Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

Hastings is a leader - its so long since we have had someone who tries to make everyone a accountable- so he steps on toes - so what - anyone who remembers that drubbing we got from the wooden spoon winning Bulldogs in 2021 will know how desperately we need a leader to make players accountable- that game still haunts me - we were shameful that day
 
tony soprano said:
Anyone else think the Dolphins team not too bad.
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Forward pack, so long as the older guys don't fall off a cliff, should play Wayne-Ball type football quite well. Backs are athletic- typical of Bennett style teams. They'll do better than expected, but I think they lack an overall edge to them. Home support will be strong too.
 
The Chad said:
There's a lot of concern, obviously & rightly, about the halves for next season.

Hastings offers certain on-field 'smarts', but his lack of speed is now extremely well documented (on here) and he offers an 'at-best' ok kicking game. There is no denying his will to succeed, and he's something of a fan favourite- but keeping things in context, he's a supplemental half- he'd be best served next to a dominant player (which we don't have).

Brooks appears as good as gone. Often praised as a player with a good running game, he only averaged 70m a game last season & his kicking metres per game were average at best.

Doueihi has the best general field kicking stats for our halves last season. Does that make him great? No. But he at least has something on his side- for general field kicking, he's competant. Last season was a terrible year for all involved. Adam certainly threw in a couple of below par performances. But I don't think a lack of desire can be thrown at him. His passing game is hit & miss, in my opinion. For mine- he's better served running the ball with a good supportive runner off his hip than he is trying to throw cut-out passes etc. That just isn't his game. He's Scott Hill (former Storm 5/8).

Laurie had a surprisingly decent finish to the season. His try assists were pretty decent too. There is talk of him practicing at 5/8 this season. Not sure of the effectiveness of his kicks, but I could see him being the guy to follow Doueihi around looking to be put through gaps. His link play in attacking raids was understated by fans- he was actually pretty decent.

Apparently Albert Kelly is on a train & trial. Sadly, he might actually be the best general field kicker at the club if this is the case, making him a genuine option to be retained. His play at the Broncos last season wasn't terrible. I don't think he could be worse than Brooks was last season.

Players off contract-

Pheonix Crossland was mentioned by the Pom. He's definitely more a running half or 5/8 with little in the way of a kicking game. I'll say this- he's a decisive runner. Is he the best option? I don't think so, but it's worth keeping an eye on.

Kurt Falls has been mentioned as well. I'm extremely skeptical of his impact. Looked like a guy that didn't lose games for Penrith more than anything. I doubt he'd be any better than Crossland.

Brandon Wakeham from the Bulldogs might be the best option to add to the squad. Has a kicking game (2021 was used as a primary kicker when he played). Untapped potential at this point, so not sure if he'll ever make it. But as the back-up #7? This would be my guy.


What I suspect- we are overthinking it. I believe we already know the answer- it's just not making us comfortable.

Staines was brought in to play fullback. Laurie we are hearing is already training at 5/8. Hastings is lock. Brooks looks to be gone. That leaves Doueihi at 7.

1. Staines
6. Laurie
7. Doueihi
13. Hastings

I strongly doubt this will be any worse than what we've seen over the last couple of years.

Doueihi is a passionate Tigers man. Farah is in his corner. I pretty much expect him to be named captain. Having him, Hastings, Staines & Laurie off contract doesn't inspire great confidence- BUT- we could lose Hastings with little real impact. If the rumours about Mitch Moses are true- he would move into #7. They'll know pretty soon I'd think if this is even possible. Then the club can decide on Staines/Laurie & Doueihi's future roles. If Moses comes over, all three could be shifted playing roles, effecting their salary values. Once a decision on Moses is made, I expect these guys become priority re-signings.
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Please not Doueihi at half, he doesn't like passing
 
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