Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Sully]

I spoke to Bateman at the invitation to the COE and he is going back to the UK for the three tests v Tonga and then have Christmas at home with his family to be back here in early Jan when they start up again.

He said the delay to preseason did hurt him this year as he did not get his lungs until mid year and the first game he played was in 40 degree heat at Belmore and he said he got gassed early, but I was there and he kept having a go which is what we want.

Let’s see what next year brings as I believe Latu, Sezar or Sullivan will assist the second rowers running into gaps and we just need them, Bula or the centres following to capitalise on the break

Only 184 days until the new season starts…..😂😂😂

 

[JB9918]

Word is Rua was farewelled last night. Making a minimum 2 spots available in 2024 top 30.

Doueihi may be another, paid out for 24. Signed on post that, small deal to begin with pending ACL recovery.

Simpkin pending interest may go too.

Could be up to 4 spots if not more available for next year.

Seems Fulton & Marshall working some what amicably.

 

[Roar_Power]

Word is Rua was farewelled last night. Making a minimum 2 spots available in 2024 top 30.

Doueihi may be another, paid out for 24. Signed on post that, small deal to begin with pending ACL recovery.

Simpkin pending interest may go too.

Could be up to 4 spots if not more available for next year.

Seems Fulton & Marshall working some what amicably.

No doubt there will be some wheeling and dealing in the off season; trying to change up our top 30 quite vastly. Anyone who can't add value to a first grade call up needs to be sent on their way.

Fulton will be very important for us over the next 18 months with plenty more spots becoming available prior to the 2025 season as well. Need to make these future signings count.

 

[Demps]

Wonder where Rua is going....

 

[Magpies1969]

It looks like we have signed some halves for 2024 now the focus must be on quality Wingers and Centres.

IIMO Staines (if re-signed for 2024) and Tupou should be our starting wingers.
Noffo depth only or moved on it any takers. His salary appears to be a major issue plus his age and lack of progression.

To'a to me is one Centre who should be picked and then we have for depth with Reilly and Naden (has shown promise but appears a lazy and has too many brain explosions).

Really need a quality Centre or two for 2024. Olam.
Even someone like Morgan Harper (56 NRL games with 15 tries) or Brad Parker (117 NRL games 29 tries). I agree you need at least 50 NRL games under your belt to be classed as a NRL Player.

I see upside with Blore and Seyfarth so hope they are retained for the years ahead.
Blore injury free could be anything. Seyfarth an honest squad player you need. No star but plays a role.

I hope John Morris provides the quality the team need over the offseason to build in to 2024.

 

[Furious1]

I spoke to Bateman at the invitation to the COE and he is going back to the UK for the three tests v Tonga and then have Christmas at home with his family to be back here in early Jan when they start up again.

He said the delay to preseason did hurt him this year as he did not get his lungs until mid year and the first game he played was in 40 degree heat at Belmore and he said he got gassed early, but I was there and he kept having a go which is what we want.

Let’s see what next year brings as I believe Latu, Sezar or Sullivan will assist the second rowers running into gaps and we just need them, Bula or the centres following to capitalise on the break

Only 184 days until the new season starts…..😂😂😂

Im amazed you could understand a word he said 😆

On a serious note, I agree the halves will assist greatly. Personally I still have major concerns about our lack of speed out wide. Apart from Staines ( who knows whether he will be here or not in 24) we seriously lack speed. I think we would be close to the slowest in the NRL and without any signings I don't see that changing.

 

[earl]

I am still hopeful, with a full pre season and being able to concentrate on one spot. He will have something to add.

The rumor is that he wants to go back to England and I assume have a limited pre-season. Is that acceptable ?

My expectations are that he performs considerably better than what he has and no player should be given excuses based on the players around them.

 

[earl]

Anyone who can't add value to a first grade call up needs to be sent on their way.

Brandon Mansfield
Brandon Tumeth
Sione Fainu
Lachlan Galvin
Adam Doueihi

I just checked our squad and these guys all will more than likely offer nothing at all to the first grade team. I can't see us getting rid of any of them and in the case of Galvin he might be one of our most promising juniors.

 

[Tiger_Yoshi]

Gee we have a lot of dead wood

 

[tony soprano]

The rumor is that he wants to go back to England and I assume have a limited pre-season. Is that acceptable ?

My expectations are that he performs considerably better than what he has and no player should be given excuses based on the players around them.

You have to look at the individual these days.

 

[earl]

You have to look at the individual these days.

This is a fair point however at the same time I can't see how he can miss extremely important parts of the season when he is paid big dollars.

The comment above stated that he would be back for the pre-season. I really hope that is the case.

