Sam Thaiday's time at the Broncos to draw to an end

Channel 9 news headlines, Sam Thaiday sacked by the Broncos! Seriously, slightly overweight forward nearing 35 when his contract (to be honoured) expires, what sane coach wouldn't be planning for the next phase. They've lost big Herman E'ese because of cap constraints, have to keep the younger guys now. Has done his bit for the club, like Corey Parker & those before him.

I thought both he and Myles should've got a send-off this year, but might have distracted the team. Both with 30+ origins. I'd like them both to be ruled out of selection for next year but given a send-off with a chance for a presentation or a few words etc at some point, preferably in Brissy.

He could use it as motivation to try and finish strongly, I guess. I think it's reasonable to try and plan a players exit. It at least gives them a goodbye, as opposed to playing too long and having to retire abruptly or getting dropped to the reserves. It's more gentle than an ultimatum of "perform or die". Corey Parker retired at 34 and he was probably a benchmark on aging well. I had wondered about ST's retirement frankly given the broncos have bench or fringe forwards (Joe, Jai Arrow, Tevita Pangai Jnr etc) who need a motivation to stay. Blair and Thaiday were the oldest forwards, and Bennett still likes what Blair does (by Wayne's standards, it's positively effusive). I think post Jared Wallace moving on, Bennett has probably been aware that the next generation stars need more game time and a possibility of being elevated to the big time.

He's been down on form for a couple years compared to his peak. Wayne switching between him and Glenn was either a lack of faith or an attempt to motivate him to find another gear. So you can view it as a form slump/player mismanagement or a player who was given multiple years to show form and instead showed slowing down. However, i'm not sure we should have an expectation of forwards continuing that far into their 30s. Not everyone is Brad Thorn.

One of my absolute favourite players! A character, refreshingly-honest, a gentleman, devoted club man, and has been a stalwart of the pack for many years. I'm pissed off at QRL for not ensuring Sammy got a deserved celebration for services rendered to the Maroons. Simply leave. That's the message they sent, even if it wasn't the intention. Sammy, keep being you mate. You're freakin' awesome!

You would think he'll only play 15 odd games next year based on his form and age. Next year is definitely time for him, if not sooner... A wonderful servant of the club and a great player and seemingly great bloke. Thanks Sammy, we appreciate you and wish you all the best. Lets finish this year with some success!

I think Sammy was on the decline and he admitted as such after sustaining that injury in the four nations. I would say this decision to move him on from the playing ranks is as much his choice as it is Bennett's. Great servant of Bronco's particularly when you consider he did state he would be willing to sacrifice some of his salary to help retain Milf.

29 Origins, 32 Test Matches and he should reach the 300 club next year. He is a character and gentleman. Good on you Sammy. He's still got another 30 odd games to keep us entertained.

You can't have enough forwards. Especially with the backs we have. We have the Queensland spine. We are losing Mclean so big Sammy would be perfect for 20-30 minutes a game.

Griffo, haven't you seen the plans for the new Storm Retirement Village they are building down there

After already picking up Myles and Kasiano, don't you think that's enough in the way of forwards who aren't currently showing their brilliant best?

Come down to Melbourne Storm Sammy. Craig and Cameron will get another couple of years out of you.

Whilst it seems/sounds a bit ruthless from the club to announce Sam's retirement a year early, I think even Sam would admit his form has been a bit erratic over the past year or two, plus he will be 33-34 by the end of next season so probably a good time to knock it on the head.. He will be missed by we the fans though, one of a very few characters left in the game.

Fantastic player, he would be a great guy to have around the Club post retirement. Bennett has never been one for sentiment when it comes to moving on veterans !

As a NSW fan Thaiday has been a constant irritating presence but there's a few times when he's been the dominant forward in the game. He's always stepped up when most under pressure. It's been a great career. Feel for him a bit - not exactly a glowing send off from Wayne and he's missed (so far) any sort of a deserved farewell from Origin.

Great servant for the club, one of our very best. Now to mentor the next generation of forwards. The opening half of the season wasn't his best but sure to finish the year with a bang. Thanks slammin Sammy.