Official Matt Moylan

[Wizard]

I can’t see how I could come to any other conclusion. You said we bombed out of the finals due to Moylan’s performances and he couldn’t be guaranteed a spot next year.

You could say the same for half a dozen other players.

Chad are you ok ?

We tried it with Moylan and we bombed out.. the partnership doesn’t work. It’s not hard to understand and it’s not the the only reason why we bombed out.

If you’re happy with our structure, last tackle plays, kicking game and game management especially against top teams then let’s agree to disagree

 

[Sir Chadley]

Chad are you ok ?

We tried it with Moylan and we bombed out.. the partnership doesn’t work. It’s not hard to understand and it’s not the the only reason why we bombed out.

If you’re happy with our structure, last tackle plays, kicking game and game management especially against top teams then let’s agree to disagree

Yes I’m ok and it’s Sir Chadley to you!

I must have misunderstood you, mentioning bombing out and Moylan in the same sentence to me seemed like you were blaming him for us losing.

I certainly don’t think Moylan is the answer long term but I don’t think Trindall is either. If anyone it’s Dykes that has the potential to fill that role.

I like Brayden and think he has some good qualities but he is far too inconsistent.

 

[Capital_Shark]

I like Brayden and think he has some good qualities but he is far too inconsistent.

I disagree. I think he's been pretty consistent. I'm always fairly sure what he's gonna provide most the time.

 

[Wizard]

Yes I’m ok and it’s Sir Chadley to you!

I must have misunderstood you, mentioning bombing out and Moylan in the same sentence to me seemed like you were blaming him for us losing.

I certainly don’t think Moylan is the answer long term but I don’t think Trindall is either. If anyone it’s Dykes that has the potential to fill that role.

I like Brayden and think he has some good qualities but he is far too inconsistent.

Yeah I think Brayden is just like anyone else and needs game time to develop, even Wilton suffered from a lack of it and we all know how good he can go

 

[Proud Shark]

Yeah I think Brayden is just like anyone else and needs game time to develop, even Wilton suffered from a lack of it and we all know how good he can go

You may be right, and he's shown good patches, he's also shown some **** patches. I'm not convinced he's not just the next Todd Murphy.

 

[Gards]

Moylan was heavily involved in our finals games running around all over the place, getting the ball, throwing long and short passes, pushing up to defend/pressure attackers, diving on balls, probing at the line in attack ect. He had some good moments both from an effort and skill/execution standpoint.

He kicked alot more against Souths as well. His missed tackles over the finals series doesn't look good though. He was far from perfect but he isn't a player front of mind for me when it comes to why we failed in our 2 finals games. He can only do so much in a team that was bit of a cluster **** over those 2 weeks.

Connor Tracey and some of our senior players/forwards were the biggest problem IMO and to an extent our fullback at times along with gameplan/execution and bench use with alot of those later points on our rookie coach.

Moylan just had one of his best seasons in ages and his partnership with Hynes got us to 2nd place whether you agree that combo was a big part of that or not but personally I think it was effective for the most part.

Even later in the year when our attack started to get clunky and less slick and teams learned how to start defending us, it was still a dangerous pairing that could put on some good attacking plays and expose a weakness in the defense. Even put on some ad-lib eyes up plays like Mozzas chip over the top for Hynes.

I think fans (including myself) can get too picky or harsh over all the things a player doesn't do or have but forget or don't relise/notice all the good things. We aren't going to have another James Maloney in the 6 and Hynes is a work in progress in the 7 yet has still performed at a high level. Trindall isn't a realistic solution either

Moylan worked hard this year, fixed up his body and attitude and did ALOT more good than bad each week. I really don't think there was much bad in general actually, he seemed to really have his **** together and mind on the job this season.

This is coming from someone who couldn't stand the sight of the smirking ground passing bleacher sitting money leaching **** 12 months ago.

