Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

I've had a bit of a play with targets for 2023 based on our needs using rationale based on who is uncontracted. Here is my thinking (accepting criticicm about Bevan French but I believe he is an x-factor player who could fill a need for us plus like Hastings has matured in the ESL).

TARGETS:
  • Bevan French (Fullback / Utility Back)
  • Junior Ratuva (Wing)
  • Euan Aitken (Centre / 2nd Row)
  • Isiah Paapali (2nd Row)
  • Api Korisau (Hooker)
  • Marty Taupau or Paul Vaughan (Prop)
Out:
  • Hoffman (Centre – currently not filled)
  • Roberts (Centre)
  • Kei (Wing)
  • Liddle (Hooker – released)
  • Tamou (Prop)
  • Tuilagi (2nd Row)
  • Leilua (2nd Row)
  • Garner (2nd Row)
  • Mikaele (Prop)
Upgraded to top 30:
  • Ngatikaura (Hooker/Lock)
  • Pole (Prop/Lock)
  • 1 of O’Kane/Saukuru/Tumeth (2nd Row)
Notes:
  • Brooks to see out contract year
  • Talau to be re-signed on 1-year contract
  • Madden to be re-signed
  • Offa to see out contract year, Tigers won’t want to release too much experience
  • Assuming Sione Fainu is not on Top 30 contract
  • Leaving 6 spots to fill
Needs:
  • Fullback (experience, x-factor, battle Laurie for 1st team position)
  • Centre/2nd Row (strong running, solid defence, decent speed)
  • Wing (fast, ideally big & strong)
  • 2nd Row (1st team player)
  • Hooker
  • Prop
Development contracts 2023:
  • Remaining 2 of O’Kane/Saukuru/Tumeth
  • Kautoga or Guyan
  • Matamua
  • Dotoi
  • Cathane Hill
 
Furious1 said:
I agree. People seem to be put off by the fact he rejected us once. Money speaks all languages, so does salary cap space, training facilities etc. It's time to find out what it would take to make this happen rather than just accepting he knocked us back once.
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Well he is going to be an assistant coach for the next 6 years if he stays at Penrith. He will have to be more patient than Fitzgibbon. I dont see him being that patient. Offer him 4 years subject to meeting certain goals. Do it now, before other clubs get in the race and we lose out once again.
 
tonza said:
Well he is going to be an assistant coach for the next 6 years if he stays at Penrith. He will have to be more patient than Fitzgibbon. I dont see him being that patient. Offer him 4 years subject to meeting certain goals. Do it now, before other clubs get in the race and we lose out once again.
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We tried last year. I think he knows better opportunities will come along.
 
BlackWhiteGold said:
I've had a bit of a play with targets for 2023 based on our needs using rationale based on who is uncontracted. Here is my thinking (accepting criticicm about Bevan French but I believe he is an x-factor player who could fill a need for us plus like Hastings has matured in the ESL).

TARGETS:
  • Bevan French (Fullback / Utility Back)
  • Junior Ratuva (Wing)
  • Euan Aitken (Centre / 2nd Row)
  • Isiah Paapali (2nd Row)
  • Api Korisau (Hooker)
  • Marty Taupau or Paul Vaughan (Prop)
Out:
  • Hoffman (Centre – currently not filled)
  • Roberts (Centre)
  • Kei (Wing)
  • Liddle (Hooker – released)
  • Tamou (Prop)
  • Tuilagi (2nd Row)
  • Leilua (2nd Row)
  • Garner (2nd Row)
  • Mikaele (Prop)
Upgraded to top 30:
  • Ngatikaura (Hooker/Lock)
  • Pole (Prop/Lock)
  • 1 of O’Kane/Saukuru/Tumeth (2nd Row)
Notes:
  • Brooks to see out contract year
  • Talau to be re-signed on 1-year contract
  • Madden to be re-signed
  • Offa to see out contract year, Tigers won’t want to release too much experience
  • Assuming Sione Fainu is not on Top 30 contract
  • Leaving 6 spots to fill
Needs:
  • Fullback (experience, x-factor, battle Laurie for 1st team position)
  • Centre/2nd Row (strong running, solid defence, decent speed)
  • Wing (fast, ideally big & strong)
  • 2nd Row (1st team player)
  • Hooker
  • Prop
Development contracts 2023:
  • Remaining 2 of O’Kane/Saukuru/Tumeth
  • Kautoga or Guyan
  • Matamua
  • Dotoi
  • Cathane Hill
Click to expand...
In reality how much time does the club have to make these suggested changes?
 
GNR4LIFE said:
We tried last year. I think he knows better opportunities will come along.
Click to expand...
I am sure there will be at the end of 2023. If we went for him right now, I think he would have a get out clause in his current contract. He could, by then, be almost 2 years into his new gig and see a big future for West Tigers and proud of what he has started. Am I dreaming ?
 
tonza said:
I am sure they will at the end of 2023. If we went for him right now, I think he would have a get out clause in his current contract. He could, by then, be almost 2 years into his new gig and see a big future for West Tigers and proud of what he has started. Am I dreaming ?
Click to expand...
It takes two to tango. It doesn’t matter what we need to do if he doesn’t want the job.
 
Furious1 said:
I agree. People seem to be put off by the fact he rejected us once. Money speaks all languages, so does salary cap space, training facilities etc. It's time to find out what it would take to make this happen rather than just accepting he knocked us back once.
Click to expand...
Fair point. C of E might make a difference as might Sheens' involvement with the club. Of the young coaches around, he seems to be the best option.
 
Needaname said:
On that logic, don’t you think Fitzgibbon would of signed more than Ikuvalo from the Roosters?
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It comes down to the situation, roster positions, players and cash available.

Fitzy wasn't in a position needing a complete rebuild with millions of cash with more than half the roster requiring recruiting.

Fitzy grabbed Dale and Nico - better weren't available at the Roosters.
Who knows what kids he will bring across over next 12-18mths or so.
 
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