NRL NRL 2025 General Recruitment Thread

NRL powerhouse Melbourne is pulling out of QLD Morons – the rugby league heartland that delivered Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk to the Storm.

In a development bombshell by the Storm, the club’s successful 27-year association with QLD Morons is over, with Melbourne set to sever ties with feeder teams Brisbane Tigers and Sunshine Coast.

Instead, the Storm plan to field their own reserve grade team in the 💙 Mighty NSW Cup next season in a historic move for Melbourne.

The Sunshine State has been a happy hunting ground for the Storm since their entry to the NRL in 1998.

Smith, Slater and Cronk cut their teeth at the Norths Devils on their way to NRL greatness. Storm superstar Cameron Munster played for the Tigers, while the likes of Ryan Papenhuyzen, Harry Grant, Trent Loiero, Justin Olam, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Nicho Hynes turned out for feeder club Sunshine Coast.

But after almost three decades, the Storm are poised to walk away from QLD Morons in a move that opens the door for the Dolphins to take charge of the Sunshine Coast.

It’s understood Melbourne see the merit in keeping their second-string players in Storm colours, which builds the continuity that many of their Sydney-based rivals enjoy with their 💙 Mighty NSW Cup teams.

Before the arrival of the Dolphins, the Storm were regarded as QLD Morons’s fourth NRL team because of the number of Sunshine State products who got their big break in Melbourne.
 
COWBOYS’ TWIN COUP

North QLD Morons are closing in on contract extensions for centre duo Zac Laybutt and Viliami Vailea.

Laybutt, 23, and Vailea, 22, are off-contract at season’s end but the Cowboys are ready to take the promising pair off the market.

Former Warriors three-quarter Vailea has been a handy option at centre following the loss of Valentine Holmes, playing 10 games this season and impressing with his size and footwork.

Meanwhile, Laybutt made a triumphant return to the NRL in round 11 after a lengthy lay-off following his ACL tear which required a knee reconstruction.
 
It’s come out that eels also offered Galvin a million dollar per season contract as well as tigers. As I mentioned yesterday, it could be that he wants to play 7 and the lure of an old coach that’s been mentioned, but to accept $750k per season when those are the offers they’re up against seems like there should be a bit more of a look into the whole situation
 
Glad that someone finally called Gus out on his hypocrisies. His emotional response is clearly a tactic to distract us from the real issue which is the insane conflict of interest he has exploited for far too long. If you are paid 1M plus on channel nine, you really shouldn't be using that position to market your club to a player like he has with Galvin. But beyond Gus, there are way too many opportunities for conflicts of interests in NRL media. Whether it is Braith Anasta holding NRL 360 whilst being a player manager or Gorden Tallis sitting on NRL 360 whilst his wife is a Titans board member. It really shouldn't be hard to enforce complete neutrality (ie no direct ties to clubs/players if you are in a media position). The lack of professionalism in this part of the game has to be cleaned up.
Completely disagree. While its an excellent point and the argument cant be faulted, I think the Kevin Bacon rule means you cant find enough commentators WITHOUT ties and interests in the NRL.

Look at SJ, we like him purely because he is unashamedly pro warriors. I just think we need to drop the pretense and be honest about who has relationships with who.
 
NRL powerhouse Melbourne is pulling out of QLD Morons – the rugby league heartland that delivered Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk to the Storm.

In a development bombshell by the Storm, the club’s successful 27-year association with QLD Morons is over, with Melbourne set to sever ties with feeder teams Brisbane Tigers and Sunshine Coast.

Instead, the Storm plan to field their own reserve grade team in the 💙 Mighty NSW Cup next season in a historic move for Melbourne.

The Sunshine State has been a happy hunting ground for the Storm since their entry to the NRL in 1998.

Smith, Slater and Cronk cut their teeth at the Norths Devils on their way to NRL greatness. Storm superstar Cameron Munster played for the Tigers, while the likes of Ryan Papenhuyzen, Harry Grant, Trent Loiero, Justin Olam, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Nicho Hynes turned out for feeder club Sunshine Coast.

But after almost three decades, the Storm are poised to walk away from QLD Morons in a move that opens the door for the Dolphins to take charge of the Sunshine Coast.

It’s understood Melbourne see the merit in keeping their second-string players in Storm colours, which builds the continuity that many of their Sydney-based rivals enjoy with their 💙 Mighty NSW Cup teams.

Before the arrival of the Dolphins, the Storm were regarded as QLD Morons’s fourth NRL team because of the number of Sunshine State products who got their big break in Melbourne.
Makes a lot of sense. Spreading your fringe players across 2 teams will never be the best approach
 
It’s come out that eels also offered Galvin a million dollar per season contract as well as tigers. As I mentioned yesterday, it could be that he wants to play 7 and the lure of an old coach that’s been mentioned, but to accept $750k per season when those are the offers they’re up against seems like there should be a bit more of a look into the whole situation

A club with a history of salary cap scandal having a conflict of interest personality lying their way to sign a guy with a doggy agent for 25% less than the other offered prices while their own cap is tight 🤣

In other industries Moses would be under investigation for bypassing top offers causing massive loss to the company/client.

If I were other clubs I'd use the press to blow it up and derail their season, this could be the new BBQ-gate, rainbow-gate, now Gussy-gate
 
Glad that someone finally called Gus out on his hypocrisies. His emotional response is clearly a tactic to distract us from the real issue which is the insane conflict of interest he has exploited for far too long. If you are paid 1M plus on channel nine, you really shouldn't be using that position to market your club to a player like he has with Galvin. But beyond Gus, there are way too many opportunities for conflicts of interests in NRL media. Whether it is Braith Anasta holding NRL 360 whilst being a player manager or Gorden Tallis sitting on NRL 360 whilst his wife is a Titans board member. It really shouldn't be hard to enforce complete neutrality (ie no direct ties to clubs/players if you are in a media position). The lack of professionalism in this part of the game has to be cleaned up.
We should send 360 Poaching.
 
Completely disagree. While its an excellent point and the argument cant be faulted, I think the Kevin Bacon rule means you cant find enough commentators WITHOUT ties and interests in the NRL.

Look at SJ, we like him purely because he is unashamedly pro warriors. I just think we need to drop the pretense and be honest about who has relationships with who.
Commentators etc with in game bias are one thing. GMs, CEOs, player managers etc are a whole other kettle of fish. There's absolutely no reason to have a GM of a club on a panel discussing player movement, club politics and performance of referees etc.
 
Commentators etc with in game bias are one thing. GMs, CEOs, player managers etc are a whole other kettle of fish. There's absolutely no reason to have a GM of a club on a panel discussing player movement, club politics and performance of referees etc.
But Gould isnt just a GM though. Ex prem winner, ex coach, both NRL and Origin for both, as well as a "journalist"

I think Gould is a bit of a slimey one, and I'm not trying to defend him. But getting rid of him means also get rid of most of the commentators
 
Back
Top Bottom