Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

A lot being written on Brooks getting $300K next season which means a cost of around $100K to the club with the long term player allowance. I just don't think the NRL would accept $300K as his value, it would be more like $600 - 750 K . At the moment he is not worth that to the club and other clubs except in the Super League may baulk at that figure. If he resigns it will be above $500K but it would be only one season, if he wants longer Super League would be his only option. There's been no news about other clubs having any interest in him .

I doubt if any other NRL club would have the slightest interest in Luke,for whatever reason he has just not hit the level of what is required from a half back in the NRL.A change of club and a stint in the ESL could be just the thing for him to develop
 
Yeah my fingers got sore typing all the things the team seem to be inept at which seem to be standard coaching stuff?
- ZERO Pressure or Kick Chase -
OMG! That does my head in, it’s the simplest thing to coach and achieve on field is it???
F me the bacics please 🙏 coach some.
But in saying that how long have they been playing footy for?

They should make them sit through days of watching Spud Elfords early chase in the 05 GF...

Makes me giggle that one of the 3 things Sheens wanted the team to do in the 05 season
was Kick Chase... Ours has been non existent for decades almost....

Trot down and wait on the 20-30m line for them to return the ball....
Lazy C**nts.
 

NRL Agenda: Wests Tigers’ history of woe and the young guns who can turn it around​

Two rising playmakers have landed on the Tigers’ recruitment radar but will they have the talent to turn around a club in seemingly terminal decline?
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.

Manly’s Josh Schuster and St George Illawarra’s Junior Amone have landed on the recruitment radar of Wests Tigers as the club moves to shore up its halves stocks.
Sunday’s match against the Sea Eagles will mark a bitter milestone for maligned halfback
Luke Brooks, it’s exactly one year to the day since he last played in an NRL winning side.
In that time the Tigers have tried Brooks, Adam Doueihi, Jackson Hastings, Jock Madden and Brandon Wakeham in the halves but still the search continues, and now Schuster and Amone have entered the frame.
Both Schuster and Amone are contracted until the end of 2024 and won’t be able to field any formal offers from the Tigers until November 1.
It’s understood the Tigers have been meeting with leading player agents to piece together their halves puzzle, both immediately and into the future.
Doueihi is the only playmaker signed at the Tigers beyond this season with Brooks and Brandon Wakeham without deals for 2024.
The club was already on the lookout for a playmaker to finalise this year’s roster. Those endeavours have been amplified after an ACL injury to five-eighth Doueihi, leaving the club scouring for an immediate fix.
New Zealand’s Shaun Johnson and Canterbury duo Kyle Flanagan and Jake Averillo headline a very short list of playmakers still available for next season.
Canterbury supremo Phil Gould believes part of the solution to the halves‘ woes could be right under the Tigers’ noses in fullback Daine Laurie, who Gould recruited to Penrith.
“I believe he’s a 6. He was always going to be a 6. If you watched his junior rep football, he needed to be developed and given the tools to play 6. He’s never been comfortable at fullback. They just played him (at fullback) because they had plenty of halves” Gould tweeted.
The Tigers made major plays for Parramatta’s Mitchell Moses and Melbourne’s Cameron Munster but both opted to stay put.
A turnaround in form will no doubt make the Tigers a more enticing proposition for their recruitment targets.
Highlighting their plight is the stunning fact that Brooks’ last win for the Tigers came on April 23 last year when he kicked a 79th-minute field goal to beat Parramatta.
He was injured for the Tigers’ last victory, a 32-18 victory over Brisbane on July 30.
Since them, it’s been 267 days of hell for Tigers fans.
 

NRL Agenda: Wests Tigers’ history of woe and the young guns who can turn it around​

Two rising playmakers have landed on the Tigers’ recruitment radar but will they have the talent to turn around a club in seemingly terminal decline?
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.

