Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Tom Shines]

The Mole wrote a story regarding the departure of Robbie Farah. It was said that there was a rift between Farah and Koroisau. It said they hadn’t seen eye to eye on a number of issues over the last 12 months.

I’m more sided with Api on this one. The man has four premierships so I’d trust he knows what success looks like and I’d honestly be terrified to see where we’d be without him. Here’s the link:

NRL news 2024: The Mole exclusive column; Robbie Farah's exit from Wests Tigers, Api Koroisau, Benji Marshall

more likely Farah being moved on because the results have been poor and they need to change something

 

[Tom Shines]

Also from today's Mole story - https://amp.nine.com.au/article/7b974e8b-ee1a-4957-ad0c-f925b80483b0

TIGERS POACH KIWI PRODIGY

The Tigers have continued concentrating on youth, signing a promising back-rower from Auckland.

The joint venture beat several rival clubs to pick up Larry Leha, a rangy back-rower from De La Salle College in Auckland.

Leha, aged 17, will join the Tigers over the off season and train with the club on a fulltime basis.

The youngster already has a strong league connection - he is the brother-in-law of veteran South Sydney hooker Siliva Havili.

17 … get them in young

 

[Tom Shines]

The irony in this forthcoming overhaul of the forward pack is that the very thing this club needs; experienced, no-nonsense workers, would be met with eye rolls and almost anger by the fanbase, who'd likely feel those types of signings would be underwhelming (sadly, myself included).

Coming from where we are, we're always after a major kill, but, it's becoming more and more apparent, clubs need mid-tier, quality workers just as much, if not more than top-tier wannabe stars.

The Warriors and Bulldogs are perfect examples.

On the surface, I don't like their approach to rebuilding, and I think it's an approach that is more likely to yield 8th place than premierships, but it's hard to argue with what the Warriors did last year and what the Dogs are doing this year. Throw the Dragons in there as well, though I think their turnaround is more down to a mentality change than anything.

Barnett, Harris, Ford and Capewell and Niukore for the Warriors are the case in point.

I would gladly take NRL experienced forwards in their mid 20s that might think they still have something to prove … the problem I have is with 30 plus guys looking for one last payday

 

[WestsTigers4VR]

more likely Farah being moved on because the results have been poor and they need to change something

Most likely that’s the case but judging of Farahs history wouldn’t surprise me to much if it is true

 

[Tom Shines]

Most likely that’s the case but judging of Farahs history wouldn’t surprise me to much if it is true

it’s possible … don’t know who would be leaking it to the Mole though … don’t think he would have many friends at the club… and he has been caught out before posting BS

 

[colinbh]

Exactly the type of players we need and are achievable in getting. I'd add Ethan Bullemor who could be an absolute gun at just 24 years of age, and also Brad Parker who is currently playing backrow for Manly in NSW cup. He looks pretty decent in the position as most centres adapt to backrow well. He is coming off a horrible injury where he had to learn how to walk again, so this year is really just him getting himself back. Next year he will be much better and would be a handy player off the bench playing backrow and covering injuries outwide.

I watched Parker last weekend. Zero runs. Attempted 6 tackles, made 3, missed 3 for 3 tries. Parked out on the wing most of the time. No thanks.

 

[Tom Shines]

Correct , he wants to be in the nrl in 2025 , he would take assistant roll to stay in the game

I can see him at Perth …

 

[colinbh]

I’ve seen a rumour of Barrett … let’s hope that one is not true

How do you see a rumour?

 

[Eternal Tiger]

Also from today's Mole story - https://amp.nine.com.au/article/7b974e8b-ee1a-4957-ad0c-f925b80483b0

TIGERS POACH KIWI PRODIGY

The Tigers have continued concentrating on youth, signing a promising back-rower from Auckland.

The joint venture beat several rival clubs to pick up Larry Leha, a rangy back-rower from De La Salle College in Auckland.

Leha, aged 17, will join the Tigers over the off season and train with the club on a fulltime basis.

The youngster already has a strong league connection - he is the brother-in-law of veteran South Sydney hooker Siliva Havili.

Richo said in an interview before the Season starts that we wouldn't be buying 18yr olds from elsewhere, we have enough talent in our juniors,looks like 17 year olds are still on the agenda 🤷‍♂️

 

[Tom Shines]

How do you see a rumour?

on my iPad ..

 

[AnonTiger]

Richo said in an interview before the Season starts that we wouldn't be buying 18yr olds from elsewhere, we have enough talent in our juniors,looks like 17 year olds are still on the agenda 🤷‍♂️

He said he won't be buying 17/18yos to top up matts and balls squads. Different if he see's this kid playing flegg and then onto 1st grade

 

[Buttface]

Yes. Where is the talk to the boss segment.

