Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Kelce68]

I would say it's the hardest position to defend but not the most important.

If your team is controlling the ruck well, the ball rarely makes it out to the edge. Melbourne do this very well.

Possibly, though there's more to backline movements than just the speed of the ruck; a well-structured attacking team will alter the depth of play to get to the edges, even if they're not compressing the ruck as they'd like.

Point being, that most points come at the edges, not in the middle, so whilst it's the hardest (I agree), given how high the percentage of that tries come via edge defence systems is, I'd say, particularly as an individual position, it is also the most important, mainly by virtue of the fact that a poor edge (of which centre is the lynchpin), will have the greatest negative impact on points conceded.

 

[Flippedy]

Tigers in the box seat to land Jarome Luai

“There is an increasing confidence in the Wests Tigers.”

www.sen.com.au

​

TIGERS IN THE BOX SEAT TO LAND JAROME LUAI​

BY CHARLES GOODSIR 37 MINUTES AGO

• 
  
• 
  

The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio believes a move by Jarome Luai to the Wests Tigers is looking more and more likely with each passing day.
Luai’s current contract will see him remain at the Panthers until the end of the 2024 season but has yet to re-sign with the reigning premiers who have already tabled a two-year offer worth around $800,000 a season

Tigers rookie coach Benji Marshall is reportedly front and centre of the sales pitch to Luai and Riccio believes a decision on the 26-year-old's future is imminent.

“To Wests Tigers fans, I wouldn’t be prepared to say you are going to get a huge present under the Christmas tree in the shape of Jarome Luai just yet,” Riccio said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“However, there is a big chance.

“Benji Marshall, in his ability to woo and sell the dream to Luai.

“At a recent house visit to Benji’s place made by Luai, (a deal) is now starting to gain some traction.

“Let’s not forget the relationship of Api Koroisau and Charlie Staines, (both) former Panthers.

“The Wests Tigers have a board meeting this week and it will give some indication on how much they are willing to go all in for Jarome Luai.

“This will pick up and gain some traction in the next 48 to 72 hours.

“There is an increasing confidence in the Wests Tigers (that they’ll get him).”

48 hours! Must be reading the forum 😂

 

[Qwertyrick]

Olam obviously has more experience and is a big body, but there is a reason Melbourne ain’t playing him. He is on the back end of his career, sick of signing players that are on the way out

 

[Tito Santana]

Flip agrees with Tito

Tito likes flip based on this

 

[balmain boy]

Olam obviously has more experience and is a big body, but there is a reason Melbourne ain’t playing him. He is on the back end of his career, sick of signing players that are on the way out

you're right, we should focus on exclusively signing current origin stars... 🙄

 

[crazycat]

Tito agrees. I think he is Noffaesque.

In 2024 we will be saying we’re glad we didn’t buy him:

I smell a fraud

Glad we did not buy him for 800K a season. (re Bradman Best).

I wouldn't say he is a dud or Noffaesque. But I could see 200k effort being put in for a lot of games.

 

[crazycat]

you're right, we should focus on exclusively signing current origin stars... 🙄

...and the current NSW origin coach is Michael McGuire!

Shall we welcome back Zane Musgrove or Michael Chee Kam perhaps? (No way).

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

Bradman Best rejected us quietly quite a while ago. He was always remaining at Newcastle.

For what it’s worth - I got a text today from a friend saying that the Olam deal is done. I guess we’ll find out soon.

Blore very open to the idea of going to Melbourne. Probably will be the swap.

Melbourne originally also asked for Junior Tupou but was denied quickly by our management. Expect to see Melbourne put a bid in very soon I reckon. They like him a lot apparently.

It would be disappointing to lose Junior Tupou if he does decide to sign elsewhere. But once again he would be a signing based on potential & physique.

I hope we don't pay 'overs' for him with plenty of junior outside backs coming through over the next few years - Navren Willett, Feledy, Makasini, possibly Onitoni Large, Luke Laulilii, Riley Oitmann & more.

If it comes to it, we could see if a club would trade for '24. For example, Tupou for Olam (instead of Blore), Tupou for Meaney or get in touch with Brisbane and discuss Tupou for Israel Leota. Just spitballing here.

 

[Coastie_Tiger]

Tigers in the box seat to land Jarome Luai

“There is an increasing confidence in the Wests Tigers.”

www.sen.com.au

​

TIGERS IN THE BOX SEAT TO LAND JAROME LUAI​

BY CHARLES GOODSIR 37 MINUTES AGO

• 
  
• 
  

The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio believes a move by Jarome Luai to the Wests Tigers is looking more and more likely with each passing day.
Luai’s current contract will see him remain at the Panthers until the end of the 2024 season but has yet to re-sign with the reigning premiers who have already tabled a two-year offer worth around $800,000 a season

Tigers rookie coach Benji Marshall is reportedly front and centre of the sales pitch to Luai and Riccio believes a decision on the 26-year-old's future is imminent.

“To Wests Tigers fans, I wouldn’t be prepared to say you are going to get a huge present under the Christmas tree in the shape of Jarome Luai just yet,” Riccio said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“However, there is a big chance.

“Benji Marshall, in his ability to woo and sell the dream to Luai.

“At a recent house visit to Benji’s place made by Luai, (a deal) is now starting to gain some traction.

“Let’s not forget the relationship of Api Koroisau and Charlie Staines, (both) former Panthers.