Manly’s Josh Schuster and St George Illawarra’s Junior Amone have landed on the recruitment radar of Wests Tigers as the club moves to shore up its halves stocks.
Sunday’s match against the Sea Eagles will mark a bitter milestone for maligned halfback
Luke Brooks, it’s exactly one year to the day since he last played in an NRL winning side.
In that time the Tigers have tried Brooks, Adam Doueihi, Jackson Hastings, Jock Madden and Brandon Wakeham in the halves but still the search continues, and now Schuster and Amone have entered the frame.
Both Schuster and Amone are contracted until the end of 2024 and won’t be able to field any formal offers from the Tigers until November 1.
It’s understood the Tigers have been meeting with leading player agents to piece together their halves puzzle, both immediately and into the future.
Doueihi is the only playmaker signed at the Tigers beyond this season with Brooks and Brandon Wakeham without deals for 2024.
The club was already on the lookout for a playmaker to finalise this year’s roster. Those endeavours have been amplified after an ACL injury to five-eighth Doueihi, leaving the club scouring for an immediate fix.
New Zealand’s Shaun Johnson and Canterbury duo Kyle Flanagan and Jake Averillo headline a very short list of playmakers still available for next season.
Canterbury supremo Phil Gould believes part of the solution to the halves‘ woes could be right under the Tigers’ noses in fullback Daine Laurie, who Gould recruited to Penrith.
“I believe he’s a 6. He was always going to be a 6. If you watched his junior rep football, he needed to be developed and given the tools to play 6. He’s never been comfortable at fullback. They just played him (at fullback) because they had plenty of halves” Gould tweeted.
The Tigers made major plays for Parramatta’s Mitchell Moses and Melbourne’s Cameron Munster but both opted to stay put.
A turnaround in form will no doubt make the Tigers a more enticing proposition for their recruitment targets.
Highlighting their plight is the stunning fact that Brooks’ last win for the Tigers came on April 23 last year when he kicked a 79th-minute field goal to beat Parramatta.
He was injured for the Tigers’ last victory, a 32-18 victory over Brisbane on July 30.
Since them, it’s been 267 days of hell for Tigers fans.
There both out and out 6's - like Brooks. We got some fetish for 5/8's with no controlling ability or something.

Happy to take one of them to replace Brooks but still missing the most important piece
 
Reading the play these are some strategies I think Sheens & Benji may be cooking in terms of halves recruitment.

I am speculating that Brayden Trindall will not be released by the Sharks in the immediate future as he is under contract (until the end of 2025) and provides ideal cover for Hynes or Moylan with the Sharks in their premiership window.

Strategy 1 – Experienced halfback who provides direction, leadership & solid kicking game + younger but still experienced five-eighth with running game, bit of x-factor.

SHAUN JOHNSON (Halfback)

Off contract after this season, has rediscovered his mojo this season albeit in a directional capacity, has a relationship Benji, can goalkick, 33 yo next season, only if Warriors do not want to hold up the progression of Volkman.

MITCHELL PEARCE (Halfback)

Reportedly sounded out by Benji so there is interest from our side there. Has a 1 year option in his favour for next season with Catalans so we could potentially lure him with $$$ & chance to play for his father’s club (well one half of it) and potential staff position after that, 35yo next season.

BLAKE TAAFE (Five-eighth)

Off contract this season. Benji will know his game & ability well from his season at Souths. Has experience beyond his years, would be a progressive running & ball-playing 5/8 who has an ok kicking game as well, 24 yo next season. Managed by Sam Ayoub.

CONNOR TRACEY (Five-eighth)



Under contract until end of 2024. Has slid down the pecking order at the Sharks due to his injuries. Back this season & NRL quality when fully fit. Played halves coming up through juniors & could become a versatile running 5/8 for us with plenty of energy & leadership. Managed by Sam Ayoub.

Strategy 2 – Experienced five-eighth with younger up-and-coming halfback who has some NRL experienced

BRAD SCHNEIDER (Halfback)

Off contract this season. Was Canberra’s rookie of the year last season with 12 NRL games experience, will be 23yo next season, reportedly rated by Tim Sheens, ok kicking game & could be one to come on with experience. Managed by Sam Ayoub.

