Time to file this debate on McDermott's coaching with other scintillating topics such as 'Is Peacock more effective as a prop or second row?', 'Should Ryan Hall play in the back row?', 'Are McGuire and Burrow flat-track bullies?', 'And who is better, Diskin or Buderus?'

Sounds like you’re of a similar age to me. I’d collect the players card too. After the paddock became seated we stood next to the flood light on the Eastern Terrace nearest the North Stand. There was an elderly man we nick named ‘Headstuff’ on account of him shouting “Headstuff! Watch the bl##dy Headstuff!” a few dozens times each half.

I was also on the eastern terrace, just to the left of the posts as you look at the pitch in the mid to late 80’s as a teenager. We must have all exchanged glances around that time, funny how we’re “meeting” for the first time on here 30 years later...

Same here, late 80’s/early 90’s just to the right of the posts usually. Though of course we’d usually swap ends at half time!

I’m still struggling to get my head around the 30 years later bit... when did they get rid of the old portacabins? You were posh if you went in there...

Were they they until the end in 2005/06? Along with the tall row of trees at the back?

You have just made a cracking signing, trent merrin from the penrith panthers,hes turned south sydney down to sign with you.

If its true that is a very good signing - time will tell

Moleys timeline on this is interesting. Verysimilar to Furner story last week. One minute he'd been told Merrin had turned down Leeds to sign for South Sydney now he's turned South Sydney down to go for Leeds...

I said "none of us know the restrictions, or otherwise that were placed on BM"

Likewise how do you know he had a major say in recruitment?

The answer is you don't anymore than others on this forum. It is all only opinion.

BM was the manager GH was and is the CEO and a director so the main responsibility falls on the senior man.

Even if BM had had full control over recruitment (which most of us believe he didn't) then it would have been with financial restrictions imposed by the board of directors. That is how companies work. I do not remember BM making many recruitment trips down under but I do recall GH doing so.

By the way Sinfield has just retained JJB too!

Financial restrictions like a salary cap?
Speak to other people involved in player movements they'll tell you exactly how much say he had.
Wrt Sinfield retaining Jjb another mistake along with retaining Ablett signing Thompson & making Ferres Captain.

JJB may well be more of 'club' decision than a pure rugby one. He's literally a fixture around the first team, and even if he doesn't play many minutes or games nobody would want to see him shunted out unwillingly. Having said that, he needs to pull the pin sooner rather than later, as he must know his actual on-field contribution is dwindling rapidly. I've no doubt its a hard decision, but if the club have and are treating him well IMO at some stage he needs to show that loyalty and not damage the team by hanging around because it suits him.

BR i think JJB should have a role at the Club for as long as he wants just not a playing one.

I agree entirely about an off-field role.

Whatever that role is it has to add value otherwise its a waste of money which could be invested more fruitfully. This is a business after all not a home for every ex player.

The only person making any money out of rugby AM is Simmons - the viewing figures are really low so that is not a viable option for JJB longer-term.

And how he makes money with a personality like wallpaper paste is remarkable.

You can say a lot of things about JJB but lack of personality isn't one of them

I can't watch rugby AM, simply because I find JJB and Simmons embarrassing to listen to.

I don't know how Simmons actually has managed to get work as a presenter, he is terrible

I meant Simmons chief.

The danger is the club becomes a "Donkey Sanctuary" for all the ex-players. Let's give Sinny a job, Rob a job, Chev a job.....
What job can we find for JJB, Carl, Danny Mags (when he calls it a day at HKR).
If we simply keep old players on where do the fresh ideas come from?
These players have served the club well and have been rewarded handsomely but we don't owe them a living.

Dave Furner (although technically he is also an ex player)

It is a long-term way to get around the salary cap by promising them a post-playing career if they stay with the club long-term as a player... Those title-winning teams certainly were full of players who could have left for more.

That`s been my worry since Sinfield took over and he has certainly not eased my concerns.
You also forgot to add Lowes to the list of mates he has found a job for.
JP might not be far off either in some capacity.

Is Furner bringing any of his old backroom staff with him or does he have to settle for what`s left at the club?

Whose mates? Are you talking about sinny finding jobs for mates? If so, sonny did not give any job to Lowes, they were appointed at the same time weren't they?

It doesn't look as though Furner is bringing over a backroom staff based on what has been said so far and chev/lowes will provide his support which I agree is far from satisfactory.

As for JJB getting an off field role it depends what it is. I would assume it is something media based which he has experience in. I would be both surprised and disappointed if it was in a coaching capacity.