“The Wests Tigers have a board meeting this week and it will give some indication on how much they are willing to go all in for Jarome Luai.

“This will pick up and gain some traction in the next 48 to 72 hours.

“There is an increasing confidence in the Wests Tigers (that they’ll get him).”

Ahh we've been here before ladies and gentlemen, keep your expectations under wraps 🤣

 

[crazycat]

Defensively, centre is the MOST important position on a football field.

In attack, less so, but it's a key cog.

SPOT ON!

One of the reasons why our defense sucked so much this year is our centers.

It's easy to blame the Winger who moves in, but when you see your center has a 2-1 overlap and doesn't read the play... Opposition try scored.

Nofa/Tupou/Staines need to be able to win 1 on 1 more times (this will be hard as there are some damn good wing's out there).

Whomever our centers are, they need to ensure that they don't leave their winger with a 2 on 1 gap.


Attack will happen. Benji can coach attack and if he can't he should go back to Channel 10. Defense and gritty tackles will be our biggest challenge. One weak link and the game is over.

 

[Needaname]

He‘s trolling

For fs sake Luai is in Liverpool for a footlocker opening. Isn’t that Tigers territory? I would think that is all Bradman is referencing too. Putting 1 and 3 together.

 

[crazycat]

Ahh we've been here before ladies and gentlemen, keep your expectations under wraps 🤣

I could imagine us gearing up to sign Luai, then Brian T'oo comes and gives us a lap dance!

Seriously our spine priority has to be a solid Halfback. Sullivan has a hell of an opportunity to lock that spot in, if he sucks we will need a replacement asap. Sullivan may suck at 7, or he may be a quality player who can't fit into nr7 Luke Brooks style.

Luai is an explosive 5/8.

I like Luai, I can't see how he fits into our plans.

 

[Needaname]

the best centres have been developed internally. think about it. Crichton, Olam, Farnworth, Staggs, Best, Manu, Tago, Timoko, Penisini, Koula, Ramien, Billy Smith and Campbell Graham all debuted and were developed at their current clubs. the only "elite" centres that have moved around are Dane Gagai and Val Holmes.

my point is, you're better off either backing your juniors or signing guys that can do a job in your system, like Reimis Smith, Tass, Vailea, Brian Kelly, even Star To'a. centre is not the position it was 10-15 years ago.

Olam will bridge a gap for us in both quality and age. he will do that at approximately $400k a year and will probably be gone in 2026 (PNG). Best on the other hand was going to cost nearly double that and come with the weight of expectation that he plays like Joey Manu or Justin Hodges.

if you're going to use the good sides as a marker then you need to go to find players in the pathways that will become elite centres. To'a absolutely has it in him, we've seen it. Heamasi Makasini is absolutely one of those. Josh Feledy has talent, same with William Craig and Navren Willett. those are your elite centres in waiting, not a bloke worth $800k on the open market.

I will add to the best centres are introduced from a young age.
In that it is rare to find a team hopping centre like a Junior Pauga develop into a superstar.
Wingers alike. My opinion on that is at a younger age, the careless factor comes to mind which makes a good centre unpredictable and adds to their game. In addition to that as they aren’t in the middle they don’t need a physique built for endurance; just straight out power that suits a young persons game.

 

[Demps]

I will add to the best centres are introduced from a young age.
In that it is rare to find a team hopping centre like a Junior Pauga develop into a superstar.
Wingers alike. My opinion on that is at a younger age, the careless factor comes to mind which makes a good centre unpredictable and adds to their game. In addition to that as they aren’t in the middle they don’t need a physique built for endurance; just straight out power that suits a young persons game.

Sounds like Israel Leota would fit the bill.

 

[Nonotmeagain]

Apparently Best isn't coming and the story is already out how the Tigers miss out on yet another star ?

bit.ly/3sFa09n

 

[Needaname]

I would say it's the hardest position to defend but not the most important.

If your team is controlling the ruck well, the ball rarely makes it out to the edge. Melbourne do this very well.

It’s not hard at all if you can make a 1 on 1 tackle.
The hardest position is the halves as you depend on the inside pressure taking away time from a backline movement your centre being aware he isn’t overlapped and your winger holding ground and not making a 45 degree rush in field.

 

[Needaname]

Sounds like Israel Leota would fit the bill.

I was thinking one of these 4 options
Makinsi, Solo, Galvin or Large.

 

[Juice]

It’s not hard at all if you can make a 1 on 1 tackle.
The hardest position is the halves as you depend on the inside pressure taking away time from a backline movement your centre being aware he isn’t overlapped and your winger holding ground and not making a 45 degree rush in field.

Why are you trying to make it out that making 1 on 1 tackles with probably the most explosive athletic players on the field is easy lol

 

[Sully]

The other options are

Nofo - cooked
Tupou - raw

Nofo - Slow
Tupou - Explosive but slower

Staines - Fast

 

[Mighty_Tiger]

Completely agree, he hasn't showcased it much in his time here but he's a pretty decent ball player so it's not unreasonable to think he could learn it.
He would also need to work on his bomb difusals as he never looked comfortable at the back

He is 28 in Dec and clocked 68 games for a reason. If he isn’t doing those things now he isn’t going to evolve and be consistent on those anytime soon. They have it or don’t. He is as good as he is - if we are being real at nrl level he is a backup back for most squads.