Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[TigerLove]

I know it’s off topic, but speaking of Rugby players, has anyone seen Matt Dunning these days? Ripped to shreds.

I just had to google that because I didn't believe you... he has had a massive transformation. Good on him because the hard work has really payed off for him.

 

[supercoach]

Ive already said here several times so far this offseason… this team has won 4 games last year and so far they are binging back the same side less Brooks for 2 rookies basically,,,

They seem unable to move on their underachievers… although other teams (Bulldogs ) can do it with ease…

They have signed no one new in months …and prospects don’t look great at this exact moment of new prospects …

Their outside backs are the worst and slowest in the competition

I still expect a couple of changes but they are unlikely difference makers …

If anyone expects more than 7-8 wins and a finish above 15th .., they are dreaming,,,that is the ceiling and probably beyond them but I live in hope…

Benji will get two years …the expectations couldn’t be lower for 2024…

It’s hard to be optimistic about 2024 given last year and our recruitment, but Iam not totally pessimistic either. I think last year we were right in the hunt in a lot of games but did not have the halves to win the close games. This year might be a little different with a new set of halves. Benji should be given three years , the club needs stability in the football department instead of the revolving doors we have at present. Anyway it can not go downhill from last year

 

[Tigerstigerstigers]

If the Australian Rugby League Commission give the green light to grant salary cap exemptions to clubs who recruit players from rival codes, will this enable us to finally land Curtis Rona?

so you mean there's a chance?

 

[teddy23]

Can the kid still make 30 to 40 tackles every week as well .....that is the question that he will need to answer

I truly believe that just comes plainly down to fitness levels, if you can get him fit making 30-40 tackles that can be taught into you as a footballer.

As a halfback you’re already playing 80 mins and making 15-20 tackles. Probably having set plays at you making 1 on 1 against some big boys in the back row.

As a 13 he’ll have a lot of help defence to get him through and not be targeted in that aspect.

 

[BAGNF05]

It’s hard to be optimistic about 2024 given last year and our recruitment, but Iam not totally pessimistic either. I think last year we were right in the hunt in a lot of games but did not have the halves to win the close games. This year might be a little different with a new set of halves. Benji should be given three years , the club needs stability in the football department instead of the revolving doors we have at present. Anyway it can not go downhill from last year

Reality is Sezer was only fair in the NRL five years ago, Bud is yet to prove he’s a FGer and Latu may be another year off. If it works in 2024 it’ll be one hell of a fairytale. Oh, and the guys out wide aren’t going to be making them look good.

 

[240z]

I know it’s off topic, but speaking of Rugby players, has anyone seen Matt Dunning these days? Ripped to shreds.

I still remember his field goal for the Warratahs after the full time bell

Too bad they were behind by 4 points

 

[happy_tiger]

I truly believe that just comes plainly down to fitness levels, if you can get him fit making 30-40 tackles that can be taught into you as a footballer.

As a halfback you’re already playing 80 mins and making 15-20 tackles. Probably having set plays at you making 1 on 1 against some big boys in the back row.

As a 13 he’ll have a lot of help defence to get him through and not be targeted in that aspect.

Work ethic and durability.....not easy to do week in week out and they play as a link or ball player for 80 minutes

 

[gregjm87]

They seem unable to move on their underachievers… although other teams (Bulldogs ) can do it with ease…

Who have the Bulldogs moved on with ease? As far as I can see it is only Pangai. They are currently in the media for being unable to move Faitala-Mariner on. The rest of the players they have leaving weren't moved on, they simply weren't contracted for 2024.

 

[supercoach]

Reality is Sezer was only fair in the NRL five years ago, Bud is yet to prove he’s a FGer and Latu may be another year off. If it works in 2024 it’ll be one hell of a fairytale. Oh, and the guys out wide aren’t going to be making them look good.

Have to be better than Brooks and Wakeham

 

[BAGNF05]

Have to be better than Brooks and Wakeham

Considering one of them was an NRL rookie of the year, that’s actually quite a high bar for Latu Fainu.

 

[crazycat]

This club doesn't have the balls to hang tough at 1-7 or 0-8. 2023 is living proof. I'm done now.

