I heard the same several weeks ago about the switch to Leeds. The reason I was given was that he wanted to win trophies and he thinks Leeds gives him a better chance.

Gone over me head this one squire, why must Leeds academy be struggling, unless you think Arona's not good enough for Leeds.

No what you heard was standard terrace gossip made up by people who don’t know what they are on about to fill the gaps left by a silent club and player. You’re whole statement is a cliche I mean Leeds it’s always Leeds isn’t it, players with the odd exception ie they are exceptional go where the money and the security is is. I like Arona but exceptional he isn’t, he’s a big fish here and in my experience that alone is worth a lot more than ‘potential’ trophies or a pot of gold.

I like Arona. He's been on the same improvement curve as Bill Tupou over the last 3 years.
On the pitch he's head and shoulders above King and, all other things being equal, I would much prefer to keep hold.

I also am a big Arona fan, and does a lot of work that goes unnoticed

That said, I agree with the adage that there is nobody bigger than the club.

It may even be that we are also looking to free up a quota spot to strengthen the squash in another position for 2019.

Don't put too much water in it.

Couldn't resist.

I'd keep him if we can. I like him.
But if he wants to go I wouldn't be breaking the bank to keep him. The club can't do that yet.

Well done King Street.

Typo

Interesting question here then... Are there any players you would break the bank for.

For me there are two, Fifita and Tupou.

Fifita is so important to us, that with him on the field we are twice the team. Id be interested to know what his win/loss % is over the last two seasons compared to others. I would imagine his will be one of the highest.
Tupou more for a statement to other clubs that you cant just come and take our players anymore. We decide who we keep/ let go, as I imagine if he continues to develop then clubs with more finances will be circling.

Its all hypothetical anyway because MC is thankfully not going to make the club go bankrupt for the sake of one player, but interesting question nonetheless.

Personally I’d put TJ, Batchelor and perhaps Ashurst above those two especially if it’s a statement you’re wanting to make.

I’d see him more of a replacement for Kirmond.

I wouldn't over stretch for anyone now we are somewhat stable but I'd stretch it for Fifita.
Tupou I'd very much like to keep so similar and TJ is a must keep just for long term quality and general PR.
TJ is the only one of the young group of go over the top for. The others deserve good contracts but only good.

I don’t think personally he’s as good as some others do, but again that’s my opinion.I think he’s average and at times lazy, regarding Whinos academy they usually have some decent forwards in their ranks who the coaches tend to trust and promote into SL.

Think your being a bit harsh on him there.
I'd always had him down as giving nigh on 100% every time.

You're right about Leeds (and some others) being happy to "trust" their youngsters a little more but, an odd reverse fo some of the big clubs isn't the end of the world, whereas, for the mid table sides, its all a bit more sensitive and a couple of games lost, whilst "experimenting" could threaten our top flight status.
The one huge advantage of the licensing/franchising system was that it took pressure of the lower ranked sides and allowed every club the luxury of being able to bring the youngsters through without quite so much pressure on the result and for a while, there seemed to be a glut of new players breaking into SL.

That's the way I was looking at it.