Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Fingers83]

I know the club has a smell about it and it’s made recruiting traditionally hard, but I maintain that any half that reads between the lines should see that a gig in the WT halves could be fruitful. We are consistently winning the statistics in games, have good go forward and thus potential front foot play, get a lot of tackles in the red zone, and have a generational hooker that offers lots for a half. Plus a fullback who is only going to get better and offer more as a strike weapon in backline movements. Surely a good combination of 6 and 7 is the last step to really unlocking our potential.

Agree on all points here.

Not only that, we’re one of the few clubs who can offer a half toiling in reserve grade, a genuine starting position immediately. Halfback or 5/8.

I feel sorry for Brooks that we’ve never really put a team around him that could see him succeed until this year, coupled with the media scrutiny and absolute mess of a front office. The move is best for everyone involved and I think we can finally start a real rebuild now.

Everything starts and finishes with your halves and I’m excited to see who we can bring in that will be able to take advantage of the teams new found go forward.

Someone with a short kicking game who doesn’t aim for the legs of the defensive line will be enough to help us score more points in the red zone.

 

[426Tlgerland]

People wonder why we don't get much rumours on here now and we know why.. As soon as someone posts something they just cop it with BS here BS there..
The world is going bonkers.. What happened to just making a comment without attacking or just moving on.

I can only assume we are all on the same side and want the club to be successful. Rumours are better than talking about what happened 10 years ago.

Anyway play on that's just my thoughts.

Agree , any info is good reading , where not hear to attack each other we are hear as supporters , in the trenches together , some people just like baiting people and it’s not good , if you hear anything throw it up , if some one doesn’t like it dont read it , probably the reason Pom never comes on

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

Good post. The only issue here in my opinion is Schuster and only because I bet he comes at a high cost. If he delivers it's fine but I don't think it's worth the risk.

I don't think Townsend is very good either. So I'd probably be happier with priorities 3 or 4. I think the most important signings will be any young player who has the potential to be really good.

I personally think Townsend is at his used buy date but he does provide what we need as an organising half if we have the right running 5/8 to complement him. Townsend is like James Maloney, winning just seems to follow him.

 

[weststigerman]

I think it is "beyond stupid" keeping him in the side when he is not going to be here next year in a key position. Surely we can promote a young player into the five eighth position, which is what Brooks is, rather than waste time with a bloke who is pissing off elsewhere.

Who in our juniors do you think is ready to play anywhere near first grade level in the halves? All the back ups are not contracted til next year. That leaves a few almost 18yos that would have their careers ruined by starting now.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

Here is one take on the direction the Club will go in recruiting Halves for 24 & 25 with some brief reasoning. Sorry for the length, I got carried away. Make a cuppa tea!

Disclaimer, this is not my direction just the direction I think the Club will go based on what we’ve heard from Sheens in interviews this season, the club’s focus to have a clear path for our top 16-19yos & what the market is currently like (i.e. availability & potential of early releases).

Firstly, let’s look at our pathways in the halves:

Onitoni Large 16yo – Possible debut in 25/26
Alex Conti 17yo – Possible debut in 26
Heath Mason 18yo – Possible debut in 25.
Lachlan Galvin 18yo – Possible debut in 25.

I think these are our big 4. Mason played fullback in Ball this season but I see his future in the halves. He was part of the NSW Junior Blues Camp in pre-season so is highly-rated. Many see Galvin’s future in the backrow given his height but he is an exceptional 5/8 atm & may be where his future still lies.

Other potentials are Iverson Matai & Oliver Lawry who are both 19yos, Alex Isdale 16yo & Marc Tannous 17yo (the latter two in CUBS system).

But realistically, the earliest any may get a taste of 1st Grade is 2025, more games in ’26, then permanent fixtures in ’27.

So I think we are looking at halves who can provide experience, leadership, depth & can take us into the Top 8 with our strong Forward Pack and developing Outside Backs, from 2024 to at least 2026.

That’s why I don’t think we’ll focus our halves recruitment on anyone under 23 UNLESS we can secure a generational talent (and that would be Latu Fainu).

TARGETS

Josh Schuster - 23 next season, off contract in 24, x-factor, creative passing & short kicking game.

Chad Townsend - 33 next season, 2 years left in him, organising half only, good long & short kicking game, premiership winner, off contract in 24.

