Bal wrote:Injury free he is more than worth the money. I personally wouldn't insult a player of his calibre, reputation and positive influence by discussing any kind of reduction in terms with him. Ellis is good for this club and not just on the field.
So you would offer another mega contract on the basis of a player not having played through injury for 6 months, right that makes no sense whatsoever. I personally would expect to talk contract terms with ANY player, now is not that time.
He has to prove his fitness first and foremost and that he's capable of performing to the level his salary is buying before we go anywhere near extending a deal. And yes offering a reduced contract if that is deemed to be appropriate, that's not an insult, that's business.
He's only played 54 times out of 95 league and cup matches over the last 3 seasons with 2 major injuries (& was out for 3 months in 2012 at Wests due to a broken foot). That's a heck of a lot of salary cap sitting on the sidelines for a decent chunk of the period he's been with us. the chances of injury increase with age, there's no telling how this season never mind next will go.
I'd love to keep him, he is nothing but a 100% man that does have a major influence on the field but we have to be smart and weigh up the pros and cons and offer a contract as appropriate.
We have to look at all avenues and if that means looking for another player to replace him then so be it, being sentimental wins you nothing and we can't know if this season could turn out to a nightmare.
So IF it turns out we don't resign him for whatever reason, who would we be looking at to replace him, indeed would it be another prop/second row?
