Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[hammertime]

This is the biggest turnaround in emotions from a post-season to a pre-season I've ever experienced. The amount of changes we've been through is incredible. We went from not being able to land a half, to 2 great halves juniors, then a marque along with a whole bunch of other talent. Not to mention the coach, board, and management changes!

I had very little hope for us anytime soon at the end of 2023, but it's a whole new ball game now.

 

[Kaito]

He'll partner Fainu in cup with Tallyn at hooker,
I think we'll start the season conservative with
maybe Lobb 2 start in nofa's place. Bench will
be hard 2 pick. Trials are just around the corner
someone is bound 2 put their hand up in a month

 

[clontarfkid]

AD has had a lot of injury problems, hopefully Benji can share some experience,

Sorry. I.was taking about Nofa
Jury out on Douhi 2025...we have no room in the inn for halves,his preferred position..injury prone recent history coupled with mediocre foRM and inconsistent effort..unless he shows something later this season he'll be part of the clean out,good guy that he may be
When u have consecutive spoons,difficult decisions are not just expected,but demanded

 

[clontarfkid]

He'll partner Fainu in cup with Tallyn at hooker,
I think we'll start the season conservative with
maybe Lobb 2 start in nofa's place. Bench will
be hard 2 pick. Trials are just around the corner
someone is bound 2 put their hand up in a month

Think Naden and Staines will start on the wing...unless Nofa kills it at training.
More likely to kill the coach
Tupuo behind
Lobb and the rugby guy,contingent on trials form

 

[AmericanHistoryX]

He'll partner Fainu in cup with Tallyn at hooker,
I think we'll start the season conservative with
maybe Lobb 2 start in nofa's place. Bench will
be hard 2 pick. Trials are just around the corner
someone is bound 2 put their hand up in a month

You heard it here first . Fainu to partner Tallyn. Official.

 

[AceofSpades]

With all this talk of Galvin sounding like the second coming of Christ, I honestly hope he does well whenever he gets the call up because if he doesn't, knowing this forum he's probably (most likely) going to be crucified on here 😂

 

[Kaito]

Think Naden and Staines will start on the wing...unless Nofa kills it at training.
More likely to kill the coach
Tupuo behind
Lobb and the rugby guy,contingent on trials form

Unlimited interchange in the trials (preseason
challenge) we should be able 2 see everyone
play after a few games..just need 2 pick our best
squad, even if it's tupou on a wing or blore on the
bench have 2 go hard in 2024 & builld momentum

 

[Kaito]

With all this talk if Galvin sounding like the second coming of Christ, I honestly hope he does well whenever he gets the call up because if he doesn't, knowing this forum he's probably (most likely) going to be crucified on here 😂

Lol. Generational talent. He's no Brenden Santi

 

[AceofSpades]

Lol. Generational talent. He's no Brenden Santi

Generational talent or not, this kid will still get crucified from our experts lol I'm just hoping he exceeds like most of our juniors

 

[Halbrowne61]

Generational talent or not, this kid will still get crucified from our experts lol I'm just hoping he exceeds like most of our juniors

All we want is a Bula like introduction to 1st grade, if and when it comes.

 

[ancient_magpie]

Unlimited interchange in the trials (preseason
challenge) we should be able 2 see everyone
play after a few games..just need 2 pick our best
squad, even if it's tupou on a wing or blore on the
bench have 2 go hard in 2024 & builld momentum

Blores gone Kaito

 

[BAGNF05]

I do essentially agree with a lot of what you have said there except the part about much less rehearsed.
I believe it is in fact much more rehearsed. This is practiced over and over until the players are so fine tuned to the plays that they can fall into positions and run the right lines at the necessary intensity the moment the numbers dictate it.

Sorry I meant scripted rather than rehearsed.

 

[Kaito]

Blores gone Kaito

That's right smh. Point stands, pick the best squad

 

[Kelce68]

Does this read as all capitals to you?

Are you having a stroke?