Luke Metcalf - will be 25 next season, has a long-kicking game, goal kicker, speed, very good backing up, good relationship with Fulton, off contract in 24 so would need to be released but something has to give at the Warriors with a surplus of halves for 24.

Lachlan Lam - 26 next season, off contract, quoted as saying wants to return to NRL, long & short kicking game, good speed & agility.

Te Maire Martin - 28 next season, no long kicking game, agile line breaker, good short passing game, good defence, off contract in 25, good relationship with Benji.

Jack Cogger - 26 next season, off contract, nothing flash, solid organiser & kicker, good defensively.

Blake Taafe - 25 next season, off contract, good ball runner, solid passing game, high energy, ok front line defence.

COMBINATIONS

Priority 1 - Schuster with Lam, Townsend or Cogger

Priority 2 (no Schuster) - Townsend with Metcalf, Martin, Taafe

Priority 3 (no Schuster or Townsend) - Metcalf with Lam or Cogger

Priority 4 - Lam with Martin or Taafe

In addition to this, if we do manage to recruit 18yo 5/8 Latu Fainu, a good result for us I reckon would be:

Halfback - Lachlan Lam (would be a dynamic attacking senior half with Fainu)
5/8 - Te Maire Martin (will be 28 so can play 5/8 until Latu in ready & then be a utility for the remainder of his contract to cover fullback, halves & hooker).

 

[Spartan117]

Blind freddy can see it but Trent Robinson under massive pressure to hold his job for the Sambreros

Disagree totally.

10 years of sustained success.

He hasn't forgotten how to coach.

 

[Spartan117]

People wonder why we don't get much rumours on here now and we know why.. As soon as someone posts something they just cop it with BS here BS there..
The world is going bonkers.. What happened to just making a comment without attacking or just moving on.

I can only assume we are all on the same side and want the club to be successful. Rumours are better than talking about what happened 10 years ago.

Anyway play on that's just my thoughts.

💯

Plus the club has worked very very hard on tightening up the leaks.

I prefer this way.

 

[Robbie's Love Child]

Who in our juniors do you think is ready to play anywhere near first grade level in the halves? All the back ups are not contracted til next year. That leaves a few almost 18yos that would have their careers ruined by starting now.

I would rather put someone like Laurie, Zane Camroux, Reilly at five eighth for the remainder of this year and keep Wakeham at 7. We are more than likely not going to make the 8 so at least these guys get a shot. Brooks is gone so why waste time on him. Someone like Volkman could possibly be lured now with the right incentives, why waste time on a guy who is leaving and is poo.

 

[mikey]

I would rather put someone like Laurie, Zane Camroux, Reilly at five eighth for the remainder of this year and keep Wakeham at 7. We are more than likely not going to make the 8 so at least these guys get a shot. Brooks is gone so why waste time on him. Someone like Volkman could possibly be lured now with the right incentives, why waste time on a guy who is leaving and is poo.

Laurie has experience in firsts so that is a 'positive'. Given he's supposedly out the door though I think we need to go with someone else who is likely to stay/ be retained.

 

[Vicious]

I would rather put someone like Laurie, Zane Camroux, Reilly at five eighth for the remainder of this year and keep Wakeham at 7. We are more than likely not going to make the 8 so at least these guys get a shot. Brooks is gone so why waste time on him. Someone like Volkman could possibly be lured now with the right incentives, why waste time on a guy who is leaving and is poo.

Surely we have seen enough to tell us if we bank on Wakeham as our dominant half and do not have a high quality halve beside him, we will not even come close to winning another game this season.
We simply do not have the quality within our own ranks to help the team progress this season, an immediate halves recruit is essential.

 

[mikey]

Surely we have seen enough to tell us if we bank on Wakeham as our dominant half and do not have a high quality halve beside him, we will not even come close to winning another game this season.
We simply do not have the quality within our own ranks to help the team progress this season, an immediate halves recruit is essential.

Not disagreeing but I'd rather we get someone 'worth' getting rather than a 'it'll do in the short-term' player.

Given our recruitment record it may be hard but as someone pointed out recently we are winning most stats for games so some players will hopefully see that as a good reason to come to us.

 

[jojo]

If we get L. Fainu/Schuster we definitely need a controlling half at 7. It's been too many years of trying to convince everyone the bloke wearing 7 can play that position.

 

[Wildcat777]

I don’t spending good $ for a good 6 and 7. But right now, don’t see anyone available. Hunt yes would love but in reality no way he is coming, well he might consider if we offer $1.2-$1.5m per season. Otherwise buckler’s or him coming. The rest that have been mentioned would not pay more then $300k and even then will just help help be a bottom 3 team.

