Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[rugbygoated]

So we now have suggestions that a guy who has 3 premiership rings and an insane winning record only brings passion. Probably said the same about Api.

That will do me, I'm glad you guys are not the coach.

He doesn't showcase his skill enough weekly. Scott Sorenson also has 3 premiership rings. I doubt that he can win us close games and be the man based on what I've seen. We need a good roster around him

 

[AmericanHistoryX]

He doesn't showcase his skill enough weekly. Scott Sorenson also has 3 premiership rings. I doubt that he can win us close games and be the man based on what I've seen. We need a good roster around him

You can tell a lot about a person by their best man speeches..... character says a lot.
..

 

[BZN]

Don't shoot the messenger...

They're aware.
The chosen one will be back soon.
New and improve, as a centre.

View attachment 11458

You heard it here first.

As they say "while there is life there is hope".
I certainly wasn't a fan before his injury, but I hope 🤞 he makes a successful comeback when he is ready.
We obviously need a good centre desperately.

Don't shoot the messenger...

They're aware.
The chosen one will be back soon.
New and improve, as a centre.

View attachment 11458

You heard it here first.

 

[BZN]

Maybe time to try guys like Angus C from Roosters or J Su'a from Dragons as they make our 2nd rowers look like reserve graders.

They add aggression that we clearly lack all over the park.

You want aggression, then don't let JWH retire at the end of this year as he is planning to do.
We need him here for 1 year.
Make him an offer he can't refuse.

 

[weststigerman]

He doesn't showcase his skill enough weekly. Scott Sorenson also has 3 premiership rings. I doubt that he can win us close games and be the man based on what I've seen. We need a good roster around him

He's a bench player, you can't compare that with a starting half.

He plays a specific role at Penrith. He showed with Samoa he can be the main man.

Hynes was a back up half/fullback at Melbourne, now he's on similar money that Luai will be on next year.

 

[Todd Packer]

AD ' s best position is centre. I remember him cutting up the Broncos during Magic Round.
Sure he has defensive deficiencies but as I've said before, you can teach a monkey to tackle.
I'm looking forward to him returning where he belongs. He has the ability to be a strike weapon in the centres.

 

[BZN]

Yea…. LOL. Some people just can’t see talent and need a pronto visit to spec savers. Would love Lomax … covers wing, centre, fullback, is aggressive, prolific try machine for Saints and longer term utility forward option.
But guess we won’t get him. Arthur is great at attracting and recruiting talent.

Welcome back Momo, long time no see.

 

[AmericanHistoryX]

Alongside Olam. (AD) Just those knees... sounds like an used car... but hey... used cars can go better than new ones.....

 

[AmericanHistoryX]

You want aggression, then don't let JWH retire at the end of this year as he is planning to do.
We need him here for 1 year.
Make him an offer he can't refuse.

Exactly.. How dumb are we... JWH > Luai

 

[AceofSpades]

What this season so far has shown is how bad we've gotten recruitment wrong for many years. Even with our current batch of young stars coming through, many of them don't have the physical traits common to NRL players.

For whatever reason we've been incredibly attracted to nuggets, small and stocky types. Currently we have Olam, Feledy and Faatape in the centres, Kit and Luke Laulilii, Faagautu, Pole, Papali'i, Bateman, Mason, Tumeth, Craig, Tofaeono, Kepaoa who are all well undersized for their positions. Excluding halves that are expected to be smaller so Api, TDS, Sezer, Sullivan get a reprieve. Size isn't always everything but if you're carrying small players side by side in multiple positions at once those big and stronger players will always force their way through eventually. If they're slightly out of position they can't compete with the power, as was extremely evident yesterday. Out of the players listed above it's highly unlikely that more than 2-3 will be playing first grade for us in a couple of years time.

How many of our juniors could have competed with Lomax yesterday? From our previous champion Harold Matts squad where many of our players have come from to date, none of them could have competed with him. Only Makasini and newly acquired Nav Willett would have had a chance. How many of our forwards have the build and mindset to dent an opposition defence? Fainu, Utoikamanu, Pole (when he feels like it). That's it. 3 forwards who might be able to break the line if they try hard enough. It's not good enough.

Storm recruits players based on physical attributes and teaches them the rest. We recruit hard working leaders and then try create them into powerhouses. Which rarely works.

Moving forwards our back should be minimum a minimum of 185cm 90kgs+, forwards 190cm, 105kgs+. This is what other clubs do, we can't just rely on the small players to punch above their weights collectively.

At least there are some youngster that meet the or exceed the average physical dimensions of players in their positions these days: Galvin, Miller, Willet, Makasini (if he re-signs). We need to keep looking for the next Folau, Inglis, Tuqiri not the next Utai or Fitzhenry.

What this season so far has shown is how bad we've gotten recruitment wrong for many years. Even with our current batch of young stars coming through, many of them don't have the physical traits common to NRL players.

