Monday Buzz: NRL rejects have last laugh on former clubs

RECRUITMENT is a tough business that can come back to haunt you, writes PHIL ROTHFIELD. Just look at the NRL “rejects” playing finals for new clubs.

James Maloney joined the Sharks from the Roosters. Picture: Gregg Porteous

• MONDAY BUZZ: Warhorse Gal faces Cowboy wonder

• MONDAY BUZZ: Weekend highlights, lowlights

RECRUITMENT is a tough business.

It can come back to haunt you at any time.

Ask Trent Robinson who chose not to keep James Maloney at the ­Roosters this year. The same with Michael Jennings and the decision to release him to ­Parramatta.

Ask Des Hasler who signed Michael Lichaa two years ago and let Michael Ennis go. The same with his decision in letting Dale Finucane go to the Storm. It’s one of the reasons their recruitment boss, the legend Noel Cleal, is leaving Belmore.

Players who had the last laugh during finals.

Or Dragons coach Paul McGregor who allowed Trent Merrin to escape to the Panthers.

This finals serious is littered with ­reject players. The most famous was the Bulldogs releasing Johnathan Thurston back in 2005.

The Storm are full of players other clubs didn’t want. Finucane, Marika Koroibete and Blake Green for starters. The Sharks picked up Ennis, Maloney, Ben Barba and Luke Lewis. Parramatta offloaded Paul Gallen all those years ago.

Every coach in the premiership has been guilty of making errors of ­judgment. And it’s not just coaches. CEO’s and board members can get appointments and sackings wrong too.

James Maloney left the Roosters to join the Sharks. Picture: Gregg Porteous

The Knights paid squillions to buy Wayne Bennett to deliver a premiership. He walked out and left the club in a shocking mess they still haven’t ­recovered from.

The Broncos punted Anthony ­Griffin to sign Bennett on four times his salary. And look what Griffin has done with the Penrith Panthers and the ­hottest young team in the competition this year.

It happens in every sport, at every club. There was a story in The Sunday Telegraph about the emergence of the GWS Giants and how they haven’t just built their amazingly talented team from top draft picks.

Half a dozen of their recruits were not wanted at their previous clubs.

Yet they are one game away from the grand final.

Storm forward Dale Finucane is battling an ankle injury. Picture: Colleen Petch.

####

Originally published as Monday Buzz: NRL rejects have last laugh on former clubs