 

[Sharkfox]

Our halves are similar and both are not natural or genuine halves, put a proper half who can game manage next any of them and they'll excel

 

[bort]

Our halves are similar and both are not natural or genuine halves, put a proper half who can game manage next any of them and they'll excel

Additionally, based on their first season together (ones first season as an NRL half) you can also put them together and go pretty well

 

[Sharkfox]

Additionally, based on their first season together (ones first season as an NRL half) you can also put them together and go pretty well

They did very well, but game management is a problem. If thats not solved then we keep losing games we should be winning, especially the ones where we invite opposition back into game. We also won't be able to beat full strength top teams during season or go all the way in finals

 

[bort]

They did very well, but game management is a problem. If thats not solved then we keep losing games we should be winning, especially the ones where we invite opposition back into game. We also won't be able to beat full strength top teams during season or go all the way in finals

So do we bring in a worse player who excels at realising it’s a good time to kick on the fourth or do we splash 800k+ to buy a good player that can do it?
Or to tell Kennedy to walk a ball back for a tap, or whatever else.

Or do we keep improving our first year halfback.

Pay a million to get a Moses or someone in where does the extra 500k+ come from?
At least we’d get our moneys worth out of their kicking game behind our cheap well beaten pack

 

[HaroldBishop]

So do we bring in a worse player who excels at realising it’s a good time to kick on the fourth or do we splash 800k+ to buy a good player that can do it?
Or to tell Kennedy to walk a ball back for a tap, or whatever else.

Or do we keep improving our first year halfback.

Pay a million to get a Moses or someone in where does the extra 500k+ come from?
At least we’d get our moneys worth out of their kicking game behind our cheap well beaten pack

I'm not advocating getting Moses but Fifita 800k plus Wade 800k?

I know we need to upgrade quite a few players, not sure how much that would soak up.

 

[bort]

I'm not advocating getting Moses but Fifita 800k plus Wade 800k?

I know we need to upgrade quite a few players, not sure how much that would soak up.

Who are you advocating getting?

 

[HaroldBishop]

Who are you advocating getting?

Who says I'm advocating getting anyone?

 

[Sharkfox]

Souths made a big call letting Reynolds go and putting their trust in a rookie with Ilias. Has had a decent season at top grade, kept focus on his defense and kicking game. They struggle without Latrell, but he's filled that 7 jersey well for a rookie, they don't get to prelim if he's not playing his role and helping with game management through out the year.

So do we bring in a worse player who excels at realising it’s a good time to kick on the fourth or do we splash 800k+ to buy a good player that can do it?
Or to tell Kennedy to walk a ball back for a tap, or whatever else.

Or do we keep improving our first year halfback.

Pay a million to get a Moses or someone in where does the extra 500k+ come from?
At least we’d get our moneys worth out of their kicking game behind our cheap well beaten pack

Trindall is a 7, using him as utility or 18th man has stunted his development imo. If you aren't using him as starting 7, then don't use him at all and let him play in reserve grade where he can keep developing and mature in that position every week. I wouldn't even put him at 6 now if Moylan was out, have Dykes have a run or shift Hynes to 5-8. He played well last few games when he was a starting half at top grade which is a good sign.

I would give current halves combination one more season to get right or improve, but if game management is the same problem, I'd be looking for a proper half for 2024. If the plan is set for Hynes Moylan combo for next 2 seasons, then that's the risk we take not looking at or going to market Nov 1 for a top halfback for 2024. I just hope we don't have same results as this year for next 2 seasons

Kennedy also on notice, if he doesn't improve defense start of next season, bring in Dykes and start building his game for the rest of that season or just have him first choice. Kid is confident and always tries to get involved, ready for top grade, could have a break out season 2024 when we need it after him consistently playing next season.

I don't mind paying 800k+ for an experienced top halfback if we could afford it, you'd be strengthening your spine. You will also get the best out of Hynes or Moylan, who can have a bit more freedom to play their style

 

[bort]

Who says I'm advocating getting anyone?

Well I said 'or someone' so because you latched onto just part of what I said I thought you might have had a thought that related to it.
If you're not advocating for anyone then the fact you're also not advocating for Moses seemed redundant.

No half of any real value (imo) is off contract for 2023 so if we were to splash on an expensive half the money available next season due to Andrew leaving and Wade being cheaper doesn't significantly come into play. Even if there was 800k of it left we'd arguably be better off spending it.

