I agree. Got love for the riff. They've blessed other teams with superstar players and coaches. Even released our captain to us without drama. They've won 4 trophies and been the best team on the planet the past decade.
Even if they are on the decline. I refuse to put the boot in. Until they play us? Then all in! Lol
The analysts keep going on about the cap ripping their team apart. Then mention
JFH and Luai as the final key pieces they found hard to replace. Forgetting that
JFH was under contract and they released him to us.
Like our some of our releases it was taking into account the players personal situation (
JFH wishing to return to NZ) and also taking into account his long service to the club.
These two players likely had a big impact but also like Gould has mentioned other clubs have come and signed a lot of their players coming through.
It is amazing to see the extent of their struggles. Going from 4 time premiers to bottom of the table. How far they have fallen will need to wait until the end of the season.
It was great seeing a team developed and break up the usual big clubs that get all of the hype like Storm, Roosters etc.
There are some lessons for us in the development path. Teams coming in and signing our players beneath the first grade side. Development is our best option. Like Penrith it will take time, but it also does not equal or guarantee premierships. Penrith did have a special crop of players come through at the same time and more importantly a superstar half to guide the team around.