JAKE ARTHUR (Halfback)

Under contract until end of 2024 but won’t be getting a look in at the Eels unless there are injuries. This could be time to take ownership of a team out of his father’s shadow. Has experience beyond his years, will be 22yo next season. Could also be transitioned to Lock in future given his size.

DEAN HAWKINS (Halfback)

Off contract this season. Like Taafe, Benji will know his game & ability well from his season at Souths. Seems to down the pecking order at Souths so not sure what to read into that but past couple of seasons has arguably been the best halfback in NSW Cup.

JAYDEN SULLIVAN (Halfback)

Under contract until end of 2025. But is now behind Ben Hunt & Amone in the Dragons halves battle. Good organiser & kicking game. He wants to be a halfback & depending on whether the coach at Dragons wants him could determine his availability. Potential like a Scott Prince for us. Managed by Crown Sports who also manage a lot of our up-and-comers in SG Ball.

JACK WIGHTON (Five-eighth)

Off contract after this season. Will be 31yo next season. Could be the high profile signing we need to lead our halves with a less experienced halfback. Can be a game-changer & is a leader. Wouldn’t lose him to SOO either now.

TUI LOLOHEA (Five-eighth)

Off contract after this season I believe. Will be 29yo next season. Had a good World Cup campaign with Tonga in the halves. Good running game, ok kicking game, can goal kick and can break the line.

JOSH SCHUSTER (Five-eighth)

Under contract until end of 2024. Will be 22yo next season. This is the one I think could be our game changer now. If Benji’s relationship & belief in Josh can come off (and reportedly Josh was a Tigers & Benji fan growing up), Josh could become our marquee player which he wouldn’t have at Manly with Tommy Turbo there. Captain material and we could pay him a lot more than Manly I’m guessing. If Josh wanted a release, Manly have plenty of young guns coming through including Fainu. Managed by Crown Sports.

TOP 5 PRIORITIES
  • Josh Schuster
  • Jack Wighton
  • Shaun Johnson
  • Jayden Sullivan
  • Tui Lolohea
 
Reading the play these are some strategies I think Sheens & Benji may be cooking in terms of halves recruitment.

I am speculating that Brayden Trindall will not be released by the Sharks in the immediate future as he is under contract (until the end of 2025) and provides ideal cover for Hynes or Moylan with the Sharks in their premiership window.

Strategy 1 – Experienced halfback who provides direction, leadership & solid kicking game + younger but still experienced five-eighth with running game, bit of x-factor.

SHAUN JOHNSON (Halfback)

Off contract after this season, has rediscovered his mojo this season albeit in a directional capacity, has a relationship Benji, can goalkick, 33 yo next season, only if Warriors do not want to hold up the progression of Volkman.

MITCHELL PEARCE (Halfback)

Reportedly sounded out by Benji so there is interest from our side there. Has a 1 year option in his favour for next season with Catalans so we could potentially lure him with $$$ & chance to play for his father’s club (well one half of it) and potential staff position after that, 35yo next season.

BLAKE TAAFE (Five-eighth)

Off contract this season. Benji will know his game & ability well from his season at Souths. Has experience beyond his years, would be a progressive running & ball-playing 5/8 who has an ok kicking game as well, 24 yo next season. Managed by Sam Ayoub.

CONNOR TRACEY (Five-eighth)



Under contract until end of 2024. Has slid down the pecking order at the Sharks due to his injuries. Back this season & NRL quality when fully fit. Played halves coming up through juniors & could become a versatile running 5/8 for us with plenty of energy & leadership. Managed by Sam Ayoub.

Strategy 2 – Experienced five-eighth with younger up-and-coming halfback who has some NRL experienced

BRAD SCHNEIDER (Halfback)

Off contract this season. Was Canberra’s rookie of the year last season with 12 NRL games experience, will be 23yo next season, reportedly rated by Tim Sheens, ok kicking game & could be one to come on with experience. Managed by Sam Ayoub.