Upgrades to all these guys (below) plus Oregon to replace Andrew and likely Wade (cheaper) to replace Wade (expensive) probably chews up a significant portion of the freed up money

Blayke Brailey (2026), Kade Dykes (2024), Braden Hamlin-Uele (2024), Royce Hunt (2023), Kayal Iro (2024), Matt Moylan (2024), Ronaldo Mulitalo (2025), Briton Nikora (2025), Jack Williams (2024)
Many of these contracts go through into 2024.

But on top of that we also have the following all off contract for 2024 which is when some of the big name halves are available
William Kennedy (2023) Siosifa Talakai (2023) Braydon Trindall (2023) Jesse Ramien (2023) Teig Wilton (2023) Sione Katoa (2023) Lachlan Miller (2023) Matt Ikuvalu (2023) Jayden Berrell (2023) Royce Hunt (2023)
So it is more the money from them leaving which becomes available to spend for an expensive half import.
Some of them who are current starters likely get an upgrade/extension which is effective as of next season though.

So perhaps release Kennedy, at least two of Talakai/Ramien/Katoa and maybe also Hunt and that should free up 800k+ while still leaving some money to upgrade/buy replacements for these 4 starters being let go?

It's all a very complicated juggling act to theorise around but I guess my point is I don't think Wade and Fifita money likely buys us a 2024 half.

 

[HaroldBishop]

Well I said 'or someone' so because you latched onto just part of what I said I thought you might have had a thought that related to it.
If you're not advocating for anyone then the fact you're also not advocating for Moses seemed redundant.

No half of any real value (imo) is off contract for 2023 so if we were to splash on an expensive half the money available next season due to Andrew leaving and Wade being cheaper doesn't significantly come into play. Even if there was 800k of it left we'd arguably be better off spending it.

Upgrades to all these guys (below) plus Oregon to replace Andrew and likely Wade (cheaper) to replace Wade (expensive) probably chews up a significant portion of the freed up money

Blayke Brailey (2026), Kade Dykes (2024), Braden Hamlin-Uele (2024), Royce Hunt (2023), Kayal Iro (2024), Matt Moylan (2024), Ronaldo Mulitalo (2025), Briton Nikora (2025), Jack Williams (2024)
Many of these contracts go through into 2024.

But on top of that we also have the following all off contract for 2024 which is when some of the big name halves are available
William Kennedy (2023) Siosifa Talakai (2023) Braydon Trindall (2023) Jesse Ramien (2023) Teig Wilton (2023) Sione Katoa (2023) Lachlan Miller (2023) Matt Ikuvalu (2023) Jayden Berrell (2023) Royce Hunt (2023)
So it is more the money from them leaving which becomes available to spend for an expensive half import.
Some of them who are current starters likely get an upgrade/extension which is effective as of next season though.

So perhaps release Kennedy, at least two of Talakai/Ramien/Katoa and maybe also Hunt and that should free up 800k+ while still leaving some money to upgrade/buy replacements for these 4 starters being let go?

It's all a very complicated juggling act to theorise around but I guess my point is I don't think Wade and Fifita money likely buys us a 2024 half.

Jesus mate, all I said was maybe it's possible to get Moses cap-wise. Maybe.

For the record I wouldn't be spending big coin on a half at this stage, would rather spend what cap space we have on a prop.

 

[bort]

Trindall is a 7, using him as utility or 18th man has stunted his development imo. If you aren't using him as starting 7, then don't use him at all and let him play in reserve grade where he can keep developing and mature in that position every week. I wouldn't even put him at 6 now if Moylan was out, have Dykes have a run or shift Hynes to 5-8. He played well last few games when he was a starting half at top grade which is a good sign.

I would give current halves combination one more season to get right or improve, but if game management is the same problem, I'd be looking for a proper half for 2024. If the plan is set for Hynes Moylan combo for next 2 seasons, then that's the risk we take not looking at or going to market Nov 1 for a top halfback for 2024. I just hope we don't have same results as this year for next 2 seasons

Kennedy also on notice, if he doesn't improve defense start of next season, bring in Dykes and start building his game for the rest of that season or just have him first choice. Kid is confident and always tries to get involved, ready for top grade, could have a break out season 2024 when we need it after him consistently playing next season.

