Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Tigermars]

NRL 2023: Wests Tigers part ways with cult hero trainer Ronnie Palmer | Saint, Sinner, Shoosh​

For the first time in over 50 years, renowned strength and conditioning coach Ronnie Palmer won’t feature in an NRL club’s pre-season after being shown the door by the Wests Tigers.
Brent Read and Michael Carayannis

NRL​

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One of the game’s great characters and most recognisable faces Ronnie Palmer will not feature in a club’s pre-season for the first time in more than 50 years after being let go by Wests Tigers.
Palmer has been a permanent fixture across rugby league clubs since embarking on his first season as a player for the Balmain Tigers back in 1971.
He was told of his shock departure last Friday.
“I feel quite a bit lost,” Palmer said.
“I haven’t been in this situation since I was 21.
“The Tigers told me they weren’t going to renew my contract. These things happen and you have to move on. I feel a little bit let down but you have to cop these things and move on. There’s no sour grapes here.”

The Wests Tigers have parted ways with NRL cult hero trainer Ronnie Palmer. Picture: Supplied
After playing 35 games for Balmain, Palmer transitioned into becoming one of rugby league’s pioneering strength and conditioning coaches.
He spent 24 years at the Sydney Roosters before bouncing around Gold Coast, Penrith, Parramatta and, more recently, a homecoming at the Tigers.
He also spent many an Origin campaign over that time as the NSW Blues’ head trainer.
Palmer joined the Tigers ahead of the 2018 season to again assist Ivan Cleary — who he had worked with at the Panthers.
This year he worked in the Tigers’ pathways system and with the NRLW side.
Palmer is adamant he still has plenty to offer an NRL side and has put his hand up to continue his career.
“I know that I have a lot to offer,” Palmer said. “I would still love to be involved. It gets a bit difficult. When you get a bit older they shuffle you along. The old horse is out on the long yard. I know that I’ve got a lot to offer. You just have to try and convince a club of that.”

 

[stephen]

Boyling looked decent.

Yeah, no star but always had a go.

 

[Holman Barnes #1 Fan]

I'm hearing from my source that Kepaoa has a three year deal tabled. Get excited guys.

 

[Buttface]

I'm hearing from my source that Kepaoa has a three year deal tabled. Get excited guys.

Not from us please???

 

[Kaito]

NRL 2023: Wests Tigers part ways with cult hero trainer Ronnie Palmer | Saint, Sinner, Shoosh​

For the first time in over 50 years, renowned strength and conditioning coach Ronnie Palmer won’t feature in an NRL club’s pre-season after being shown the door by the Wests Tigers.
Brent Read and Michael Carayannis

NRL​

Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Follow
One of the game’s great characters and most recognisable faces Ronnie Palmer will not feature in a club’s pre-season for the first time in more than 50 years after being let go by Wests Tigers.
Palmer has been a permanent fixture across rugby league clubs since embarking on his first season as a player for the Balmain Tigers back in 1971.
He was told of his shock departure last Friday.
“I feel quite a bit lost,” Palmer said.
“I haven’t been in this situation since I was 21.
“The Tigers told me they weren’t going to renew my contract. These things happen and you have to move on. I feel a little bit let down but you have to cop these things and move on. There’s no sour grapes here.”

The Wests Tigers have parted ways with NRL cult hero trainer Ronnie Palmer. Picture: Supplied
After playing 35 games for Balmain, Palmer transitioned into becoming one of rugby league’s pioneering strength and conditioning coaches.
He spent 24 years at the Sydney Roosters before bouncing around Gold Coast, Penrith, Parramatta and, more recently, a homecoming at the Tigers.
He also spent many an Origin campaign over that time as the NSW Blues’ head trainer.
Palmer joined the Tigers ahead of the 2018 season to again assist Ivan Cleary — who he had worked with at the Panthers.
This year he worked in the Tigers’ pathways system and with the NRLW side.
Palmer is adamant he still has plenty to offer an NRL side and has put his hand up to continue his career.
“I know that I have a lot to offer,” Palmer said. “I would still love to be involved. It gets a bit difficult. When you get a bit older they shuffle you along. The old horse is out on the long yard. I know that I’ve got a lot to offer. You just have to try and convince a club of that.”

