Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

Agree with all of this. If bateman and Flip go down we would be desperate for Luch to run out with us though.

Thats what makes it challenging.
If his mindset and commitment is on he would add alot to us and hands down makes us stronger.

But the history and track record is the exact type of player we are learning to avoid of late.
 
so what does everyone think we need next in regards to signings? outside backs? middles, backrowers? a 13 perhaps, or another hooker with Simpkin leaving?

I'm curious. give me names of guys off contract and how you see them fitting into a WT context.
I think a lot will depend how some of our fringe guys & rookies perform this season but think for 2025 another fast, experienced outside back (particularly on the wing) would help ...

1st preference Nick Meaney (on top due to his versatility, leadership & goal kicking), 2nd preference Semi Valemei.

Then I think we need to watch what backrow stocks could be available at the 'right' price for 2026 (unless Samuela Fainu, Tumeth, Kepaoa, Porter, Solo Saukuru absolutely kill it behind IP & Bateman)

Connelly Lemeulu

But a lot of water under the bridge yet
 
I keep hearing Cowboys are desperately trying to get rid of Luciano Leilua’s contract quite aggressively.

If we were to pay 450k to bring him back would people want him for a potential impact bench role moving forward?
Not a chance. Maybe at 200k.

He's lazy, bad attitude on and off the field. Not what we need.

Gof or Luki or Kulikefu Finefeuiaki instead
 
I keep hearing Cowboys are desperately trying to get rid of Luciano Leilua’s contract quite aggressively.

If we were to pay 450k to bring him back would people want him for a potential impact bench role moving forward?
on paper it may seem ok but I don’t think he fits the new culture
 
I'd say no to Leilua, not only because we've seen him up close and he is a mixed bag at the best of times.
But also because I don't think he's a backrower, and it doesn't matter where you put him defensively he is a liability.
His best games for the Cowboys have been when he comes on as a 'middle' and they already have go forward, he can be really damaging for 20-25 minutes, takes hit-ups and gets front foot offloads.
But if they're under pressure, he's atrocious, absolute turnstile in defence and offers bugger all in attack.
It's a no from me
 
I think a lot will depend how some of our fringe guys & rookies perform this season but think for 2025 another fast, experienced outside back (particularly on the wing) would help ...

1st preference Nick Meaney (on top due to his versatility, leadership & goal kicking), 2nd preference Semi Valemei.

Then I think we need to watch what backrow stocks could be available at the 'right' price for 2026 (unless Samuela Fainu, Tumeth, Kepaoa, Porter, Solo Saukuru absolutely kill it behind IP & Bateman)

Connelly Lemeulu

But a lot of water under the bridge yet
interesting call on Meaney. I like him but I think he's probably a little small for the wing. for that reason I'd avoid. Valemei on the other hand I would take in a heartbeat, but you would think he would repay the faith NQ showed in him and re-sign there. personally I'd love Jeral Skelton. think he ticks all the boxes and is stuck behind a stack of outside backs at Canterbury. I think there's a player there.

how good would it be if we brought Lemuelu home. Kepaoa deserves a chance to prove himself, but Connelly is a great shout.
 
interesting call on Meaney. I like him but I think he's probably a little small for the wing. for that reason I'd avoid. Valemei on the other hand I would take in a heartbeat, but you would think he would repay the faith NQ showed in him and re-sign there. personally I'd love Jeral Skelton. think he ticks all the boxes and is stuck behind a stack of outside backs at Canterbury. I think there's a player there.

how good would it be if we brought Lemuelu home. Kepaoa deserves a chance to prove himself, but Connelly is a great shout.
Yeah I think Connelly is a late bloomer type & developed into a very good hole runner & linebreaker.

I was on the Skelton bandwagon for a bit especially when you look at his attacking stats in Cup but apparently from what others who have watched him a bit have said he has a turning circle like a mack truck.
 
Don't know about that. Brooks was consistently in the top 5 in the entire NRL for missed tackles
Sorry mate, but check the stats. Brooks attempts more than twice the amount of tackles as Doueihi leading to more missed by numbers. His tackle efficiency has been in the low to mid 80's the last 4 years. Doueihi has only hit 80% 2 out of the last 4 years. One year it was 70%. There is no comparison.
 
Sorry mate, but check the stats. Brooks attempts more than twice the amount of tackles as Doueihi leading to more missed by numbers. His tackle efficiency has been in the low to mid 80's the last 4 years. Doueihi has only hit 80% 2 out of the last 4 years. One year it was 70%. There is no comparison.
I didn't mention efficiency. I just said Brooks misses heaps and heaps of tackles. Douehi is rotten in defence as well FYI
 
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