I don't mind paying 800k+ for an experienced top halfback if we could afford it, you'd be strengthening your spine. You will also get the best out of Hynes or Moylan, who can have a bit more freedom to play their style

I agree re Trindall and starting in Cup instead of playing NRL bench. At a certain point it did seem like his selection on bench was as much about who else was available as desire to have him there - he was ahead of Colquhoun and Hazelton but wouldn't be selected over most other forwards.
But then we went through a bunch of injuries.

If you want a 'proper' half for 2024 who is expensive we need to buy them this offseason when they go on market this Nov 1.
If you just want an old school halfback style player then we can keep an eye out for which reserve grader/fringe guy is the best at that.
There isn't really a fit where we both give Moylan and Hynes another year and if needed get an expensive half in (other than of course, circumstances arising like when we signed SJ).

Given Hynes is going to go close to a Dally M and we finished 2nd with a Hynes Moylan combo then getting a cheaper dude in just because he has traditional halfback qualities doesn't seem super worthwhile to me. A big change to hope that some pleb who kicks 10 times a game more than Moylan is the key to success.

I think a few in here also have decided it is irrelevant to them that Hynes wants to play halfback. That is fine for you to decide but doesn't make it true. From what I have seen most of the evidence suggests he feels very strongly he specifically does want to play halfback and I guess the idea of pissing off our marquee player so he doesn't have to do the role he wants to do seems questionable to me. Maybe Hynes would be just as happy to play 5/8. If anyone can find anything to support that please share, I'm interested and it will affect my thoughts.

BUT 5/8 is a bit of a different story. I think looking at 5/8s to help him could be an idea.
Brown as I have said is just upgraded much more expensive Moylan, doesn't add enough different. Munster likely will be too expensive to convince.
Only other decent one off contract at right time who can be complimentary to Hynes without taking his role off him is Burton.

So... maybe see if you can get Burton at a decent price for 2024 and if not Moylan and Hynes for a third year until you find a better replacement.

 

[bort]

Jesus mate, all I said was maybe it's possible to get Moses cap-wise. Maybe.

For the record I wouldn't be spending big coin on a half at this stage, would rather spend what cap space we have on a prop.

Okay just pretend I said maybe too then

 

[HaroldBishop]

I agree re Trindall and starting in Cup instead of playing NRL bench. At a certain point it did seem like his selection on bench was as much about who else was available as desire to have him there - he was ahead of Colquhoun and Hazelton but wouldn't be selected over most other forwards.
But then we went through a bunch of injuries.

If you want a 'proper' half for 2024 who is expensive we need to buy them this offseason when they go on market this Nov 1.
If you just want an old school halfback style player then we can keep an eye out for which reserve grader/fringe guy is the best at that.
There isn't really a fit where we both give Moylan and Hynes another year and if needed get an expensive half in (other than of course, circumstances arising like when we signed SJ).

Given Hynes is going to go close to a Dally M and we finished 2nd with a Hynes Moylan combo then getting a cheaper dude in just because he has traditional halfback qualities doesn't seem super worthwhile to me. A big change to hope that some pleb who kicks 10 times a game more than Moylan is the key to success.

I think a few in here also have decided it is irrelevant to them that Hynes wants to play halfback. That is fine for you to decide but doesn't make it true. From what I have seen most of the evidence suggests he feels very strongly he specifically does want to play halfback and I guess the idea of pissing off our marquee player so he doesn't have to do the role he wants to do seems questionable to me. Maybe Hynes would be just as happy to play 5/8. If anyone can find anything to support that please share, I'm interested and it will affect my thoughts.

BUT 5/8 is a bit of a different story. I think looking at 5/8s to help him could be an idea.
Brown as I have said is just upgraded much more expensive Moylan, doesn't add enough different. Munster likely will be too expensive to convince.
Only other decent one off contract at right time who can be complimentary to Hynes without taking his role off him is Burton.

So... maybe see if you can get Burton at a decent price for 2024 and if not Moylan and Hynes for a third year until you find a better replacement.

Dogs have offered him a 4 year extension at $3m. I reckon he's staying.

 

[Shortfin Mako]

Dogs have offered him a 4 year extension at $3m. I reckon he's staying.

What’s the new cap? Do we know or have any idea?