fanou Blake from the arch enemy, Adelaide, effective from seasons end.
In a move that raised some eyebrows, the Auckland boys had to defend the departure of the dynamic Ben Barba to the dark side, along with the fading Morgan Knowles. A bonus 200k went Auckland's way to secure the deal & the social media sites went into overdrive, some complimenting, some questioning the Auckland coaches reasoning.
The guy who dresses up in the Orca outfit at home games, & does most of the player dealings with other clubs, was fielding questions from the media on the topic, & explained the clubs thinking on the matter.
"We felt Barba was a huge gamble to hang onto.
He is ageing, traditionally doesn't have many seasons consecutively strong, is weak in defence for a fullback & we just had a plethora of players who could cove rhis loss. Dylan Edwards, Jordan Rapana even Robery Jennings could fill in at fullback, so we feel the loss wont be felt too strongly. WE have a lot of capable backs.
The addition however of 2 YOUNG powerhouse forwards, who are only going to improve with time, was something that we couldn't pass up.
Sam Burgess time at the club is coming to an end, & there is talk he &/ or Tohu Harris could be put up for offer to other clubs in coming days. WE look at it as a short & long term masterstroke. These guys will be at the top of their game for seasons to come, which we couldn't guarantee from the departing Barba. They will help form what should be the games premier pack next season.
& without sounding ungrateful for his services, it was a bonus to be rid of Morgan Knowles without having to pay him out at seasons end. The icing on the cake, 200k, will be well spent going towards the contract finalising of the hugely disappointing halfback Luke Gale.
We are comfortable with our decision"
Trading & positioning for next season will continue in coming weeks, while the players & coach focus on qualifying for the finals, the guy who dresses up in the Orcas suit will continue hugely complex negotiations.
In a move that raised some eyebrows, the Auckland boys had to defend the departure of the dynamic Ben Barba to the dark side, along with the fading Morgan Knowles. A bonus 200k went Auckland's way to secure the deal & the social media sites went into overdrive, some complimenting, some questioning the Auckland coaches reasoning.
The guy who dresses up in the Orca outfit at home games, & does most of the player dealings with other clubs, was fielding questions from the media on the topic, & explained the clubs thinking on the matter.
"We felt Barba was a huge gamble to hang onto.
He is ageing, traditionally doesn't have many seasons consecutively strong, is weak in defence for a fullback & we just had a plethora of players who could cove rhis loss. Dylan Edwards, Jordan Rapana even Robery Jennings could fill in at fullback, so we feel the loss wont be felt too strongly. WE have a lot of capable backs.
The addition however of 2 YOUNG powerhouse forwards, who are only going to improve with time, was something that we couldn't pass up.
Sam Burgess time at the club is coming to an end, & there is talk he &/ or Tohu Harris could be put up for offer to other clubs in coming days. WE look at it as a short & long term masterstroke. These guys will be at the top of their game for seasons to come, which we couldn't guarantee from the departing Barba. They will help form what should be the games premier pack next season.
& without sounding ungrateful for his services, it was a bonus to be rid of Morgan Knowles without having to pay him out at seasons end. The icing on the cake, 200k, will be well spent going towards the contract finalising of the hugely disappointing halfback Luke Gale.
We are comfortable with our decision"
Trading & positioning for next season will continue in coming weeks, while the players & coach focus on qualifying for the finals, the guy who dresses up in the Orcas suit will continue hugely complex negotiations.
