Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[jrtiger]

Galvin could well be Bateman's replacement. I think with his height and ball skills he can create on an edge like nobody we have in the squad, while allowing Luai & Latu to control the middle & other edge. I think it works in a Liam Fulton/Gavin Miller kind of way.

Or- Galvin plays centre. Same deal.

Everyone focussed on him being Yeo, but there's really only 1 Yeo in the NRL. Most are either tackling machines or metre eaters. Galvin is more Schuster than Murray.

to be quite honest I think Galvin will likely remain at 5/8 for the foreseeable future. he has a weapon of a kick, a strong running game and can clearly read shapes on either side of the ball.

if he bulks up to the point where it slows him down then we will obviously have to reassess, but given his fitness levels and talent I do think that Sullivan and Latu may be the odd ones out.

 

[jrtiger]

You're judging Sezer off what mate? 25 minutes of game time?

I think it's probably a poor take too. when he came on he showed far more effort and desire in 25 minutes than Sullivan managed in double that. our defence also improved down that edge when he turned up and our attack had depth and purpose. "going through the motions", as moP coins it, is inaccurate imo.

 

[The Chad]

to be quite honest I think Galvin will likely remain at 5/8 for the foreseeable future. he has a weapon of a kick, a strong running game and can clearly read shapes on either side of the ball.

if he bulks up to the point where it slows him down then we will obviously have to reassess, but given his fitness levels and talent I do think that Sullivan and Latu may be the odd ones out.

While I can agree with that mostly- I do wonder if after chasing Latu Fainu so hard, and securing Luai- would they really let one of these guys miss out?

Obviously Fainu is an unproven commodity & Galvin has 1 game to his name.

But, there is some level of commitment from the club on all three- disregarding Sullivan. It's definitely better to have too many than not enough options- but I wonder if the club will do everything they can to accommodate all three.

 

[weststigers]

NSW Cup is where our talent goes to die. Playing at that level only drags players down.
Name the last player that got better playing NSW Cup for us.

I'm no NRL administrator, but that's where I thought the old u20s comp was good, but I would have changed it to u23s and kept it going.

Now players go from playing with talented development squads directly to park football with jaded, part-time reserve graders.

The pathway to NRL seems disjointed. I prefer the old firsts, reserves and u23s model sitting under each club.

You essentially dilute the best players across NSW Cup, QLD Cup and SG ball (u19). If the next best crop of players could all play in the one competition, let's call it 2nd XIII, the quality of development would be much higher.

I hope V'Landys has this on his radar.

 

[Vicious]

I'm no NRL administrator, but that's where I thought the old u20s comp was good, but I would have changed it to u23s and kept it going.

Now players go from playing with talented development squads directly to park football with jaded, part-time reserve graders.

The pathway to NRL seems disjointed. I prefer the old firsts, reserves and u23s model sitting under each club.

You essentially dilute the best players across NSW Cup, QLD Cup and SG ball (u19). If the next best crop of players could all play in the one competition, let's call it 2nd XIII, the quality of development would be much higher.

I hope V'Landys has this on his radar.

It virtually is an u/23’s comp with a couple of overcharged players thrown into the mix.
The NSW Cup (Reserve Grade) competition plays a massive part in developing players for NRL, unfortunately Wests Tigers have well and truly stuffed our team over the past few years and based on having by far the worst forward pack in the competition, they will struggle to win a game also.
If the club was serious they would have already seen enough to know this is the case and be actively trading players straight away to do something about it.

 

[weststigers]

I was thinking about this on Saturday, trying to work out how to fit Galvin, Luai and Latu in to the team

Galvin would need to move to Lock or an edge. I wouldn't be tempted to shift him to centre, mainly because he won't see enough ball. He would then offer cover for the halves during games or injuries/suspensions.

Latu isn't as versatile. I think you can have all 3 on the field in this structure.

The issue is that halves get lots of money, so would be be willing to sit at 13?

 

[weststigers]

It virtually is an u/23’s comp with a couple of overcharged players thrown into the mix.
The NSW Cup (Reserve Grade) competition plays a massive part in developing players for NRL, unfortunately Wests Tigers have well and truly stuffed our team over the past few years and based on having by far the worst forward pack in the competition, they will struggle to win a game also.
If the club was serious they would have already seen enough to know this is the case and be actively trading players straight away to do something about it.

I disagree. It's a diluted comp. The best reserve players are not playing in the same competition.

 

[jrtiger]

While I can agree with that mostly- I do wonder if after chasing Latu Fainu so hard, and securing Luai- would they really let one of these guys miss out?