He's 73 to put things in perspective. I like him
too, but characters like Palmer find it hard to
hang it up. Can't expect a 73 year old to run round
with and condition 18-20+ years olds the whole
year, it's a bit silly. What's more silly is how we're
being painted as the bad guys (again) for not
renewing his contract. Would love to see him
retire and spend more time with his family. Good
luck silver fox, been a staple and icon in the game

 

[jadtiger]

He's 73 to out things in perspective. I like him
too, but characters like Palmer find it hard to
hang it up. Can't expect a 73 year old to run round
with and condition 18-20+ years olds the whole
year, it's a bit silly. What's more silly is how we're
being painted as the bad guys (again) for not
renewing his contract. Would love to see him
retire and spend more time with his family. Good
luck silver fox, been a staple and icon in the game

I have nothing but good memories from him since his playing days and his work as a trainer.A genuine Tigers legend as far as i am concerned as he worked his bum off for the Tigers club for around 50 years

 

[Buttface]

He's 73 to put things in perspective. I like him
too, but characters like Palmer find it hard to
hang it up. Can't expect a 73 year old to run round
with and condition 18-20+ years olds the whole
year, it's a bit silly. What's more silly is how we're
being painted as the bad guys (again) for not
renewing his contract. Would love to see him
retire and spend more time with his family. Good
luck silver fox, been a staple and icon in the game

We should be getting the best trainer on the planet bcoz we need it.

 

[Buttface]

I have nothing but good memories from him since his playing days and his work as a trainer.A genuine Tigers legend as far as i am concerned as he worked his bum off for the Tigers club for around 50 years

I liked his box of magic dust he pulled out against manly at manly and we won.

 

[Roar_Power]

I have nothing but good memories from him since his playing days and his work as a trainer.A genuine Tigers legend as far as i am concerned as he worked his bum off for the Tigers club for around 50 years

He was with the Roosters for 24 of those years....

 

[twentyforty]

I have nothing but good memories from him since his playing days and his work as a trainer.A genuine Tigers legend as far as i am concerned as he worked his bum off for the Tigers club for around 50 years

Half of that time with Roosters, but just the same, I hope they’ve given him a send off befitting of the legend he is. And also a top of the range BBQ!

 

[Bob]

Can you just imagine the uproar on this forum if any of these guys get a call up to play NRL for the Storm.

Imagine the silence if they never play first grade anywhere

 

[GNR4LIFE]

Imagine the silence if they never play first grade anywhere

The time this forum spends on reserve graders who never even make first grade, let alone make it is insane. Half the time reading this thread in particular you’re forced to scroll pages of names you’ve never heard of and never will.

 

[hank37w]

Bears feed the Storm cheaters these days do they?
Boyling’s players player doesn’t mean much then?

From 2024 storm have 3 feeder clubs, North Sydney Bears, Brisbane (Easts) Tigers and Sunshine Coast Falcons.

They should have just cut out the middle man and used Wests Tigers.

 

[boonboon]

Declan Casey joining Wests Tigers on a train and trial from Dogs

 

[hank37w]

If they do it would be because Bellamy believes they would have earned it,to be honest they did zero for us imho and are not a loss

Yeah I know, but if it happens there wailing and gnashing of teeth and comments like, "how did we ever let him go?"

 

[hank37w]

Imagine the silence if they never play first grade anywhere

Exactly, but if the opposite happens and one of them gets a call up it will be the greatest loss of a talent in the history of this club.

 

[Chainlink]

Anyone else seriously worried about our fullback depth. With Staines not signed, if anything happens to Bula we are looking at Toa filling in. I don’t even see who we have to play fullback in cup. Massive risk going into the season unless we have something up our sleeve.

 

[Tom Shines]

Anyone else seriously worried about our fullback depth. With Staines not signed, if anything happens to Bula we are looking at Toa filling in. I don’t even see who we have to play fullback in cup. Massive risk going into the season unless we have something up our sleeve.

We don’t know what the story is until he (Staines) signs here or elsewhere… maybe they are negotiating with him and playing some hardball…

aren’t they at 30 players as well… so maybe they need to move someone on first ?

 

[GNR4LIFE]

Anyone else seriously worried about our fullback depth. With Staines not signed, if anything happens to Bula we are looking at Toa filling in. I don’t even see who we have to play fullback in cup. Massive risk going into the season unless we have something up our sleeve.

Is fullback depth a thing? If you go through most other clubs rosters, it’s not like they have a ready made fullback to go if their first choice goes down. A lot just make do.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

Anyone else seriously worried about our fullback depth. With Staines not signed, if anything happens to Bula we are looking at Toa filling in. I don’t even see who we have to play fullback in cup. Massive risk going into the season unless we have something up our sleeve.

Naden played fullback in juniors & could see him used there in NSW Cup for his experience & voice directing the defensive line. Might be a way of Benji reinvigorating him & using his leadership.