Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

Now that Luai is done, I reckon we’ll be looking back into Olam now. Benji was keen on him so have to see if anything happens.
 
Olam, is a bad long term contract.

Before they sign him - 2 questions

Why is Melbourne so desperate to get rid of him?????

Who are we competing with for his signature?????
First question: my guess is probably money related. If the 600K figure is accurate, that’s decent coin for a Centre. If it was due to a serious injury, I think Benji would have pulled the plug after the first meeting with him.

Second question: as far as I know, no other club has come forward looking into him, however at this stage, Storm have only one signing from another club for 25 and that’s us. If another club is looking into him, it’s certainly hasn’t gone to the media yet.

I understand your concerns, but I’m trusting Benji (and Riccho) if Benji wants him, I’m backing his judgement.
 
Turuva for the Fijian connection with Bula and Api or May with the connection with penrith guys. Both very good options
Last deal Turuva met with Wayne about joining the Fins. With Tupou going there, that isn’t an option for him any more. Who knows, all depends how Penrith select their side through the year and if the May experiment at Centre works out?
They have a few younger outside backs yet to play who will be stars as well so interesting times!
 
  • Like
Reactions: 851
Last deal Turuva met with Wayne about joining the Fins. With Tupou going there, that isn’t an option for him any more. Who knows, all depends how Penrith select their side through the year and if the May experiment at Centre works out?
They have a few younger outside backs yet to play who will be stars as well so interesting times!
We won’t need him. Wait till you see Alimolo fire
 
All of these comments on Olam being past his best. I'm happy to go with Benji & Moussa's judgement on him. Remember he had injury issues all 2023 - fractured arm & knee were two.

He was rated by some as the best centre in the game just over 12 months ago.

Yes people will say Joey Leuliua mark 2 but I think Olam has a different attitude &n personality to him.
Surely we can do a deal.

We need backs badly. Olam is a quality center, but some have said he could be a hasbeen.

It's 1 bad season and 1 bad season where his stat's equaled our best center (Toa)...

New team, new players, better weather. Who knows what may happen.
 
I don't think we need to be breaking the bank on a big money outside back like May or Best.

Luai was worth it because he's a spine players. I'm confident Luai and Fainu will make our existing outside backs like To'a look a lot better. It's a shame Tupou is leaving as I think he would have benefited as well.

There could be another back step up this year like Saukuru. Galvin could even start in the centres.
What is it with NRL, it's SPINE SPINE SPINE!

Sure, your spine is good at arranging your defensive lineup, setting up tries and mananging the flow of the game (aka Cameron Smith).

Last year we had:
Api,
Voldemort,
AD/Will Smith/Daine Laurie
Bula

That's a lot of changing, but not the worlds worst spine. Look at our backs though, we had total turnstyles at Center and wing. Our backs other then Bula SUCKED.

Now not knocking Bula too much, he is a great asset. But he is a first year fullback and really needs to be coached on positioning and defense. You know all the stuff we did not coach Daine Laurie on.

This year:
Forward pack is the same, should improve with consistency.
Spine is Ok on Paper, hoping Sullivan/Sezer/Fainu can gel and form combinations. It is particularly rough that all these new players are coming together now.
Backs, Same as last year 🙁

I am thinking 15th.
 
Olam is probably the hardest runner of the ball and has that “not this guy again” factor.

Get it done.

I too am excited for Solomon Alimolo and Navren Willett.

Alimolo is a gun.
He used to have that
Havent seen it for a while
I think hes chronically injured...may be wrong
 
The thing about this Olam transaction is we won’t be taking him on for $600k pa. The financial aspect is what’s held up the swap with Blore previously.

We would be required to take on the majority of the deal. Even at 500k I view him a major liability. Storm won’t be tipping in 50% / 200k a season for 3yrs. Especially when ESL clubs are willing to pay full load.
 

Latest posts

Members online

Back
Top