Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Chunk]

According to Zero Tackle. Here are some players off contract for 2025.​

Tigers are in trouble and desperate for a little bit of quality.

There's this push within the club for young local talent which is fine but don't we need some hard headed experienced first graders as well. Like what the Dolphins did.

Not saying this this guy but a couple of players like Jack Debellin

LOCK​

Mitch Barnett, Erin Clark, Josh Curran, Adam Elliott, Chris Faagutu, Tohu Harris, Kobe Hetherington, J'maine Hopgood, Aitasi James, Alec MacDonald, Kurt Mann, Justin Matamua, Kurtis Morrin, Joe Ofahengaue, Fonua Pole, Riley Price, Hohepa Puru, Mason Teague, Dylan Walker, Connor Watson

20 players off contract

PROP​

Bunty Afoa, Tom Ale, Josh Aloiai, Paul Bryan, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Jake Clydsdale, Reuben Cotter, Toby Couchman, Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui, Viliami Fifita, Wiremu Greig, Emre Guler, Tuku Hau Tapuha, Thomas Hazelton, Jack Hetherington, Jaiyden Hunt, Royce Hunt, Corey Jensen, Tui Kamikamica, Oregon Kaufusi, Kitione Kautoga, Josh Kerr, Josh King, Spencer Leniu, Ben Liyou, Davvy Moale, Michael Molo, Griffin Neame, Mark Nicholls, Josiah Pahulu, Keenan Palasia, Josh Papalii, Vena Patuki-Case, Alex Seyfarth, Toafofoa Sipley, Sebastian Su'a, Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Ryan Sutton, Leo Thompson, Sam Tuivaiti, Stefano Utoikamanu, Lazarus Vaalepu, Xavier Willison

43 players off contract

SECOND-ROW​

Fletcher Baker, Kenneath Bromwich, Ethan Bullemor, Egan Butcher, Bryce Cartwright, Joe Chan, Ben Condon, Ryan Couchman, Matt Doorey, Dylan Egan, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Ryan Foran, Jackson Ford, Mavrik Geyer, Jack Gosiewski, Jacob Halangahu, Harrison Hassett, Jacob Host, Felise Kaufusi, Connelly Lemuelu, Trent Loiero, Dylan Lucas, Toni Mataele, Dean Matterson, Luca Moretti, Briton Nikora, Seth Nikotemo, Kai Pearce-Paul, D'Jazirhae Pua'Avase, Preston Riki, Dan Russell, Simi Sasagi, Will Sullivan, Kelma Tuilagi, Brandon Tumeth, Teig Wilton

 

[Tiger Stripes]

The new regime has backed and supported him even though he was a horrible appointment by a previous regime:just because of who he is. They backed his judgement about having a holiday in Fiji.

However, new players want to play for a winning culture don’t they? They’ve seen the outcome of the current coach. This is where communication about direction is important. It doesn’t matter who the coach is. Its about reaching achievable goals. Benji isn’t doing this.

My thoughts on the game; Presumed coaching?
1. Our kick-offs better, longer and higher than they have been. Receiver now caught at 10m line.
2. Sullivan and Galvin kicks higher than previous, maybe not as deep, allowing chasers to get closer to receiver or challenge.
3. Sullivan playing better, now running at speed to the defensive line before passing.
4. Seyfarth joining in backline and passing the ball.
5. Bula starting to run to gaps or setting up outside players after drawing the defence.
6. Galvin is playing the house down but needs some help---cavalry on the way?
These are incremental improvements I am seeing on game day.
Please give the bad coaching a breather. Benji is on a leaning curve like most of the players.
He is starting from a low baseline and with the new players signed and hopefully some new signings to be announced, this will all be turned around. I think he is doing as good a job as any coach could with the players he has at his disposal. The old saying, you....."a silk purse from a sows ear".