 

[Muffstar]

Here is one take on the direction the Club will go in recruiting Halves for 24 & 25 with some brief reasoning. Sorry for the length, I got carried away. Make a cuppa tea!

Disclaimer, this is not my direction just the direction I think the Club will go based on what we’ve heard from Sheens in interviews this season, the club’s focus to have a clear path for our top 16-19yos & what the market is currently like (i.e. availability & potential of early releases).

Firstly, let’s look at our pathways in the halves:

Onitoni Large 16yo – Possible debut in 25/26
Alex Conti 17yo – Possible debut in 26
Heath Mason 18yo – Possible debut in 25.
Lachlan Galvin 18yo – Possible debut in 25.

I think these are our big 4. Mason played fullback in Ball this season but I see his future in the halves. He was part of the NSW Junior Blues Camp in pre-season so is highly-rated. Many see Galvin’s future in the backrow given his height but he is an exceptional 5/8 atm & may be where his future still lies.

Other potentials are Iverson Matai & Oliver Lawry who are both 19yos, Alex Isdale 16yo & Marc Tannous 17yo (the latter two in CUBS system).

But realistically, the earliest any may get a taste of 1st Grade is 2025, more games in ’26, then permanent fixtures in ’27.

So I think we are looking at halves who can provide experience, leadership, depth & can take us into the Top 8 with our strong Forward Pack and developing Outside Backs, from 2024 to at least 2026.

That’s why I don’t think we’ll focus our halves recruitment on anyone under 23 UNLESS we can secure a generational talent (and that would be Latu Fainu).

TARGETS

Josh Schuster - 23 next season, off contract in 24, x-factor, creative passing & short kicking game.

Chad Townsend - 33 next season, 2 years left in him, organising half only, good long & short kicking game, premiership winner, off contract in 24.

Luke Metcalf - will be 25 next season, has a long-kicking game, goal kicker, speed, very good backing up, good relationship with Fulton, off contract in 24 so would need to be released but something has to give at the Warriors with a surplus of halves for 24.

Lachlan Lam - 26 next season, off contract, quoted as saying wants to return to NRL, long & short kicking game, good speed & agility.

Te Maire Martin - 28 next season, no long kicking game, agile line breaker, good short passing game, good defence, off contract in 25, good relationship with Benji.

Jack Cogger - 26 next season, off contract, nothing flash, solid organiser & kicker, good defensively.

Blake Taafe - 25 next season, off contract, good ball runner, solid passing game, high energy, ok front line defence.

COMBINATIONS

Priority 1 - Schuster with Lam, Townsend or Cogger

Priority 2 (no Schuster) - Townsend with Metcalf, Martin, Taafe

Priority 3 (no Schuster or Townsend) - Metcalf with Lam or Cogger

Priority 4 - Lam with Martin or Taafe

Well said mate.

I read somewhere that the Roosters want Pearce back next year?

If so, should we be checking out whether Walker is really out of favour and see if there is any interest and add that to your analysis?

 

[finnzo]

There is never a dull moment in tiger down

 

[The Chad]

If Pearce really IS going back to the Roosters- why stop at Walker? Keary might be on the block as well.

It seems unlikely the Tigers are going to be able to come up with 'significant' reputation players to fill the halves. But, that doesn't mean we have to have 'bad halves'.

For example- the Cowboys nearly won a comp with Townsend & Dearden.

I think it's the mix of the player types that is just as important. Brooks has been showing some development as the 'dynamic' half- fast runner, attacking the line. Wakeham has shown some development being the lateral runner & more 'passing' half.

If Wakeham is retained- he needs to be challenged for the 'organising half' role- either going old in Townsend or say, Sezar or young in a player like Walker- so that we are not RELIANT on Wakeham succeeding, merely pleasantly surprised if he does.

I'd look to couple that with a runner at 5/8 then. Metcalfe, Taaffe..and this is where Doueihi gets another chance.

 

[Lukic]

We need at least one experience half. Whether that's Pearce/Hunt/whoever, it's a must. We can't go into next year with two unproven halves/prospects because this is a team that is ready to win now.

