Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

Update:

- Bradman Best and Justin Olam are two names being thrown around. Benji is a big fan of either prospect. The belief from Bradman Best's camp is they're hoping for 800k which has turned us off a little, will still be discussions heading into November 1st.

- The club are in discussions with Kulikefu Finefeuiaki's from the Cowboys management team to bring him over in 2024, as the Cowboys have invested heavily in the second row position with Leilua and Nanai combining for $1.5 million and are clearing cap space for Dearden as Titans are circling. The club also have an eye on Helium Luki as there's some noise he may request a release soon. Cowboys hoping to keep both players but may be an uphill battle.

- I posted a while ago that Franklin Pele's management had approached us to gauge interest, then a couple of days later he signed with Hull FC. I was told we had rejected him and choose to priotitise Pole, Twal and Blore as potential bench props in 2024 along with our juniors coming through. I believe the club are looking to bring Pole off the bench as an impact prop similar to Spencer Leniu in 2024.

- Matt Moylan hasn't been in negotiations with the club and will not be pursued, the belief is Cronulla are shopping him to Super League and he'll be there in 2024.

- The club have turned there attention fully towards John Morris as an assistant coach option, I posted that it was between Holbrook and Morris about a month ago. Holbrook rejecting us has now led a clear path to who the club would like as our assistant coach in 2024. Benji and Farah playing a big role. However, reports are John Morris is enjoying his time at Rabbitohs and will not be an easy pursuit. Could go either way.

- Nick Meaney will be targeted once the November 1st deadline approaches.

- Junior Tupou is currently undergoing negotiations to stay at the club with early positive signs, however there's belief he may test his value come November 1st and he won't be short of suitors. Melbourne and Newcastle seen as a strong possibilities.

- Blore seems set to re-sign at the club on a 2 year deal, the club have apparently fully backflipped and will offer him an extension if all goes well once the season is complete. My source has been pretty strong on Blore remaining from day 1 but always a little hesitant, he reckons it's now imminent barring anything last minute.

- Lastly, I didn't get much info on the Sheens situation besides that has been tension with Sheens and the front office ever since McDonnell was sacked behind his back and Sheens standing down wasn't a shock at all. However, the club are fully committed to Benji and have complete trust he can do the job. There was a report that Benji is the next target to be axed and that couldn't be further from the truth. Benji has complete control over all football operations and apparently all parties involved coaches, players and board all believe it's the right move. Expect a statement backing Benji if those reports continue... maybe even potential legal actions which Pascoe/Lee are contemplating.

Hope you guys enjoy - sorry for the delay.
This Kulikefu Finefeuiaki with a very impressive try assist against Redcliffe tonight!
 
Post in thread 'Shawn Blore #235'
https://weststigersforum.com/threads/shawn-blore-235.31129/post-1836293

We better extend Blore otherwise I will riot into Concord aiming straight for Fulton!

Key points:

His future undetermined but hoping to stay at Tigers.

Telling quote:

“My impression from it all was that was one side [club management] was happy for me to walk away, but one side was happy to keep me.

“Benji [Marshall] and ‘Sheensy’ [Tim Sheens] were keen to keep me. I’m a very loyal person. They gave me a chance when I was coming off a knee injury.”

FYI, thankfully Benji has final say on recruitment!

Loving these quotes, this is the type of player we need. If he goes, I will seriously take heads!!!

“I’ll know more in two weeks what’s going on. My heart lies with the club. I hope they keep me, and fingers crossed they do keep me.”

“I want to see the Tigers win. I just want a proper pre-season. I want to leave everything out there [next pre-season], and become a player who plays 80 minutes, and then some.”

I'm with you
 
In all interviews the Gymnasts doesn’t exactly give off “I love it here” vibes. He has probably asked his manager to gain a release. To his credit he still shows plenty of heart on the field. Stef I just don’t get that feeling with him at all. Just gotta keep the trampoline away from Ice to minimise his backflip attempts.
 
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Thanks mate,good luck with it.
I bought into 4 horses earlier this year, 1 with Gai, 2 with T/C McEvoy and 1 with
A/S Freedman in Vic.
One due to start next weekend at Randwick. Will keep you updated.
I got shares in Forbidden Gemstone , just back after a short break , she was a bit ruff in campaigner so trainer give her a few weeks out , should be better this time in , keep eye out
 
Weirdly Morris and Burgess would have been my pick of assistants
- I’d have to think about it…
to be fair, I’d probably have the Head coach as an assistant for a few more years and be looking for an experienced HC…
Don’t think you’d get too many arguments with having Benji as an assistant and an experienced head coach as our head coach. Although logic and reasoning doesn’t seem to be the Tigers way.
 

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