Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Tigers_Wests]

Shute Shield f/b page reporting that "another young up and coming player movers to League !! 2022 Randwick captain Ben Houston has signed with the Wests Tigers for 2023 season. This guy is a gun player who made the most tackles in the entire comp in 2022 ! Not just a great player but a leader.

Ben Houston – Randwick​

The Wicks leader who is seemingly maturing in his role as the season progresses, Houston has been inspirational in his defensive work rate in 2022.

With 211 tackles at a success rate of 81.8% over the first fifteen rounds, Houston ranks second in the Charter Hall Shute Shield behind Easts utility Charles Elton for all key defensive statistics.

Houston’s defensive abilities have played a pivotal role in Randwick’s nail-biting victories over the Wildfires, Easts and West Harbour, while his ability to emerge in critical offensive passages has seen the backrower also notch 5 tries across the season.

Houston is steadily cementing himself as one of the form breakaways in the Shute Shield. His leadership and skill will become of paramount importance to a Wicks outfit still yet to finalise a position in the 2022 Finals series with two rounds to play.

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He better get used to more tackling....211 in 15 games is not much. With that being said, as long as it is a train and trial contract, I am all for it. We already went in heavy with Reilly on a Top 30 contract before seeing how he transitions across. Big pre-season needed to get accustomed back to the game of league for both players. Hopefully they can prove they can handle it in 2023.

 

[Halbrowne61]

He better get used to more tackling....211 in 15 games is not much. With that being said, as long as it is a train and trial contract, I am all for it. We already went in heavy with Reilly on a Top 30 contract before seeing how he transitions across. Big pre-season needed to get accustomed back to the game of league for both players. Hopefully they can prove they can handle it in 2023.

Speaking of Reilly, for those on WTF who follow lower grades, how did he progress ? Can we see a light at the end of the tunnel or is he just a player.

 

[ElleryHanley]

Speaking of Reilly, for those on WTF who follow lower grades, how did he progress ? Can we see a light at the end of the tunnel or is he just a player.

I don't want to sound negative...but I saw absolutely nothing from him. Zero.

One game he was in the clear and Reece Hoffman ran him down easily...yes, the same Reece Hoffman who failed as a back for us and ended up a Dogs state cup second rower.

So, all the "well, he has speed" talk when we signed is not true.

Honestly, the most puzzling signing I have seen. Would love someone at the club to explain how on earth he got a 2 year top 30 deal.

Will be happy to be proven wrong...but showed absolutely nothing.

 

[ElleryHanley]

Position ?

Position = bench for state cup...

 

[Halbrowne61]

I don't want to sound negative...but I saw absolutely nothing from him. Zero.

One game he was in the clear and Reece Hoffman ran him down easily...yes, the same Reece Hoffman who failed as a back for us and ended up a Dogs state cup second rower.

So, all the "well, he has speed" talk when we signed is not true.

Honestly, the most puzzling signing I have seen. Would love someone at the club to explain how on earth he got a 2 year top 30 deal.

Will be happy to be proven wrong...but showed absolutely nothing.

Interesting review, agree that someone at the club obviously rates him. Let’s hope he comes good.

 

[Tigers_Wests]

Speaking of Reilly, for those on WTF who follow lower grades, how did he progress ? Can we see a light at the end of the tunnel or is he just a player.

Saw him play a few times last year. Wasn't impressed with his defence. Showed some signs that he might go alright in attack. Never really jumped out as a 'gun' though. However, picking him up mid year wasn't going to work well changing to league. Give him the full pre season getting his body right and learning the positions of the game again. Should be a bit clearer after 10 or so rounds this year whether he can be successful in the NRL.

 

[ElleryHanley]

Saw him play a few times last year. Wasn't impressed with his defence. Showed some signs that he might go alright in attack. Never really jumped out as a 'gun' though. However, picking him up mid year wasn't going to work well changing to league. Give him the full pre season getting his body right and learning the positions of the game again. Should be a bit clearer after 10 or so rounds this year whether he can be successful in the NRL.

The main thing for me is he had no speed.

If he was electrifyingly quick, at least there would be something to build on.

He was supposed to be this ex Rugby 7s speedster...but was getting run down by state cup forwards.

Maybe with fitness he can improve, but he really did look barely state cup level.

 

[Halbrowne61]

The main thing for me is he had no speed.

If he was electrifyingly quick, at least there would be something to build on.

He was supposed to be this ex Rugby 7s speedster...but was getting run down by state cup forwards.

Maybe with fitness he can improve, but he really did look barely state cup level.

Mmm…. Hardly someone you would jump in on with a 2 year deal.

 

[batboy]

I don't want to sound negative...but I saw absolutely nothing from him. Zero.

One game he was in the clear and Reece Hoffman ran him down easily...yes, the same Reece Hoffman who failed as a back for us and ended up a Dogs state cup second rower.

So, all the "well, he has speed" talk when we signed is not true.

Honestly, the most puzzling signing I have seen. Would love someone at the club to explain how on earth he got a 2 year top 30 deal.

Will be happy to be proven wrong...but showed absolutely nothing.

I can't see him kicking on at all....
There is just nothing special or potential upside with him, It's puzzling.
He seems confident though?

Couple of my Ruggers mates think he's a decent player - But they follow Rugby (Can't be trusted)
It seems chaos to me that we gave him a spot for 2 years and Blokes like Lachie Miller, Jaemon Salman and Connor Tracey go by the by...

 

[bathursttiger1]

Four year deal straight off the cuff, wow!
He must have some talent.
Shades of plucking Marshall out of school footy maybe. Is this guy the answer to our centre woes?

Four year deal straight off the cuff, wow!
He must have some talent.
Shades of plucking Marshall out of school footy maybe. Is this guy the answer to our centre woes?

