After a boom couple of weeks during which they retained virtually their entire playing roster from this year's Presidents Cup title, three players have elected to leave the Maitland Pickers next season.
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As expected, blockbusting centre Gary Anderson and young forwards Cooper Jenkins and Cal Burgess will try their luck elsewhere as they push for higher honours.
Coach Matt Lantry said the club, while sad to lose the talented trio, was in their corner.
"We're not a club that stands in the way of young players chasing their dreams, so we're excited for them," Lantry said.
Anderson will play for Sunshine Coast in the Queensland Cup, while Jenkins will return to the Knights NSW Cup, with Burgess joining former Pickers coach Trevor Ott with Manly under 21s.
Two other players who were only with the Pickers for last season, Faitotoa Faitotoa and Henry Penn will also be in the Queensland Cup with Tweed and Norths Devils - feeder clubs for Gold Coast and Brisbane.
We asked coach Lantry to run the rule over the most recent departures.
First Gary Anderson who scored a crucial try in the Presidents Cup grand final win over Glebe Burwood Wolves.
"Terrific player, and only 21 years of age. Sunshine Coast is the feeder club for the Melbourne Storm. He can play wing, but for me his best spot is definitely centre. He's very physical and aggressive, loves the body contact and hits really hard defensively. One game last season he made 11 tackle busts which is incredible.
"I think the Queensland Cup is a great pathway for players and coaches."
Lantry has no doubts that Cal Burgess will crack the NRL at some stage.
"Cal has decided to try his luck with Manly in Jersey Flegg (under 21s), where he will link with Trevor Ott," Lantry said.
"He started every game for us in the Presidents Cup when he was available, which tells you what I think of him.
"I know Trevor is a fan too. I just think it's a pity the Knights didn't keep him because he's so incredibly consistent for a young bloke.
"Normally young guys can be hot and cold, but with Cal the difference between his best game and worse game is minimal. I guess if I had to compare him to anyone it would be one of those blue collar type players who just get the job done ... Dallas Johnson from the Storm, or more recently Dale Finucane."
The Knights did, however, elect to keep fellow forward tyro Cooper Jenkins who will play NSW Cup.
"He's a good kid, too, powerful and athletic. I have no doubt that he'll handle NSW Cup comfortably. He's a talent, one for the future for the Knights."
Lantry said the departures won't affect the club's recruitment significantly as he feels there is enough depth to cover the losses.
The one key player not signed as yet is star five-eighth Chad O'Donnell, but the coach is unperturbed.
"We're trying to get players to signer longer deals than one season, and Chad is one of the first we're trying to tie down in that regard. He's on board, we've just got to finalise some details and get pen to paper."
So, are multi-year contracts the preferred option?
"I think so," Lantry said. "It makes your recruiting decisions more clear cut when you know who's there the next season, and also how your bottom line is looking. It also gives the players some assurance too."
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A journo all my working life and never wanted to change, also a self confessed sports tragic.
A journo all my working life and never wanted to change, also a self confessed sports tragic.