JAKE ARTHUR (Halfback)

Under contract until end of 2024 but won’t be getting a look in at the Eels unless there are injuries. This could be time to take ownership of a team out of his father’s shadow. Has experience beyond his years, will be 22yo next season. Could also be transitioned to Lock in future given his size.

DEAN HAWKINS (Halfback)

Off contract this season. Like Taafe, Benji will know his game & ability well from his season at Souths. Seems to down the pecking order at Souths so not sure what to read into that but past couple of seasons has arguably been the best halfback in NSW Cup.

JAYDEN SULLIVAN (Halfback)

Under contract until end of 2025. But is now behind Ben Hunt & Amone in the Dragons halves battle. Good organiser & kicking game. He wants to be a halfback & depending on whether the coach at Dragons wants him could determine his availability. Potential like a Scott Prince for us. Managed by Crown Sports who also manage a lot of our up-and-comers in SG Ball.

JACK WIGHTON (Five-eighth)

Off contract after this season. Will be 31yo next season. Could be the high profile signing we need to lead our halves with a less experienced halfback. Can be a game-changer & is a leader. Wouldn’t lose him to SOO either now.

TUI LOLOHEA (Five-eighth)

Off contract after this season I believe. Will be 29yo next season. Had a good World Cup campaign with Tonga in the halves. Good running game, ok kicking game, can goal kick and can break the line.

JOSH SCHUSTER (Five-eighth)

Under contract until end of 2024. Will be 22yo next season. This is the one I think could be our game changer now. If Benji’s relationship & belief in Josh can come off (and reportedly Josh was a Tigers & Benji fan growing up), Josh could become our marquee player which he wouldn’t have at Manly with Tommy Turbo there. Captain material and we could pay him a lot more than Manly I’m guessing. If Josh wanted a release, Manly have plenty of young guns coming through including Fainu. Managed by Crown Sports.

TOP 5 PRIORITIES
  • Josh Schuster
  • Jack Wighton
  • Shaun Johnson
  • Jayden Sullivan
  • Tui Lolohea
Is Tui so much better than the first time he was here because he was very, very average when he was here last and he was overweight to boot.
 
Yeah my fingers got sore typing all the things the team seem to be inept at which seem to be standard coaching stuff?
- ZERO Pressure or Kick Chase -
OMG! That does my head in, it’s the simplest thing to coach and achieve on field is it???
F me the bacics please 🙏 coach some.
But in saying that how long have they been playing footy for?
I was thinking about this... We really need a basics coach.

People lash at Tim Sheens... Yet call him what he is. If Bennett is the Rolls Royce of Coaching and Bellamy is the Bentley... Sheens is the Citroen DS (or Layland P76). In some ways brilliant in other ways "damn that car".

Sheens is unique, he has some strong attributes as a coach but has some weaknesses. He doesn't build players tough enough.

Heck, thinking about the WT, we had some absolute GUN wingers under Sheens and sheens 10,000 passes a day style works with that kind of player. Pass the ball till someone has open space. Fast players like Tukali, Koroisau, Tiquiri, Chris Lawrence (who was a very fast Centre who outraced Billy Slater)... works with that style.

Sheens' fast footy should work with the current rules. We clearly have the hooker in Api for it. We don't have the pace at the back line, not moving up with the line and making small mistakes hurts us bad.

No one in our squad, from what I can see has the pace to beat a rival team. NO ONE.

To use a car analogy, Sheens is that highly experimental european model when we need a Toyota Corolla.
 
Reading the play these are some strategies I think Sheens & Benji may be cooking in terms of halves recruitment.

I am speculating that Brayden Trindall will not be released by the Sharks in the immediate future as he is under contract (until the end of 2025) and provides ideal cover for Hynes or Moylan with the Sharks in their premiership window.