Is there a metallic taste in your mouth?

Oh dear, you misread the comment. At no point did I mention capitals, as, for my light-hearted 'yelling' comment to be effective, it only need refer to the exclamation marks, as they are sufficient in portraying the act of yelling via a post.

Capital letters are not required.

So, question circumventing aside, once more, why are you yelling?

 

[Needaname]

Fiji have Ron Massey Cup standard players representing them too.

Turuva was their fullback in the World Cup. He (Bula) has already done a fair effort to force Turuva to the wing / centres.

 

[Snidest 0]

Oh dear, you misread the comment. At no point did I mention capitals, as, for my light-hearted 'yelling' comment to be effective, it only need refer to the exclamation marks, as they are sufficient in portraying the act of yelling via a post.

Capital letters are not required.

So, question circumventing aside, once more, why are you yelling?

Just being emphatic

Good luck to your Chiefs - but Kittle should have been all-pro ahead of your namesake this season!

Might see you once again in the SB

 

[Needaname]

That was very impressive, I didn’t see it often enough for my liking.
Reece Walsh does that and more multiple times per game.
A modern day NRL fullback can’t just be a very good player, they have to be a superstar in order for their team to be a genuine top 8 contender.
I’m not saying Bula has not already proven to be a very good player, I’m saying he needs to show a fair bit more in 2024 to become a genuine superstar.
It’s not beyond him, but time will tell.

One name Charnz Nicholl Klokstad.

 

[Magpie_Magic]

And the main difference was that Brasher and Fittler - (and Rowdy for that matter speaking of players who debuted while at school) - were physically ready to make the jump to grade and had proven that playing reserve grade with and against seasoned veterans.

While their physiques matured over the years - their body shapes and relative playing weights did not dramatically change from their debuts until their retirements.

(* Notwithstanding Freddy's post-1990 Kangaroo Tour waistline blow out)

Compare that to the scrawny kid Benji was when he debuted in 2003 - and his necessary physical development from 2005 to 2010-11 when he was at he peak of his game.

That has to be the biggest consideration with Galvin - as we don't want a wasted 2025 for the kid (or our cap) by debuting him too early and risking a major injury that sees him in a lengthy rehab.

Agree with this, and think Galvin is 2 years away.

I unluckily saw both Loz in 87 and Freddy in 89 debut I believe against my team at a boggy Campbelltown both scoring 2 tries each from memory Loz from a chip over the top as well at 17. Hanley didn't play in 89 that game I believe.

Similar age to me at the time they both seemed instantly a stand out.

Main thing that stood out to me was the speed of their step in comparison to Galvin.

Highlights of Fittler at 18 on a dusty field.

ET was another one at 17 while at De La Salle Caringbah. Same trait, at least his swerve.

Lamb for my club at 18 in 1980 slotted straight in like he was always there on a Wednesday night game at Leichhardt. Was aggressive from dot had the physicality.

Hoping Fainu is at this stage this year.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

I unluckily saw both Loz in 87 and Freddy in 89 debut I believe against my team at a boggy Campbelltown both scoring 2 tries each from memory Loz from a chip over the top as well at 17.

Similar age to me at the time they both seemed instantly a stand out.

Main thing that stood out to me was the speed of their step in comparison to Galvin.

ET was another one at 17 while at De La Salle Caringbah. Same trait.

Lamb for my club at 18 in 1980 slotted straight in like he was always there on a Wednesday night game at Leichhardt. Was aggressive from dot had the physicality.

Hoping Fainu is at this stage this year.

And I watched Benji’s debut in the stands at a similar age. Best footwork I have ever seen.

 

[Magpie_Magic]

And I watched Benji’s debut in the stands at a similar age. Best footwork I have ever seen.

Definitely the best.

But the comparison of Loz and Freddy is with Galvin.

Benji was strong enough for his frame hence his movement speed but probably was still not large enough in 05 for modern footy but the club would have nothing without him that year.