two-year deal – Michmutters

Tag: two-year deal

Categories
Sports

A-League: Slovakian international Robert Mak joins Sydney FC

A-League: Slovakian international Robert Mak joins Sydney FC

Sydney FC’s measured and patient approach to returning to the A-League summit has stepped up a gear with the signing of former Manchester City winger Robert Mak.

Capped 73 times for Slovakia, Mak has joined the Sky Blues on a two-year deal after winning back-to-back Hungarian top-flight titles with Ferencváros.

“We took our time because there’s a specific type of player we want,” Sydney FC coach Steve Corica said.

“We’ve got a few more to come in as well, but to have the first one done is great.

“We’re two months out from the start of the (A-League) season which gives us plenty of time to work with Robert and to get him ready.”

The most successful club in A-League history with five championships, the Sky Blues finished a disappointing eighth last season.

“We had to have a good look at where we were and what kind of players and what formation we wanted to look at if we wanted to change things,” Corica said.

“It’s probably the best time right now to do it.”

Mak’s ability to play on either wing and also in a central attacking role if required made him an attractive target for Sydney.

“He has two great feet and can play on either side of the pitch. He likes to take on defenders and will create and score goals for us as well,” Corica said.

“To play that many times for your country is no mean feat and I think he will really stand out this season.”

Having joined Manchester City’s academy at 13, Mak stayed there for six years before leaving in 2010 to join German club Nurnberg.

From there he went to Greek club Paok in 2014 and also had spells in Russia (Zenit St Petersburg) and Turkey (Konyaspor) before his move to Hungary.

“I’ve been part of a few championships and cup wins in my career, so I know what it takes and want to bring my experience, personality and a few goals and assists to help us this season,” said Mak, who has made more than 30 game appearances in the UEFA Champions League and the Europa League.

“This is going to be a fantastic challenge for me, and it’s a real honor to be signing for Australia’s biggest and most successful club.”

The Sky Blues continue their Australia Cup campaign on Wednesday night with a round-of-16 clash against NPL Victoria outfit Bentleigh Greens in Melbourne.

In Wednesday night’s other Cup round-of-16 battle, South Australian state league club Modbury Jets host Macarthur FC at Gepps Cross.

Read related topics:sydney

.

Categories
Sports

Craig McRae says he wants Jordan De Goey to stay at Collingwood Magpies, Brayden Maynard, contract talks, latest, trade news, rumours, whispers, St Kilda Saints

Craig McRae says he wants Jordan De Goey to stay at Collingwood Magpies, Brayden Maynard, contract talks, latest, trade news, rumours, whispers, St Kilda Saints

Collingwood coach Craig McRae says he’d “love” Jordan De Goey to stay at the club beyond this season amid uncertainty around the star free agent’s future.

De Goey was influential with 25 disposals, 10 contested, one goal and nine clearances in the Magpies’ thrilling seven-point win over Melbourne on Friday night, a performance McRae believes was “his best game of the year.”

Collingwood pulled a $3.2 million contract offer to De Goey after his Bali exploits earlier this year and put off contract talks with the star midfielder/forward until season’s end as rival clubs including St Kilda circle.

Watch every blockbuster AFL match this weekend Live & Ad-Break Free In-Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

And speaking after the Pies’ 11th-straight win on Friday night, McRae hoped De Goey would recommit to the club.

McRae hopes De Goey stays at the Pies (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

“He’s a free agent. That’s his right to explore his options. I speak authentically; I’d love Jordy to stay. I would,” the Magpies coach said.

“That’s going to create a headline but we’ll just live in the moment and let Jordy keep being himself in our environment and make us better. Nights like tonight are good examples of his assets from him that makes us better.

“I thought it was his best game for the year. I thought he was a star. I thought I genuinely flipped the game around clearance.

“We couldn’t get the ball out of center bounces, we got smashed in there again and he just had this shrug the shoulders and swagger to get out of traffic.”

It comes a week after De Goey was best-on-ground in Collingwood’s win over Port Adelaide after returning from a three-game absence with a quad issue.

Teammate and close friend Brayden Maynard also wanted to see the De Goey stay in the black and white beyond 2023.

“He’s not going anywhere, I’ll make sure of that. I haven’t had a chat with him about it, but I’m sure he’ll make the right call,” he told Fox Footy post-match.

“If we want to leave, then he leaves, but I’m in his ear at the moment. I just want what’s best for him, so just got to be with him.”

Collingwood Magpies press conference | 09:16

The 25-year old’s contact negotiations are one of several big ticket items for Collingwood to address ahead of an eventful off-season, with Brodie Grundy’s future also uncertain as the Pies have been linked to the likes of Dan McStay, Tim Taranto and Bobby Hill .

