Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

The Chad said:
I would imagine targets for 2026- that the Tigers are going to hunt 1 or 2 pretty big fish. We are a cashed up club, and Richo has made overtures about his war chest.

So could we make a play at Nikora? Absolutely.

I find it really difficult to look 2 seasons away at what we 'need'. We have so many young players coming through- what we need today might be incomprehensible come January 2026.

Given the players coming through- I could see a world where 2nd Row & Centre are priorities. I would normally say middles, but with Sione Fainu, Pole, Johannssen, Miller, Tofaeono, Aho, Fa'agutu, Lualili'i & Matamua in their development stage, it's conceivable that at least 1 or 2 become regular 1st team players in 12-18 months. So then the need diminishes dramatically.

Given the direction the club wants to take, I'd be very surprised if Nov 1 the Tigers aren't looking at Willison & Corey Jensen from the Broncos, Tallis Duncan at Souths, Harrison Hassett from Penrith, Stonestreet from the Sharks, Adam Pompey from the Warriors & of course, Jack Hetherington from the Knights.

Obviously we are long odds to sign all of these guys. But coming away with 1 or 2 would strengthen the squad & not necessarily block the future of some of the kids the club hold in high regard.
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I think we all have to be mindful of a few of Richo's past comments before getting our hopes set on a 'big fish'.

In early interviews Richo alluded to be paying a higher % for spine players and we landed our big fish in Luai. The remainder would be recruiting good players who fill a need for us.

I take that as recruiting experience & culture value, players in positions where we lack depth or strike & finding players of $$$ value (i.e. those who are top 13 worthy but can't get a start at their current club i.e. Kobe Hetherington, or who are looking for more $$$ as current club are hamstrung by the cap i.e. Turuva).

I would be very surprised if we make a play for Nikora who will demand $850-$900k especially since we baulked at AFB's price for a middle.

Richo will be want to ensure we have space in future for the progress of our youngsters too.

That's my reasoning why a Teig Wilton or Connelly Lemelu as @jrtiger also suugests will be more viable for us as an edge target. Both top 13 players in their own right but leaves us $$$ in future when an Archie Duncombe or Pheonix Godinet jump out of the ground.

The only outlier to the above is if Brian To'o becomes available as he ticks every box for us PLUS he & Luai would be phenomenal for marketing the club well into the future!
 
balmain boy said:
He was the one that wanted out, we wanted him to extend. Therefore we had the leverage, not him.
We'll consider letting you out of your contract early, let us know which club you're looking to join and we'll reach out to them and see if we can negotiate a deal.
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He has time - the Tigers don't and he wanted out. He could wait us out for another year and he was never going to extend and still go to Mnaly.
 
Robbie said:
Jordan Miller will not be at the tigers next year. I have been told he has already been released, he will end up at the dogs or souths. He went to play for Fiji when he was asked not to by the club. This is apparently the reason.
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If that's the case then I can't see the club had any other choice but to release him - you have to have standards
 
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Tiger-ferret said:
Is it normal for clubs to block players rep aspirations?
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I think it is. Richo has said openly we let players play in rep games last year who weren't fit, and it impacted this year and that we weren't going to do that again.

I found it interesting that the Fainu brothers weren't picked for Tonga either, maybe they were also told not to play.
 
weststigerman said:
I think it is. Richo has said openly we let players play in rep games last year who weren't fit, and it impacted this year and that we weren't going to do that again.

I found it interesting that the Fainu brothers weren't picked for Tonga either, maybe they were also told not to play.
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I think it’s unfair to not allow players to represent their countries. This would be the families proudest moment seeing him run out for Fiji, it means so much for countries like Tonga, Samoa, Fiji & PNG
 
In my prop rotation, I like one defensive wall and one impact. So for mine, we're likely to go with Klemmer/Pole and Hunt/Twal (or Sione Fainu or a young gun) off the bench. Hunt may even start with Klemmer leaving Pole to come off the bench. Not amazing but serviceable front row.

But our lock is the issue for me, and a second second-rower to partner Samuela. Could that be Sione Fainu? Is he more than a bench prop? Has he got the motor and defence for lock? Worth a trial I'd say unless we have a killer recruit coming our way...
 
weststigerman said:
If they are fit and ready then I agree, but maybe there is more to it. Miller has clearly had issues with managing his weight and fitness and did need a really strong pre-season.
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They did say that they wanted everyone to start season training in the best form possible. A few of the young guys have been doing daily gym workouts for weeks. With Miller playing rep he won’t be getting his fitness right.
 
weststigerman said:
I think it is. Richo has said openly we let players play in rep games last year who weren't fit, and it impacted this year and that we weren't going to do that again.

I found it interesting that the Fainu brothers weren't picked for Tonga either, maybe they were also told not to play.
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Latu has played about 6 games in 18 months and isn't getting picked over Tui or Katoa
Sam had a good year, But heard to see him getting picked over Katoa, Olakau'atu, Kaloamatagi, Toupouniua...
Maybe he also opted out - after finishing last this year - And first full season in NRL
 
Juice said:
I think it’s unfair to not allow players to represent their countries. This would be the families proudest moment seeing him run out for Fiji, it means so much for countries like Tonga, Samoa, Fiji & PNG
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I agree.

I understand the clear logistical issues from a club standpoint, obviously.

But these are very, very special moments for a lot of players, their family and their culture.
 
weststigerman said:
I think it is. Richo has said openly we let players play in rep games last year who weren't fit, and it impacted this year and that we weren't going to do that again.

I found it interesting that the Fainu brothers weren't picked for Tonga either, maybe they were also told not to play.
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Selected for your country of birth or heritage is pretty
special, I do remember Richo's comments regarding
off season internationals though, don't think we can
draw parallels with Jordan's situation. We're not
letting guys leave 4 no reason. Trust the process.
They were hating on ponga 4 being non-commital
when selected 4 kangaroos. I don't beleive the news
around Miller. He is still under contract either way
 
Tiger Tarl said:
In my prop rotation, I like one defensive wall and one impact. So for mine, we're likely to go with Klemmer/Pole and Hunt/Twal (or Sione Fainu or a young gun) off the bench. Hunt may even start with Klemmer leaving Pole to come off the bench. Not amazing but serviceable front row.

But our lock is the issue for me, and a second second-rower to partner Samuela. Could that be Sione Fainu? Is he more than a bench prop? Has he got the motor and defence for lock? Worth a trial I'd say unless we have a killer recruit coming our way...
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At this stage, I've got Bird at lock, with Sione on the bench as prop/lock rotation.
 
Robbie said:
Jordan Miller will not be at the tigers next year. I have been told he has already been released, he will end up at the dogs or souths. He went to play for Fiji when he was asked not to by the club. This is apparently the reason.
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Well I hope we can get something in our favour in return rather than a straight release given he's one of the best 19yo middles in the country. Maybe we should offer him to Manly for better terms on absorbing the Bateman contract.
 
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