I agree the title in 2005 was unexpected, especially half way through the year. But the lowest winning margin in our 4 finals game was 8 points against the Dragons. We put on 50 odd against the Cowboys, then beat Brisbane by 20 odd. Saints in the prelim and winning margin of 14 in the grand final - no fluke in those games. 2006 - 2009 were let downs I will agree.
Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion
- Thread starter MacDougall
- Start date
Tiger Karen
Well-known member
I think the new players in key positions this year, make the 2024 Tigers a very different animal from last year.
I think we will see basic kick and chase and big D. Benji will work on the extra man in attack with positioning. Bula is a weapon.
I doubt Benji will encourage higher risk plays until D is sorted.
And I hope salad can kick to no man’s land. I’m over this kicking to the fullback we’ve been addicted to since time immemorial.
weststigers
Well-known member
I'm with you on French. He wouldn't cost a lot and would be more than just cover.
Can also play in the positions that are generally expensive to get decent depth. Fullback being the main one.
For $250k a year, it's good value.
Many will say he'll block juniors, but if they're good enough, they will surpass him. If he's blocking juniors, then the juniors aren't up to it yet.
BAGNF05
Well-known member
I’d swap him for a few of our outside backs in a heartbeat. We’re plucking blokes who haven’t excelled in rah rah.
gallagher
Well-known member
Salad 😅😅 I didn't get Romey but I get this one!
Magpie_Magic
Well-known member
Luai not coming this year was a massive downer.
However still hoping Benji pulls a rabbit out of the hat..............considering only Bula and To'a remain from the mainstay of last years backline (given Staines and Naden were often injured and Tupou may not be a consistent pick) with brand new halves of unknown composition it's hard to compare this side with last years.
Hoping it's not just a rebuild year.
How good Sezer, Fainu and Sullivan are in the halves will determine everything.
Fainu and Sullivan should be chanting at the bit to make a name for themselves.
innsaneink
Well-known member
He is a leader too...great with young fellas... Can't have too many.
innsaneink
Well-known member
NRL used to have a 'nominal value' rule to stop things like this
innsaneink
Well-known member
Why aren't we looking at Taylan May... He was a bit of a dropkick but seems to have metres and his game.has come on.hugely
How do you know we are not looking at him ?
If you do a quick estimate of the estimated/rumoured salary’s for the players already on our books for 2025, you will see we won’t have much salary cap space left to invest in any new players.
We are spending upwards of 2.5 million on our 4 halves alone.
Throw in a few ageing players that we are no doubt paying much more than their true value and I can assure you there isn’t much wriggle room left for 2025.
rugbygoated
Well-known member
The Little Italy Factor!
We have tried endlessly to reform dropkicks in the hope that they play well.
I don't think we are there as a club just yet.
I have faith in Benji, Richo especially after this week to change club culture
GNR4LIFE
Well-known member
Not being able to reform dropkicks would mean they came here and re-offended. I can’t think of any player that we have given a second chance to whose gotten themselves sacked. Players we have picked up off the scrap heap who just haven’t performed on the field is another thing entirely.
GNR4LIFE
Well-known member
In regards to players reforming, I don’t think there is a better example than Russell Packer
AmericanHistoryX
Well-known member
No Bulldogs connexion
Tiger Karen
Well-known member
I just saw our beloved board member old mate Dennis Burgess in the Australia Days honours lists.
Services to music!
Good old Dennis, he’s been stoned since the 1971 after the release of second album “ On the wagon”
They used to play his hits on 2FC all the time:
“ You can vomit in my couch anytime”
“ Climb every turkey”
“ Touch me again, and I’ll break your jaw”
Good stuff Dennis. No hard feelings ( I’m serious this time) I couldn’t handle that board either if I was him.
Services to music!
Good old Dennis, he’s been stoned since the 1971 after the release of second album “ On the wagon”
They used to play his hits on 2FC all the time:
“ You can vomit in my couch anytime”
“ Climb every turkey”
“ Touch me again, and I’ll break your jaw”
Good stuff Dennis. No hard feelings ( I’m serious this time) I couldn’t handle that board either if I was him.
Tiger Karen
Well-known member
@Tucker, He never thought he was on a board, in his mind with all of those legal substances, he thought Lee was an giant evil elf, wearing the fedora of doom.
If Dennis can get an OAM, then there’s hope for us all son.
If Dennis can get an OAM, then there’s hope for us all son.
Last edited:
Dave's not here man.
crazycat
Well-known member
Yes and it is 100% down to Sullivan and Fainu to prove themselves this year.
I know both have longer term Contracts.
Sullivan however needs to impress in 2024 to claim the other halves spot. If he cannot outperform Fainu/Sezer and own the spot then we can throw him back to St George or whatever club wants him.
It is a good position to be in.
Mighty_Tiger
Well-known member
Luai was never coming this year, it’s not a downer he is coming next year and a few youngsters basically have 12mths to train & play their best to be his partner - that’s what I’m excited about. To see who has it and who doesn’t, if all goes to play they all step up and we have a major headache next season.
This year I expect them to have a crack but to me it’s clear we will experiment & trial a few things through the year mixed with inexperienced players learning NRL speed getting ready to go hard in 25 onwards.