Strategy 1 – Experienced halfback who provides direction, leadership & solid kicking game + younger but still experienced five-eighth with running game, bit of x-factor.

SHAUN JOHNSON (Halfback)

Off contract after this season, has rediscovered his mojo this season albeit in a directional capacity, has a relationship Benji, can goalkick, 33 yo next season, only if Warriors do not want to hold up the progression of Volkman.

MITCHELL PEARCE (Halfback)

Reportedly sounded out by Benji so there is interest from our side there. Has a 1 year option in his favour for next season with Catalans so we could potentially lure him with $$$ & chance to play for his father’s club (well one half of it) and potential staff position after that, 35yo next season.

BLAKE TAAFE (Five-eighth)

Off contract this season. Benji will know his game & ability well from his season at Souths. Has experience beyond his years, would be a progressive running & ball-playing 5/8 who has an ok kicking game as well, 24 yo next season. Managed by Sam Ayoub.

CONNOR TRACEY (Five-eighth)



Under contract until end of 2024. Has slid down the pecking order at the Sharks due to his injuries. Back this season & NRL quality when fully fit. Played halves coming up through juniors & could become a versatile running 5/8 for us with plenty of energy & leadership. Managed by Sam Ayoub.

Strategy 2 – Experienced five-eighth with younger up-and-coming halfback who has some NRL experienced

BRAD SCHNEIDER (Halfback)

Off contract this season. Was Canberra’s rookie of the year last season with 12 NRL games experience, will be 23yo next season, reportedly rated by Tim Sheens, ok kicking game & could be one to come on with experience. Managed by Sam Ayoub.

JAKE ARTHUR (Halfback)

Under contract until end of 2024 but won’t be getting a look in at the Eels unless there are injuries. This could be time to take ownership of a team out of his father’s shadow. Has experience beyond his years, will be 22yo next season. Could also be transitioned to Lock in future given his size.

DEAN HAWKINS (Halfback)

Off contract this season. Like Taafe, Benji will know his game & ability well from his season at Souths. Seems to down the pecking order at Souths so not sure what to read into that but past couple of seasons has arguably been the best halfback in NSW Cup.

JAYDEN SULLIVAN (Halfback)

Under contract until end of 2025. But is now behind Ben Hunt & Amone in the Dragons halves battle. Good organiser & kicking game. He wants to be a halfback & depending on whether the coach at Dragons wants him could determine his availability. Potential like a Scott Prince for us. Managed by Crown Sports who also manage a lot of our up-and-comers in SG Ball.

JACK WIGHTON (Five-eighth)

Off contract after this season. Will be 31yo next season. Could be the high profile signing we need to lead our halves with a less experienced halfback. Can be a game-changer & is a leader. Wouldn’t lose him to SOO either now.

TUI LOLOHEA (Five-eighth)

Off contract after this season I believe. Will be 29yo next season. Had a good World Cup campaign with Tonga in the halves. Good running game, ok kicking game, can goal kick and can break the line.

JOSH SCHUSTER (Five-eighth)

Under contract until end of 2024. Will be 22yo next season. This is the one I think could be our game changer now. If Benji’s relationship & belief in Josh can come off (and reportedly Josh was a Tigers & Benji fan growing up), Josh could become our marquee player which he wouldn’t have at Manly with Tommy Turbo there. Captain material and we could pay him a lot more than Manly I’m guessing. If Josh wanted a release, Manly have plenty of young guns coming through including Fainu. Managed by Crown Sports.

TOP 5 PRIORITIES
  • Josh Schuster
  • Jack Wighton
  • Shaun Johnson
  • Jayden Sullivan
  • Tui Lolohea
Great post. Didn't we chase Schuster when he was agitating for 6 at manly. Now he has it not sure on chances of him coming here
 
I’m sure if Trindall walked up to his coach and said I can get a full time nrl spot at Tigers as the 7 , you need to release me so I can take Take this opportunity to play top grade NRL. They would release him plus $ 450 k may help him choose as well

I’m sure they would say no to a release this year, let’s see what happens after that.
 
