Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

jrtiger said:
we need both lock and a front rower.

Egan Butcher is who I’d pursue for the 13 role personally if Hetherington’s staying at Brisbane. I’d also be trying for Trent Loiero.

Thompson and Willison as you say fit the bill for what we need in the front row. Davvy Moale’s another I think that would be ideal.
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Think we had a crack at Egan before, with Madge.

He said no thanks.
 
king_sirro said:
IMO Sione has shown signs that he can fill whatever hole we are left with. He is very talented. So if we need a lock he fills it. I thought he looked the most natural of all our middles engaging the line as a link man. He didn't do it often as his role was quite limited off the bench, but when he did do it, it was seamless. He would only get better at it over time.

I also wouldn't rule out him playing right edge if Bird plays 13. Sione is as mobile as Sam and could be a revelation on the edge.

If he isn't needed in those 2 spots then he plays front row, a spot where he could be our best forward.

I have a huge opinion of him. Loved how he improved his defence throughout the season.

I guess we have to sign him first.
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*shameless plug alert*

on the poddy this week we had a chat about how good his season was. did you know he had an average carry of 11.3 metres in the NRL?

that's unheard of for a debutant. supreme talent.
 
Tiger Stripes said:
Your selections IMO are spot on with what we need. Props and lock/back row.
One from each group would have me over the moon for next year, but some are contracted for 2025.
Hopefully club budgets put them on the market?
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all those I mentioned are for 2025 mate.

key is to sign them post November 1 and then agitate. Brisbane's cap issues are well documented, Easts have stacks of middles and Newcastle are trying to reshape their cap to invest heavily in the spine. you never know what clubs will do if they lose the battle to retain those that go to free agency.
 
BlackWhiteGold said:

Daily Tele today:​

Heamasi Makasini signs Wests Tigers contract worth more than $1m while still in year 11​

Heamasi Makasini, a powerful 17-year-old centre, has rejected the bundles of cash offered to him by rugby union scouts to sign a massive new deal with the Wests Tigers.

This is the richest schoolkid in Australia – a $1m rising NRL star still in year 11 at Sydney’s Newington College.
He is Heamasi Makasini, a powerful 17-year-old who spurned Australian rugby union to sign a three-year upgrade and extension at Wests Tigers.

Details remain confidential but this masthead can reveal his new deal is worth more than $1m.

And there are suggestions Makasini could play NRL as early as next season while still preparing for his HSC. He wouldn’t be eligible for NRL until he turns 18 on July 27 next year.

Still playing rugby league and rugby union, Makasini re-signed with Wests Tigers this week just a day after scoring a try in the Australian under 18s rugby union historic win over New Zealand Schools in Hamilton.

He has already been compared to a young Greg Inglis, Israel Folau and Jonah Lomu.

Despite rugby union’s desperate desire to sign him, Makasini wanted to play left centre in rugby league – and for Wests Tigers.

“Athletically, Heamasi is next level,” said Mario Tartak, Makasini’s manager. “He has just turned 17, is still in year 11, has the world at his feet and wants to be a Wests Tiger. He was signed on realistic potential.

“Benji Marshall (Wests Tigers coach) has told Heamasi and his parents that he could play NRL as soon as next year while still at school. He is very well developed.

Heamasi Makasini signing his Wests Tigers deal.

Heamasi Makasini signing his Wests Tigers deal.
“Honestly, he’s got it all. He’s definitely a gem. He reminds some of a young Folau or a young Inglis.

“He is a Campbelltown junior and has come through the Wests Tigers’ pathways – Harold Matthews and Jersey Flegg.”

The Waratahs chased but failed to sign Makasini while former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans, now in charge of Japanese rugby side Saitama Wild Knights, met with the youngster when in Sydney during July, as revealed by this masthead.

Former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans attempted to lure Heamasi Makasini to rugby union.

Former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans attempted to lure Heamasi Makasini to rugby union.
“He was in awe of Robbie Deans but moving to Japan was one thing and he wanted to play with his mates at Wests Tigers,” Tartak said.

Orange-born with Tongan heritage, Makasini was on an SG Ball contract for 2025 but was upgraded and then extended for a further two seasons. He will come off contract at Concord after 2027.

Heamasi Makasini of Australia U18 scores a try during the match between Australia U8s and New Zealand Barbarians at St Paul's Collegiate School. Picture: Getty Images's Collegiate School. Picture: Getty Images

Heamasi Makasini of Australia U18 scores a try during the match between Australia U8s and New Zealand Barbarians at St Paul's Collegiate School. Picture: Getty Images
Marshall added: “He is one of the best young talents that we have who has progressed his way through our development programs.”

Makasini scored 92 points, scoring ten tries in ten games, during this year’s Harold Matthews Cup and was later named player of the year. He represented the Australian under 16s rugby union side last year.

“As a family, we give thanks to God for His blessings, and we are humbled and overwhelmed by this amazing opportunity,” said Heamasi’s mother, Tupou.
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Just a thought / query - is / should the NRL contributing any $$$ to these deals in keeping and retaining upcoming league - union players? Wasn't some deal made with Roosters over their Wallaby winger coming in. Maybe in the war between league and union with the poaching of up and comers from the junior club competitions the NRL needs to help out and provide extras / top ups?
 
