Jaxson Paulo and Roosters

[HunchoRooster]

Listening to Connor Watson on ABC radio last weekend they were asking him about his contract situation for next year. He sounded a long way away from confident he'd still be with us.

I agree. Seems like he might be the odd man out, which is a shame because he hasn't been at his best for us largely due to injury and being in wrong position.

[HunchoRooster]

I think Paulo has outperformed everyone's expectations, including the coaching staff. Even if he signs for a 3rd year (2025), he would need to play reserve grade/back-up next year assuming our backline is:
1. Ted
2. Toops (probably final year)
3. JS (final year)
4. Manu
5. Young

Given JS and more than likely Toops leaving after 2024, I'd assume we would try our darndest to hold onto Paulo for 2025 and beyond. Just would need him to have the patience to sit on the pine for a season in 2024.

[SamKerrSimp]

I agree. Seems like he might be the odd man out, which is a shame because he hasn't been at his best for us largely due to injury and being in wrong position.

He’s been odd man out since the start it was a very bizarre signing that didn’t make sense for the club. He’s a very good player who probably should have signed somewhere else to get the minutes he needs

[HunchoRooster]

He’s been odd man out since the start it was a very bizarre signing that didn’t make sense for the club. He’s a very good player who probably should have signed somewhere else to get the minutes he needs

I agree with you there. Great player and has a history with the club so we were all optimistic but in hindsight and even on paper, didn't make a whole lot of sense. Still adds a lot of value to our 17 when fully fit though.

[Inflictor]

Listening to Connor Watson on ABC radio last weekend they were asking him about his contract situation for next year. He sounded a long way away from confident he'd still be with us.

He was good for us last year when he played the utility role. Not necessarily when at dummy half though.

I think Turpin has probably passed him now as a dummy half and he would be surplus next year now.

[Kelby]

I think Paulo has outperformed everyone's expectations, including the coaching staff. Even if he signs for a 3rd year (2025), he would need to play reserve grade/back-up next year assuming our backline is:
1. Ted
2. Toops (probably final year)
3. JS (final year)
4. Manu
5. Young

Given JS and more than likely Toops leaving after 2024, I'd assume we would try our darndest to hold onto Paulo for 2025 and beyond. Just would need him to have the patience to sit on the pine for a season in 2024.

I know its a long way away but in 2025...?

1. Ted
2. Murphy
3. Toia
4. Smith
5. Young
6. Manu
7. Sammy

[Vasco]

Got to love a desperate gossip columnist.

[Thirteen]

If he goes elsewhere for more money next season he's mad. He's settled in well here, is playing first grade and playing well, and he's going to ditch that and start all over at another new club next season? He said in an interview last week that as soon as he arrived at the club he felt like he was "home'.

With Joe and Joe and Dom and Toops next year he wouldn’t get a start until inquiry hit.

[Thirteen]

I know its a long way away but in 2025...?

1. Ted
2. Murphy
3. Toia
4. Smith
5. Young
6. Manu
7. Sammy

Smith will still be out with another ACL injury.

[HunchoRooster]

I know its a long way away but in 2025...?

1. Ted
2. Murphy
3. Toia
4. Smith
5. Young
6. Manu
7. Sammy

I agree with Manu at 6. Is Murphy confirmed yet? Heard he did ACL. Speaking of that, don't have much faith in Billy Smith sadly.

[Inflictor]

I know its a long way away but in 2025...?

1. Ted
2. Murphy
3. Toia
4. Smith
5. Young
6. Manu
7. Sammy

I thought Jorgo Jnr would be here by then.

[Kokoras]

I thought Jorgo Jnr would be here by then.

He won't be leaving Rugby

[Headless Chook]

He’s been odd man out since the start it was a very bizarre signing that didn’t make sense for the club. He’s a very good player who probably should have signed somewhere else to get the minutes he needs

I think the signing made perfect sense it was just unfortunate injuries which meant we didn't get to see the best of him until the back end of the year. Robbo signed him to play that middle 3rd role much like Cheese played at Melbourne. Connor's point of difference was his speed and footwork which was very dangerous when he would come on after 25 mins when the game had started to open up. The problem was that Sammy kept getting injured meaning Connor was forced to play at dummy half a lot which isn't really his strength. It's no coincidence that we started to hit some form when Sam came back as hooker and Connor was able to do what we signed him for.

[zac]

watson is a talent and if not for injuries to himself and to verrills he might well be pushing origin this year.

[Carlos Parra]

Free up money. Cut Billy Smith.