Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[balmain boy]

Stef looks unhappy but then again I just think that's the way he looks.
I've convinced myself he will succumb to the temptation of a stronger club - expect Ivan to go for the two for two with his smooth talking, and his determination to sh"_ t on this club at any given opportunity. As soon as Turuva was gone straight into poach mode - the package deal hit us where it hurts. Can see his smug pathetic grin at the very thought of it.
And I do have a massive problem with Ivan Cleary so my judgement likely to be way off and has no credibility.

Every player in our team should be miserable, unhappy. Any player walking off the field with a smile on their face after losing 8 in a row deserves a punch in the nose!
And the Panthers now have no money for a big name forward. They spent JFHs money on Ice. They have a heap of good young forwards, they don't need to spend big money on too many

 

[Tito Santana]

You do realise it’s the NRL, not an over 35’s comp ?
Wallace, Tapau and Tetevano have all seen better days and although Daniel Tupou is still playing well, he’s now in his mid 30’s it’s only a matter of time before his form falls off a cliff.

I made another note to Demps those players are based off what’s available within the article. Furthermore, people keep calling for established first graders. Wallace will probably play origin. Tupou is great. Tell me who you would put forward you know is off contract this year and you would pick.

 

[Tito Santana]

Yea, right on Vicious. I don't get this line of thinking.

Tupou may still have stuff to offer for a season.

Zane is really pushing the limit. Heck we have had the "bateman is too old, Klemmer is too old" posts already.

What on earth are people thinking.

What are you thinking with that comments? Propose something.

 

[balmain boy]

in hindsight if we knew we were getting luai we probably wouldn't have signed latu fainu

Rubbish.
People seem to forget that Latu was still eligible for SGBall this season. He's a year younger than players like Ethan Strange who are breaking onto the scene this year.
Most clubs don't avoid signing quality players because they already have quality players. You want quality in all grades.
He's still just an 18 year old, will ahead of schedule. Even if he doesn't pay first grade again this year that's fine. He needs 4x80 full matches in cup once he's fit. Then we can can see where he's at and how the NRL team is going and where he fits in.
Harry Grant honed his skills in lower grades until he read 22-23. Luai honed his skills until he was 21-22. Good clubs don't rush juniors
Given Latus flexibility I can see him offering significant utility value, or Galvin may end up moving.

 

[balmain boy]

Alaimalo - I think he’s worth holding onto. Good raw potential. If Lobb is on the other wing, I would just be going high balls all day.

Alaimalo turns 30 next season! A little late to be working on raw potential. Might as well work on Jimmy Ngutlik or someone younger

 

[Vicious]

I made another note to Demps those players are based off what’s available within the article. Furthermore, people keep calling for established first graders. Wallace will probably play origin. Tupou is great. Tell me who you would put forward you know is off contract this year and you would pick.

Yeah that’s fair enough, I know there isn’t much talent left that is officially off contract.
We need to he strategic and a few others have mentioned the Sharks in particular are way over stocked in way of props for 2025.
Considering Fonua-Blake is coming in for them along with Rudolf returning from injury, you would say Royce Hunt will miss their too 17 when at full strength, he is be one who would bring much needed size and aggression to our side.

 

[liltiger]

Yeah that’s fair enough, I know there isn’t much talent left that is officially off contract.
We need to he strategic and a few others have mentioned the Sharks in particular are way over stocked in way of props for 2025.
Considering Fonua-Blake is coming in for them along with Rudolf returning from injury, you would say Royce Hunt will miss their too 17 when at full strength, he is be one who would bring much needed size and aggression to our side.

Papalii wasn't off contract, that didn't stop Penrith when they needed a backrower. The good clubs make it happen I think Richo could aswell only stumbling block is selling the Tigers to any prospective players we might try to entice out of a contract early

 

[twentyforty]

So we’re having a clean out or cap rebalance or maybe it’s a gutting.
Which came first? The clean out or the players saying they’ve had enough?
Is our coach being proactive or reactive?

