Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Tigerwould]

I basically agree with you but the centres have to step up and Hastings has to deliver. It's a lot that has to go right.

Plenty to look forward to this season though.

If we still have the same defensive issues as 2021, i can’t see us making the 8. Weakness in the 2nd row and centres will be our main area of concern.
The main difference to the starting side in 2022 is Hastings, Oliver Gildart and Peachy. If they click in attack and our defence improves significantly from 2021...we could make the 8.

 

[Holden]

2023 should be a great chance for us with Eels and Storm regular teams being a bit wrecked, two of the top 4. Should be a prime chance for us to go above and beyond

 

[GNR4LIFE]

If we still have the same defensive issues as 2021, i can’t see us making the 8. Weakness in the 2nd row and centres will be our main area of concern.
The main difference to the starting side in 2022 is Hastings, Oliver Gildart and Peachy. If they click in attack and our defence improves significantly from 2021...we could make the 8.

It’s not like we’ve signed the cattle that will improve the defence, so I don’t know where the improvement will come from. I don’t think those predicting we will make the 8 realise just how much we’d have to improve. Not even factoring in the amount of teams around us that have strengthened their rosters.

 

[TillLindemann]

It’s not like we’ve signed the cattle that will improve the defence, so I don’t know where the improvement will come from. I don’t think those predicting we will make the 8 realise just how much we’d have to improve. Not even factoring in the amount of teams around us that have strengthened their rosters.

Until Laurie was injured we were actually competing for the 8. In the Warriors game he went down in the 1st minute or so - from memory if we won that game we would have moved to 8th? Then with Australia's most pea-hearted defender at fullback instead, we capitulated. Hastings will provide some extra options in closing out a game, he has the smarts.

 

[Tigerwould]

It’s not like we’ve signed the cattle that will improve the defence, so I don’t know where the improvement will come from. I don’t think those predicting we will make the 8 realise just how much we’d have to improve. Not even factoring in the amount of teams around us that have strengthened their rosters.

The assistance coaches have changed. agree that mostly like we dont have the cattle to really challenge. Unless the new coaches are wizards and somehow turn our defence into attack.

 

[Cobarcats]

Losing Laurie and AD sealed our fate last year!

 

[momo_amp_medo]

If we still have the same defensive issues as 2021, i can’t see us making the 8. Weakness in the 2nd row and centres will be our main area of concern.
The main difference to the starting side in 2022 is Hastings, Oliver Gildart and Peachy. If they click in attack and our defence improves significantly from 2021...we could make the 8.

Early days.
One big difference may be that Madge-Sheens partnership together with new Coaching staff could bring some fresh ideas and motivate the team and move us in the right direction.
The tough trial program over the next two weeks should reveal bit more.
As always I’m optimistic …. one thing I know is that Sheens will not tolerate some of the performances we were served up last year and players that don’t perform and show improvement will not feature in on our 2023 roster …. no matter if they have or not have a contract with us.
THIS is not time for “a sit back, twiddle your thumbs and wait for 2023“ approach - the coach his assistants and each of the 33 rostered 2022 players must show and will be judged on improved form, consistency and NRL ladder standing by the end of this season.

 

[momo_amp_medo]

Does anyone know where the WT training ground on Central Coast is and scheduled training times.
Might pop around to look and see.

 

[InBenjiWeTrust]

It’s not like we’ve signed the cattle that will improve the defence, so I don’t know where the improvement will come from. I don’t think those predicting we will make the 8 realise just how much we’d have to improve. Not even factoring in the amount of teams around us that have strengthened their rosters.

I cannot understand why we continue to ignore/accept our chronic issue with RW/RC?
We could at least put Nofoaluma on the market, and start this season training with the new RW/RC combination!

 

[Cobarcats]

THIS is not time for “a sit back, twiddle your thumbs and wait for 2023“ approach - the coach his assistants and each of the 33 rostered 2022 players must show and will be judged on improved form, consistency and NRL ladder standing by the end of this season.

What you said there mate is a 2023 approach.
We have to sort out this year who's going to be part of that assault and it starts now, develope and scrutinize.

 

[Harvey]

the nucelus of our forward pack for the next 5 years is already sitting in our backyard.

Stef, Simpkin, Papali'i, Blore, Matamua, Pole, Seyfarth and Tumeth are all going to be cornerstones of our forward pack for years to come. Alex Twal is only 26 this year. we are in very very good shape.

The problem is that for some of these we have them signed up to the age that they will be ready to make an impact in first grade.

If we can't keep them we have the nucleus of someone elses pack.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

I really don’t get how people can put so much stock in players that haven‘t even debuted yet. And if I’m being skeptical, it’s cos I have seen 10 years of people talking up juniors who amount to nothing. Sheens always said you can’t fully judge players until they have played 50-75 games. Yet some crown these kids as future mainstays before they even debut.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

And further to that, it’s unfair pressure to put on these kids that they will come in and turn this club around. Unlike the top clubs where kids come in with established stars around them, they come into our side and we expect them to be the ones to turn us around.

 

[Telltails]

Lack of quality players across the competition and a couple of clubs tend to monopolize them when they do show some real promise. Any juniors coming through in the key positions that have been identified eager to make some money, always have plenty of options. Whether they amount to anything or not, will always be a risk that many clubs are prepared to take.

 

[tony soprano]

Does anyone know where the WT training ground on Central Coast is and scheduled training times.
Might pop around to look and see.

Club troppo.

 

[Demps]

Club troppo.

Lol is that still around

 

[momo_amp_medo]

What you said there mate is a 2023 approach.
We have to sort out this year who's going to be part of that assault and it starts now, develope and scrutinize.

You misread my meaning.
im saying exactly what you wrote …. we don’t sit on our hands this year waiting for better times in 2023……..
which by the way I’m sure no one at WT is aiming to be approach for this season.
My bet terminology in the post perhaps.

 

[supercoach]

We have four players with major injuries, our kids are still a year or two away from being introduced to the rigours of week to week NRL and we have done nothing in the way of recruitment to improve our defence. Anything above bottom three will be great. Let’s hope I have no idea what Iam talking about

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

With an experienced back rower a priority for 2023, looking through the uncontracted players that I think would be worth a decent contract:

Briton Nikora - The Pom has mentioned we've been talking to him but more than likely to stay at Sharks.
Cory Harawira-Naera - could just be the change & leadership opportunity to be the making of this guy. Has a strong battle for a starting 2nd Row position at the Raiders.
Jack Williams - if Nikora re-signs, I'd look at this guy. There is just something about him. Not flashy but gets the job done, strong defender & can play middle too. Could give him more than he's on at Sharks & he'd still be good value.

Thoughts?

 

[Demps]

With an experienced back rower a priority for 2023, looking through the uncontracted players that I think would be worth a decent contract:

Briton Nikora - The Pom has mentioned we've been talking to him but more than likely to stay at Sharks.
Cory Harawira-Naera - could just be the change & leadership opportunity to be the making of this guy. Has a strong battle for a starting 2nd Row position at the Raiders.
Jack Williams - if Nikora re-signs, I'd look at this guy. There is just something about him. Not flashy but gets the job done, strong defender & can play middle too. Could give him more than he's on at Sharks & he'd still be good value.

Thoughts?

Both decent.

I would take Nikora.

Like MCK but younger and slightly better.
Can play centre / 2RF.