 

[Camel2281]

Read an article in NZ that said that with Shaun Johnson's good form he's going to extend at the Warriors and that Volkman will need to be let go to accommodate him. I've liked what I've seen from him. Can kick goals too. Get him Tigers

 

[bptiger 0]

Here is one take on the direction the Club will go in recruiting Halves for 24 & 25 with some brief reasoning. Sorry for the length, I got carried away. Make a cuppa tea!

Disclaimer, this is not my direction just the direction I think the Club will go based on what we’ve heard from Sheens in interviews this season, the club’s focus to have a clear path for our top 16-19yos & what the market is currently like (i.e. availability & potential of early releases).

Firstly, let’s look at our pathways in the halves:

Onitoni Large 16yo – Possible debut in 25/26
Alex Conti 17yo – Possible debut in 26
Heath Mason 18yo – Possible debut in 25.
Lachlan Galvin 18yo – Possible debut in 25.

I think these are our big 4. Mason played fullback in Matts this season but I see his future in the halves. He was part of the NSW Junior Blues Camp in pre-season so is highly-rated. Many see Galvin’s future in the backrow given his height but he is an exceptional 5/8 atm & may be where his future still lies.

Other potentials are Iverson Matai & Oliver Lawry who are both 19yos, Alex Isdale 16yo & Marc Tannous 17yo (the latter two in CUBS system).

But realistically, the earliest any may get a taste of 1st Grade is 2025, more games in ’26, then permanent fixtures in ’27.

So I think we are looking at halves who can provide experience, leadership, depth & can take us into the Top 8 with our strong Forward Pack and developing Outside Backs, from 2024 to at least 2026.

That’s why I don’t think we’ll focus our halves recruitment on anyone under 23 UNLESS we can secure a generational talent (and that would be Latu Fainu).

TARGETS

Josh Schuster - 23 next season, off contract in 24, x-factor, creative passing & short kicking game.

Chad Townsend - 33 next season, 2 years left in him, organising half only, good long & short kicking game, premiership winner, off contract in 24.

Luke Metcalf - will be 25 next season, has a long-kicking game, goal kicker, speed, very good backing up, good relationship with Fulton, off contract in 24 so would need to be released but something has to give at the Warriors with a surplus of halves for 24.

Lachlan Lam - 26 next season, off contract, quoted as saying wants to return to NRL, long & short kicking game, good speed & agility.

Te Maire Martin - 28 next season, no long kicking game, agile line breaker, good short passing game, good defence, off contract in 25, good relationship with Benji.

Jack Cogger - 26 next season, off contract, nothing flash, solid organiser & kicker, good defensively.

Blake Taafe - 25 next season, off contract, good ball runner, solid passing game, high energy, ok front line defence.

COMBINATIONS

Priority 1 - Schuster with Lam, Townsend or Cogger

Priority 2 (no Schuster) - Townsend with Metcalf, Martin, Taafe

Priority 3 (no Schuster or Townsend) - Metcalf with Lam or Cogger

Priority 4 - Lam with Martin or Taafe

Bye , bye Brooksy. He plays great few a few games when playing for a contract but were meant to forget the last decade.

You don't rate Jofa, and that's fine but you don't think it may have been wise to actually replace his roster spot? Because the rainy day NEVER arrives for WT. We just try to compete with an already shit squad and stay well under the Cap.

Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water.......



The Canterbury Bulldogs have targeted Tyson Frizell after missing out on teammate Daniel Saifiti.

Stuck in a three-club tug-of-war with the Tigers and Knights, the Bulldogs have tried to lure away Frizell from Newcastle despite the forward insisting he wants to remain loyal to the Knights.

News Corp reported that Frizell met with Bulldogs officials last week and has also spoken to the Tigers, gathering his options. However, the Knights have tabled a multi-year contract to keep him at the club.
While the Knights are eager to keep Frizell, it seems that Jack Hethering and Adam Elliott are on the outs at the clubs and could be moved on at the end of the season to keep some money in the salary cap.

Signed from the Raiders last season, News Corp has stated that various clubs have been made aware that he is available. This comes after playing just a few months into his three-year deal.

While the Bulldogs target Frizell, they also targeted Daniel Saifiti earlier this year. Contracted until the end of 2026, the Knights have made it clear to the Bulldogs and other clubs that they won't be letting the front-rower go early, according to News Corp.

How the hell could the dogs afford to buy a hotdog 🌭 never mine all these players they want

 

[The Chad]

Could Jake Avarillo do a job at 5/8? Didn't he debut as a 5/8 or 7 for the Dogs?