Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

@CCTW Made a great post about Twal a while back.

A lot of his work goes unnoticed but we miss him massively when he's not out there.

An unsung hero.
He tightens up the defence massively.
Twal needs to up his game if he's going to play more minutes. Make more metres per hitup, make more offloads, get much faster play the balls etc. It would be suicide to have Twal and Joffa on the field at the same time currently. And would be pretty questionable whether we could get away with 2 of Joffa, Twal and Klemmer on the field at the same time. Slow, workmen types are good but we need a balance with aggression, impact and work rate. A team of workers doesn't win you games.
 
Sheens should strap Jacko to a chair and have Jason Smith highlites on loop.... The guy couldn't run also but he could control a game on one leg.... Encourage him that's what we want from him
All these people who have this idea a half has to be quick are a bit short sighted, being quick doesn't help if you have no idea how to play as a 7
 
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I wonder how much having Api at hooker negates the need for Hastings to be an organiser? Having a top shelf hooker changes everything, can get us on the front foot and reduce the pressure on the halves.
We would still lack a kicker in general play, a person to take last tackle options, and a real talker on the field but do we need Hastings on the bench or at hooker?
One of Hastings, Doueihi and Brooks is surplus to requirements.

Hastings at 13 is just a way to find a spot for him in the team. He never was and never will be a lock.

If any of those 3 has the body for it, it’s Doueihi, but his defence and fitness isn’t up to the task.

No other club has these 3 in their team and they are all going better than us, so why are we putting so much weight on keeping them? If they go, they go. They are all replaceable.
 
I liked when we had the potter bench.

Taupau, Ava, Sue and Gavet.

Hard hittin'

I did as well but you need impact forwards that crash and burn for 20 minute stints and we don't have that.

Twal, Klemmer, Joe O, Pole will go long minutes. Stef will play 40 minutes.

As stated above Korisau will need a break as well. Hastings at 13 for 80 minutes means we are basically playing with 2 middle forwards as well.
 
I wonder how much having Api at hooker negates the need for Hastings to be an organiser? Having a top shelf hooker changes everything, can get us on the front foot and reduce the pressure on the halves.
We would still lack a kicker in general play, a person to take last tackle options, and a real talker on the field but do we need Hastings on the bench or at hooker?
well let's look at Api's most recent club. Yeo effectively runs their middle corridor and Api picks his moments. Cleary organises and kicks while Luai calls for the ball when he wants it.

I don't think it's a bad thing to have Hastings at 13. we just need to ensure each player isn't overcalling one another. Penrith's attack works so well because Luai, Api, Cleary and Yeo all sing from the same hymn sheet. unsure if Brooks, Hastings, Api and Doueihi will be able to do the same for us.
 
The only reason I could fathom Sheens releasing Hastings instead of Brooks may be because of the article last week stating that Bateman and Hastings didn't see eye to eye, perhaps if Sheens knows Batemans on his way he figures its easier this way than dealing with any issues in the squad later, Sheens might rate Bateman as more important to the future of the squad. Just a conspiracy theory.
 
well let's look at Api's most recent club. Yeo effectively runs their middle corridor and Api picks his moments. Cleary organises and kicks while Luai calls for the ball when he wants it.

I don't think it's a bad thing to have Hastings at 13. we just need to ensure each player isn't overcalling one another. Penrith's attack works so well because Luai, Api, Cleary and Yeo all sing from the same hymn sheet. unsure if Brooks, Hastings, Api and Doueihi will be able to do the same for us.
Brook's dog ate his hymm sheet.
 
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The only reason I could fathom Sheens releasing Hastings instead of Brooks may be because of the article last week stating that Bateman and Hastings didn't see eye to eye, perhaps if Sheens knows Batemans on his way he figures its easier this way than dealing with any issues in the squad later, Sheens might rate Bateman as more important to the future of the squad. Just a conspiracy theory.
Could it also be because they are both 13s in the eyes of Sheens?
 
The only reason I could fathom Sheens releasing Hastings instead of Brooks may be because of the article last week stating that Bateman and Hastings didn't see eye to eye, perhaps if Sheens knows Batemans on his way he figures its easier this way than dealing with any issues in the squad later, Sheens might rate Bateman as more important to the future of the squad. Just a conspiracy theory.

Or 2024 players that have in mind.
 
Can’t understand the Twal knockers.

I reckon he adds a lot to the team but it's about the balance of the pack.

8. David Klemmer
9. Api Koroisau
10. Joe Ofahengaue
11. John Bateman
12. Isiah Papalli
13. Jackson Hastings

14. Fonua Pole
15. Stefano Utoikamanu
16. -- one of Blore, Twal, Talau, Matamua
17. Rua Ngatikaru --> I think we need a utility player. It could be Hastings or Doueihi.

If Hastings goes to 13 and plays 80 minutes which personally I think is crazy I just don't see how we are going to fit everyone in.

I can't pick Twal over Pole and Stef and I would have a utility and probably an edge backrower on the bench.

Twal is a 60 minute player and he gives you good defense and he can do the job in relation to metres.

This isn't including Woods who I think will be here.

Maybe we don't get Klemmer but then our pack looks undersized to me.

Who knows ?
 
I did as well but you need impact forwards that crash and burn for 20 minute stints and we don't have that.

Twal, Klemmer, Joe O, Pole will go long minutes. Stef will play 40 minutes.

As stated above Korisau will need a break as well. Hastings at 13 for 80 minutes means we are basically playing with 2 middle forwards as well.

Maybe you can get away with one, and I did enjoy the "bash brothers" bench days, but 2 less interchanges and little wrestle makes the role of middles, particularly props, very different.

We need something more at prop heading into the new year.
 
APISI- An enormous buy for the Tigers. Many Penrith players credit him as the rock behind their success. Played in 3 premiership wins, and has played with some of the best halves combinations in the game. Not only creates holes in the opposition, but a great defender,. His knowledge of todays game , and what is needed is invaluable. I'm sure he would be consulted by Sheens on what he thinks the side needs to do to be competitive, and what half combinations work the best.
I imagine a different and more professional side, with API and the coaches working together.
I don't expect miracles, as all sides have improved, but there's light at the end of the tunnel.
 
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