Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[weststigerman]

I’d love to know why everyone is so convinced Turuva is going to be any better than To’a in defence.

I think he’ll end up back on the wing after a few rounds leaving that right centre spot up for grabs.

 

[upthetigers]

I’d love to know why everyone is so convinced Turuva is going to be any better than To’a in defence.

I think he’ll end up back on the wing after a few rounds leaving that right centre spot up for grabs.

That wouldn't be the worst thing if it happened he is a good finisher and we are light on genuine first grade wingers.

 

[weststigerman]

That wouldn't be the worst thing if it happened he is a good finisher and we are light on genuine first grade wingers.

I agree. I think he’s a winger. We’re also light on first grade centres though.

 

[cochise]

Tbh It's unreasonable in my opinion as well. My opinion is like everyone elses. These guys get paid well and shouldn't need a week off in the middle of the season when they get 2 months off at the end of it.

But what I don't agree with is that Bateman has been given any special treatment as all the team was given a week off. I think the argument that he is holds even less weight when the coach also decides to go overseas during a bye week (yes I get the travel time and time zone differences).

As an aside I don't think it destroyed his season at all. His performance didn't decline after his trip in my opinion. His performances weren't up to scratch this year, though I think that probably has more to do with clashing with Marshall than anything to do with travelling/preseason length or anything else.

He started 2023 really well, went to England and was terrible when he came back.

 

[Moh]

I know there were rumours - but nice to hear from Richo that both Hetherington and Horsburgh had both actually agreed to terms with us.

For a wooden spoon club to make 8 offers and have them all agree to terms is pretty damn good. C'mon journos, write this story.

 

[tigerballs]

We've tried the prop at lock for a few years now.

Find the Matamua name drop interesting.
He's got the prop size but the skills from coming through as a half... think he could really do something in the #13.

Richo alluding to body shapes looking different. I'm very interested to see who's named at lock in round 1 and hopefully its time Juzzy lives up to the hype.

He's always shown glimpses and really, he's still just a baby. He's one I'm prepared to give a bit of time.

 

[Betterdays22]

Api is fantastic but can't do it on his own.

Ice never really wanted to come & to be honest played his best footy once he had signed elsewhere.

Bateman no comment required.

This is different we have a actual 7, first time in 11 years to guide us around the park.

Wing - I don't think is an issue this year at all.

Centre - Yes hopefully we have someone stand up otherwise it will be Makasini. So problem solved there.

Lock - I think we will be okay. May can play huge minutes. Based on today's BTR, Matamua looking the goods. We will be able to cover with the middles we have on the books & Latu as smoky 14 ball playing middle if the game permits.

2nd Row - Yes, similar to the centre spot hopefully someone stands up. I do find it odd the Bateman talk has stopped. Maybe he pulls his head in... Doubt it. I would say this is our main target for 2026 & I believe Teig Wilton is the obvious choice. Off contract at the Sharks, John Morris's nephew & behind Niokora & Talaki as starting back row.

Bench Prop - Move than covered now.

Imo a lot will depend on a) good run with injuries b) how quickly Luke L, Makasini and Tim Johannssen come on c) if we can adequately cover 2nd row and lock from within with the likes of Matamua, Porter, Sione Fainu etc.

Dont get me wrong, we look much, much better that we have in years. Just pointing out there are still gaps

 

[Betterdays22]

I know there were rumours - but nice to hear from Richo that both Hetherington and Horsburgh had both actually agreed to terms with us.

For a wooden spoon club to make 8 offers and have them all agree to terms is pretty damn good. C'mon journos, write this story.

Also how the Dragons and Dogs have continually missed their men this off season... Tigers would be copping a hammering

 

[Properossi]

Like Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles playing tennis.

Stevie can see

 

[tigerballs]

What about 2004 ?We landed Prince , Richards,Whatuira ,Hodgson ,Elford etc

Prince being the main one, just like Luai.

 

[Camel2281]

Richo explained, all but agreed to terms and then his club blocked it (same with Horsbra)

So not exactly his choice.
But yeah, indeed, NEXT!

Madge sticking the knife in to get payback is what it is. He's known through league circles for being thin skinned and vindictive

 

[yeti]

Luai can't fix the worst defensive side on the right. Right second row and right centre are a massive weak point in the team. Also no guarantee the new signings will pay off, even though it looks good on paper, anyone who gets into the Tigers culture changes, James Tamou springs to mind

I don't think Tamou changed - he was just crap - fullstop!

 

[Camel2281]

Right second row. Options are bateman, porter, jack bird maybe. Right centre is doueihi, faataape, or bird. Horrid. Barely first graders now

Bird is a really good edge defender

 

[palms]

The only really bad move from richo was the five year 800k offer to Stefano. Those dollars and length don't make sense to me given the way he has played up until this point.

Glad he at least rejected it. Be interesting to see if that move works out for him.

As for the tigers, excellent recruitment in areas of weakness. I'd still like to see two hardworking defensive backrowers found somewhere. Our biggest issue remains workrate and defensive strength. You can have flash new players but they need to be hungry to tackle and make efforts plays.

I always had a theory he knew he was leaving regardless of the offer the Tigers put in and he went that figure to save some face.

 

[tigerballs]

Madge sticking the knife in to get payback is what it is. He's known through league circles for being thin skinned and vindictive

No he's not. He's a good man, Madge. Just because he didn't work out at WT is no reason to hate on the bloke.

 

[palms]

He needs to seriously improve his discipline and his defense in order to be a starting player. To much jumping out of the line and creating overlaps for the attacking team. His lateral movement is poor and often leaves his half isolated in defense.

Needs a big offseason to improve his lateral movement and decision making in the defensive line.

Seyfarth is a great depth player. If we are considering him as part of our 17 in 2026 we haven't recruited well enough.

 

[Camel2281]

No he's not. He's a good man, Madge. Just because he didn't work out at WT is no reason to hate on the bloke.

Was known at Souths

 

[supercoach]

Be interesting who is our starting goal kicker. API is not terrible, but we need a top notch 80% plus kicker if we are going to give finals footy a shake

 

[tigermate]

I’d love to know why everyone is so convinced Turuva is going to be any better than To’a in defence.

I think he’ll end up back on the wing after a few rounds leaving that right centre spot up for grabs.

Atiitude , effort, footy IQ - to name a few why he’s better than Toa … oh yeah and he’s a winner

 

[tigerballs]

Was known at Souths

No it wasn't.