For whatever reason we've been incredibly attracted to nuggets, small and stocky types. Currently we have Olam, Feledy and Faatape in the centres, Kit and Luke Laulilii, Faagautu, Pole, Papali'i, Bateman, Mason, Tumeth, Craig, Tofaeono, Kepaoa who are all well undersized for their positions. Excluding halves that are expected to be smaller so Api, TDS, Sezer, Sullivan get a reprieve. Size isn't always everything but if you're carrying small players side by side in multiple positions at once those big and stronger players will always force their way through eventually. If they're slightly out of position they can't compete with the power, as was extremely evident yesterday. Out of the players listed above it's highly unlikely that more than 2-3 will be playing first grade for us in a couple of years time.

How many of our juniors could have competed with Lomax yesterday? From our previous champion Harold Matts squad where many of our players have come from to date, none of them could have competed with him. Only Makasini and newly acquired Nav Willett would have had a chance. How many of our forwards have the build and mindset to dent an opposition defence? Fainu, Utoikamanu, Pole (when he feels like it). That's it. 3 forwards who might be able to break the line if they try hard enough. It's not good enough.

Storm recruits players based on physical attributes and teaches them the rest. We recruit hard working leaders and then try create them into powerhouses. Which rarely works.

Moving forwards our back should be minimum a minimum of 185cm 90kgs+, forwards 190cm, 105kgs+. This is what other clubs do, we can't just rely on the small players to punch above their weights collectively.

At least there are some youngster that meet the or exceed the average physical dimensions of players in their positions these days: Galvin, Miller, Willet, Makasini (if he re-signs). We need to keep looking for the next Folau, Inglis, Tuqiri not the next Utai or Fitzhenry.

What I find weird is that players like Latu Fainu and TDS are officially listed taller than Faagutu, Tumeth and Kit judging by the few games I've seen last year and this year Kit and Faagutu are taller than both players. But in saying that I believe alot of these 'nuggety' players that we have will be fine. Players like Liam Martin, Cam Murray, Nat Butcher, Kenny Bromwich, etc. who are few cms taller seem to be doing fine.

 

[Vicious]

What this season so far has shown is how bad we've gotten recruitment wrong for many years. Even with our current batch of young stars coming through, many of them don't have the physical traits common to NRL players.

For whatever reason we've been incredibly attracted to nuggets, small and stocky types. Currently we have Olam, Feledy and Faatape in the centres, Kit and Luke Laulilii, Faagautu, Pole, Papali'i, Bateman, Mason, Tumeth, Craig, Tofaeono, Kepaoa who are all well undersized for their positions. Excluding halves that are expected to be smaller so Api, TDS, Sezer, Sullivan get a reprieve. Size isn't always everything but if you're carrying small players side by side in multiple positions at once those big and stronger players will always force their way through eventually. If they're slightly out of position they can't compete with the power, as was extremely evident yesterday. Out of the players listed above it's highly unlikely that more than 2-3 will be playing first grade for us in a couple of years time.

How many of our juniors could have competed with Lomax yesterday? From our previous champion Harold Matts squad where many of our players have come from to date, none of them could have competed with him. Only Makasini and newly acquired Nav Willett would have had a chance. How many of our forwards have the build and mindset to dent an opposition defence? Fainu, Utoikamanu, Pole (when he feels like it). That's it. 3 forwards who might be able to break the line if they try hard enough. It's not good enough.

Storm recruits players based on physical attributes and teaches them the rest. We recruit hard working leaders and then try create them into powerhouses. Which rarely works.

Moving forwards our back should be minimum a minimum of 185cm 90kgs+, forwards 190cm, 105kgs+. This is what other clubs do, we can't just rely on the small players to punch above their weights collectively.

At least there are some youngster that meet the or exceed the average physical dimensions of players in their positions these days: Galvin, Miller, Willet, Makasini (if he re-signs). We need to keep looking for the next Folau, Inglis, Tuqiri not the next Utai or Fitzhenry.

I agree we certainly need sone players that fit this mould and I agree our pathways recruitment do not seem to be recruiting/signing enough players that fit this criteria.
However smaller forwards are often the best, Liam Martin, Hudson Young, Cameron Murray, Victor Radley, Reuben Cotter etc.
The above names all have a couple of crucial traits in common, they are all highly aggressive, all play with high energy and are all quick over a short distance.
I don’t think it’s fair to name names, but the younger forwards we have catapulted into our top 30, don’t appear to share these characteristics.

 

[AmericanHistoryX]

What I find weird is that players like Latu Fainu and TDS are officially listed taller than Faagutu, Tumeth and Kit judging by the few games I've seen last year and this year Kit and Faagutu are taller than both players. But in saying that I believe alot of these 'nuggety' players that we have will be fine. Players like Liam Martin, Cam Murray, Nat Butcher, Kenny Bromwich, etc. who are few cms taller seem to be doing fine.

Dont even start with their shoe size...

 

[AmericanHistoryX]

I agree we certainly need sone players that fit this mould and I agree our pathways recruitment do not seem to be recruiting/signing enough players that fit this criteria.
However smaller forwards are often the best, Liam Martin, Hudson Young, Cameron Murray, Victor Radley, Reuben Cotter etc.
The above names all have a couple of crucial traits in common, they are all highly aggressive, all okay with high energy and are all quick over a short distance.
I don’t think it’s fair to name names, but the younger forwards we have catapulted into our top 30, don’t appear to share these characteristics.

