Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Mighty_Tiger]

Could see why Sheens would want Brown & why we kept Tuki. It’s about skill forwards give attacking options.

I trust the team atm roster wise but Brown like Bateman just not convinced and would be meh see it but hope they aren’t long term signings

 

[weststigers]

Brown is a dud. He is about as bad as Woods.

Good to see you off the fence 😂

 

[Tigerdave]

So, 48hrs for more official signing news right?

 

[Tigers_Wests]

I am all in for Bateman. Hopefully the deal is done and announced shortly.

As far as Brown goes, I was skeptical when it first came up. With Hastings now gone though, I can see merit in him on a 2 year deal max. This will allow enough time for our young guys to develop without being rushed and learn off another experienced bloke in that position. Ultimately in 2024, you hope Matamua (or Fa'agutu) takes over from Brown if they are good enough.

The key thing recruitment wise seems to be the last few blokes we have/are rumoured to bringing in are 'win at all costs' blokes and are filthy with losing. They also all add a bit of mongrel. Hopefully this type of culture is brought into training and the young guys pick up on it.

 

[Champ1]

If we talk about the mongrel of Brown dont forget how Blore owned him in that game a couple of years ago. Brown thought he was going to "enforce" young Blore that night & got b#iched. Blore 1 , Brown 0

 

[OzLuke]

How does Brown fit in with guys like Klemmer, Stefano, Pole, Papali'i, Matamua, Blore, Twal and an incoming Bateman?

Well with Klemmer they've at least solved our lack of aggression if it's true

 

[OzLuke]

If we talk about the mongrel of Brown dont forget how Blore owned him in that game a couple of years ago. Brown thought he was going to "enforce" young Blore that night & got b#iched. Blore 1 , Brown 0

Good times that game....three hit ups at blore for 3 smashings....

 

[Spartan117]

Brown is a dud. He is about as bad as Woods.

Best Before 2019.

No thanks

 

[diedpretty]

AOB and Ponga combined with Hastings and Gagai... lol end in tears

Add Elliott to that list - they are really assembling a fine bunch of personalities at Newcastle.

 

[gregjm87]

If we get Brown & Bateman I think we would have one of the best forward packs in the competition.

Zero current representative front rowers and an over reliance on a bunch of kids as depth. Best pack we've had in years but far from one of the best in the comp.

 

[hank37w]

Who ?

We had a martial arts expert that was pretty well qualified under Madge.

Yeah, he must have taught them how to bow to the opposition.

 

[tony soprano]

Add Elliott to that list - they are really assembling a fine bunch of personalities at Newcastle.

Heatherington

 

[diedpretty]

Basically a whole new pack but has a slight smell of dads army about it. They'll get us into games this year but doubt if we have the points in us to capitalise.

Hardly Dads Army - Api is the oldest at 30. Starting pack has an average age of just under 28 and bench 22.5. Look at the experience of the starting pack though - combined 808 NRL games and 109 Super League, 22 S.O.O and 50 Tests. Quite impressive.

 

[Red88_Tiger]

Hardly Dads Army - Api is the oldest at 30. Starting pack has an average age of just under 28 and bench 22.5. Look at the experience of the starting pack though - combined 808 NRL games and 109 Super League, 22 S.O.O and 50 Tests. Quite impressive.

Looks good but I don’t think I want to see the roosters figures

 

[sleeve]

If we get Brown & Bateman I think we would have one of the best forward packs in the competition & I would also sign Will Smith on an NRL contract as our utility that would round out our top 30 for 2023.
This team below can make the semifinals.
Charlie Staines
David Nofoaluma
Brent Naden
Adam Douiehi
Ken Maumalo
Daine Laurie
Luke Brooks
Nathan Brown
Isaiah Papali’i
John Bateman
Joe Ofahengaue (c)
Api Koroisau
David Klemmer
Bench
Will Smith
Fonua Pole
Alex Twal
Stefano Utoikamanu
Reserves
Starford To’a
Triston Reilly
Junior Tupou
AJ Kepaoa
Tommy Talau
Justin Matamua
Brandon Tumeth
Tuki Simpkins
Alex Seyfarth
Sione Fainu
Jake Simpkin
Rua Ngatikaura
Lomi Saukuru
Thats our top 30 for 2023 not bad at all.
Development Players
Josh Feledy
Jimmy Ngutlik
Kitione Kautoga
Christian Ma’anaima
I would also add Jimmy Ngutlik as part of our development squad.

Will Smith, as you have said,is a key player, None of us knows who will partner Brooks, either AD or Laurie, and to be honest all 3 are no certainties to own the position. Laurie and Stains will fight out the FB position, which i think Stains will win, AD will probably have first dig at 5/8, where doe Laurie go? Either way i think Smith would be better value then Laurie or AD as 5/8, till such time as we buy a quality 1/2 or 5/8.

 

[tony soprano]

Hardly Dads Army - Api is the oldest at 30. Starting pack has an average age of just under 28 and bench 22.5. Look at the experience of the starting pack though - combined 808 NRL games and 109 Super League, 22 S.O.O and 50 Tests. Quite impressive.

Yep, need some experience too.

 

[RonDingo]

If we talk about the mongrel of Brown dont forget how Blore owned him in that game a couple of years ago. Brown thought he was going to "enforce" young Blore that night & got b#iched. Blore 1 , Brown 0

He has no mongrel, he just has crazy eyes cause he is cooked.
Thinks he is Tarzan but plays like Jane.

 

[Fainu Brothers]

Weedler from SMH saying Tedesco’s management is after a contract extension and mentioned the possibility of Moses leaving the Eels in 24 (he has heard this) but Eels are very touchy about it and are confident he will stay

 

[Mighty_Tiger]

Will Smith, as you have said,is a key player, None of us knows who will partner Brooks, either AD or Laurie, and to be honest all 3 are no certainties to own the position. Laurie and Stains will fight out the FB position, which i think Stains will win, AD will probably have first dig at 5/8, where doe Laurie go? Either way i think Smith would be better value then Laurie or AD as 5/8, till such time as we buy a quality 1/2 or 5/8.

Will Smith can't be named until round 11 I think at best case unless he is upgraded.

If we are relying on Smith being a key player for us it raises serious questions over the remaining 17 players in the squad + development players listed ahead of him.

 

[twentyforty]

Yep, need some experience too.

It’s not such a big job developing older players.