Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

DT Sport Confidential:

FACE THE CONSEQUENCES’: BENJI’S HIGH EXPECTATIONS

Wests Tigers players have been left in no doubt about what is expected from them when they return to pre-season training in November after the club delivered some home truths in their exit interviews.

It is understood the players were told that they needed to return to pre-season in tip-top shape or face the consequences.

The Tigers have won three straight wooden spoons and a fourth will be unacceptable given the club has secured some big signings for next year, chief among them Penrith superstar Jarome Luai, his premiership-wining teammate Sunia Turuva and Cronulla prop Royce Hunt.

Wests Tigers players have been warned to return to pre-season training in tip-top shape or face the consequences. Picture: Getty Images

Wests Tigers players have been warned to return to pre-season training in tip-top shape or face the consequences. Picture: Getty Images
The Tigers remain in the market and have been linked with a handful of players including Marcelo Montoya and Brisbane’s Kobe Hetherington – Hetherington is expected to visit the club’s headquarters next week.

However, they may choose to keep their powder dry and watch how the summer unfolds before making any further moves.

The club’s existing players have also been told to arrive back at training in good condition as the club looks to give coach Benji Marshall the best chance to lead a revival.

The message appears to have had the desired effect – a number of the club’s young stars were still working out in the facilities this week in a bid to ensure they hit the ground running next season.

Meanwhile, premiership-winning hero Brett Hodgson is among the coaches being considered as Marshall looks to strengthen the ranks of his assistants next season.

Hodgson, a teammate of Marshall in the 2005 grand final win and a life member of the Tigers, was most recently a member of Eddie Jones’ staff with the Wallabies, acting as their defensive coach.

He has previously been on the Tigers coaching staff as an assistant.
 
Looking on NRL website at our contracted players for 2025 I see we have 32 but note 2 omissions at this stage
Solomona Faataape
Sione Fainu
In Sione case seems we should keep all 3 brothers not just 2
We haven't signed Faataape yet Starford Toa is signed 3 more years and is nearly always out injured
Thoughts?
 
Looking on NRL website at our contracted players for 2025 I see we have 32 but note 2 omissions at this stage
Solomona Faataape
Sione Fainu
In Sione case seems we should keep all 3 brothers not just 2
We haven't signed Faataape yet Starford Toa is signed 3 more years and is nearly always out injured
Thoughts?
To’a is a better player, but he is probably on 3 times the salary too. It’s unlikely either will be starting next year, so I’d be happy to let both move on.
 
Warbrick will have eclipsed him by mid next year...
Not just Physically.
(Has already IMO)

To'o is a one trick pony - Can make dirty yards....
Limited Speed Wise, Limited in the Air.
I'd rather have a Winger that doesn't make quite as many yards - but is faster, bigger and better with the high ball.
He just doesn't get challenged in the air as much at Penrith as he would elsewhere simply because most teams that play Penrith are kicking from well inside their own half.

Overall,
The Panthers game makes him look much better than he is,
And he costs too much. Anyone talking about buying a Winger for 900k is on Crack.
- We'd be buying a contract the panthers could do without.
Some wild theory
 
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Looking on NRL website at our contracted players for 2025 I see we have 32 but note 2 omissions at this stage
Solomona Faataape
Sione Fainu
In Sione case seems we should keep all 3 brothers not just 2
We haven't signed Faataape yet Starford Toa is signed 3 more years and is nearly always out injured
Thoughts?
You really wanna know my thoughts Steve?

I think you're drunk and need to put down your phone.

We have 30 signed for next season, not 32.

Starford Toa is also not signed for 3 more years, he is signed til the end of 2025 (12 more months)
 
I heard the RCG to Penrith To'o to Tigers rumour weeks ago off a different person from today that To'o is a Tiger

It's just very interesting that RCG has left Parramatta has a new club but it has not been announced I wonder why
Either way. Your post made me optimistic. Your rumour (whether it happens or not) has been more interesting than the last 10-20 pages of dribble that I've subjected myself to. Fingers crossed. Us WTs fans sure could do with some more solid signings this off-season.
 
Why on earth would penrith release To'o early?

If they can nab Galvin November next year, i can see them pushing pretty hard to get him over early and using To'o as trade bait... but that is at least 12 months away, and a big IF.

there is enough smoke to suggest he is unsettled but I think there is no way he leaves Penrith before end of next year. If someone is saying he has "signed" with the Tigers, they are simply not a reliable source
 
Either way. Your post made me optimistic. Your rumour (whether it happens or not) has been more interesting than the last 10-20 pages of dribble that I've subjected myself to. Fingers crossed. Us WTs fans sure could do with some more solid signings this off-season.
Same guy had Stef at the Roosters from a supposed family member of Stefs and Talagi with us. Plus a few more. I wouldnt hold your breath.
 
glad Marshall’s cracked the whip. we’re going to need a massive preseason if we’re going to do anything of note next year.

as for Hodgson, I can’t see Richardson allowing it. we need experience. we can’t go down this route again.
Hodgson has been coaching in league and union for more then 10 years. He isn't exactly inexperienced in coaching ranks - in fact that would make him our most experienced coach
 
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