Andrew Johns says the NRL’s newest franchise is doomed to struggle in its inaugural season without a marquee signing.
Speaking on Wide World of Sports’ Immortal Behaviour, the NRL great warned the product on the field could be severely impacted if the Dolphins can’t land a “superstar” player before next year.
Most top-tier players aren’t contractually available next season, with many tied up for multiple years. Yet Johns contends, even if a high-calibre player does sign on, the 17th NRL team still has too many holes in its roster.
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“They need a marquee player and they haven’t landed one yet. They went huge for Kalyn Ponga, didn’t get him; Reece Walsh was another one, and obviously the big one now is Cam Munster,” Johns said. “I don’t think there’s any chance he’ll sign there.”
While Munster is contracted to the Storm until the end of next season, there were reports the Storm playmaker was considering moving home to Queensland.
However, his part in the white powder scandal that erupted after the Storm were eliminated from last season’s finals has triggered some major off-field changes in the superstar, leading to what could yet be his career-best season in the NRL. His newfound maturity has been largely put down to the strong culture driven by Craig Bellamy, who will have a central part to play in Munster’s decision.
That may yet rob Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett of a cornerstone to build his roster around, which would no doubt give Bellamy great pleasure considering his frosty relationship with the master coach.
Johns said finding a decent blend of players on the roster might be a problem given the current list who have signed on. Even if they do sign a marquee player, Johns says that won’t solve all their issues.
“It would give them a shot in the arm. A lot of the players they have signed are over 30,” Johns pointed out.
“They’ve signed some young players but they need a superstar in either the 6, 7 or 1 jersey or the 9. Problem is there’s none around.
“Munster has gone beyond superstar status, (he’s) the best player in the game. Does he want to go at this stage of his career where his next four or five years are going to be his best?
“Does he want to go to a club that’s going to struggle? I don’t know when he’s going to make a decision. He’s still contracted to the Storm for next year. I don’t think he’s going anywhere.”
Johns pointed to the Titans’ first year in the competition, a side that included the likes of Queensland great Mat Rogers, Preston Campbell, Scott Prince and Anthony Laffranchi, who signed in the aftermath of the Wests Tigers 2005 premiership win.
“They went out and got established players and then others followed. Was there more players around at that stage?” Johns asked.
“We’re bringing more teams to the competition when there’s less kids playing because they’re being bashed out of the game.”
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