Kieran Foran reveals the club he'll play for in 2018

If you're switching memberships, you're not really a fan though are you?

Really? Woods aside when was their last massive forward signing? Tolman was part of the Storm fire sale in 2010. Graham was a big signing but not massively known in Australia at the time. Klemmer, Kasiano, Jackson came up through the club as did others like Finucane who had since moved on. Ennis, Hannant, Eastwood and Stagg were squeezed out of the broncos. Eastwood returned after not enjoying England. Lichaa signed from Sharks U20s and was a replacement for Ennis. Last big name, big money forward signing I recall was Tony Williams in 2012. One big signing every five years doesn't seem excessive.

There has been a funny relationship with the Bulldogs and forward signings for a very long time. Just when you think the Dogs cant afford any more players they sign another massive forward signing.

I'm switching membership from the dogs to the tiges next season. Dogs dont deserve any fan loyalty.

Reynolds!?

Lets add Eastwood and BMoz under the assumption they put it up to 6 Million of the cap used among those 11 then, I don't think that's correct because reported numbers probably include TPAs and I seriously doubt four year contracts are paying the same for each year of their duration, but we'll proceed for examples sake anyway. That means 19 players spreading the remaining 3-4 million dollars, half of those players will be on the minimum wage and barely be seen in the top grade and the rest won't be on the positive side of 300k, I think a 200k average is completely reasonable.

Thats 9 players, not including the contracts of Eastwood and BMoz who would be on $450-500k minimum. The last 15? Next year there are 30 players under the cap next year with a projected minimum wage of $90k-$100k. so the next 21 would have to be on an average of $200k which I doubt. I've been pretty kind on those numbers too btw. Personally think Kas, Tolman and Klemmer would be on more. If they release no players I would be highly surprised considering the NRL had discussions with the Bulldogs on how they planned to fit under the cap next year.

So you can account for a bit over half the expected cap with what's probably the best paid 9 of the top 25, even then you're assuming reported numbers aren't including TPAs and that none of the deals going until 2020 are back ended (I can't imagine Foran's deal being anything other than back ended). Why would that necessitate the shedding of players? Many of the other players will be on ~200-300k a year at most, and some will be on less than that, remember that if the last 15 average 200k a year that's only about 3 million dollars.

Of course they're not right. He's completely pulled them from his backside. Hence, the range on most of them. It's all well and good saying "800-1mill" but which is it? That's a 200K difference or 25%. It's not even close. Foran is the only player with TPAs?

Certainly merrit to your points Bunney. Also a case of game management and combinations. As for Morgan, he openly admits he's struggling to take control of the team as its not something he has done much of.

If your numbers are right, it shows why the Doggies are in a pickle. You've got Graham and Woods - front rowers - as the highest paid at the club. I'd pay a lot more for Foran than any front row forward.

There's a lot of Doggies supporters who have been blaming their halves (Mbye and Reynolds) inability to control a game on the fact they're both natural 5/8's, and not halfbacks. Same with the Dragons when Widdop and Benji were the halves. Some players adapt - clearly Norman has @ Parra, but his best posi is still probably 5/8 - some seemingly cannot. I think Michael Morgan is one who struggles to adapt to the halfback role.

Eastwood is on contract for next year after some checking, I thought he was off so didnt include him. Problem is they would have to find someone to take him which I don't see as a problem for the other 3. Hoppa is off contract and with the amount of Sundays the Dogs play, wont be on big money. In regards to your other statement re halves and fiveighths I really dont think it matters any more if they wear a 7 or a 6. Mann, Bird, Takas, Carty, Matterson, Sutton and Watson to a lesser extent are no more than fill in 5/8s. Wallace, TMM, Foran and Maloney are all capable at either 5/8 of Halfback.

Klemmar is 600k next year. mybe is 709k ghraham 950k morris twins 500k each woods 800-1mill foran 600k+ tpas kasiano 400-500k eastwood 400-500k jackson 400-600k Pfft whoever says dogs doesnt need to get rid of anyone is kidding themselves. If they dont get rid of players than bulldogs will not be playing for points next season ??

I agree that the situation is complex, but I don't think the forward pack are the only players that are likely to be shopped around. Further, you failed to mention Eastwood. Not certain when his contract ends, but I doubt he'll get a big dollar multi-year contract. Might be a year to year proposition. Morris brothers, esp Josh, are close to the end. Hopoate was signed on big money, but a lot of it was subsidized by the Eels. Pretty certain his pay packet will be lower this time around. I find it fascinating how less than 5 years ago, everyone was bemoaning the lack of 5/8's in the comp, and were tired of having a "halfback" on each side of the ruck. Now it seems we have a plethora of 5/8's, with many teams having two players in their top 17 who would identify 5/8 as their ideal position, meaning one has to play out of position... Dogs have Mbye & Reynolds, soon Mbye and Foran. Sharks have Maloney and J. Bird, who will join the Broncs next year who already have Milford. (and Ben Hunt is probably more of a 5/8 than a traditional halfback) The Tigers in recent years let go of both Austin and T.M. Martin to keep Moses, who is off to Parra, who have Norman, and the capable Takarangi. Panthers currently have Wallace, TM Martin and Bryce Cartwright (and yes, I think his best posi is 5/8) St. George has Widdop and K.Mann* (*questionable as top 17...) Roosters have Keary, Connor Watson and Matterson (although he might be more of a lock) Manly have Blake Green and Jackson Hastings South Sydney have Walker and Sutton Canberra have Sezer and Austin

Sorry, Woods is meant to be in the 2nd category. I am only going off whats been widely reported but here are some possible salaries for 2018: Graham: $1,000,000 (backended) Jackson: $600,000 Klemmer: $450,000 Woods: $800,000 Foran: $600,000 (splash in the dark, its probably more) Mbye: $500,000 Tolman $400,000: Kasiano: $350,00 JMorris: $550,000 Thats nine players using over $5m of a $9-10m salary cap. BMorris is probably on something similiar to Josh. Hoppa should come cheap if you re-sign him. Unless Des decides to use a Frawley/Foran halves combo Lichaa will also need to be re-signed.

Stunned

With all the highly advertised player movements, pay increases, salary cap talk, it almost feels like half of the clubs in the NRL are just using season 2017 to get ready for season 2018.

I'm not sure how you reach that conclusion that the Bulldogs need to release someone; the Bulldogs have capable accountants and no million dollar players. I'm even more confused as to how you think that someone could be Woods when he only just got signed.

Here's the kicker, now with Foran confirmed, the NRL are obviously happy with the Dogs cap situation. This means someone is being released and signing elsewhere and the Dogs are paying for them in part for 2018. Possible players with contract expiry dates in brackets - Graham (2018) - Kasiano (2018) - Tolman (2020) - Jackson (2020) Unlikely - Klemmer (2020) Unlikely - Woods (2021) Other players long term signed to the Dogs: - Foran (2020) - Mbye (2020)