Bulldogs reportedly leading the race to sign Terrell May

[PLV012]

Looking at Va'a's stats for last year, he built into the season very nicely. Coming off the bench initially, he ended up starting prop in his last 3 games of NSW Cup, where he produced these numbers:

Ave playing time: 45 min
Ave Meters gained: 146
Ave PCM: 58
Ave Tackle Efficiency: 94%

That's a pretty good effort. He didn't play afer round 19 however, so I assume he copped a reasonably serious injury. Where's his uncle to update us?

Hey mate

At the start of the year, after a good preseason, & a couple of trial matches, Xavier was eyeing a debut, according to Head Office, earlier than expected. But it quickly became a frustrating 2023 for Xavier ...just before rd1, 8wks out for knee, then followed by 2wks for an ankle, then carried a shoulder injury for 3wks before ending his season, requiring surgery.

Surgery was successful & he's back at work, so it's into preseason now. Hoping 2024 brings a bit more luck.

...& he's Just turned 20 last week.

RWB
E2W

[theGman]

Hey mate

At the start of the year, after a good preseason, & a couple of trial matches, Xavier was eyeing a debut, according to Head Office, earlier than expected. But it quickly became a frustrating 2023 for Xavier ...just before rd1, 8wks out for knee, then followed by 2wks for an ankle, then carried a shoulder injury for 3wks before ending his season, requiring surgery.

Surgery was successful & he's back at work, so it's into preseason now. Hoping 2024 brings a bit more luck.

...& he's Just turned 20 last week.

RWB
E2W

Thanks Uncle.
What about big, little brother DLS?
What are the club's plans for him?

[mightyrooster]

Hey mate

At the start of the year, after a good preseason, & a couple of trial matches, Xavier was eyeing a debut, according to Head Office, earlier than expected. But it quickly became a frustrating 2023 for Xavier ...just before rd1, 8wks out for knee, then followed by 2wks for an ankle, then carried a shoulder injury for 3wks before ending his season, requiring surgery.

Surgery was successful & he's back at work, so it's into preseason now. Hoping 2024 brings a bit more luck.

...& he's Just turned 20 last week.

RWB
E2W

Great stuff! Thanks for the update.

[PLV012]

Thanks Uncle.
What about big, little brother DLS?
What are the club's plans for him?

Hey mate

Salle has extended for 3yrs also... he too had some injury problems towards the end of the season (broken hand) but he managed to get to the finishing line. Highlight being part of a very dominant NSWCCC side, who cleaned up at the schoolboy nationals... earned himself a Green & Gold schoolboy jumper... played at Port Moresby & beat the Junior Kumuls (u21s)... now into nrl preseason with Xavier... big 2024 lined up ahead, starting with SGBall & then see where he goes from there...

The challenge for all footballers, staying healthy on/off the field, to get through the demands of the season. Here's hoping the boys get a bit more sunshine throughout 2024.

Cheers.

RWB
E2W

[Waylander]

Hey mate

At the start of the year, after a good preseason, & a couple of trial matches, Xavier was eyeing a debut, according to Head Office, earlier than expected. But it quickly became a frustrating 2023 for Xavier ...just before rd1, 8wks out for knee, then followed by 2wks for an ankle, then carried a shoulder injury for 3wks before ending his season, requiring surgery.

Surgery was successful & he's back at work, so it's into preseason now. Hoping 2024 brings a bit more luck.

...& he's Just turned 20 last week.

RWB
E2W

Thanks very much for the update. I look forward to watching both boys progress.

[Mickie Lane]

Hey mate

Salle has extended for 3yrs also... he too had some injury problems towards the end of the season (broken hand) but he managed to get to the finishing line. Highlight being part of a very dominant NSWCCC side, who cleaned up at the schoolboy nationals... earned himself a Green & Gold schoolboy jumper... played at Port Moresby & beat the Junior Kumuls (u21s)... now into nrl preseason with Xavier... big 2024 lined up ahead, starting with SGBall & then see where he goes from there...

The challenge for all footballers, staying healthy on/off the field, to get through the demands of the season. Here's hoping the boys get a bit more sunshine throughout 2024.

Cheers.

RWB
E2W

Great stuff uncle.

[Spirit of 66]

According to a Foxsports article about how Sitili knocked back an offer from the Knights, May is "close to finalising a deal to stay at the Roosters". I was never quite sure what was meant by the headline that the Bulldogs were "leading the race to sign Terrell May". I mean, how is progress in this "race" measured? Does he sign the first three letters of his name on the Dogs contract but only two on the Roosters contract?

ROOSTER REJECTS KNIGHTS

Sydney Roosters back-rower Sitili Tupouniua is set to shun the Newcastle Knights to ink a new three-year deal with the Tri-colours.

The Daily Telegraph reported Tupouniu is set to be the latest in a string of Roosters re-signings on a three-year deal through until the end of 2027.

The 26-year-old was reportedly being chased by the Knights, but is set to ink a long-term extension at the Bondi club.

Tupouniua, whose current contract expires in 2024, is currently on the comeback trail from a neck injury that restricted him to just eight games for the Roosters in 2023.

The hulking forward has scored 26 tries in 85 games for the Roosters since his debut in 2018 and played 16 games in the club’s run to the 2019 title.

He has also played three Test matches for Tonga since his international debut in 2019.

Nat Butcher has reportedly also inked an extension and Terrell May is close to finalising a deal to stay at the Roosters.

The Roosters have recently re-signed Sandon Smith, Billy Smith and Connor Watson as they prepare for an assault on the 2024 title race.

[Intercept]

[QUOTE=Spirit of 66;n1034552]According to a Foxsports article about how Sitili knocked back an offer from the Knights, May is "close to finalising a deal to stay at the Roosters". I was never quite sure what was meant by the headline that the Bulldogs were "leading the race to sign Terrell May". I mean, how is progress in this "race" measured? Does he sign the first three letters of his name on the Dogs contract but only two on the Roosters contract?

That made me laugh Spirit of 66 ! It also made me think about some of the other crap that leaks into 'journo speak' and just becomes so widely used that we hardly notice it anymore. Like 'boom rookie'. Or, 'my mail is' or as in the article you quote, a player 'inking a deal'. Anyway, it's always good to get a laugh so thank you!

[Schooner]

I found an article on the web that says Supplementary players (formally Development) can play from Rd 1 this year. I can't verify that on any official website.

[PRIDE]

Priority signing for your club.

[Thirteen]

Priority signing for your club.

Welcome back Pride. I hope you are well.

[worldbe3]

Not sure if anyone’s mentioned it but the Dogs going hard after Fonua Blake probably works in our advantage. I think the real danger is he signs with Penrith. They’d be looking for a new prop too

[mattyh]

Not sure if anyone’s mentioned it but the Dogs going hard after Fonua Blake probably works in our advantage. I think the real danger is he signs with Penrith. They’d be looking for a new prop too

how on earth could penrith fit him in ? they have jfh and leota , the best 1 - 2 punch in the league.

surely they'd prioritise luai over afovert would be nice if we cpuld land him , but I feel our priority may be finding a half go partner walker if smith does not work in the next season or two.

[Mickie Lane]

Ive got a feeling the Chooks will sign AFB for 2025 to replace JWH.

[ARD]

It was mentioned on the telegraph podcast recently that the sticking point in negotiations is a 2024 upgrade as part of an extension. Apparently, the club has yet to deliver that - possibly due to salary cap challenges.

Brent Read gave his view May would leave, whereas Dave Riccio said his mail was staying. Personally, they both sounded like they were filling in the gaps and guessing.