Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Kaito]

great work again Richo.

if you want a player comp, Faataape is Kotoni Staggs reincarnate. great fend, explosive pace and strength and can set up his outside man via his physical gifts.

similar to Kotoni, there are concerns in regards to his defence, but these things can be fixed. pretty exciting young fella to have in the building. welcome, Sol!

Richos connections up north landed him 4 sure.
I wonder what's going to happen with Fulton
moving forward. Especially given he was signed
behind Benji's back by Hagipantelis & Pascoe.
He delivered us the Fainus & was pushing for
both Keppie & Schuster, that's about it (besides
yapping to Zorba about the club). Interesting

 

[Kaito]

But isn't that what AJ, Saukuru and Feledy are for?

He's way ahead of those 2. Why downplay his
signature for I don't get the point when it's a
net positive. Q cup champs with Easts Tigers,
16 tries in 21 appearances, 10 try assists, 14
line breaks, 94 tackle breaks, 155 av running
meters, voted best back & players' player in a
premiership winning team. Welcome aboard

 

[tigerballs]

They're getting rid of Olam (Apparently)
Playing the likes of Seve and Tonumapeia in front of him (?)
- And in front of this guy....

Certainly worth a crack, But try not to get too carried away...

Reggies tops.

 

[Kaito]

Reggies tops.

Good depth. Definately an upgrade for KOE.
To say he'll max out at reggies is loser talk

 

[Needaname]

Isn’t Shane Richardson close to Easts Tigers? Used to play and coach there?

Yes. Closer than that I think. He started off at Easts before moving to Sydney but recently just prior to agreeing to join us he was working with the club on an expansion proposal into the NRL.
Mentioned briefly the WT opening press conference that there are a couple of guys he trusts can handle the task at Brisbane Tigers.

 

[Needaname]

How old is this Brisbane Tigers player?

 

[innsaneink]

😂😂😂
Called Mate...
No he hasn't.
They're also playing nuffies in front of him, He might be a half decent pick up (As Kelma was)

Saying he's highly rated is a big call....
Especially when the Dolphins are playing Robert Jennings to lay on the ground until he gets tackled just up the track.
Might go OK in ressies?
But isn't that what AJ, Saukuru and Feledy are for?

Dunno what this drivel is a simple yes or no would suffice

 

[Needaname]

Could we have done a Blore swap for this fella and leave Olam down at Melbourne?

 

[batboy]

Dunno what this drivel is a simple yes or no would suffice

Apologies, assumed your question was rhetorical…
No he hasn’t, that’s why most here hadn’t heard of him until now…

 

[GNR4LIFE]

Apologies, assumed your question was rhetorical…
No he hasn’t, that’s why most here hadn’t heard of him until now…

Not many here own salt shakers when signings like this are made.

 

[Vicious]

I’ve noticed Faatape’s name appear in the Qld Cup Team of the Week numerous times over the past 2 seasons, so he’s certainly got something to offer.
A bit concerning that we keep seeming to sign these shorter stockier players to our top 30 and Development list, rather than the tall, fast and athletic prototype of athlete that is generally more effective in the modern day game, but top quality players can cone in all shapes and sizes.

 

[Tomatosoup912]

Good depth. Definately an upgrade for KOE.
To say he'll max out at reggies is loser talk

I live in Brisbane watch a lot of Q-Cup due to family members being heavily involved in Norths up here.

Solmona Fataape had a real breakout year last year. Quick enough to play on the wing but moved to the centres. By the end of the year he was the form centre in the league. Pretty sure he won best back and players player at East's awards night and good judges were surprised he didn't make the team of the year.

He has improved year on year at Easts, genuinely a player on the rise. Great use of the development contract imo. He is probably reserve grade standard right now, but if he continues his current growth rate who knows. He was viewed as having genuine first grade potential by coaches up here.

 

[Coastie_Tiger]

This is obviously one of the signings Richo was alluding to on the podcast the other day, can’t hurt to have a bit more depth in the backs. Our KOE side was pretty rubbish that needs some surgery too, worth a punt.

 

[The Chad]

A whopping 5 tries in 22 appearances over his last 3 seasons. 😉

You're right!

And Junior Tupou has 6 tries in 22 games. Soooo....he's nearly as valuable as Tupou?

 

[balmain boy]

A bit concerning that we keep seeming to sign these shorter stockier players to our top 30 and Development list, rather than the tall, fast and athletic prototype of athlete that is generally more effective in the modern day game, but top quality players can cone in all shapes and sizes.

I share this concern. Both our development squads and players on development contracts we seem to have a hell of a lot of nuggety players. Most players, even halves and fullbacks, are at least 180cn today. Yet both laulilii boys, faagutu, mason, feledy etc are all smaller.
Size isn't everything but the average back these days is pushing 186cm and 93kgs. The days of Matt Utais domination are over, some will still make it, but it's a gamble. On a development contract it doesn't hurt to take a closer look though.
Signing a 23 year old reserve grader who's 177 and 93 is a risk. Too small for wing, but paired with a larger player on the wing may minimise his being targeted. Our juniors seems to be either 194cms + or under 180cm. Strange that we don't have these more average build players

 

[The Chad]

So we chase & are close to landing Olam & then sign a guy to develop that runs with that similar wrecking ball style.

Sounds like a progression plan...

 

[innsaneink]

e days

I live in Brisbane watch a lot of Q-Cup due to family members being heavily involved in Norths up here.

Solmona Fataape had a real breakout year last year. Quick enough to play on the wing but moved to the centres. By the end of the year he was the form centre in the league. Pretty sure he won best back and players player at East's awards night and good judges were surprised he didn't make the team of the year.

He has improved year on year at Easts, genuinely a player on the rise. Great use of the development contract imo. He is probably reserve grade standard right now, but if he continues his current growth rate who knows. He was viewed as having genuine first grade potential by coaches up here.

He could be a real find.... Sounds promising and one to watch out for

 

[pawsandclaws1]

100% correct. I have seen him play in q cup probably 4-5 times. He’s very good in attack, solid defence , strong as shit. Not your tall centre, but I think he’s a great pick up, richo would have seen him a lot with his easts tigers involvement. Richo was there ceo I believe for a period .

Playing in the strong QLD Cup competition rather than playing in U20s and NSW Cup may be an advantage. Richardson through his connection at Easts would be aware of his work ethic and talent. Being on an upwards trajectory in performances is a good sign for WTs.

 

[lathami]

Take it. It needs to be the harsh lesson WT learn to ensure such a desperate contract is never entered into again - it won't under Richo's watch at least.

Until we sign Olam

 

[TigerLove]

Apologies if wrong thread but it is kind of a "suggestion" 🤔

I hate using social media but I want to keep up to date with post related to our amazing club and players. Could we start a social media thread and have those people who have the platforms post regular updates (screenshots) in there for everyone 🤷