Shades of Suaili.

 

[Halbrowne61]

I can't see him kicking on at all....
There is just nothing special or potential upside with him, It's puzzling.
He seems confident though?

Couple of my Ruggers mates think he's a decent player - But they follow Rugby (Can't be trusted)
It seems chaos to me that we gave him a spot for 2 years and Blokes like Lachie Miller, Jaemon Salman and Connor Tracey go by the by...

I am an ex Leaguy and Rugger man and we could always be trusted to buy interesting drinks and identify friends to chat with, if you know what I mean !

 

[Halbrowne61]

I am an ex Leaguy and Rugger man and we could always be trusted to buy interesting drinks and identify friends to chat with, if you know what I mean !

But then again. I was a fleet footed back ( no scars). Lol.

 

[Stevec]

Totally suspicious of Ruggers coming over .Union is so stop start with a whistle every minute means a lot of time to catch your breath . Also hits not as fierce generally but have seen exceptions

 

[Halbrowne61]

Totally suspicious of Ruggers coming over .Union is so stop start with a whistle every minute means a lot of time to catch your breath . Also hits not as fierce generally but have seen exceptions

Well you do have to conserve your energy for after match activities !

 

[liltiger]

Rothfield had a go at Sheens and Benji being absent from the losses like the Roosters game

Your right he did to the weasel, thanks for reminding me.

 

[liltiger]

Italy captain Nathan Brown has opened the door for a fairytale return to the Wests Tigers as he prepares to head back to Sydney and confront the lingering uncertainty over his future at Parramatta.

Brown is among a cluster of high-profile World Cup players who hit the open market on November 1, the multi-million dollar group headlined by South Sydney star Latrell Mitchell, and Parramatta pair Dylan Brown and Mitchell Moses.

More than 35 players across the 16 World Cup teams are eligible to sign with rival clubs sides next week, which has provided the chance for players to use the international stage to put themselves in the shop window.

Nathan Brown has done his cause no harm as the inspirational leader of the Italian team, which lost to Australia on Sunday morning (AEDT).

The Eels forward and Italian skipper was rocked in June when he was given permission to explore the market by Parramatta with more than a year remaining on his contract.

He had some nibbles before the mid-season trade deadline but opted to stay at Parramatta and was rewarded for his commitment to the club by playing for the Eels in the grand final.

Talks over his contract have been put off while in camp with the Italian team but his immediate playing future in the NRL is set to become an issue when he returns to Australia after a short holiday in Italy with his partner.

Brown insisted his entire focus had been on leading Italy but welcomed mooted interest from the Tigers, the club where he made his first grade debut nearly a decade ago.

The Tigers have been among the most aggressive clubs in the off-season as they look to build a side capable of infiltrating the top eight under the guidance of Tim Sheens and his assistants, Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah.

“Go back to the Tigers? Yeah, I would be [interested],” Brown said.

“See what happens. They have a couple of good signings with Sheens there, Benji and Farah. I think they are going to be on the up.

“I have a job here to do and that is to captain my country. All my focus has been on the camp and what I can do to help my teammates and help the team.”

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Brown admitted he was stunned to be told he was free to leave Parramatta, having spent six seasons at the Eels and played more than 100 games.

Having made his debut for the Tigers - he only played one game in the NRL for the club - he found a home at Parramatta after a two-year stint at South Sydney.

“One hundred per cent it was [a shock],” Brown said.

“It was just out of the blue. When it hit me, I didn’t really expect it. If I didn’t care it wouldn’t have affected me but it did take its toll.

“I had some days when it was tough. Like I said, everything happens for a reason. You can only control what you can control.

“That is being professional day in, day out and turning up with the right attitude. I guess that is the nature of the sport. You have to accept it for what it is.

“It is a business. No hard feelings. Just get on with life and accept it for what it is. I’m still there. So whatever happens, happens.

“I will leave that to my manager and everything happens for a reason. Wherever I end up will be for the right reason.

“At the end of the day we are professional athletes - we have to go out there and be professional.” (Brent Read)

I'd take him on a fair deal, he missed a bit if football I think it's affected his fitness that's why he gives away some stupid penalties, if we can get him fitter he won't be like his younger days but will add some much needed fire and mongrel for the right price that is.

 

[pawsandclaws1]

Does say if he's on open side or blind side breakaway. Just guessing, if he's blindside would probably be 2nd row. Open-side, then centre.

He's a St Joseph's College Hunters Hill player.

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

Dylan Brown won’t go to Dolphins. Given the state of their roster going forward even we are a better attraction then they are despite winning a spoon. I do agree with you that they won’t lose both halves as if they lose one they’ll have to pay more to keep the other, but Brown won’t head to Dolphins.

think Moses stays at Parramatta Dylan brown to dolphins

 

[supercoach]

Iam with the drunk when it comes to Moses,, chance zero, but what he offers a club like ours is a great kicking game. Goal kicking, short kicking, bombing and defensive long kicking are all top class. Without a quality kicking game your up the creek and at present our kicking game is all over the shop. Okay defensively he is a target but his kicking and passing game make up for it. Gut feeling he will end up with Gus at the Dogs or maybe Bondi junction

 

[tony soprano]

Iam with the drunk when it comes to Moses,, chance zero, but what he offers a club like ours is a great kicking game. Goal kicking, short kicking, bombing and defensive long kicking are all top class. Without a quality kicking game your up the creek and at present our kicking game is all over the shop. Okay defensively he is a target but his kicking and passing game make up for it. Gut feeling he will end up with Gus at the Dogs or maybe Bondi junction

There is a lack of quality halves at the moment and all the other quality are locked up.