Great to see we have thought about what we were doing with the development system. Better to give the deals to guys who have been performing in NSW cup as opposed to kids. That way even if you get roped into giving a guy who won't play FG a top 30 spot, at least you know he'll be good enough to fill out your cup team. Too often we have guys in our top 30 who are barely reserve grade level. It's not good for the long term health of your top squad.
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Navren WillettName: Navren Willett
Position: Centre, Fullback, Five-eighth
Age: 18 this year
Junior team/s: Taree Panthers, Taree City Bulls, Newcastle Knights Harold Matthews
2023 Age group: Balmain SG Ball (Willett will complete preseason then return home to continue playing for Taree in 2023 while he completes his schooling)
Willett, who already stands at 6’6 (not a typo), has signed a four year deal with Wests Tigers through until the end of 2026.
The first year of Willett’s deal will see him complete preseason with Balmain SG Ball before returning home to complete his schooling, where he’ll continue playing for Taree City.
As you would expect, Navren is a threat in the air and stands well above players his age, while also being a superb athlete.
Willett spent time in the Knights junior rep system where he impressed before returning home. Wests Tigers saw off interest from other NRL clubs and the Sydney Swans to secure Willett’s signature.
Like Jordan Miller, Navren possesses a unique frame and one that can become a real threat through the grades if developed properly.
At this stage, one to keep an eye on for 2024 more than 2023.
from all the chatter going on,it seems were holding onto most kids that clubs are trying to poach from us,yet still able to gather in talent from others.i a bit unsure of the Manly influx of juniors.Happy Days ahead
WE very much appreciate all the things that you do on here @KingRobbie , but I think the point being made by @Spartan117 was that it would be nice for the club (or the NRL if they are responsible) to actually do some of these things to help promote the club and lesser known players that are in the squad.
He would look good on the wing in the NRL side, perhaps that’s the plan given we havent signed stains
John Skandos Orphan Black child?
Being a bit over dramatic there.
Every other club have spies that know about our juniors and are constantly trying to pinch the good ones.
Wests Tigers need to adopt the cone of silence, actually now that I have mentioned it, it seems like in some cases they use it to keep supporters and even members of the football department including coaches in the dark.
Think those would be better off looking at the Panthers juniors personally.
Shows where we are as a club. The club doesn’t have much to promote. 05 was almost 20 years ago now (blows my mind), and we haven’t made the finals for over decade (again, mind blown). They have to cling to something that keeps supporters invested. Showing off kids who won’t be ready for 2 or 3 years is an attempt to give us some hope for the future.
Honestly can't see the problem with the club releasing pictures of players at training and actually putting names to the faces, supporters want to know who some of these kids are and many would probably like to follow their progress and see how and if they actually develop into good players.
Your post nailed it! The long time supporters need something to cling to.
PS.
