It seems a lifetime ago that JT kicked the winner in golden point handing the Cowboys the 2016 premiership. Currently, they are sitting on the equal second last amount of points in the competition and without their retired star, are looking worse for wear.
Enter Jesse Ramien.
Since Ramien has fallen out with Knights coach Nathan Brown he has been on a number of clubs' hit lists, yet now the Cowboys are preparing to dig into the salary cap to get him.
The Cowboys need some attacking flair andย The Courier-Mail are reporting the North Queensland club could offer over $1 million in a long-term contract to Ramien who has been exiled by his club. One of the most powerful performers in the game, Ramien ranks in the top three for tackles busted and at his best can be as good as anyone in the backs.
The 22-year-old is high on the Cowboys' radar along with Valentine Holmes, who after a solid debut with the New York Jets in the NFL is still a while away from making their starting roster.
Ramien was in contention for Origin and whilst a host of clubs are said to be vying for his services it's the Cowboys with the most cap space to make a serious offer. It is understood Ramien is seeking a three or four-year deal worth in excess of $300,000 annually.
Where would you like to see Jesse Ramien?
Ramien is definitely worth 300k over 3/4 years. I think he would be good for the Cowboys but I think if a club offers to give the Knights a decent player as an incentive to get him they would become big favourites. I think a win win situation could be Ramien for Aiken. They are both quite similar players, both young centres and both have been in origin contention at one stage. Think the Dragons get the better player but the Knights get back a really good young back to replace Ramien giving the Knights a win.
There is no such thing as a player swap in the NRL….a player MUST agree to move to another club before any contracts are signed.
Maybe not a direct swap but if clubs are talking to one another, ie the Dragons talking to Knights about Ramien they could always say if you push him in our direction we will give you this in a seperate deal. The Knights could then block Ramiens ability to talk to other clubs if they were really serious about such a deal. I just think it would make a lot of sense for both clubs and both players. But if the Cowboys show Ramien the most money and act quickly they will probably get him. And they desperately need him, they are starting Coen Hess at centre this weekend again
Cowboys going in the right direction with Ramien to bolster their team to become a force again.
Moves to Newcastle to be closer to his daughter, leaves and possibly signing with the club furthest from her ๐
I wish Saints would sign him. A straight swap with Newcastle would be ideal – they get Lafai and we get Ramien. Still, I suppose that would be a bit cruel and unjust on Newie.