Following recent concerns regarding personnel and recruitment strategy, Roosters fans are now fearing their club has embraced a radical new policy of squad management.
In a move that would contravene one of modern sport’s most popular principles, many are convinced club administration has secretly invoked a controversial ‘Dickheads Policy’.
This has come about following a series of signings and departures that has left the elite playing ranks approximately one-third under warrant.
While yet to be confirmed, such a policy would be a risky move for the Roosters considering the growing popularity of the polar opposite, i.e. the ‘No Dickheads Policy’.
This method is enjoying widespread acclaim after the pro-sports industry eventually discovered the advantages of not associating with dickheads.
As witnessed this week, the No Dickheads ethos has been recently adopted to useful effect by Mal Meninga with Kangaroos selection, while Queensland have claimed to use it for years despite plenty of evidence to the contrary.
But despite its virtues, the Roosters active role in the player market this off-season is the final nail proving they have gone in rogue reverse.
After seemingly scouring the ranks of the NSW Cup and the courthouses, coach Trent Robinson and his recruitment ninjas have acquired Liam Knight, Zane Tetevano and Paul Carter, a trio dodgier than a ponytail on a middle-aged male.
In addition to a steady 18 months of shedding blue-chip stars and law-abiders – not to mention some of the existing group’s macabre extra-curricular form – it was news that sent the fans in to meltdown.
Tensions were then heightened further following this weekend’s reports of Dylan Napa’s boozy blow-out in international airspace. However, this has reportedly put him in line for the captaincy.
Many supporters are now convinced this behaviour from club hierarchy is no longer coincidental or just a sustained case of derelict governance.
If true, the Dickheads Policy is a bold strategy for a club already known for its long-standing habit for throwing a bone to bad boys and philistines.
Not only does its implementation demand a judicious eye, it also requires shrewd bargaining skills and a state-of-the-art security system. Might want to hide the key to Nick Politis’s safe, too.
However, the recent uproar suggests winning over a sceptical Roosters fan-base will not be easy.
Not only are they grappling with the loss of a number of cleanskins including Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, the uber-holy Sonny Bill Williams and now recently Sam Moa, some are even yearning for a return of the comparable acceptability of James Maloney’s sausage humour.
One fan was particularly scathing towards Robinson and his role in the strategy, remarking “you know it’s bad when you’re criticising a coach in the immediate aftermath of a grand final and it isn’t Brian Smith.”
However, club supporters are in agreement on one advantage.
They concede the brave plan should, at the very least, see almost none of their side playing representative footy next year.
John
Guest
They could take up other sports like synchronised swimming.
Pomski
Guest
Agreed, I too would like to see rugby league players in a wheelchairs, crutches or walking sticks before they turn 50.
mushi
Roar Guru
Football players behave like idiots all the time. Having more cash though means they can insulate themselves more often than not.
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
If you have a look at what Manly have recruited thus far, they would have to go a close second.
MAX
Guest
Bright Red Alert. Todd Carney is "boarding" with Boyd Cordner and celebrating the Sharks premiership with Wade Graham. It's a long swim from Cronulla to Coogee.
Andréa Mandadakis
Roar Guru
Gotta give it to the Roosters management for announcing the signings while the Grand Final hype was around. Absolutely no media fish were biting at this bait. The Roosters have a habit of making massive purchases, having a premiership window for 2-3 years and then just copping poor performances for a further few years before restarting the cycle. It's almost revolting the way they just expose the salary cap like that, but in another way it's beautiful in a sense. It's like they've figured out the system. Very interesting read also. I think the Roosters are the biggest signing gamblers in the NRL, this sure isn't the first time they've made signings like this. I can't see things going well for them in the future though with these guys.
yoo
Guest
That's why Football players around the world are forced to play all year round. So they don't get spoiled and behave like idiots. Rugby League admins should learn from that and introduce a proper full season (9-10 months per year). Start by making all teams play each other TWICE, then increase the League to 20 teams. Then you get 38 games per club per season. RL players are just spoiled and bored now.
Dane Eldridge
Expert
It's not a document, it's our actual constitution, thank you very much.
Dane Eldridge
Expert
Ouch! Yet regrettably laced with truth.
Dane Eldridge
Expert
Decent observation! I reckon you are spot on. Churn and burn to an extent, a slight variation on their historical model of gross purchasing of premierships.
Jim
Guest
Maybe it's a strategy to get more fans as well
tim
Guest
On a slightly more serious note Dane, what do you think of the Roosters "premiership window" operating model. It seems to be they have adopted the bring in a whole lot of youth let them develop for a few years, have a 3-4 year window and then clean out and go again. Seemed to happen in 2009ish with the Friend, Pearce generation, and now happening again with what was supposed to be the Hastings, Mitchell bunch. Obviously a few missteps with the current batch in Hastings and the RTS fiasco, but it seems to be a similar strategy. I remember Robbo saying midway through the year that some teams play for 8th while the Roosters play for premierships and I have a feeling that is what he meant, will be interesting to see if it pays off.
Dane Eldridge
Expert
Good point. Seems the standard copycatting has already begun.
tim
Guest
Well it seemed to work for the Sharks
Dane Eldridge
Expert
Oui Max, oui. I am hoping your prediction rings true, and that Monsieur Robbo can transform his H Division in to dynamic law-abiding forwards. I'm sure he knows what he is doing. Or just plain mad.
MAX
Guest
Bonjour Dane, Coach Trent Robinson is a Francophile. First thoughts: il est un branleur. To answer your question: The dodgy trio are all forwards and if Trent can have them perform to their potential and behave like normal human beings he will be a genius. I have pencilled in your lot as Top 4 for 2017 and look forward to the progress of Connor, Sio and Latrell whom I predict will be the best trifecta of the season. RL wise, may next winter bring satisfaction and laughter to the Eldridge household. .
Oingo Boingo
Guest
Dickheads , Duds and Hasbeens is the actual name of the recruitment document drafted back in the 80's and the strategy set out in that document still plays a significant part in the way the chooks go about business to this day .