Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[earl]

There’s no halves - and a few teams already missing one, without the new team coming….

Everyone thinks we sell Brooks of and sign Madden for 1000 years at minimum wage - it ain’t happening

I'm pretty confident you are correct. Their salaries now are basically completely irrelevant. It's the role you give them, the coach and culture of the team plus and most importantly the money they earn on their next contract.

Madden, Brooks, AD and Hastings are all good players. They are all capable of playing a key role in a lot of NRL teams.

I can't believe they aren't on the radar of heaps of other teams. The Dophins in my opinion would be nuts not to go hard after Madden.

To me the question is do we just keep 2 out of the 4 of them ? If that is the decision where do we play Doueihi or Brooks because Hastings to me gets the 7.

 

[earl]

I would love Burton - as a centre.

I'd love him as a 6. I think he has to play in the halves. He has one of the best kicking games in the comp, he can ball play plus he can make a bust and support players up the middle.

If I was playing fantasy footy it's between Burton and AD. I think Burton might be better. I think I'd rather move AD to centre than Burton if we had them both.

 

[weststigerman]

Losing garner hurts.

Watch the 45th minute and you’ll feel better about it.

He played well last night but just like Kelma, still has lapses in defence.

 

[Tiger_Fanatic3]

Ben Gardiner is moving on next year as far as I am aware, so we are probably looking at someone as an attack coach for next season at least.

Where did you hear that ?

 

[TSP]

He'd have a point to prove too. Got a few indigenous boys in the squad plus Badger is still involved so there's a good support circle starting to form. Might curry favour with other talented indigenous lads.

Yep, There’s some outstanding indigenous talent in the game.

 

[Garrry]

Where did you hear that ?

Not Gardiner, it's Ron Griffin, he's going to the knights

Where did you hear that ?

 

[Garrry]

I think Ron Griffin will be coaching the knights women's team?

 

[Tiger_Fanatic3]

I think Ron Griffin will be coaching the knights women's team?

Are you sure Ron Griffin even exists ?

Or are you referring to the character on family guy 😂

 

[Garrry]

Ooops Ron, lol

 

[Spartan117]

Everyone thinks we sell Brooks of and sign Madden for 1000 years at minimum wage - it ain’t happening

Not at minimum wage, but certainty not at the overs we are paying Brooks.

 

[Garrry]

Ooops Ron, lol

It's ROD, ROD, ROD, ROD
Bloody speed typing lol

 

[Bones]

Madden I think is not far off Brooks and would cost half as much. Plus, he’s not a pussy and takes on the line. And, when has Brooks ever chipped and chased for himself? Cue the cricket noises…..

He statistically takes on the line about half as muck as Brooks, and breaks less tackles. He’s nowhere near the threat running the ball Brooks is.

If you’re going to make an argument for him at least argue something that’s close to being true 🤷‍♂️

 

[batboy]

He statistically takes on the line about half as muck as Brooks, and breaks less tackles. He’s nowhere near the threat running the ball Brooks is.

If you’re going to make an argument for him at least argue something that’s close to being true 🤷‍♂️

Doesn’t matter man, there’s blokes here that will swear black and blue that absolutely anyone is better than Brooks…

 

[Wounded_magpie]

Not Gardiner, it's Ron Griffin, he's going to the knights

Phew ; I rate Ben Gardner . I see Ben as succession to Madge

 

[Masterton]

Yesterday was one of Garner's better performances, including some dirty carries, but we've had Garner on the books for 5 years now and we are still waiting for him to cement his position in the side.

Until now I couldn't say I was unhappy losing Garner. In his first game in the 2nd row with Jacko at half, and he was used like a pick-axe at the line. I'm curious to see if that's as effective against good teams.

 

[Bones]

Doesn’t matter man, there’s blokes here that will swear black and blue that absolutely anyone is better than Brooks…

I know, and they are entitled to their opinion. I’m just trying to provide some balance to the argument. If Brooks put in the performance Madden did last night, which was ok, they’d all be crapping on about how he did nothing other than 1 chip and chase.

I don’t care either way, I just want to see Wests Tigers win and I don’t think Madden gives us a better chance to do that at this stage.

 

[earl]

Not at minimum wage, but certainty not at the overs we are paying Brooks.

We aren't going to pay him overs. It's not going to work like that. We are going to have to pick them and pay market rate.

I'd prefer Brooks over Madden because Brooks is from what I've seen the better overall player and he fits better with Hastings than Madden does.

I see the situation as a no brainer. Hastings is up against Madden and Hastings is the guy we have to pick.

Brooks is up against AD as the 6 but you can move AD elsewhere. You might also be able to move Brooks elsewhere.

Madden wants a first grade spot and we can't offer that unless we get injuries.

 

[TSP]

Just on Brooks, he’s ok but on the balance, let’s think coin as well and while he’s above factory, I don’t think he’s Marquee.

Im not blaming him or a single unkind word, he’s just got the run of the market.

Also, he hasn’t had the best squad with him at all times.

Hastings on the other hand, well, he’s aspiring Marquee, can be quiet, but at other times, he’s simply massive, dominant and a real handful.

Without any intentional harm to Brooksy, if we get a better option, I don’t think there’s too much left in the tank. But I’m neutral on an official level. I’d be more willing if he could find his way down to about 500k.

Also, out of sight is out of mind, subject to the to the usual injury worries and his orientation back into the game, people forget just how good AD is.

Plus as I understand it, he’s coming back during the injury siege when about the quarter of the NRL are wiped out or laid up. So great timing to return mid season.

On their day, Hastings, Brooks, AD, Nado etc in the same backline would destroy most sides, all that we could want.

Plus paps is killing it for the eels. The upgraded pack is going to plan.

Exciting days to come, we’ve been patient, show us the love fellas!

 

[uuem]

My understanding is Madden wants to be a 1st grade 7 so it would be Hastings not Brooks position he wants.

 

[Tiger Tarl]

People mentioning we need a few more signings but the way I see it we're looking pretty good for 2023 with the signings we have (if all fit and uninjured).

Ofanengaue has been great at lock. May need to replace Tamou but looks like we'll get one more year from him. Throw in Crichton and I think we're done.

2023 TEAM

1. Daine Laurie
2. David Nofoaluma
3. Adam Doueihi
4. Brent Naden
5. Ken Maumalo

6. Luke Brooks
7. Jackson Hastings

8. James Tamou
9. Api Korisou
10. Stefano Utoikamanu
11. Isaiah Papali'i
12. Angus Crichton
13. Joe Ofanengaue

14. Jake Simpkin
15. Alex Twal
16. Zane Musgrove
17. Alex Seyfarth

RESERVES BACKS: Jock Madden, Starford Toa, Jnr Tupou, Peachy, Kepaoa, Fa'amanu Brown, etc.

Maybe need one more big middle forward but on paper, this team isn't too shabby. Or am I missing something?