 

[Tom Shines]

Papalii wasn't off contract, that didn't stop Penrith when they needed a backrower. The good clubs make it happen I think Richo could aswell only stumbling block is selling the Tigers to any prospective players we might try to entice out of a contract early

Approaching players who aren’t off contract does breach NRL rules though … all clubs might do it … but I know who they will choose to make an example of to punish someone if they need too … also the Wests Tigers are the club News Ltd goes after … see today where there is their now annual article bashing the club about the amount of money paid to terminated players .. even though other clubs do the same

 

[weststigerman]

He was fine, one of the only forwards who tried. You think he's taking a pay cut next year? Lol, no chance.
We're the worst team in the comp. We cant offer the same as other clubs, we have to offer 20% more to get someone...

And that is when it’s a re-signing. If we have to replace Stef it’s likely much more than 20%.

 

[weststigerman]

Moses will see to it that the Latu brothers came as a package and they will leave as a package

Moses doesn’t manage them. He manages Galvin.

I think he also manages Bateman and Klemmer who were rumoured to be trying to get rid of.

 

[Tom Shines]

Moses doesn’t manage them. He manages Galvin.

I think he also manages Bateman and Klemmer who were rumoured to be trying to get rid of.

ok … must be Tartak then … my point remains that it’s a bit of a pipe dream to try to force out Latu early whilst keeping the other one happy and at the club

 

[Tom Shines]

Agree but who else

just leave another blank space

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

Rubbish.
People still to forget that Latu was still eligible for SGBall this season. He's a year younger than players like Ethan Strange who are breaking onto the scene this year.
Most clubs don't avoid signing quality players because they already have quality players. You want quality in all grades.
He's still just an 18 year old, will ahead of schedule. Even if he doesn't pay first grade again this year that's fine. He needs 4x80 movie matches in cup once he's fit. Then we can can see where he's at and how the NRL team is going and where he fits in.
Harry Grant honed his skills in lower grades until he read 22-23. Luai honed his skills until he was 21-22. Good clubs don't rush juniors
Given Latus flexibility I can see him offering significant utility value, or Galvin may end up moving.

if Galvin is happy playing 6 and we try to move him to accomadate latu fainu he will have plenty of options to play at another club...

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

Moses will see to it that the Latu brothers came as a package and they will leave as a package

Moses doesn't manage fainu's he manager Galvin

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

2025
7. Luai
6. Galvin
will be a great pairing
we just need some outside backs and forwards

 

[hank37w]

I asked ChatGPT on how we could improve our coaching and player direction to get more wins.

This was the AI's response -

1. Reinforce the Spine: Focus on strengthening the core positions of fullback, halves, and hooker. Ensure these key positions are filled by experienced and talented players who can guide the team around the park and make crucial decisions under pressure.
2. Improve Forward Pack Dominance: Emphasize building a dominant forward pack. This involves recruiting or developing powerful, mobile forwards who can win the battle in the middle, providing a strong platform for the backs.
3. Utilize Talented Youth: Identify and fast-track talented young players from the junior ranks who can inject enthusiasm and energy into the team. The club has a history of producing talented juniors, so leveraging this pipeline is crucial.
4. Targeted Recruitment: Focus on recruiting experienced, high-impact players in key positions. This might mean targeting players coming off contract or those who might be undervalued at other clubs but can bring significant experience and leadership to the team.
5. Enhanced Game Preparation: Invest in detailed opposition analysis and tailor game plans to exploit the weaknesses of upcoming opponents. This preparation can provide a competitive edge in each match.
6. Injury Management: Improve injury prevention and management strategies to ensure the best players are available more consistently. This could involve investing in better medical and recovery facilities and staff.
7. Leadership on and off the Field: Develop strong leadership both on and off the field. Empower senior players to take more responsibility during games and create a leadership group that can influence and mentor younger players.
8. Fan Engagement and Support: Boost fan engagement to create a more supportive and intimidating home ground atmosphere. A passionate fan base can significantly lift the team’s performance, particularly in home games.

I asked ChatGPT what should Benji Marshall say to the team at half time after we have typically given the opposition a 20 point lead in the early stages of our games.