Is Tui so much better than the first time he was here because he was very, very average when he was here last and he was overweight to boot.
If played as a 5/8 and with the experience he has accumulated in SL and at the WC, I believe so. And at his age, he wouldn't hold up the progress of the 17-18yos coming through.

Maybe some avid SL watchers can shed more light on his current form.
 
100% agree but article didn't mention either which i was referencing.

Still hopefuly we on the hunt for a controlling 7 this year!

I wouldn’t get your hopes up unless we punt on a rookie and they step up.

The names being thrown about are all on contenders getting minutes (especially during SOO period) & majority of our players we could offer this year aren’t signed on for next year (the players mentioned are) which makes our leverage position a struggle.

The issue for clubs we would be trading with isn’t cash it’s the quality of player to boost their side.
 
That's not something that's on the coaches, that's all heart, hunger and desire. It should be ingrained in them they've been doing it since they were 5 years old, if Sheens needs to tell them to do it they shouldn't be in an A grade side. It's just attitude. No idea why but it always seems to fall off a cliff when players come here. One thing that is doing my head in, is all this B.S community engagement crap were always doing, every second day the players are running around doing some crap representing the club. I get it's good p.r for the N.R.L and club but can they just put the brakes on it and focus on training with more intensity and restart all the community stuff once we actually put a few wins togeather.
Yes but if the players intensity drop then it’s on the coach’s to remind them of the importance and penalise for lot toeing the line isn’t it?
 

NRL Agenda: Wests Tigers’ history of woe and the young guns who can turn it around​

Two rising playmakers have landed on the Tigers’ recruitment radar but will they have the talent to turn around a club in seemingly terminal decline?
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.

Manly’s Josh Schuster and St George Illawarra’s Junior Amone have landed on the recruitment radar of Wests Tigers as the club moves to shore up its halves stocks.
Sunday’s match against the Sea Eagles will mark a bitter milestone for maligned halfback
Luke Brooks, it’s exactly one year to the day since he last played in an NRL winning side.
In that time the Tigers have tried Brooks, Adam Doueihi, Jackson Hastings, Jock Madden and Brandon Wakeham in the halves but still the search continues, and now Schuster and Amone have entered the frame.
Both Schuster and Amone are contracted until the end of 2024 and won’t be able to field any formal offers from the Tigers until November 1.
It’s understood the Tigers have been meeting with leading player agents to piece together their halves puzzle, both immediately and into the future.
Doueihi is the only playmaker signed at the Tigers beyond this season with Brooks and Brandon Wakeham without deals for 2024.
The club was already on the lookout for a playmaker to finalise this year’s roster. Those endeavours have been amplified after an ACL injury to five-eighth Doueihi, leaving the club scouring for an immediate fix.
New Zealand’s Shaun Johnson and Canterbury duo Kyle Flanagan and Jake Averillo headline a very short list of playmakers still available for next season.
Canterbury supremo Phil Gould believes part of the solution to the halves‘ woes could be right under the Tigers’ noses in fullback Daine Laurie, who Gould recruited to Penrith.
“I believe he’s a 6. He was always going to be a 6. If you watched his junior rep football, he needed to be developed and given the tools to play 6. He’s never been comfortable at fullback. They just played him (at fullback) because they had plenty of halves” Gould tweeted.
The Tigers made major plays for Parramatta’s Mitchell Moses and Melbourne’s Cameron Munster but both opted to stay put.
A turnaround in form will no doubt make the Tigers a more enticing proposition for their recruitment targets.
Highlighting their plight is the stunning fact that Brooks’ last win for the Tigers came on April 23 last year when he kicked a 79th-minute field goal to beat Parramatta.
He was injured for the Tigers’ last victory, a 32-18 victory over Brisbane on July 30.
Since them, it’s been 267 days of hell for Tigers fans.
I hate Phil Gould.

And why is this info public knowledge? Can’t we just get things done without leaking everything?
 
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