Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

earl said:
To'a performed better than Olam last year and he was playing for the team that came last. I don't want to lose Blore but I can see how this movement makes sense.
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One year doesn't make a career. Toa had a stand out game in the NQ annihilation but he is way too inconsistent still. Olam had a poor year but he has runs on the board and can hopefully get back to his best
 
mikey said:
It's good there's not many leaks.
While I hate to lose Blore, we need backs big time. Is Olam the answer? I'm not sure - there must be a reason he's on the nose with Bellamy. Hope we do our due diligence on Olam if we are interested.
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Whilst Olam hits very hard in defence, his decision making is very suspect. He leaves his wingers out to dry. He was targeted in the finals and was found wanting again. I suspect that is why he was in reserve grade and only used because of injury. I don't think Bellamy was too impressed. Another Nofo.
 
Roar_Power said:
One year doesn't make a career. Toa had a stand out game in the NQ annihilation but he is way too inconsistent still. Olam had a poor year but he has runs on the board and can hopefully get back to his best
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To'a IMO has really had one great game against the Cows. The rest he has shown potential but........
I was particularly very disappointed with how he was having little temper tanties in tackles in matches after the Cows game. Must have been thinking he was a leg end.
Just wish he would concentrate on improving because I think he could be very good.
 
mikey said:
To'a IMO has really had one great game against the Cows. The rest he has shown potential but........
I was particularly very disappointed with how he was having little temper tanties in tackles in matches after the Cows game. Must have been thinking he was a leg end.
Just wish he would concentrate on improving because I think he could be very good.
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He seems to generally beat the first man with a late jink and speed. Definitely has potential but like many Wests Tigers before him, lacks the consistency required to become a stalwart in the top 13
 
I think the biggest problem some of our players have is consistency of effort
They look like world beaters at moments but then let themselves down with lazy efforts, be it around the ruck, chasing after an error or being beaten
I'm thinking mainly of our backs (except Bula), most are guilty, but lots of our forwards also (except Api)

We don't seem to have many of those players that just never give up, like a Lindsay Collins, even a Murray Taulagi shows more grit than our lot and saves tries

Think it's also a bit of a lack of on field leadership, its pretty much Api, who isn't really on them, and then not much else
 
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Curly_Tiger said:
I think the biggest problem some of our players have is consistency of effort
They look like world beaters at moments but then let themselves down with lazy efforts, be it around the ruck, chasing after an error or being beaten
I'm thinking mainly of our backs (except Bula), most are guilty, but lots of our forwards also (except Api)

We don't seem to have many of those players that just never give up, like a Lindsay Collins, even a Murray Taulagi shows more grit than our lot and saves tries

Think it's also a bit of a lack of on filed leadership, its pretty much Api, who isn't really on them, and then not much else
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Yes very true. We lack in effort players & high IQ players. Api, Jahream, Bateman & Seyfarth would certainly lead the effort stakes. I reckon Galvin, Heath Mason, Tallyn & Kit are high energy too coming through.
 
The below is from the article and If he had to deal with Depression and Anxiety we may not be the place for him to come to...

A mainstay for New Zealand's Super Rugby clubs, Alaimalo played for the Chiefs and Highlanders before taking a break from the sport in 2021 to deal with depression and anxiety.
 
BlackWhiteGold said:
Very true @tony soprano hadn't thought of that about Cheika.
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But will Rugby go “back to the future” with Cheika. And will they want an Aussie coach or be prepared to look elsewhere ?
I was thinking Foster, the outgoing AB coach, may be considered, or do they take a punt with Larkham, who has been in the fringes for last couple of years.
Or are there other options out there ?
I’m not sure they’ll go back to Cheika.
 

John Bateman happy to be back in familiar territory as star opens up on Wigan exit, 2023 season and Benji Marshall​

Standing at Wigan’s Robin Park Arena, 2018 Super League Grand Final winner John Bateman admits it’s good to be back on familiar territory in Shaun Wane’s England squad.

By Josh McAllister
Published 27th Oct 2023, 11:00 BST- 2 min read


The 30-year-old back-rower shocked the Warriors at the end of 2022 after requesting to leave for a return to the NRL with Wests Tigers, having previously enjoyed a two-year spell with Canberra Raiders that included reaching the 2019 Grand Final in Australia.

He made 174 appearances for the DW Stadium outfit across two spells, scoring 40 tries and was named in the 2018 Super League Dream Team.
John Bateman, England Rugby League Training at Robin Park Arena

John Bateman, England Rugby League Training at Robin Park Arena


“It’s good to come back here, I’ve got some special memories,” Bateman said.

“It’s always good to see some familiar faces. We’ve had some good moments together.”

Bateman continued: “I probably came back at a time where I probably wasn't really happy and made the decision to be back with family and I’m really thankful to Wigan for bringing me back.
“I hold the club close to my heart, I’ve had some special times here but felt like I wanted to be in the NRL.