 

[magpies forever]

My thoughts on the game; Presumed coaching?
1. Our kick-offs better, longer and higher than they have been. Receiver now caught at 10m line.
2. Sullivan and Galvin kicks higher than previous, maybe not as deep, allowing chasers to get closer to receiver or challenge.
3. Sullivan playing better, now running at speed to the defensive line before passing.
4. Seyfarth joining in backline and passing the ball.
5. Bula starting to run to gaps or setting up outside players after drawing the defence.
6. Galvin is playing the house down but needs some help---cavalry on the way?
These are incremental improvements I am seeing on game day.
Please give the bad coaching a breather. Benji is on a leaning curve like most of the players.
He is starting from a low baseline and with the new players signed and hopefully some new signings to be announced, this will all be turned around. I think he is doing as good a job as any coach could with the players he has at his disposal. The old saying, you....."a silk purse from a sows ear".

No problems with that info but we do need more troops and player options now to provide alternates to the underperforming ones. We have 2 slots free now with Simpkin gone? For crissake fill them now with journeymen or whatever but have to players capable of performing in NRL.

 

[Tiger-ferret]

My thoughts on the game; Presumed coaching?
1. Our kick-offs better, longer and higher than they have been. Receiver now caught at 10m line.
2. Sullivan and Galvin kicks higher than previous, maybe not as deep, allowing chasers to get closer to receiver or challenge.
3. Sullivan playing better, now running at speed to the defensive line before passing.
4. Seyfarth joining in backline and passing the ball.
5. Bula starting to run to gaps or setting up outside players after drawing the defence.
6. Galvin is playing the house down but needs some help---cavalry on the way?
These are incremental improvements I am seeing on game day.
Please give the bad coaching a breather. Benji is on a leaning curve like most of the players.
He is starting from a low baseline and with the new players signed and hopefully some new signings to be announced, this will all be turned around. I think he is doing as good a job as any coach could with the players he has at his disposal. The old saying, you....."a silk purse from a sows ear".

I do get what you’re saying. However the learning curve should done at lower grades. No one can persuade me otherwise. That was poor management.

No doubt he has a unique skillset, one is probably his ability to attract players: now if we sign some class there’s some light at the end of the tunnel…

i worry he can’t motivate players like papilli, olam was off last night, steff.

This was the first game they gave up this season…right after a holiday for everyone. Not the right mindset imo.

Hopefully he can get them up for a rebound performance.

 

[Rock Hopper Steve]

Over it. Cant do this shit anymore. Fold em. We are a NSWRL team. Nothing more.

now now tito i know it's upsetting will take years unfortunately cool heads needed but it is hard to watch.

 

[Fish88]

Every year it’s the same noise we hear….sack the coach. Nothing changes when we sack the coach. Looking at the 17 we ran out with last night, I would not hesitate labeling them as probably the worst side we have picked in the last ten years. I don’t blame the coach, we have a very poor roster and on top of that we have injuries and suspensions to factor in.

Okay they should have had a dig and not just meekly surrendered in the second half, but they are a very very average side

Even Bennett or Bellamy wouldn’t be able to do anything with this roster. Our already poor roster is injury depleted and we’re coming last in first grade and reserves. Overall our club rosters are horrible. I think given the injuries and suspensions benji hasn’t done too bad. The coach is not the problem, it never had been. We need better players.

Whenever we have bought good players; our roster has been weakened elsewhere and out of balance (e.g our backs this year)

 

[mactiger]

Even Bennett or Bellamy wouldn’t be able to do anything with this roster. Our already poor roster is injury depleted and we’re coming last in first grade and reserves. Overall our club rosters are horrible. I think given the injuries and suspensions benji hasn’t done too bad. The coach is not the problem, it never had been. We need better players.

Whenever we have bought good players; our roster has been weakened elsewhere and out of balance (e.g our backs this year)

Hi I agree your only as good as the players you have and I guys are trying hard but can't do it for a hole game so nobody was saying sack the coach at the sharks when they got thumpt 48 nil and they have much better roster team us and it's pretty hard to stay positive when the media tell you your shit every week

 

[Rock Hopper Steve]

Even Bennett or Bellamy wouldn’t be able to do anything with this roster. Our already poor roster is injury depleted and we’re coming last in first grade and reserves. Overall our club rosters are horrible. I think given the injuries and suspensions benji hasn’t done too bad. The coach is not the problem, it never had been. We need better players.

