NRL Market Watch: Canterbury Bulldogs offer two-year deal to Jacob Kiraz
Bulldogs coach Trent Barrett insists young centre Jacob Kiraz “won’t be going anywhere” despite rival clubs sniffing around the local junior after his impressive NRL debut.
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Canterbury coach Trent Barrett is confident of keeping Jacob Kiraz at Belmore despite interest from NRL rivals, declaring the local junior “won’t be going anywhere”.
The Bulldogs tabled Kiraz a two-year deal immediately after making a shock debut from outside of the club’s top 30 roster against Brisbane last weekend.
It’s believed that performance helped the St Johns Eagles junior capture the attention of at least three other NRL sides.
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But on Thursday, Barrett said the Bulldogs won’t lose the rising outside back for a second time. Having come through the Bulldogs system, Kiraz then moved to St George Illawarra, North Queensland and then Newcastle before returning to Belmore on a train and trial contact.
“He’s a good player, we were lucky to get him back,” Barrett said.
“He’d been away for a couple of years. He didn’t do too much in the pre-season but was terrific last week. He’s not in our top 30 at the moment but he won’t be going anywhere.
“He’s big, he’s athletic and can break a tackle. He’s a good kid too, who is driven and level-headed. We’ve got someone we want to keep here.”
Kiraz was called into Barrett’s side against the Broncos after four players, including centres Brent Naden and Jake Averillo, were sidelined with Covid-19.
The 20-year old will need another exemption from the NRL to play again before round 11.
🗣 "It was a good experience, I won't forget it." — Jacob Kiraz pic.twitter.com/IgbrcNoMWl
— Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (@NRL_Bulldogs) April 23, 2022
Storm act on Sims confusion
-Michael Carayannis
Melbourne officials have told the Dragons that Tariq Sims is not in their plans this year despite the NSW representative declaring the clubs were working towards securing him an early exit.
Just hours after Sims said “the clubs were talking” about a potential mid-season switch, it is understood the Storm cleared the air with the Dragons and told them they were not in the market for Sims this season.
The Dragons have made it clear they want to keep Sims this year and were yet to entertain a release. They won’t need to now after the Storm rang St George Illawarra officials to tell them they are not pursuing Sims early.
Sims inked a one year deal to join the Storm from next season after the Dragons decided not to offer him an extension.
“The clubs are talking at the moment,” Sims said. “You’d have to ask them. The clubs are discussing that. I never wanted to leave (the Dragons) in the first place.”
When asked if he wanted to leave immediately Sims replied: “I don’t know yet. It’s rugby league. It’s a business. I’m focused on playing consistent, hard football.”
Those at the Dragons have praised Sims’ commitment and professionalism despite his obvious angst that he had been shown the door.
The move will remain slightly ajar given teams do not have to finalise their roster until August 1. His chances of leaving were not helped by a long-term injury to backrower Jaydn Su’A.
Sims, 32, has joined the Storm to add some experience to a side who will be missing Brandon Smith, Jesse and Kenny Bromwich and Felise Kaufusi next season.
The Dragons gave Sims permission to negotiate after Origin last year.
“It was pretty easy in the end,” Sims said. “The club didn’t offer me anything so I’ve got to make sure I secure my future. To do it and get it done and go to a club like Melbourne is very exciting. But I’ve still got a job here to do.”
The Dragons play the Storm next week. Despite not being offered a new deal, Sims said he “loved” the club.
“I still love the people in the front office, the fans and they’re all a very big part of my life here the past six or seven years,” Sims said.
“They’ve been nothing but awesome to my family and I’ve never taken it for granted to pull on the Red V jumper. It’s a very proud jumper. Still to this day, every time I go out before I play, I always smell it, and I think about the past players and my teammates. It’s my last ritual before I go out and play.”
Storm’s perfect response to mass pack exodus
— Nick Smart
Melbourne Storm has made up for the recent loss of some key players by signing star NSW Blues Origin back-rower Tariq Sims.
In a move that helps offset the loss of co-captain Jesse Bromwich, Felise Kaufusi and Kenny
Bromwich to the Dolphins, Storm has landed a double recruiting blow by landing Sims and fellow forward Joe Chan.
The 32-year-old Sims began his NRL career with the North Queensland Cowboys in 2011 and has now played 209 NRL games, as well as five Tests for Fiji and five games for the Blues, including all three matches in the starting pack in last year’s series win against Queensland.
He will arrive at Melbourne from St George-Illawarra on a one-year deal.
It had been reported Storm – which is down on forwards with props Christan Welch (achilles) and Tui Kamikamica (stood down) unavailable - tried to gain Sims immediately for the remainder of this season.
That has failed to eventuate, with the star Dragon to link up with Storm at the end of this season. He’ll be joined next season by Chan, who is the son of former Storm player Alex Chan, who played 32 games for Melbourne in the 2004 and 2005 seasons, as well as playing three Test matches for New Zealand.