Richo doesn’t need his 5 minutes of fame every week like Fruit Pascals did.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

I watched Parker last weekend. Zero runs. Attempted 6 tackles, made 3, missed 3 for 3 tries. Parked out on the wing most of the time. No thanks.

Parker also had a major knee issue last off-season which may be a reason his form has dropped this year.

 

[Eternal Tiger]

He said he won't be buying 17/18yos to top up matts and balls squads. Different if he see's this kid playing flegg and then onto 1st grade

I'm not trying to sound like a smart ass, but isnt that basically the same thing. We dont have any 17 year old in our System, that could have filled that void?

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

With Robbie moving on, I have been trying to find an experienced coach that can replace him? Only one I can think of is Dimitriou?
Anyone else have potential names.

Andrew Demetriou
Trent Barrett
Steve Georgallis
Brett White
Matt Parish
Anthony Griffin
Joe O'Callaghan
Paul McGregor
Ryan Carr (although contracted at Dragons for '25)
Dean Pay
Steve Antonelli
Steve Murphy

These are just potentials on who could apply.

 

[king_sirro]

I watched Parker last weekend. Zero runs. Attempted 6 tackles, made 3, missed 3 for 3 tries. Parked out on the wing most of the time. No thanks.

Zero runs? I watched it until Penrith got well ahead. Zero runs is a flat out lie

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

The irony in this forthcoming overhaul of the forward pack is that the very thing this club needs; experienced, no-nonsense workers, would be met with eye rolls and almost anger by the fanbase, who'd likely feel those types of signings would be underwhelming (sadly, myself included).

Coming from where we are, we're always after a major kill, but, it's becoming more and more apparent, clubs need mid-tier, quality workers just as much, if not more than top-tier wannabe stars.

The Warriors and Bulldogs are perfect examples.

On the surface, I don't like their approach to rebuilding, and I think it's an approach that is more likely to yield 8th place than premierships, but it's hard to argue with what the Warriors did last year and what the Dogs are doing this year. Throw the Dragons in there as well, though I think their turnaround is more down to a mentality change than anything.

Barnett, Harris, Ford and Capewell and Niukore for the Warriors are the case in point.

I'm starting to agree on this too.

For one, we have the makings of a 1st class spine for years to come so we need to build around this with solid, no-nonsense types & finishers who won't be top dollar.

Two, we have to consider the juniors coming through & ensuring future squad space & cap for them i.e. Makasini, Large, Godinet, Taupau-Moors, Haywood, Isdale etc

If we can land a Oregon Kaufusi or Griffin Neame from Nov 1 for '26, add to our middles for '25 with a Royce Hunt or Bunty Afoa or Herman Ese Ese back from ESL plus a subsidised Tyson Frizell.

A huge get from ESL that would fit the profile for what we need is Morgan Knowles as a lock/small prop.

Plus a Sione Mata'utia as backrow/centre utility from ESL or a Jack Williams.

Remis Smith would also be a solid experienced off-contract acquisition regardless of whether many see him as a hog.

And if we have a 'war' chest still up our sleeve for Nov 1, then Kotoni Staggs or Selwyn Cobbo!!!

 

[Tom Shines]

He said he won't be buying 17/18yos to top up matts and balls squads. Different if he see's this kid playing flegg and then onto 1st grade

I see…improving the Flegg team is the priority

 

[AmericanHistoryX]

I'm starting to agree on this too.

For one, we have the makings of a 1st class spine for years to come so we need to build around this with solid, no-nonsense types & finishers who won't be top dollar.

Two, we have to consider the juniors coming through & ensuring future squad space & cap for them i.e. Makasini, Large, Godinet, Taupau-Moors, Haywood, Isdale etc

If we can land a Oregon Kaufusi or Griffin Neame from Nov 1 for '26, add to our middles for '25 with a Royce Hunt or Bunty Afoa or Herman Ese Ese back from ESL plus a subsidised Tyson Frizell.

A huge get from ESL that would fit the profile for what we need is Morgan Knowles as a lock/small prop.

Plus a Sione Mata'utia as backrow/centre utility from ESL or a Jack Williams.

Remis Smith would also be a solid experienced off-contract acquisition regardless of whether many see him as a hog.

And if we have a 'war' chest still up our sleeve for Nov 1, then Kotoni Staggs or Selwyn Cobbo!!!

Glad you agree. We be getting somewhere now.... team will be getting stronger...

 

[colinbh]

Zero runs? I watched it until Penrith got well ahead. Zero runs is a flat out lie

Number 11 right? Can't think of any.