Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

Surely we keep Fainu. Of all the terrible overpriced contracts on our books the one that ensures we have an option at 14, a quality back up half, a ready made replacement if Galvin does develop into a forward or a succession plan for Luai is not the contract I'm concerned about.
how long will fainu want to play out of position or off the bench. He will be good enough to play a starting role. You would think his manager rattles the cage and demands a release to play regular first grade if he doesn't get a go in 2025 in the halves
 
I would like to get Euan Aitken or a dedicated center, we can dream.
Braidon Burns IMHO should have been someone on our target list when Canterbury released him.

I truly don't get how at this late in the game, we look at our squad and realise our backline defense is the key problem?
Aitken and Burns?
Really?
The club needs to set it's sights higher than that surely. That'd just be swapping like for like.
If they're not an established quality player like Turuva and Luai or an obvious future star like Samuela then we don't need to be buying players that leave us splashing around the shallow end of the pool
 
how long will fainu want to play out of position or off the bench. He will be good enough to play a starting role. You would think his manager rattles the cage and demands a release to play regular first grade if he doesn't get a go in 2025 in the halves
I don't think so. How many teenage halves are demanding a first grade spot. Whilst I think he could already be first grade ready based on what I saw of him last year i think he would be content if we can get his body right and show signs of talent development.
We see the likes of Pezet, Duffy, Smith, Weaver Teaupua waiting and developing their game in ressies.
The bigger issue will be turning around results so that he isn't walking into a shit team when he gets his chance.
 
I don't think so. How many teenage halves are demanding a first grade spot. Whilst I think he could already be first grade ready based on what I saw of him last year i think he would be content if we can get his body right and show signs of talent development.
We see the likes of Pezet, Duffy, Smith, Weaver Teaupua waiting and developing their game in ressies.
The bigger issue will be turning around results so that he isn't walking into a shit team when he gets his chance.
he has already played for his country Tonga, those other players have not. He won't sit around in the halves for long if he doesn't get a run
 
how long will fainu want to play out of position or off the bench. He will be good enough to play a starting role. You would think his manager rattles the cage and demands a release to play regular first grade if he doesn't get a go in 2025 in the halves
This may happen if we don’t give Latu a run this year.
Our season is done. We are more chance of winning the spoon than making the 8.
Galvin has had a good go of it. We’ve given an untested 18 year old 9 games and he has had a couple of pearlers. We are aware of what he brings.
Give him a month rest in Flegg and try Latu out. You never know, maybe Fainu comes in and the backline starts clicking. That’s the headache we need to be honest.
 
This may happen if we don’t give Latu a run this year.
Our season is done. We are more chance of winning the spoon than making the 8.
Galvin has had a good go of it. We’ve given an untested 18 year old 9 games and he has had a couple of pearlers. We are aware of what he brings.
Give him a month rest in Flegg and try Latu out. You never know, maybe Fainu comes in and the backline starts clicking. That’s the headache we need to be honest.
perhaps try latu
my point was both latu and Galvin are high quality and nrl first graders in the halves moving forward
Both will not be playing 6, both are too good for bench or reserves, one will leave if not getting game time
historically we pick the wrong one as a club
my money is on Galvin long term
 
+ Staines, Bateman and Klemmer

+ Kepoa gone.

Would take Sipley
Not Paulo, at his third club - reserve grader.
I feel our forwards have been pretty good so far just need a sipley added , Klemm is Going ok and Bateman always has a go , good defender
we add a Sipley and a back rower like Sam give Matta more time at lock grab a centre we may be ok.
Staines I feel for as he was going good prior to his injury , maybe a bit more time cause he was still doing dirty hit up last game
 
perhaps try latu
my point was both latu and Galvin are high quality and nrl first graders in the halves moving forward
Both will not be playing 6, both are too good for bench or reserves, one will leave if not getting game time
historically we pick the wrong one as a club
my money is on Galvin long term
Galvin is a good 5/8, not a great one. Maybe he becomes a sensation at lock and spends years in rep sides there ala Murray, Yeo etc.
Maybe Latu is a born 5/8 who ignites the comp.
If Latu works out, our team becomes stronger. I wouldn’t be trading him for some time yet.
 
no info and merely a suggestion, but surely Jack Howarth’s had a gutful sitting behind Blore, Katoa, Chan and MacDonald at Melbourne. he’d walk backwards onto our right edge next year if Bateman was to leave in addition to Papali’i.
Good suggestion. I think Storm are doing a Harry Grant with him, giving him plenty of time in reserves & then excel when in top 17. Don't think Storm would release him anyway (unless for cap reasons).
 
Galvin is a good 5/8, not a great one. Maybe he becomes a sensation at lock and spends years in rep sides there ala Murray, Yeo etc.
Maybe Latu is a born 5/8 who ignites the comp.
If Latu works out, our team becomes stronger. I wouldn’t be trading him for some time yet.
I know Wolff is a big fan of his as his national coach too so Dolphins will be sniffing around Tartak. Latu & Katoa halves combo would be dynamic, let's hope that doesn't happen.
 
I really hope at one point this season Benjj goes guns blazing with a halves combination of Galvin at 6 and Latu at 7 for a full 80.

People judging a kid making his debut as a halfback coming off the bench for 20 min stints at dummy half and then expect to see a superstar. It’s just not reality.

I’m surprised Benji hasn’t given him mins at 7 and I know Bud despite the losses has actually shown some promise. I still believe we gotta at least see what that duo would look like before Luai comes.

Latu is special and when given the chance to properly showcase himself in his natural position for a full game will it be known.
 
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I really hope at one point this season Benjj goes guns blazing with a halves combination of Galvin at 6 and Latu at 7 for a full 80.

People judging a kid making his debut as a halfback coming off the bench for 20 min stints at dummy half and then expect to see a superstar. It’s just not reality.

I’m surprised Benji hasn’t given him mins at 7 and I know Bud despite the losses has actually shown some promise. I still believe we gotta at least see what that duo would look like before Luai comes.

Latu is special and when given the chance to properly showcase himself in his natural position for a full game will it be known.
Yep we can't judge Latu until his hamstring is back to 100% & he has confidence in it. Everything so far has just been about getting experience it seems. I hope Benji & Moussa invest in the time to get it right for the long-term.
 
no info and merely a suggestion, but surely Jack Howarth’s had a gutful sitting behind Blore, Katoa, Chan and MacDonald at Melbourne. he’d walk backwards onto our right edge next year if Bateman was to leave in addition to Papali’i.
Howarth would have to be the best prospect in the game...

He's wrapped up at the storm long term.
Would take him in a heart beat though.
He looks a super talent.
 

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