Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

Mate it’s the off season - everyone’s delusional

1. Players look huge at pre season training
2. We have a better squad than last year
3. Our players are one year older and will be better this season
4. It’s the fittest and best off season the players have ever had
5. Have faith on the coaching and football department they know what they’re doing
6. Our three 35 yr old recruits just need a good preseason under their belt
7. Justin and Lee are doing are better job this year bc they’re (staying out of it, more involved, have better people around them etc etc)

No finals.

Repeat.

No finals.

Repeat.

No finals.

Repeat.

You are wrong mate. This year it's different.

*** No dumber words have ever been spoken but I hope it's correct this year.
 
I spoke to Jesse Ramiens cousin yesterday (I work with him). He said it’s highly unlikely he will leave the sharks and that they are just gauging what the $$$$ is with teams in need of an established centre. Pretty straight forward negotiation practice tbh.
I highly doubt we would pay overs
Hopefully we did so it’s jacks up his price for the sharks.
 
With my Benji hat on, I've been trying to come up with a list of potential targets for '24 that would fit the Benji mould & provide quality we need in those positions. They are all off-contract or potentially gettable (i.e. Tedesco).

Halves - George Williams, Mitchell Moses, Jack Wighton
Prop - Spencer Leniu, Toafofoa Sipley
Fullback - Lachlan Miller, Jack Welsby, Cody Ramsay, James Tedesco, Herbie Farnworth, Stephen Crichton
Centre - Jesse Ramien, Will Penisini
Wing - Sione Katoa, Dom Young

Disclaimer - I do think that Lachlan Miller will be one of the game's top fullbacks in the next 2 seasons.
 
Buttface posted the article which listed some of our good juniors. Did anyone read the height of Navrin Willett, the centre, 5/8 we recruited from Taree? He's 6ft 6inch and seems to be a prodigious talent chased by the Swans and other NRL clubs.
As much as I’d like to take the credit for that it was actually @KingRobbie in the juniors of 2023 thread I just moved the link across for old mate who was asking about Feledy’s size. I thought he looked big in the pic but apparently he is short. Still pretty solid for his age.
 
If we get Bateman our recruitment to date has been very spot on.

Api best hooker in the comp last 2yrs and we have been use to dregs or kids yet ready for nrl level.

Papa one of the best backrowers in the comp last 2yrs and yet to hit prime years. In a position we lack players

Klemmer is a rough nut prop we have needed, been top 10 props last few years. Is a good influence around the kids and we have some very good forward prospects coming’s through. Expecting him to be in around the captain brigade

Bateman we have a shortage in the backrow, can hit holes and holds his own in defence. I’m not as confident on him as the others but he is a big step up to what we have and makes our side stronger. If he finds form is going to be great beside the halves.

Getting those 4 over a 3-4yr period means our core base if stable to build off the rest of the squad.

Now we need a fullback, half and centre to be really pumping those are 24/25 outlook issues to solve. All of a sudden Benji years could start with a bang.
 
If we get Bateman our recruitment to date has been very spot on.

Api best hooker in the comp last 2yrs and we have been use to dregs or kids yet ready for nrl level.

Papa one of the best backrowers in the comp last 2yrs and yet to hit prime years. In a position we lack players

Klemmer is a rough nut prop we have needed, been top 10 props last few years. Is a good influence around the kids and we have some very good forward prospects coming’s through. Expecting him to be in around the captain brigade

Bateman we have a shortage in the backrow, can hit holes and holds his own in defence. I’m not as confident on him as the others but he is a big step up to what we have and makes our side stronger. If he finds form is going to be great beside the halves.

Getting those 4 over a 3-4yr period means our core base if stable to build off the rest of the squad.

Now we need a fullback, half and centre to be really pumping those are 24/25 outlook issues to solve. All of a sudden Benji years could start with a bang.
I think we'll be surprised by our centre choices. TT, AJ, Naden, Toupou, all big and strong and now playing outside superior class second rowers. Like you said, Api leading a top class pack around... If AD hits his straps at 5/8 that's a lot to stop. All Brooksy has to do is give them the ball!
 
I think we'll be surprised by our centre choices. TT, AJ, Naden, Toupou, all big and strong and now playing outside superior class second rowers. Like you said, Api leading a top class pack around... If AD hits his straps at 5/8 that's a lot to stop. All Brooksy has to do is give them the ball!

Any more to tell about Bateman's mate?
Also agree with your above comments, jury still out on Doueihi for mine.
 
Bit of non-news, but Tuki Simpkins posted on Insta with a few of the NSW cup boys. In one of the shots is player called Haze Dunster who I was not familiar with. I googled and looks like he played half a dozen games for Eels NSW cup side last year. Maybe an outside back signing for ressies? God knows we need it. Could also just be a mate.
Rumour was he signed with the Dogs.
 
i dont think i did,Bateman for 4 years is madness
Really all depends how the contract is structured. If it's back ended where in the 4th year we're paying him 900k then it's crazy.
If it's front ended where we pay him 900k next year and 150k in his 4th then it's OK. As a hypothetical.
 
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