What, our club doesn't have the balls to hang onto a Dud Coach!

2 years of Jason Taylor
4+ Years of Madge.

We even kept Tim Sheens for most of 2023, when he had a far better squad then the guy he replaced. I was screaming "sack him and hire Haslier/Flanno NOW!", nope we stuck with the Brillant Benji-Rookie coach plan and let all the good coaches get hired.

I reckon we got at least 2 years of Wooden Spoons before we even consider firing Benji!

 

[Yossarian]

If the Australian Rugby League Commission give the green light to grant salary cap exemptions to clubs who recruit players from rival codes, will this enable us to finally land Curtis Rona?

Better check his socials to see if he’s following us.

 

[Wildcat777]

But we also have a long line of talented Locks coming through - Matamua, Kit Laulilii not to mention the guys in Harold Matts with wraps (and Seyfarth could also develop more in this position).

Sounds a lot like we will be losing a few of them soon?

 

[Wiz]

Work ethic and durability.....not easy to do week in week out and they play as a link or ball player for 80 minutes

Especially when earning ~$300k less compared to a half.

 

[balmain boy]

I’ll try change the subject cause seems like this thread is turning into a general info thread.

Does anyone see Lachlan Galvin as a potential 13 in the future as a ball playing lock?

If both Fainu and Sullivan perform or even if we nab Luai he may struggle locking down a spot. He’s listed at 195cms at the age of 18. Probably still growing. That could add a different dimension to our attack with his playmaking abilities in the middle.

I haven’t watched him that closely, so anyone that might’ve what are your thoughts?

Maybe in a few years. But not anytime soon. He makes Seyfarth look like the Hulk, he'd get snapped in the forwards. Would barely be 85-90kgs now. But give him a few years and once he's 21 and filled out more he'll probably end up there.

Till then he's a centre-5/8

 

[426Tlgerland]

What, our club doesn't have the balls to hang onto a Dud Coach!

2 years of Jason Taylor
4+ Years of Madge.

We even kept Tim Sheens for most of 2023, when he had a far better squad then the guy he replaced. I was screaming "sack him and hire Haslier/Flanno NOW!", nope we stuck with the Brillant Benji-Rookie coach plan and let all the good coaches get hired.

I reckon we got at least 2 years of Wooden Spoons before we even consider firing Benji!

I hear you and thought Flanno would have been better , but we last this up and now have Benji , but I can’t agree with Benji and 2 spoons , mate we will be improved and top 10 , yep top 10

 

[Tom Shines]

I hear you and thought Flanno would have been better , but we last this up and now have Benji , but I can’t agree with Benji and 2 spoons , mate we will be improved and top 10 , yep top 10

Craig Bellamy wouldn’t be able to get this team into the top 10… yep Craig Bellamy

Top 10?

No chance… Nil, Zip, Zippo, Zero …

 

[Pbulk]

I still remember his field goal for the Warratahs after the full time bell

Too bad they were behind by 4 points

They were ahead, needed to win by a certain margin to make the finals. Had a penalty advantage so he took the shot because if he missed they'd get the pen but he nailed it. They won the game but didn't make the finals as a result.

 

[mikey]

where did the bookies have us finishing at the start of the year?

Last. They do factor in other things besides the cattle as well. 🙂

Appointing Sheens was the like asking Harold Holt to govern the country effectively after his swim.

The jury is out on Benji. I wish him every success and there are some positive reports with how he gets on with the players. I am still to be convinced.

 

[jadtiger]

Last. They do factor in other things besides the cattle as well. 🙂

Appointing Sheens was the like asking Harold Holt to govern the country effectively after his swim.

The jury is out on Benji. I wish him every success and there are some positive reports with how he gets on with the players. I am still to be convinced.

Sheens was always going to be a massive disaster,a decade since he last coached at this level and he was sacked even then.I HOPE Benji is the answer that we need,at the moment he does seem to be doing the things that we need even if it does not lead to immediate success.I just hope that the idiots in charge of the club don't do their usual knee jerk response when we are near or at the bottom.
The people at the top are the main problem not the coaches.