BlackWhiteGold said:

Daily Tele today:​

Heamasi Makasini signs Wests Tigers contract worth more than $1m while still in year 11​

Heamasi Makasini, a powerful 17-year-old centre, has rejected the bundles of cash offered to him by rugby union scouts to sign a massive new deal with the Wests Tigers.

This is the richest schoolkid in Australia – a $1m rising NRL star still in year 11 at Sydney’s Newington College.
He is Heamasi Makasini, a powerful 17-year-old who spurned Australian rugby union to sign a three-year upgrade and extension at Wests Tigers.

Details remain confidential but this masthead can reveal his new deal is worth more than $1m.

And there are suggestions Makasini could play NRL as early as next season while still preparing for his HSC. He wouldn’t be eligible for NRL until he turns 18 on July 27 next year.

Still playing rugby league and rugby union, Makasini re-signed with Wests Tigers this week just a day after scoring a try in the Australian under 18s rugby union historic win over New Zealand Schools in Hamilton.

He has already been compared to a young Greg Inglis, Israel Folau and Jonah Lomu.

Despite rugby union’s desperate desire to sign him, Makasini wanted to play left centre in rugby league – and for Wests Tigers.

“Athletically, Heamasi is next level,” said Mario Tartak, Makasini’s manager. “He has just turned 17, is still in year 11, has the world at his feet and wants to be a Wests Tiger. He was signed on realistic potential.

“Benji Marshall (Wests Tigers coach) has told Heamasi and his parents that he could play NRL as soon as next year while still at school. He is very well developed.

Heamasi Makasini signing his Wests Tigers deal.

Heamasi Makasini signing his Wests Tigers deal.
“Honestly, he’s got it all. He’s definitely a gem. He reminds some of a young Folau or a young Inglis.

“He is a Campbelltown junior and has come through the Wests Tigers’ pathways – Harold Matthews and Jersey Flegg.”

The Waratahs chased but failed to sign Makasini while former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans, now in charge of Japanese rugby side Saitama Wild Knights, met with the youngster when in Sydney during July, as revealed by this masthead.

Former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans attempted to lure Heamasi Makasini to rugby union.

Former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans attempted to lure Heamasi Makasini to rugby union.
“He was in awe of Robbie Deans but moving to Japan was one thing and he wanted to play with his mates at Wests Tigers,” Tartak said.

Orange-born with Tongan heritage, Makasini was on an SG Ball contract for 2025 but was upgraded and then extended for a further two seasons. He will come off contract at Concord after 2027.

Heamasi Makasini of Australia U18 scores a try during the match between Australia U8s and New Zealand Barbarians at St Paul's Collegiate School. Picture: Getty Images's Collegiate School. Picture: Getty Images

Heamasi Makasini of Australia U18 scores a try during the match between Australia U8s and New Zealand Barbarians at St Paul's Collegiate School. Picture: Getty Images
Marshall added: “He is one of the best young talents that we have who has progressed his way through our development programs.”

Makasini scored 92 points, scoring ten tries in ten games, during this year’s Harold Matthews Cup and was later named player of the year. He represented the Australian under 16s rugby union side last year.

“As a family, we give thanks to God for His blessings, and we are humbled and overwhelmed by this amazing opportunity,” said Heamasi’s mother, Tupou.
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Hppefully more Suali'i than Suli (although he has come good) in terms of big money teenagers. Signs point to the former in terms of attitude so very promising
 
Tiger_Yoshi said:
Rumour that Klem as well as Bateman dont talk to Benji.....?....Why dont they leave then!!!!
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If so, Richo needs to pull them all (incl Benji) in to his office and get to the bottom of it. If they are disrespecting the coach and creating disharmony, their contracts are looked to see if they can be released. Surely there has to be something within their contracts that ensure they can't just fold their arms in a huff and not talk to the coach. In my opinion, the coach is their boss and what they say goes.
 
jrtiger said:
*shameless plug alert*

on the poddy this week we had a chat about how good his season was. did you know he had an average carry of 11.3 metres in the NRL?

that's unheard of for a debutant. supreme talent.
Click to expand...
Great Pody boys!!!! However i believe our boy Bateman is going to stay and get his 700k paycheck for next two years..very disapointing as i want him gone!!! Looking forward to part 2 tomorrow!! Ps you were saying Klemmer has lost weight, i heard on SEN he doesnt eat on game day..he needs to bulk up big time as you said he looks scrawny!!
 
davey_farrell said:
Great Pody boys!!!! However i believe our boy Bateman is going to stay and get his 700k paycheck for next two years..very disapointing as i want him gone!!! Looking forward to part 2 tomorrow!! Ps you were saying Klemmer has lost weight, i heard on SEN he doesnt eat on game day..he needs to bulk up big time as you said he looks scrawny!!
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legend mate. thank you!

Klem’s gotta get off the darts and get back to pumping Zinger Boxes. he looks malnourished.
 
How do the people that said it was ridiculous for manly to tell Large he’d play first grade next year feel about Makasini’s manager confirming he was promised the same thing? I personally don’t have problems with teams doing it but a lot of people on here had different opinions
 
Juice said:
How do the people that said it was ridiculous for manly to tell Large he’d play first grade next year feel about Makasini’s manager confirming he was promised the same thing? I personally don’t have problems with teams doing it but a lot of people on here had different opinions
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Because one earned it and is a beast among boys and the other is onion large
 
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