“I’m getting a bit older now, so you never knew when that opportunity was going to come back and joining Wests Tigers was a big decision for me and my family.

“I didn’t take it lightly, it took a bit of time to sort it out and think about it but I obviously made the decision to go back.”

His new side finished at the bottom of the ladder in the competition down under and parted ways with veteran coach Tim Sheens, having picked up just four wins from 24.

And the Tigers will be coached by rugby league icon Benji Marshall from 2024, who made close to 350 NRL appearances across an illustrious career that included the 2005 Premiership, a Rugby League World Cup with New Zealand and the Golden Boot as the world’s best player.

“It was a bit different but you learn quite a lot about yourself,” Bateman said.
“It’s been an interesting year and I’m looking forward to going back - but business first in England.
“I don’t take losing lightly. But coming back here and enjoying it and winning again is a big difference.
“He’s a good fella, Benji. He’s got a good connection with the players and staff.
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“He knows when to laugh and when to be serious. I’m really looking forward to playing under him.”
Bateman started in the back-row for England in the opening test match against Tonga, and a win in Huddersfield will see the home nation win the historic series following the 22-18 opening triumph in St Helens.

He is set to be joined in the matchday 17 by current Warriors captain Liam Farrell for Saturday’s clash, with winger Matty Ashton also given the nod following an injury to Tommy Makinson.
On the game, Bateman added: “The Tonga boys came over here and it’s a pretty star-studded squad.

“We put a win on them last week and we want to do exactly the same this week. We’ve had another week together and have obviously now played the opposition.

“Hopefully we know what they’ll chuck at us and they’ll know more about us, too.”




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851 said:

John Bateman happy to be back in familiar territory as star opens up on Wigan exit, 2023 season and Benji Marshall​

Standing at Wigan’s Robin Park Arena, 2018 Super League Grand Final winner John Bateman admits it’s good to be back on familiar territory in Shaun Wane’s England squad.
By Josh McAllister
Published 27th Oct 2023, 11:00 BST- 2 min read

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The 30-year-old back-rower shocked the Warriors at the end of 2022 after requesting to leave for a return to the NRL with Wests Tigers, having previously enjoyed a two-year spell with Canberra Raiders that included reaching the 2019 Grand Final in Australia.


Read More
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He made 174 appearances for the DW Stadium outfit across two spells, scoring 40 tries and was named in the 2018 Super League Dream Team.
John Bateman, England Rugby League Training at Robin Park Arena

John Bateman, England Rugby League Training at Robin Park Arena
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“It’s good to come back here, I’ve got some special memories,” Bateman said.

“It’s always good to see some familiar faces. We’ve had some good moments together.”

Bateman continued: “I probably came back at a time where I probably wasn't really happy and made the decision to be back with family and I’m really thankful to Wigan for bringing me back.
“I hold the club close to my heart, I’ve had some special times here but felt like I wanted to be in the NRL.
Advertisement

“I’m getting a bit older now, so you never knew when that opportunity was going to come back and joining Wests Tigers was a big decision for me and my family.

“I didn’t take it lightly, it took a bit of time to sort it out and think about it but I obviously made the decision to go back.”
His new side finished at the bottom of the ladder in the competition down under and parted ways with veteran coach Tim Sheens, having picked up just four wins from 24.
And the Tigers will be coached by rugby league icon Benji Marshall from 2024, who made close to 350 NRL appearances across an illustrious career that included the 2005 Premiership, a Rugby League World Cup with New Zealand and the Golden Boot as the world’s best player.

“It was a bit different but you learn quite a lot about yourself,” Bateman said.
“It’s been an interesting year and I’m looking forward to going back - but business first in England.
“I don’t take losing lightly. But coming back here and enjoying it and winning again is a big difference.
“He’s a good fella, Benji. He’s got a good connection with the players and staff.
Advertisement

“He knows when to laugh and when to be serious. I’m really looking forward to playing under him.”
Bateman started in the back-row for England in the opening test match against Tonga, and a win in Huddersfield will see the home nation win the historic series following the 22-18 opening triumph in St Helens.
He is set to be joined in the matchday 17 by current Warriors captain Liam Farrell for Saturday’s clash, with winger Matty Ashton also given the nod following an injury to Tommy Makinson.
On the game, Bateman added: “The Tonga boys came over here and it’s a pretty star-studded squad.
Advertisement

“We put a win on them last week and we want to do exactly the same this week. We’ve had another week together and have obviously now played the opposition.
“Hopefully we know what they’ll chuck at us and they’ll know more about us, too.”
Related topics:John BatemanEnglandNRLWiganShaun WaneTim Sheens



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If Johnee doesnt fire this year he can head back there. Needs a proper pre season
 
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