You guys do more work.it seems than the people getting paid to do it.. Respect you all.
..

 

[Kelce68]

I couldn't think of anything less relevant than discussing the 3-5cm or 3/4kg differences between players when it pertains to their ability.

It's all output.

For a forward, for example -

How hard do they hit?
Do they run good lines?
Are they disciplined?
Do they have good lateral movement?
Do they have good hands?
Are they strong in the wrestle?
Do they regularly show the 1%ers?
Do they work from the inside?
Are they good talkers on the field?
Do they split defenders in contact?
Whats their offload rate?
How quick is their ptb?
What is their motor like?
Do they maintain line speed throughout?

Etc.

 

[AmericanHistoryX]

Now we be getting somewhere...K68

 

[Vicious]

I couldn't think of anything less relevant than discussing the 3-5cm or 3/4kg differences between players when it pertains to their ability.

It's all output.

For a forward, for example -

How hard do they hit?
Do they run good lines?
Are they disciplined?
Do they have good lateral movement?
Do they have good hands?
Are they strong in the wrestle?
Do they regularly show the 1%ers?
Do they work from the inside?
Are they good talkers on the field?
Do they split defenders in contact?
Whats their offload rate?
How quick is their ptb?
What is their motor like?
Do they maintain line speed throughout?

Etc.

What about tackle busts, line breaks, tries, line break assists, try assists !

 

[momo_amp_medo]

What this season so far has shown is how bad we've gotten recruitment wrong for many years. Even with our current batch of young stars coming through, many of them don't have the physical traits common to NRL players.

For whatever reason we've been incredibly attracted to nuggets, small and stocky types. Currently we have Olam, Feledy and Faatape in the centres, Kit and Luke Laulilii, Faagautu, Pole, Papali'i, Bateman, Mason, Tumeth, Craig, Tofaeono, Kepaoa who are all well undersized for their positions. Excluding halves that are expected to be smaller so Api, TDS, Sezer, Sullivan get a reprieve. Size isn't always everything but if you're carrying small players side by side in multiple positions at once those big and stronger players will always force their way through eventually. If they're slightly out of position they can't compete with the power, as was extremely evident yesterday. Out of the players listed above it's highly unlikely that more than 2-3 will be playing first grade for us in a couple of years time.

How many of our juniors could have competed with Lomax yesterday? From our previous champion Harold Matts squad where many of our players have come from to date, none of them could have competed with him. Only Makasini and newly acquired Nav Willett would have had a chance. How many of our forwards have the build and mindset to dent an opposition defence? Fainu, Utoikamanu, Pole (when he feels like it). That's it. 3 forwards who might be able to break the line if they try hard enough. It's not good enough.

Storm recruits players based on physical attributes and teaches them the rest. We recruit hard working leaders and then try create them into powerhouses. Which rarely works.

Moving forwards our back should be minimum a minimum of 185cm 90kgs+, forwards 190cm, 105kgs+. This is what other clubs do, we can't just rely on the small players to punch above their weights collectively.

At least there are some youngster that meet the or exceed the average physical dimensions of players in their positions these days: Galvin, Miller, Willet, Makasini (if he re-signs). We need to keep looking for the next Folau, Inglis, Tuqiri not the next Utai or Fitzhenry.

Agree with this 100%.

Flanagan May be many things but he knows his footy.

He tweaked that roster and made sure that lack of talent is replace by size and aggression both in the forwards and the backs. He has great half in Hunt and an overall team that seems to be consistently up, motivated and well prepared for a battle ….. their whole team looks up this year ….. just like the 2024 buldogs.

The only thing that I’m puzzled about is how they can allow for Lomax to be let go. Time will only tell If that decision does not come back to bite them.

 

[momo_amp_medo]

Welcome back Momo, long time no see.

Been lurking around mate but really have not seen anything too exciting about this year that worth a decent comment.

 

[AmericanHistoryX]

Your second sentence. I dont understand. Its biting them.already...

Agree with this 100%.

Flanagan May be many things but he knows his footy.

He tweaked that roster and made sure that lack of talent is replace by size and aggression both in the forwards and the backs. He has great half in Hunt and an overall team that seems to be consistently up, motivated and well prepared for a battle ….. their whole team looks up this year ….. just like the 2024 buldogs.

The only thing that I’m puzzled about is how they can allow for Lomax to be let go. Time will only tell If that decision does not come back to bite them.

Your second paragraph. I dont understand. Its biting them.already.. Would it be fair to say that I have written.a decent comment?

 

[weststigerman]

Agree with this 100%.

Flanagan May be many things but he knows his footy.

He tweaked that roster and made sure that lack of talent is replace by size and aggression both in the forwards and the backs. He has great half in Hunt and an overall team that seems to be consistently up, motivated and well prepared for a battle ….. their whole team looks up this year ….. just like the 2024 buldogs.

The only thing that I’m puzzled about is how they can allow for Lomax to be let go. Time will only tell If that decision does not come back to bite them.

Didn’t Flanagan inherit the majority of that roster? He signed Luch and his son but Luch didnt play on the weekend.