De Goey has averaged a career-best 21.1 disposals per contest this season and booted 15 goals from as many games as he plays for arguably the most significant contract extension of his career.

St Kilda legend Nick Riewoldt thinks De Goey staying at the Magpies on a shorter deal might be in his best interests to stay “on the edge” instead of taking up a more lucrative offer elsewhere.

“I think that’s what you weigh up and the situation that’s going to bring the best out of yourself,” he said on Fox Footy.

“If being on the edge and only having a two-year deal is going to mean you make really good decisions in terms of your career, then maybe that’s the best thing for him.

“Rather than just looking at big carrot financially and security, maybe playing on the edge might be the best alternative.”

.

Categories
Sports

Transfer Whispers; Ben Hunt future; Gold Coast Titans bid; Martin Taupau, Manly, Sea Eagles, news, updates

Transfer Whispers; Ben Hunt future; Gold Coast Titans bid; Martin Taupau, Manly, Sea Eagles, news, updates

Maroons star Ben Hunt is not short of suitors amid reports the Gold Coast Titans are ready to launch an audacious bid for his services.

news corp revealed that the Titans are considering a play to lure the Dragons captain north to from the 2023 season.

The Titans are believed to be one of six clubs trying to acquire Hunt’s services from at least the 2024 campaign.

Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

MORE NRL NEWS

‘DONE 100’: Roosters star Keary’s confession reveals NRL big hip-drop problem

‘AT A TIPPING POINT’: Knights at a crossroads, O’Brien feels for running ‘soft ship’

STADIUM WARS: NRL’s $800m threat to NSW govt over stadium funding backflip

But considering he doesn’t come off contract with the Dragons until the end of next season, the Titans will have to wait until November 1st to submit an official offer.

It was reported last week that Hunt was set to sign a two-year contract extension with St George until the end of 2025.

“We have started the process to extend Ben, and we’re very hopeful we can keep him at the club long-term,” St George Illawarra chief executive Ryan Webb said.

Madge’s take on Tigers coaching plan | 02:04

“He is an important person on the field and has a tremendous impact off it.”

Hunt, who was leading the Dally M race before the count behind closed doors, signed a

mammoth five-year deal worth more than $5 million with the Dragons in 2017.

The 32-year-old has proven himself to be one of the premier players in the competition since, after starring in State of Origin again this year.

The party was well and truly on in Queensland as Hunt ran away for a long-range, game-winning try in the Origin decider in Brisbane last month.

But considering his age, it’s believed that he could commit to a smaller deal.

If Hunt does sign with the Titans, he would potentially line-up in the halves alongside another key signing in Kieran Foran.

The New Zealand international has signed a two-year deal which is reportedly worth $400,000 per season.

Dragons captain Ben Hunt is reportedly eyeing a move to the Gold Coast Titans. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Before entering contract negotiations, Hunt revealed that he was happy playing under the “right coach” in Anthony Griffin at the Dragons.

“It’s no secret I enjoy being coached by Hook (Anthony Griffin),” Hunt said.

“I know we’ve had some setbacks for the past two games, but we’ve got the right foundation in place – and we have the right coach.

“I’m loving my time at the club and enjoying myself. I know I’m also getting to the back end of my career and want to win (a premiership).

“My manager will meet with the club next week so we’ll see what happens. I still think I’ve got at least three years of footy in me. I’m contracted for next year, and I’d like another two after that.

“I’ve been lucky with injuries. I don’t see why I can’t go until at least the end of 2025.”

Carrigan cops 4-game ban for tackle | 02:14

RABBITOHS SET TO LAUNCH BID FOR MANLY ENFORCER

The South Sydney Rabbitohs have reportedly entered the race to secure Sea Eagles’ prop Martin Taupau’s signature for the dawn of the 2023 season.

According to Zero Tackle, the club believe that Taupau would be a suitable replacement for departing prop Mark Nicholls, who will join the Dolphins for their inaugural season.

The Bunnies are reportedly set to table the 32-year-old a two-year contract which will see him at South Sydney until the end of the 2024 season.

The Eels were close to locking in Taupau for the rest of the season, however the Sea Eagles chose to wart the move in a last ditch attempt at securing a spot in the top eight come finals time.

If Taupau is to link up with the Rabbitohs for the 2023 season he would he would add to the club’s depth in the forwards joining the likes of Thomas Burgess, Liam Knight, Tevita Tatola, Davvy Moale and Daniel Suluka-Fifita.

With the Manly prop now in the latter stages of his career, a two-year deal with South Sydney could very well be his last in the NRL.

While the Dolphins have expressed an interest in Taupau, the experienced prop ideally wants to play for a club based in Sydney.

.