 

[earl]

Gee we have a lot of dead wood

Top Team:-
1. Jahream Bula
2. David Nofoaluma
3. Starford To’a
4. Junior Tupou
5. New signing - Staines or St George kid
6. Latu Fainu
7. Jayden Sullivan
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Apisai Koroisau (c)
10. David Klemmer
11. Isaiah Papali'i
12. John Bateman
13. Fonua Pole

14. Tallyn Da Silva
15. Kit Laulilii -- just a guess on my part
16. Alex Twal
17. Shawn Blore


Forwards:-
18. Justin Matamua
19. Brandon Mansfield
20. Brandon Tumeth
21. Sione Fainu
22. Alex Seyfarth
23. Samuela Fainu
Hookers/Halves/Utilies:-
24. Lachlan Galvin
25. Aden Sezer
26. Adam Doueihi
Outside Backs:-
27. Triston Reilly
28. Brent Naden
29. Josh Feledy
Not signed:-
30. Alex Seyfarth

I think we need to sign Seyfarth because our back-up forward depth is horrible. I think the back-up outside backs are pretty good and Sezer as a back-up utility is good.

We really should be signing the best winger in the comp and that player should be a game breaker but we'll get Staines or another kid.

Does anyone really think that squad is a top 8 squad. The top team is full of development players.

In all seriousness I think the following players are the only guys who are established first graders:-
Nofo, Api, Klemmer, Bateman, IP and Twal.

 

[KingRobbie]

Top Team:-
1. Jahream Bula
2. David Nofoaluma
3. Starford To’a
4. Junior Tupou
5. New signing - Staines or St George kid
6. Latu Fainu
7. Jayden Sullivan
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Apisai Koroisau (c)
10. David Klemmer
11. Isaiah Papali'i
12. John Bateman
13. Fonua Pole

14. Tallyn Da Silva
15. Kit Laulilii -- just a guess on my part
16. Alex Twal
17. Shawn Blore


Forwards:-
18. Justin Matamua
19. Brandon Mansfield
20. Brandon Tumeth
21. Sione Fainu
22. Alex Seyfarth
23. Samuela Fainu
Hookers/Halves/Utilies:-
24. Lachlan Galvin
25. Aden Sezer
26. Adam Doueihi
Outside Backs:-
27. Triston Reilly
28. Brent Naden
29. Josh Feledy
Not signed:-
30. Alex Seyfarth

I think we need to sign Seyfarth because our back-up forward depth is horrible. I think the back-up outside backs are pretty good and Sezer as a back-up utility is good.

We really should be signing the best winger in the comp and that player should be a game breaker but we'll get Staines or another kid.

Does anyone really think that squad is a top 8 squad. The top team is full of development players.

In all seriousness I think the following players are the only guys who are established first graders:-
Nofo, Api, Klemmer, Bateman, IP and Twal.

Laulilii can’t start the year in NRL, as he’s not Top 30.

I agree though that he’ll probably be in the starting 17 by years end.

 

[earl]

Laulilii can’t start the year in NRL, as he’s not Top 30.

I agree though that he’ll probably be in the starting 17 by years end.

I assume they'll promote him to top 30. I reckon it's a non-brainer decision.

 

[Curly_Tiger]

Hopefully Morris can convince one of the bunnies to join him
Tass would be the pick and there is Wighton coming and rumbles of Latrell to centre
I can dream 🙏🏼

 

[phil1986]

The rumor is that he wants to go back to England and I assume have a limited pre-season. Is that acceptable ?

My expectations are that he performs considerably better than what he has and no player should be given excuses based on the players around them.

Unfortunately for us, Bateman with no real pre-season. Was used to plug gaps all year.

He has talent and X factor. Unfortunately, we couldn’t build any combos with him or. Anyone this year.

I am still hopeful, with a full pre season and being able to concentrate on one spot. He will have something to add.

I can’t be alone thinking that during our injuries this year, that I was worried week to week that sheens was going to try and play him as our 6. 😂.

I understand the frustration.

But if he is back there for an international tri series. He would still be training to play and still be in good shape.

I’m sure many internationals would be afforded some time off after this, as they all have in the past as well.

 

[Camel2281]

Wonder where Rua is going....

Who cares

 

[Todd Packer]

I understand the frustration.

But if he is back there for an international tri series. He would still be training to play and still be in good shape.

I’m sure many internationals would be afforded some time off after this, as they all have in the past as well.

It's not about being fit. These guys are professional and should be permanently fit.

We need all our players together for a long off season to build that bond that only comes through long hot months slogging together building a bond.
This is more important for us than any other club because we have new halves.
I don't like Bateman missing 1 minute of the pre season.

 

[boonboon]

It's not about being fit. These guys are professional and should be permanently fit.

We need all our players together for a long off season to build that bond that only comes through long hot months slogging together building a bond.
This is more important for us than any other club because we have new halves.
I don't like Bateman missing 1 minute of the pre season.

Yep nothing like encouraging rep players to come to your club by banning your current players playing rep footy. That's a genius idea.

 

[tiger_scott]

Brandon Mansfield
Brandon Tumeth
Sione Fainu
Lachlan Galvin
Adam Doueihi

I just checked our squad and these guys all will more than likely offer nothing at all to the first grade team. I can't see us getting rid of any of them and in the case of Galvin he might be one of our most promising juniors.

Don't think Fainu will be tapped either. I don't think they'll want to get the two new signings (his brothers) offside.
Douheihi is a tricky one. We don't want be seen as callous, cutting an injured player loose, but paying him out and converting him to a train and trail or similar, which doesn't count against cap and squad numbers, would be beneficial. He'd have the security and support for rehab/recovery and we'd have the roster spot.