We are changing; for the better. It's tough now, but the right decisions are being made to undo all the previous bad management.

[BlackWhiteGold]

The young players can’t turn the club around with out the help of older experienced guys ,..these are all walking out the door

Yeah but most of our older experienced guys are not those types we need based on their output this season. Once we have room in the squad, fair chance Richo, Benji & co are looking for the right profile/type of experienced player.

 

[AmericanHistoryX]

And then when it doesn't work throw them out after 6 months after signing them to a 4 year deal... yeh right...

 

[Siberian Kitten]

If these young guys keep their heads up and form a posse like the Penrith guys or the Smith, Cronk Slater combo at Storm, WT will be strong again. If they get down and start looking elsewhere, it's SNAFU and more cookware. Benji has to find a way to keep them keen as they develop, to stay focused and learn from each loss.

 

[innsaneink]

I call this blind optimism.

We added Luai and Turuva, but offset that by losing Papali’i and likely Stef.

Galvin is the only young player to announce himself as a future star and he wants out.

... I'd add da Silva too

 

[Tom Shines]

Yeah but most of our older experienced guys are not those types we need based on their output this season. Once we have room in the squad, fair chance Richo, Benji & co are looking for the right profile/type of experienced player.

well.. they better be because that’s their job right ?

You weren’t at all curious to see how Paps might have gone with Luai next year ? He was under contract ..they didn’t have to release him …just so he could have more long term security ..he could have played well next year and earnt a new contract here or elsewhere

Is there a plan to replace him with another experienced player ?

 

[AmericanHistoryX]

You dont get it Tom. They're all leaving cause they have no leadership. WTFU brother.

 

[Tom Shines]

If these young guys keep their heads up and form a posse like the Penrith guys or the Smith, Cronk Slater combo at Storm, WT will be strong again. If they get down and start looking elsewhere, it's SNAFU and more cookware. Benji has to find a way to keep them keen as they develop, to stay focused and learn from each loss.

What’s going on with Pole ? They gunna keep him ?

You would think it’s a no brainer… but then we saw what happened to Blore

 

[Eternal Tiger]

Really?

1. Bula (he is improving in a team that hasn't been attacking well).
2.
3. Olam (proven, just needs to get over injuries)
4. Douhei ( he is playing well).
5. Tuarva
6. Galvin
7. Luai

At Olams age, he isn't going to "get over" the injuries, Doeuhi is a serial arm grabber. Coming out of yardage, we are the worst in the NRL.
Our top 17 will be better in 2025, but our top 30 will be worse. We are still years away.

 

[gregjm87]

This post could prove to be true but it seems unlikely at this stage. Until we see what is done with Papali'i and Utoikamanu's salaries we won't know the likely outcomes. However with limited players available and an uphill battle to attract anyone to the club it seems unlikely that we will revamp the forward pack enough to avoid a spoon battle again.

If we can somehow find some forwards for next year we are still hampered by a rookie coach and the reputation of players not wanting to be here.

So as it stands this looks more like blind faith than the hard, smart decisions leading to a change of culture.

I also disagree that the Utoikamanu contract was stupid. It likely what was needed to keep him. If the club had turned around form, which was looking likely when Api and Papali'i had agreed to join and there was yet more cap room, then he would be locked in.

 

[AmericanHistoryX]

Thats the thing.. how do we change our form... we buy big names.. and Naddddaaaa

 

[Eternal Tiger]

We have the worst squad in the NRL and don't spend to the Cap limit, Richo has already said we have 800k to spend next year. With Sullivan and Naden in NSW Cup, that's about $1.7m, that isn't being used. That's why we never compete, a horrible squad and not even doing the most we can to improve it.

 

[AmericanHistoryX]

And the worst leadership. As if Benji knows more about winning a comp than Luai

 

[Tom Shines]

We have the worst squad in the NRL and don't spend to the Cap limit, Richo has already said we have 800k to spend next year. With Sullivan and Naden in NSW Cup, that's about $1.7m, that isn't being used. That's why we never compete, a horrible squad and not even doing the most we can to improve it.

Prepare yourself …we are spending the cap ..or ar least 97.5 percent as per the NRL rules

 

[Bellend]

Culture, set a standard in all three grades, where is the experienced coaching staff??

who does skills and development??
who is in charge of recruitment senior and juniors??

 

[AmericanHistoryX]

We need a better accountant.. like the Roosters and Bulldogs.. where do we get one of those...

 

[Tom Shines]

We need a better accountant.. like the Roosters and Bulldogs.. where do we get one of those...

in all seriousness… having rich businessman heavily involved in recruiting must help those two clubs … we got Wests Ashfield offering a half price meal in the Chinese Restaurant to entice new recruits

 

[AmericanHistoryX]

Now we talking....in Sydney anyway...

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

well.. they better be because that’s their job right ?

You weren’t at all curious to see how Paps might have gone with Luai next year ? He was under contract ..they didn’t have to release him …just so he could have more long term security ..he could have played well next year and earnt a new contract here or elsewhere

Is there a plan to replace him with another experienced player ?

Yep it is, this next 1-2 years of recruitment is crucial for the next 10 years of the club IMO.

I was excited when Paps signed but tbh the warning signs were there when he reportedly tried to get out of the contract & he hasn't lived up to expectations.

Is there a plan? Of course, there is a plan, we just have to be patient to find out who is coming in..

 

[AmericanHistoryX]

Yep it is, this next 1-2 years of recruitment is crucial for the next 10 years of the club IMO.

I was excited when Paps signed but tbh the warning signs were there when he reportedly tried to get out of the contract & he hasn't lived up to expectations.

Is there a plan? Of course, there is a plan, we just have to be patient to find out who is coming in..

Come on man.. Watch Paps next year.. live up to what????

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

Come on man.. Watch Paps next year.. live up to what????

I hate to say it but Paps is a downhill skier, good in an already strong side. Not one to lead or guide a team that needs it. He's making a good move for him and for us!