Magpie_Magic
Well-known member
Everything is a bit lopsided at the moment.
But with our clubs crap roster it's a case of bulking up then toning down.
But with our clubs crap roster it's a case of bulking up then toning down.
Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion
- Thread starter MacDougall
- Start date
The Chad
Well-known member
I like the Olam signing. We need someone to run holes & set the tone out wide. We have been a walk in the park for the opposition for too long.
There are really only 2 players available outside of Olam that I'd feel offer us anything.
Obviously- Hymel Hunt would likely be our #1 outside back if signed.
The other one would be less popular- Luciano Leilua. He is a spotty defender, but he is an impact runner. We don't really have THAT on the roster. That said, I expect he'll demand more $$'s than the value would equate to. But we could do with that kind of a player on the edges.
As for Matamua...I wonder if he would be better off sitting in Bateman's pocket trying to learn his style of play? More that wide ball player type with solid defence? He doesn't seem to have the impact running through the teeth of the defence. Fa'agutu, Lualili'i & Pole all look better suited at #13.
There are really only 2 players available outside of Olam that I'd feel offer us anything.
Obviously- Hymel Hunt would likely be our #1 outside back if signed.
The other one would be less popular- Luciano Leilua. He is a spotty defender, but he is an impact runner. We don't really have THAT on the roster. That said, I expect he'll demand more $$'s than the value would equate to. But we could do with that kind of a player on the edges.
As for Matamua...I wonder if he would be better off sitting in Bateman's pocket trying to learn his style of play? More that wide ball player type with solid defence? He doesn't seem to have the impact running through the teeth of the defence. Fa'agutu, Lualili'i & Pole all look better suited at #13.
Mindless_Puppet
Member
If WT fans can’t see Olam as a good signing, I suggest to put down the whiskey and drink some water 🙏
??? You’re arguing with yourself ! The club rates him . And all those other 3 are conventional 13s from the 3 middle era …. Slowly moving closer towards a ball playing lock / middle forward hybrid . Eg. Carrigan . I don’t know if Faagatu is that player , he might be , and he’s his age group captain , so that says something else as well .
Matamua is taller , and a former half . So supposedly he had the ball playing skills . Like I said in previous , he might just fit an idea but not the reality .
Pole is a prop mate . He plays like a prop! If he improves his ball skills , then awesome . He’d be an amazing lock . But the whole 3 middles punching forward does nothing for the attack , and I’d arguing if you don’t have the hybrid type i mentioned earlier , than your middle defence can suffer especially with the angles attackers come at you and the agility required ,to not just close your own space down , but the space wider of you . Causing compression and now your screwed down the edges , or there’s a huge gap wider of the ruck . I’m not saying Poles a bad defender , just that those prototype locks can really shore up your middle .
All of that is to say , I backed Matamua , not because I’ve got rose coloured glasses but he’s closer to that prototype . But I honestly could care less who fills the 13 roll . No favourites here . I just want one of them to come through and live up to all the talk . Whether that’s Faagatu , kit , pole or Matamua . Makes no difference to me !
AdelaideTiger
Well-known member
Think the key to this one is how desperate storm are for edge forwards. Blore will start from round 1 in the 11 or 12 jersey for them, which he wouldn't at WT.
The fact that they are paying some freight for Olam makes this a significantly better deal for us than was initially proposed. Storm seem to be the motivated party here and not because they need to get rid of Olam but because they need some starch in the middle. I think this probably works out OK for everyone.
The fact that they are paying some freight for Olam makes this a significantly better deal for us than was initially proposed. Storm seem to be the motivated party here and not because they need to get rid of Olam but because they need some starch in the middle. I think this probably works out OK for everyone.
Ever been hit like that before?
I’ve been hit about half as hard as that tackle looked and could hardly breath. Maybe you’re just tougher than most.
Tito Santana
Well-known member
Agreed I think Pole would be a great prop.
Lock position has changed now agreed and you really must offer more than running hard and straight eg. How lock was played during the Gallen and optimal Taumololo days.
Don’t know if Matamua is the answer though. Truth be told, we don’t have a lock.
GNR4LIFE
Well-known member
Well, yeah. Possibly.
Snidest 0
Well-known member
Like you ever played....
GNR4LIFE
Well-known member
Is this the point where I’m supposed to defend my playing record? I’m not that insecure.
Snidest 0
Well-known member
No - I am happy for you to indulge in your fantasies without needng proof of the unproveable!
I also totally believe that you were tougher than Justin Olam too!!
Tito Santana
Well-known member
Thoughts on this team for this year?
I think the bench is lacking.
What’s the go with Jordan Miller. Apparently he’s 6’3 and 130kgs!
Bula
Alaimalo
Toa
Olam
Staines
Sullivan
Sezer
Klem
Api
Stef
Paps
Bateman
Pole
TDS
Twal
Seyfarth
Samuela Fainu
I think the bench is lacking.
What’s the go with Jordan Miller. Apparently he’s 6’3 and 130kgs!
Bula
Alaimalo
Toa
Olam
Staines
Sullivan
Sezer
Klem
Api
Stef
Paps
Bateman
Pole
TDS
Twal
Seyfarth
Samuela Fainu
GNR4LIFE
Well-known member
Think what you like. Now give me my laugh react
Tucker
Well-known member
Jordan Miller is nowhere near ready.
If he cracks regular first grade before 2027 then someone has done something good.
If this is for our first game it’s ok. I would consider Alex Lobb on a wing as he adds goal kicking and height.
Not sure on Samuela. Jury is out for me. I like the look of Kit Laualili.I also think Latu Fainu and Galvin will find their way into the squad before too long.
Jordan Miller may take some time to develop as prop and I wouldn’t be rushing him.
GarethEllis94
Member
I wonder why we didn’t look at Josh Curran as a lock and 2RF option? Not sure of what his cost was though
Snidest 0
Well-known member
Because he's an average first grader at best!!
And we have better yong prospects than to have that unfit lump take up any cap $$
Joffa hit him that hard in 2022 that we got penalised for a totally legal tackle!
balmain boy
Well-known member
Not sure on Samuela? Based on what exactly... 😂
Coastie_Tiger
Well-known member
Been a few mentions of Matamua recently including by myself, I think he’s a long way away from FG from what I’ve seen. But in saying that I can see why people including the club see some potential there worth persisting with. The one I don’t see anything with and I hope we can move on is Tumeth, if Richo can move him on from soaking up a top 30 spot that could be another potential slot where we can add some balance as Richo mentioned.
GarethEllis94
Member
Fair enough!
Who do you have starting the year at lock?
Will Kit nail it down by end of year?
Staff online
-
Suzie-QModerator