ChatGPT

Benji Marshall could offer a mix of encouragement, tactical adjustments, and motivation at halftime:

1. Encouragement: "Alright, team, great effort out there in the first half. We've shown flashes of brilliance, and we're definitely in this game. Let's build on those positive moments and keep pushing forward."
2. Tactical Adjustments: "We've identified a few areas where we can tighten up defensively and exploit their weaknesses offensively. Let's focus on tightening our defense around the edges and capitalizing on opportunities when they arise."
3. Motivation: "Remember why we're here. Remember the hard work we've put in to get to this point. Let's dig deep, support each other, and leave everything out on the field in this second half. We've got the skill, the determination, and the heart to come out on top."
4. Specific Instructions: "John, I need you to lead the defensive line and communicate effectively. Sarah, keep exploiting those gaps in their defense with your speed and agility. And to the whole team, stay disciplined, stick to the game plan, and execute with precision."
5. Belief: "Above all, believe in yourselves and in each other. We're a team, and together, there's nothing we can't overcome. Let's go out there and show them what we're made of. We've got this!"

So what we really need is for Benji to be more specific as is outlined in point 4 is to put more reliance on John and Sarah, John to lead the defensive line and Sarah to become the focus of our attack.

It's very obvious now that we haven't been doing this and this is where we have gone wrong.

Get onto it Benji.

 

[Tito Santana]

I asked ChatGPT what should Benji Marshall say to the team at half time after we have typically given the opposition a 20 point lead in the early stages of our games.

ChatGPT

Benji Marshall could offer a mix of encouragement, tactical adjustments, and motivation at halftime:

1. Encouragement: "Alright, team, great effort out there in the first half. We've shown flashes of brilliance, and we're definitely in this game. Let's build on those positive moments and keep pushing forward."
2. Tactical Adjustments: "We've identified a few areas where we can tighten up defensively and exploit their weaknesses offensively. Let's focus on tightening our defense around the edges and capitalizing on opportunities when they arise."
3. Motivation: "Remember why we're here. Remember the hard work we've put in to get to this point. Let's dig deep, support each other, and leave everything out on the field in this second half. We've got the skill, the determination, and the heart to come out on top."
4. Specific Instructions: "John, I need you to lead the defensive line and communicate effectively. Sarah, keep exploiting those gaps in their defense with your speed and agility. And to the whole team, stay disciplined, stick to the game plan, and execute with precision."
5. Belief: "Above all, believe in yourselves and in each other. We're a team, and together, there's nothing we can't overcome. Let's go out there and show them what we're made of. We've got this!"

So what we really need is for Benji to be more specific as is outlined in point 4 is to put more reliance on John and Sarah, John to lead the defensive line and Sarah to become the focus of our attack.

It's very obvious now that we haven't been doing this and this is where we have gone wrong.

Get onto it Benji.

Maybe we sack the coaches and just have chatGP coach us?

 

[Todd Packer]

Maybe we sack the coaches and just have chatGP coach us?

They can sneak their phones onto the field and ask for instructions during the game.

 

[Todd Packer]

I asked ChatGPT what should Benji Marshall say to the team at half time after we have typically given the opposition a 20 point lead in the early stages of our games.

ChatGPT

Benji Marshall could offer a mix of encouragement, tactical adjustments, and motivation at halftime:

1. Encouragement: "Alright, team, great effort out there in the first half. We've shown flashes of brilliance, and we're definitely in this game. Let's build on those positive moments and keep pushing forward."
2. Tactical Adjustments: "We've identified a few areas where we can tighten up defensively and exploit their weaknesses offensively. Let's focus on tightening our defense around the edges and capitalizing on opportunities when they arise."
3. Motivation: "Remember why we're here. Remember the hard work we've put in to get to this point. Let's dig deep, support each other, and leave everything out on the field in this second half. We've got the skill, the determination, and the heart to come out on top."
4. Specific Instructions: "John, I need you to lead the defensive line and communicate effectively. Sarah, keep exploiting those gaps in their defense with your speed and agility. And to the whole team, stay disciplined, stick to the game plan, and execute with precision."
5. Belief: "Above all, believe in yourselves and in each other. We're a team, and together, there's nothing we can't overcome. Let's go out there and show them what we're made of. We've got this!"

So what we really need is for Benji to be more specific as is outlined in point 4 is to put more reliance on John and Sarah, John to lead the defensive line and Sarah to become the focus of our attack.

It's very obvious now that we haven't been doing this and this is where we have gone wrong.

Get onto it Benji.

Sarah leading our attack. Sounds about right.