Obviously Fainu is an unproven commodity & Galvin has 1 game to his name.

But, there is some level of commitment from the club on all three- disregarding Sullivan. It's definitely better to have too many than not enough options- but I wonder if the club will do everything they can to accommodate all three.

keep in mind that Fainu was a Fulton signing. his talent is undeniable and I believe he's probably got a higher ceiling than Galvin, but Richardson is hellbent on stacking this side with local juniors and I do think that if push comes to shove then they will take precedence.

the beauty of this all is that we actually have options for a change, it's just making the right call. there is a place for both of them, but we have to be weary of too many cooks in the kitchen somewhere down the line as well.

 

[weststigers]

After watching him physically handle things with ease I now agree.

Need two animal forwards before it can happen though IMO.

Agree, but if we could add 4 animals. 2 props and 2 on the edge, that would be ideal. Galvin would ball play more, so you'd need to compensate by adding extra grunt.

 

[Kelce68]

to be quite honest I think Galvin will likely remain at 5/8 for the foreseeable future. he has a weapon of a kick, a strong running game and can clearly read shapes on either side of the ball.

if he bulks up to the point where it slows him down then we will obviously have to reassess, but given his fitness levels and talent I do think that Sullivan and Latu may be the odd ones out.

Latu will force his way in somewhere once he's back.

Bud will be lucky to see out the season in my opinion.

 

[jrtiger]

Latu will force his way in somewhere once he's back.

Bud will be lucky to see out the season in my opinion.

Latu will need a month in Cup but I do agree, he'll likely come onto the bench or sit at first drop for injuries / suspensions.

Sullivan is now already facing an uphill battle for a place at the club, let alone in the 17, so I agree there.

 

[Kelce68]

Galvin would need to move to Lock or an edge. I wouldn't be tempted to shift him to centre, mainly because he won't see enough ball. He would then offer cover for the halves during games or injuries/suspensions.

Latu isn't as versatile. I think you can have all 3 on the field in this structure.

The issue is that halves get lots of money, so would be be willing to sit at 13?

Latu can cover all spine positions bar Fullback.

Has played centre in lower grades and is more physically ready than Galvin to handle a position like lock now.

He's definitely not lacking in versatility.

 

[Kelce68]

Slight sidebar, but I'm thinking that Sione will be a very real lock option this season once he is back.

He handled the collision and ruck control far better than Seyfarth (in the trials) and has a decent pass on him.

Also can't understate the lift playing with his brother/s will give him.

It's not like Seyfarth exactly trumps him in the running threat department either.

Importantly, it would allow Pole to remain on the bench as the impact prop he seems to be growing into slowly.

 

[Qwertyrick]

I’m going to agree with you about Reilly … they gave him an opportunity .. played him a few games late last year after he was in reserve game for the previous year and three quarters … they had a look at him and decided to move on..

He was terrible in the last game of the season against Manly last year …

Not up to it and they needed his roster spot

Bring in the next guy…

Next guys doing a great job 🤣

 

[Qwertyrick]

Must be good. Which lucky NRL club snapped him up?

I’m guessing it’s a bit hard to find a club being let go 3 days into pre season. Most clubs would have their squads ready to go

 

[gregjm87]

Galvin will ultimately be our Yeo

Opinion or have you heard something?

 

[Halbrowne61]

Latu will need a month in Cup but I do agree, he'll likely come onto the bench or sit at first drop for injuries / suspensions.

Sullivan is now already facing an uphill battle for a place at the club, let alone in the 17, so I agree there.

Whilst I totally agree that Sullivan has some catching up to do, I keep thinking about the amount of money we’re paying him. He must have shown something, or someone felt he had potential, so perhaps he can get his act together moving forward, otherwise we have spent heaps on a half that was money down the drain.
And of course he’ll be hard to sell so we’ll either face a big payout or at the very least shared payment.
Like Benji, I’m prepared to give him a little more time before making a final decision !
It’s a long season !

 

[GNR4LIFE]

With Manu going to Rugby, it makes sense Taylan would go to the Roosters. They aren’t coming here. Might as well let that one go.

 

[Tigers4ever]

I’m tipping Richo will be ruthless and tapping quite a few on the shoulder very soon if they don’t start showing big improvement quickly.

Spot on!!! The supporters know who they are as well!

 

[Tigers4ever]

Bold prediction here. Latu Fainu to evolve into a lock by next season - the Cameron Murray mould.

The kid is a nugget, probably can tackle better than most in our club & has that something special about him.

Imagine a spine of Bula - Galvin - Luai (Sezer) - Fainu - Api (TDS).

Great post!!