The 20-year-old versatile forward, who has signed for two years, is currently playing in the English Super League for the Catalans Dragons.
He made his Super League debut for Catalans in the 2021 season and experienced finals football in his rookie campaign.
The youngster has now made a total of 12 Super League appearances, including seven this year, scoring four tries.
The two signings are a big boost for Storm given the recent recruitment raids on the Victorian powerhouse, led by the new Dolphins club.
They have already poached three Storm stars for their debut year and now have superstar playmaker Cameron Munster in their sights.
Although, Munster – who was at his dazzling best in last weekend’s win over Cronulla - remains under lock and key at Storm.
He is contracted until the end of next season, and Storm bosses are adamant they would not entertain any early release request for the Queensland Origin ace.
Storm will face the NZ Warriors in their Anzac Day clash at AAMI Park on Monday.
Success or failure: Which halfbacks have not hit the spot?
— Michael Carayannis
Jackson Hastings knows what it feels like to be a punching bag. This time around he is ready for the hits.
Hastings has played under the microscope since bursting onto the scene as a teenage prodigy. The spotlight will again be on him as he prepares to wear the No.7 jersey in the NRL for the first time since 2016.
Hastings was part of sweeping changes that coach Michael Maguire made which included axing four players and shifting Luke Brooks to five-eighth.
“I don’t care what number is on my back, I’m just happy to be a part of it,” Hastings said.
“Hopefully this is the change that can spark us up a bit and bring a bit of energy and life to our team and our attack.
“Two days after the game I got a phone call [from Maguire], he said, ‘how would you like to wear the No.7 this week and would you be comfortable with it?’
“I asked a few questions as to why. He said he wants Brooksy to run the ball, and if that means changing the number so he can play freely, feel that weight off his shoulders and be able to be himself, I’m more than happy to do so.
“I’m happy to be a punching bag if I need to be one for him and take some heat off him.
“Our roles won’t change too much. Once we cross into good ball, I’ll be front and centre of our attack and leading us around the park.”
Hastings impressed in his first two matches at the Tigers before being suspended. He headlines a host of halves who switched clubs or, in Hastings’ case, hemispheres. There have been mixed results.
Nicho Hynes has been an instant success at the Sharks while Shaun Johnson is proving to be one of the best value for money purchases since returning to the Warriors.
Others who landed rich off-season deals, including Chad Townsend and Adam Reynolds, have had mixed results in their new colours.
“I came back hoping to play in the halves but I also came back for the chance and I was willing to play anywhere,” Hastings said.
“In terms of where I’m more comfortable, I’d say No.7. Something I didn’t do at the Roosters when I had all these superstars around me was take the game on and take the line on.
“I turned into a robot, was stagnant and passed the ball and kicked the ball and nobody had to worry about me because I wasn’t running the ball. Taking the line on and playing what I see was what got me into first grade in the first place.”
Hynes is already on track to become the buy of the season. He gets a crack at his former club the Storm on Saturday night.
Melbourne back-rower Felise Kaufusi had little doubt Hynes would succeed.
“I really want to get into Nicho if I can,” Kaufusi said. “I know what he is like. He is pretty chirpy. We’re good mates. He plays what he sees in front of him. He has taken the skills off the back of a great last year and taken that with him to Cronulla”
NEW BEGINNINGS - HALFBACK RATINGS
ADAM CLUNE (Knights, via Dragons)
The Knights were tipped to struggle in attack because of Mitchell Pearce’s exit but Clune has more than held his own. Bought largely as a player to give depth to the squad, he has become the club’s first-choice No.7. Needs to help his side build pressure if they are going to become a legitimate finals hope. Has easily already bettered most of his attacking stats from last season.
Rating: B-
2021
Avg possessions: 40.6
Tackle busts: 6
Linebreaks: 2
Linebreak assists: 3
Try assists: 5
Avg kicks: 3.4
Avg kick metres: 101
Forced line dropouts: 2
Avg missed tackles: 2.8
2022
Avg possessions: 43
Tackle busts: 3
Linebreaks: 1
Linebreak assists: 3
Try assists: 3
Avg kicks: 4.6
Avg kick metres: 108
Forced line dropouts: 3
Avg missed tackles: 3
ADAM REYNOLDS (Broncos, via Rabbitohs)
Brisbane’s million-dollar man has come under fire in recent weeks. Missed the opening game of the season because of Covid-19 and has won just won of his four games as a Bronco. Now the focal point of Broncos creativity, he has only laid on three tries. Is touching the ball more than five times per game compared to last season.