Whenever we have bought good players; our roster has been weakened elsewhere and out of balance (e.g our backs this year)

Forwards no better either modern forwards in good clubs are tall giants we keep letting them go else ware need to keep the big bodies

 

[Milky]

Sign Blaize Talagi, bring Tedesco home. Let Ute walk. Move Bula to wing.

Sign De Ballin, Taupau, Chrichton.

1. Tedesco
2. Turuva
3. Talagi
4. Olam
5. Bula

6. Galvin
7. Luai

8. Klemmer
9. Koroisau
10. JDB
11. S. Fainu
12. Chrichton
13. Pole

14. L. Fainu
15. S. Fainu
16. Taupau
17. Miller/Seyfarth


I’ll sleep better

 

[Needaname]

Different clubs see different things in players. Tumeth is SOO U19 rep from 2 seasons ago who has plenty of NSW Cup experience for a 21yo and maybe reminds them of a younger Teig Wilton. He'd only be on a minimum salary so would save them space. Just using him as an example.

Remember we have moved on the likes of Zane Musgrove, Ken Mamaulo etc in recent times. A lot of different things at play including managers & how much we would chip in too.

And maybe we get Royce anyway without a trade. I can't remember, did Bulldogs send anything their way for Sharks to release Connor Tracey?

Michael Gabriel a talented junior Centre

 

[tigermate]

Coaches make a big difference

Even Richo has said numbers times on podcasts - the most important person in a football club is the coach

Look at what flanno has done at the drags. Made the players the best versions of themselves

Benji has players going backwards. If it wasn’t for luai coming next year im not sure Richo would let him see out the year if we continue to lose another 3 or 4 in a row.

 

[TSP]

Players injured, balance of the squad unable to get through 40 minutes.

Getting flogged by the dragons, making them look like the storm.

Benji saying it’s “unacceptable” 4 times at least, that the players are letting us down.

I think it’s a reason with a short use-by date.

He needs to focus on why he’s not getting through.

They all need psychological help if they can’t remember basic instructions past 5 minutes.

They could be down that many of them are for the chopping block. Worrying about a new contract before they drop the pass.

We should sell everyone and buy the Penrith KOE side. That’s how it’s going.

 

[liltiger]

Players injured, balance of the squad unable to get through 40 minutes.

Getting flogged by the dragons, making them look like the storm.

Benji saying it’s “unacceptable” 4 times at least, that the players are letting us down.

I think it’s a reason with a short use-by date.

He needs to focus on why he’s not getting through.

They all need psychological help if they can’t remember basic instructions past 5 minutes.

They could be down that many of them are for the chopping block. Worrying about a new contract before they drop the pass.

We should sell everyone and buy the Penrith KOE side. That’s how it’s going.

I understand from a players perspective you want security knowing you're not being shopped around, but I'll never understand why for the life of me if the players think they're being shopped around why they throw in the towel and not try to put their best foot forward for any prospective clubs who might be interested in picking them up to help prolong their careers. Our blokes seem to think playing like crap is the best way to build interest from other clubs.

 

[Tiger Stripes]

I understand from a players perspective you want security knowing you're not being shopped around, but I'll never understand why for the life of me if the players think they're being shopped around why they throw in the towel and not try to put their best foot forward for any prospective clubs who might be interested in picking them up to help prolong their careers. Our blokes seem to think playing like crap is the best way to build interest from other clubs.

Sullivan supposedly being shopped around. I thought he had his best game last night. The sin bin was reflex action as I suspect the St George guy would have scored if left untouched. Kicking game improved and tested the defence line more than previously. [I am not related and never met the guy]
Olam had his worst ever game for the Tigers, stupid mistakes and turning over possession along with numerous others. A 28% possession rate in the second half is testament to how badly they respected having the ball. The coach can't be blamed for that! And how can he punish them with our KOE players that are just as bad or worse? I would like to know.

 

[Fish88]

Could do with a Beau Fermor or Kleese Haas in our pack. Both goers

 

[Tigerstigerstigers]

Sign Blaize Talagi, bring Tedesco home. Let Ute walk. Move Bula to wing.

Sign De Ballin, Taupau, Chrichton.

