Radio-Canada met with Alouettes players after the event and they confirmed that nothing has been formalized. They expect, however, that the agreement will be refused by the members.
Some teams have yet to vote on the deal reached last Wednesday.
Players’ Association vice-president Henoc Muamba said on Monday he supports the deal, but if it doesn’t receive majority support from the players, he would be ready to return to the negotiating table. .
At this time, it is unknown whether the players will return to strike or be locked out, or whether they will continue training in concert with new talks.
In the meantime, the Alouettes players were visibly happy to find the fans and even seemed surprised to see such full stands.
Marc-Antoine Dequoy wore a big smile when he went to meet the fans.
It feels so good to see the fans and see how the city of Trois-Rivières is involved in football and they are interested.
We see that there is an interest in football in Quebec, even after these years of COVID where we could not play before playing in front of stadiums with reduced capacity. It will be good to have people cheering us on.
Head coach Khari Jones agreed.
I liked that, I really liked that. To see the stands full, when we didn’t even know if there were going to be people for a simulated match moved to the last minute. It is rather impressive.
From depth to receiving position
Fans have seen that the Montreal team could deploy an interesting arsenal of pass receivers.
Newcomer Hergy Mayala set the tone by catching a pass from Vernon Adams diving into midfield.
The Montrealer, who played with the Calgary Stampeders for the past two seasons, could very well fit into the starting lineup and allow Khari Jones on a good Canadian receiver, which has seemed to be lacking in recent seasons.
Even if the new collective agreement could be less demanding on the ratio of Canadian players, the addition of a national player starting in attack will always be welcome in the CFL.
Two other Canadian receivers have found a way to stand out among the whole string of players used.
Kaion-Julien Grant rose above the defensive backs to catch passes, while center back/tight end Régis Cibasu also caught a touchdown pass, thrown by one of the six quarterbacks in camp, the American Ben Holmes.
Khari Jones likes what he sees from his Canadian squadron.
They know such a good side, they play very well every day. We see Kaion (Julien-Grant) progressing and improving year after year. Hergy, I liked him from afar when he was in Calgary and there, I’m happy to see him on this team. And we also have Tyson Philpot (2nd pick in the draft).
American receivers Krishawn Hogan and Fabian Guerra also stood out, catching touchdown passes thrown by Dominique Davis and Trevor Harris.
In defense, Jarmor Jones and Rodney Randle had interceptions and Marc-Antoine Dequoy showed that he could be very present as a safe guard, but he was also used as a cornerback.
Currently, with the ratio, it’s a defense full of American defensive backs. I have to be able to play everywhere and show that I can get away with any defensive position.
Dequoy will certainly have the opportunity to assert himself during the two preseason games in Hamilton on Saturday and in Montreal against Ottawa, next Friday.
Unless a labor dispute disrupts his plans…
Reference-ici.radio-canada.ca