Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Masterton]

Talking to mate in Mackay - this kid has been playing A Grade at 17 for Maggies. His mum even coaches in women’s leagues up there as well. Cows and fins were also very keen. Good pick up tigers really hope he works out - young and being away from home .

Haven't seen or heard much about Faataape before, but worth a shot on what I assume will be a Development Contract. Coming from Brisbane Tigers, Richo (who was pushing their expansion bid) should have a good understanding of his talent.

Our new plan is just to sign players from Tigers and Magpies?

 

[Needaname]

Our new plan is just to sign players from Tigers and Magpies?

Keeping it in the family!

 

[tigertuff]

If that was even possible, I wouldn't want to see it happen until well into the season for a number of reasons.

The first being that I want to see him fully recovered from any shoulder problems he may have and also so that the 'Riff can pay most of his contract for this season.

Another reason being that I want to see a reasonable number of games for our current halves to audition for who will be partnering Luai when he gets here and who is a suitable replacement for him when injured or on representative duties.

Unlike some on here I'm not getting ahead myself and writing off Sezer, Bud, Fainu or anyone else that may come into contention to play in the halves and believe that we need this season or a good part of it to sort that out and see who steps up.

I'm with you. We need one of these guys to be dominant. Not point hoping Luai comes and relying on him to do everything. We need two dominant halves to go anywhere.

 

[boonboon]

I'm with you. We need one of these guys to be dominant. Not point hoping Luai comes and relying on him to do everything. We need two dominant halves to go anywhere.

So Laui and Douehi in 2025 then ?

 

[innsaneink]

Our new plan is just to sign players from Tigers and Magpies?

Maybe we should have a look at the Warilla Gorillas & the Dapto Canarys

 

[Demps]

Former Tiger (recently, Storm) Jordan Grant - T&T with the Panthers

 

[Tigerbenb]

You're right!

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

Better than Hymel hunt, f$&@ me dead . Set up his wingers to finish off a lot of tries. Kinda his job ?

 

[Don Kershane]

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

Need Jimmys jumping shoes

 

[bptiger 0]

A kid that is looking to leave his current club really took my eye last season , HOSKINS from the panthers , the kid is a tacking machine and runs great lines , he would be a cheap to middle player , I know we got lots of so called up and come urs but this kid is very good , would add to API and LUAI

 

[Demps]

A kid that is looking to leave his current club really took my eye last season , HOSKINS from the panthers , the kid is a tacking machine and runs great lines , he would be a cheap to middle player , I know we got lots of so called up and come urs but this kid is very good , would add to API and LUAI

Newcastle lad.
Always looked decent in lower grades.

Broncos then Panthers now the word is he's off to Canberra.

Journeyman, solid toiler.

 

[weststigerman]

His gym just confirmed it on Instagram haha

This is a low risk, high reward signing that puts immediate pressure on our backline.

Pumped for this one. Was a beast in the Q cup.

16 tries and 10 try assists last season with the premiers.

View attachment 9383

Quality stalking right there 👏

There’s your confirmation.

Highlights and stats look awesome, hope he can make the next step.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

Who must you follow on Instagram to see some random gym congratulate some random Qld player. God I hate social media. Except the forum of course.

 

[The Chad]

at a 3rd of his price tag

Exactly!

They don't call him "Bargain" Hunt for nothing!

 

[TonyTiger]

Wouldn't it be nice if Luai got released early to come to us

No.
I’m comfortable putting a few pies in the oven this year to see which ones turn out all warm and crusty.
Lai’s mindset is 2025, let it be.

 

[skywalker]

Love these highlights. Shows aggression and determination.

 

[Vicious]

Newcastle lad.
Always looked decent in lower grades.

Broncos then Panthers now the word is he's off to Canberra.

Journeyman, solid toiler.

Canberra want him for 2025 and beyond, but nothing official yet.
He seems a late bloomer who is only reaching his potential in his late 20’s as some do.

 

[tigerballs]

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

Just being realistic. I don't think he's as good as T'oa, Naden, Toupou or even AJ.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

Just being realistic. I don't think he's as good as T'oa, Naden, Toupou or even AJ.

No one even knew who he was two days ago.

 

[teddy23]

Just being realistic. I don't think he's as good as T'oa, Naden, Toupou or even AJ.

I’m hoping Naden surprises a few people this year - he has ability and did have some really good games early last year then did fade a bit after his shoulder injury.

Hoping a full pre season under Benji and having some good halves depth that he can showcase himself this year.

 

[weststigerman]

Just being realistic. I don't think he's as good as T'oa, Naden, Toupou or even AJ.

It's not a top 30 spot so you'd have to expect he's not as good as them.

Training full time is an opportunity for him to take the next step. Maybe he will maybe he won't.