1. Tedesco
2. Turuva
3. Talagi
4. Olam
5. Bula

6. Galvin
7. Luai

8. Klemmer
9. Koroisau
10. JDB
11. S. Fainu
12. Chrichton
13. Pole

14. L. Fainu
15. S. Fainu
16. Taupau
17. Miller/Seyfarth


I’ll sleep better

works for me

 

[Demps]

Sullivan supposedly being shopped around. I thought he had his best game last night. The sin bin was reflex action as I suspect the St George guy would have scored if left untouched. Kicking game improved and tested the defence line more than previously. [I am not related and never met the guy]
Olam had his worst ever game for the Tigers, stupid mistakes and turning over possession along with numerous others. A 28% possession rate in the second half is testament to how badly they respected having the ball. The coach can't be blamed for that! And how can he punish them with our KOE players that are just as bad or worse? I would like to know.

He had a good 20 minutes
The kick to Lobb was outstanding

Then it all went to mud
He's an erratic 6 that belongs in super league

 

[DrewPeacock]

Buzz the numb nut is at it again..... Can't even get the picture of the right player!

The Wests Tigers are in crisis with revelations their two best young players want out after Friday night’s embarrassing capitulation to St George-Illawarra.
Boom utility star Lachlan Galvin and front-rower Stefano Utoikamanu are both disgruntled after nine straight losses and the likelihood of three straight wooden spoons.
Galvin was overheard in the Wests Tigers dressing room after the 56-14 loss to the Dragons saying that he wanted out, despite being under contract until the end of 2026.
Your columnist understands his manager Isaac Moses has spoken to Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson about the situation and the fact he is being asked to play each weekend with a fracture in his hand.
We have reached out to both Moses and Richardson.

Lachlan Galvin apparently wants out of the Wests Tigers. Picture: Getty Images
Meanwhile the club’s hopes of retaining boom Utoikamanu are diminishing by the day – and money is not the issue.
It’s more about his future development as a player in the right system under the right coach.
While CEO Richardson was recently spending three weeks in the UK, up to eight rival NRL clubs were expressing interest in the former Parramatta Eels junior.
Utoikamanu becomes a free agent under a clause in his contract that makes him a free agent if he is not chosen in the NSW Blues team for the final two games.

Stefano Utoikamanu is yet to re-sign with the Wests Tigers. Picture: Getty Images
The eight clubs have contacted Utoikamanu’s manager Daniel O’Loughlin with expressions of interest should he decide to activate the clause.
The Wests Tigers have offered him $4 million over five years to stay at Concord.
However Utoikamanu is looking for more than the cash.
He’s sat back and watched ex-teammates – the likes of Shawn Blore, Luke Garner, Luke Brooks, Tommy Talau and Billy Walters – improve and develop their games at other clubs.
Utoikamanu would have the choice of playing under a Wayne Bennett, Cameron Ciraldo, Shane Flanagan, Trent Robinson or risk staying at a club that is now facing its third straight wooden spoon.
You can understand why he might be looking to get out.

 

[rihannafan1]

Jazz Tevaga off contract. He is an adult, the right age (28), attitude and pay grade for an NRL squad depth player. Players like him are who we should target to play the next few years while the juniors come through.

 

[The Chad]

Jazz Tevaga off contract. He is an adult, the right age (28), attitude and pay grade for an NRL squad depth player. Players like him are who we should target to play the next few years while the juniors come through.

If Utoikamanu was to move on, he would be a very god short term option.

Something I was talking to my brother about yesterday- recruiting from outside the organisation vs retaining from within.

You're better of overspending on guys that have come through your system than overspending on guys from outside who may not fit.

Tevega works within the Warriors system. If you did sign him, you don't commit to him for 4 years. 1-2 years & you can get out of the commitment without too much pain. This is where the Sullivan deal falls over. 4 year deal- you are locked in & it has to work. Fainu brothers...it has to work. Luai...it HAS to work.

If it doesn't- it's Mbye all over again.

Papali'i...long term commitment..it doesn't work out. Adam Blair. Nobody really laments the Jason Moodie contract though, because it was short term.

Look at the Dragons recruitment this year. Plenty of new faces- no long term deal to be seen. If they want to shift them, they can much easier than we can. If you want them longer- extend them.

Utoikamanu for 5 years...it HAS to work. That is my only stumbling block. The money isn't that important.