Rating: C
2021
Avg possessions: 41.2
Tackle busts: 28
Linebreaks: 2
Linebreak assists: 16
Try assists: 14
Avg kicks: 10.4
Avg kick metres: 321
Forced line dropouts: 9
Avg missed tackles: 1.8
2022
Avg possessions: 46.8
Tackle busts: 6
Linebreaks: 0
Linebreak assists: 3
Try assists: 3
Avg kicks: 16.5
Avg kick metres: 519
Forced line dropouts: 1
Avg missed tackles: 2
SHAUN JOHNSON (Warriors, via Sharks)
Kicked the match-winning field goal for the Warriors last week against the Cowboys, and if it had not been for injury delaying his season debut back home, he would have been rated higher. The cut-price deal the Warriors have landed him on has proven an early winner. Could be one of the buys of the year. Produced only five try assists in 15 games last season. Has three already this year.
Rating: B
2021
Avg possessions: 59.1
Tackle busts: 14
Linebreaks: 2
Linebreak assists: 8
Try assists: 5
Avg kicks: 13.1
Avg kick metres: 359
Forced line dropouts: 15
Avg missed tackles: 2.3
2022
Avg possessions: 60.3
Tackle busts: 0
Linebreaks: 0
Linebreak assists: 4
Try assists: 3
Avg kicks: 13.7
Avg kick metres: 444
Forced line dropouts: 3
Avg missed tackles: 3
CHAD TOWNSEND (Cowboys, via Sharks/Warriors)
Huge money to defect from the Sharks last season. Has been steady but the Cowboys need far from the marquee signing. Townsend set up just three tries in the first five games and has one line-break assist. Bounced back to form on Thursday night.
Rating: C-
2021
Avg possessions: 58
Tackle busts: 13
Linebreaks: 0
Linebreak assists: 7
Try assists: 16
Avg kicks: 12.4
Avg kick metres: 379
Forced line dropouts: 10
Avg missed tackles: 3.8
2022
Avg possessions: 56.2
Tackle busts: 2
Linebreaks: 1
Linebreak assists: 1
Try assists: 3
Avg kicks: 12.6
Avg kick metres: 377
Forced line dropouts: 3
Avg missed tackles: 1.2
NICHO HYNES (Sharks, via Storm)
Instant success. Has flourished with the added responsibility of wearing the No.7 after joining from the Storm last year. There were some doubts given he had not had a full season in the halves in the NRL but he has dispelled them. Sits alongside ex-teammate Jahrome Hughes and Mitchell Moses as the leading No.7s on the Dally M leaderboard. No surprise he has dwarfed the amount of times he touched the ball last season by almost more than 20 possessions per game this year.
Rating: A+
2021
Avg possessions: 41.2
Tackle busts: 69
Linebreaks: 15
Linebreak assists: 30
Try assists: 25
Avg kicks: 1.6
Avg kick metres: 33
Forced line dropouts: 5
Avg missed tackles: 0.7
2022
Avg possessions: 64
Tackle busts: 13
Linebreaks: 1
Linebreak assists: 8
Try assists: 4
Avg kicks: 13
Avg kick metres: 397
Forced line dropouts: 3
Avg missed tackles: 2
MATT BURTON (Bulldogs, via Panthers)
Has shown glimpses but has struggled to spark the Bulldogs attack like they would have hoped. Has received little support and the constant changing of his scrumbase partner has not helped. Still to produce a try assist nor have a line break of his own.
Rating: C
2021
Avg possessions: 23.8
Tackle busts: 75
Linebreaks: 26
Linebreak assists: 8
Try assists: 12
Avg kicks: 3.5
Avg kick metres: 105
Forced line dropouts: 9
Avg missed tackles: 2.3
2022
Avg possessions: 49
Tackle busts: 11
Linebreaks: 0
Linebreak assists: 4
Try assists: 0
Avg kicks: 11.8
Avg kick metres: 411
Forced line dropouts: 5
Avg missed tackles: 3
JACKSON HASTINGS (Wests Tigers, via Wigan)
One of the few shining lights in an otherwise dull start to the season for the Tigers. His three-match suspension for a dangerous throw against Knights fullback Tex Hoy in round 2 proved costly for his side, but Hastings showed enough in his opening two games to suggest he is ready to become a consistent NRL player. Gets a crack at running the team this round.
Rating: B-
2022
Avg possessions: 58.5
Tackle busts: 7
Linebreaks: 1
Linebreak assists: 0
Try assists: 0
Avg kicks: 2
Avg kick metres: 45
Forced line dropouts: 1
Avg missed tackles: 1.5
JAMAL FOGARTY (Raiders, via Titans)
The ex-Titans skipper arrived at Canberra with the hopes of being able to free up Jack Wighton. Needed knee surgery after picking up the injury in a pre-season trial. Was seen on the weekend still in a brace and on crutches. He is not due back until round 16.
Rating: TBA
2021
Avg possessions: 50.6
Tackle busts: 26
Linebreaks: 8
Linebreak assists: 12
Try assists: 13
Avg kicks: 11.2
Avg kick metres: 308
Forced line dropouts: 12
Avg missed tackles: 2.2
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