Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[AdelaideTiger]

I’m interested in this whole Topou to the centres idea. To me he doesn’t display many of the skills you would usually look for in a centre, and even if he did are centres more valuable than wingers in the current game? Im not sure they are.

Pretty sure he was playing centre in raiders juniors before he went to union, others would know better though.
He loves carrying the footy like Sonny Bill, he's either got to perfect that carry or learn to use two hands, causes far too many simple handling errors at the moment

 

[balmain boy]

Well given we don’t have a million dollar player I don’t see how we can’t afford both. We have 25 spots filled in our 30 for 25 but not one of them will be on a million dollars or more. Obviously if we sign Luai he’ll be the only one who is but we would still have decent coin to offer AFB.

Because we have no big money stars and lots of kids on peanuts...

 

[hammertime]

I say give Tupou whatever he wants, he should make a move to the centres sooner or later anyway. If considerable freight for Nofa is more than half (i.e. $300k+) then it would give me pause because we will need to backfill his spot with another winger anyway, but if it's half or less you make that happen because he just needs to go, I'd even entertain a swap plus cash for cotric, would make some sense for both parties.

This. Noffa isn't worthwhile getting rid of at any cost, unless he's having a broad negative impact on the team. If the subsidization means it's effectively $250k to keep him, then you keep him.

 

[Glenji95]

Because we have no big money stars and lots of kids on peanuts...

Some of the kids would be on peanuts though. Point was we can make an offer to both Luai and AFB and fit them in. It’s if they decide to come is the big question.

 

[Bones]

Pretty sure he was playing centre in raiders juniors before he went to union, others would know better though.
He loves carrying the footy like Sonny Bill, he's either got to perfect that carry or learn to use two hands, causes far too many simple handling errors at the moment

I’m sure he could play there, I’m just not sure he should. To me I’m looking for centres who have fast feet, good ball skills and solid defence as the 3 main skills. I’m not convinced he has any of those. Has has good top speed and size, and the possibility of being a real aerial threat, which is want you want from your winger.

I’d love to be wrong because we are in desperate need of quality centres.

 

[jrtiger]

Is that true about Wighton? At 13 or 2RW? Very interesting move by souths if true

left back row.

 

[AdelaideTiger]

I’m sure he could play there, I’m just not sure he should. To me I’m looking for centres who have fast feet, good ball skills and solid defence as the 3 main skills. I’m not convinced he has any of those. Has has good top speed and size, and the possibility of being a real aerial threat, which is want you want from your winger.

I’d love to be wrong because we are in desperate need of quality centres.

He got good feet, not necessarily fast feet at the line, but he's got a huge left foot step that he unleashed a few times this year. He's not very technical with ball in hand but he is physically very gifted, and if you're just able to get freakish offloads away that may be all that's required.
Defence will be the issue, again physically he'll match it with most centres in the game, but can he get his reads and positioning down? we'll see

 

[Bigscreentv]

Just some whispers around the club

- tupou’s management asking for a player option 3rd year, he also wants to make a move to the centers in the coming years, canberra not a real
option

- noffa has been offered to parra / canberra / melbourne / dolphins, i wouldn’t say there is no interest, but canberra might be our only hope, we would be paying considerable freight

They should play him at centre and promote lobb.

 

[AdelaideTiger]

left back row.

Interesting, don't know how that will go, but either way it'll make for a fun watch.

 

[Needaname]

I would definitely question it. Momo is the more well rounded or technical footy player but Kepaoa is the better athlete. That matters a lot in today's game. I'd prefer Kepaoa in our squad compared to Momo. Momo isn't a first grader. Kepaoa is a borderline first grader.

An athletic build or body is just a vessel without a sound and focused mind behind it.
For mine Kepoa has always been a step off the pace and i think that comes from between the ears.

 

[Canadian Club]

Pretty sure he was playing centre in raiders juniors before he went to union, others would know better though.
He loves carrying the footy like Sonny Bill, he's either got to perfect that carry or learn to use two hands, causes far too many simple handling errors at the moment

Correct. He came through the juniors primarily playing left centre. Although he had a much slighter frame. He's clearly bulked up the last couple years to play on the wing.

He would be good in the centre but may need to lose a few kgs to maximise his potential there.

 

[BirchgroveTigers]

lot of chat about AJ.

He is 23 and played 40 games - big year for him coming up IMO.

Good player IMO if he plays 5 games a year filling in when injuries strike. Don't know if he can take the next step. Will find out in 24.

 

[Canadian Club]

Also trying to figure out if this is the Signings Suggestions & Rumours thread or the Asu Kepaoa thread?

 

[Red88_Tiger]

They should play him at centre and promote lobb.

How does lobb go
Is he good under the high ball

 

[jrtiger]

no issue with giving Tupou a player option and the chance to have a crack in the centres. while he may not hit the same heights, I've always likened him to Stephen Crichton, and with some decent coaching and patience he would do well in the centres. there's even a chance he could potentially succeed Olam and open the door for Luke Laulili'i to make his way onto the wing in 2025.

 

[Bigscreentv]

How does lobb go
Is he good under the high ball

He’s good under high ball from what I’ve seen. Good finisher, seems like a smart guy from interviews. I like him.

 

[tony soprano]

How does lobb go
Is he good under the high ball

Same as his volley.

 

[Bigscreentv]

no issue with giving Tupou a player option and the chance to have a crack in the centres. while he may not hit the same heights, I've always likened him to Stephen Crichton, and with some decent coaching and patience he would do well in the centres. there's even a chance he could potentially succeed Olam and open the door for Luke Laulili'i to make his way onto the wing in 2025.

To me he’s more of a centre

 

[Junior Dig]

Just some whispers around the club

- tupou’s management asking for a player option 3rd year, he also wants to make a move to the centers in the coming years, canberra not a real
option

- noffa has been offered to parra / canberra / melbourne / dolphins, i wouldn’t say there is no interest, but canberra might be our only hope, we would be paying considerable freight

This would be a win, win, win for me!!
I’d sign Tupou for 4 years.
He’s only young still and I believe he’d be a gun centre in a year or two.
I’d be happy to pay $250-300k to move Nofo on at this point in his career too.
🙏🏼🤞🏼👏🏼

 

[Tiger_Fanatic3]

Just some whispers around the club

- tupou’s management asking for a player option 3rd year, he also wants to make a move to the centers in the coming years, canberra not a real
option

- noffa has been offered to parra / canberra / melbourne / dolphins, i wouldn’t say there is no interest, but canberra might be our only hope, we would be paying considerable freight

Good news re Tupou.
The lad has potential. Wing or centre the guy has speed.
Really puts his body on the line
Hoping he has a breakout season
Since Reggies, then promoted to firsts, is a standout
Don't want to see him in any other club colours