Isn't that what Skelton is
Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion
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BlackWhiteGold
Well-known member
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/jo...-lifts-lid-on-tiger-town-20241128-p5ku5u.html
John Bateman, breach notices and Terrell May: Benji lifts lid on Tiger Town
By Dan Walsh
November 28, 2024 — 3.57pm
Never a dull day in Tiger Town, even the good ones.
On Thursday the Tigers pulled out all the stops, their entire playing squad, staff marshalling proceedings wearing headsets and a slew of 2005 premiership-winners to announce the biggest sponsorship in club history.
A multi-million-dollar front-of-jersey deal with Pepper Money came with a song and dance at the Tigers’ Centre of Excellence, and an extensive media turnout for coach Benji Marshall and CEO Shane Richardson holding court.
Even with a club staffer attempting to steer questioning back toward the sponsorship deal at one point, talk of John Bateman’s impending exit, Terrell May’s looming arrival and training standards at the club were the real order of the day.
At times Marshall was terse, at others expansive, while Richardson was bullishly positive throughout.
The John Bateman saga
By the fourth question regarding Bateman’s future – or lack thereof – at the Tigers, Marshall was down to one-word answers.
“Yes,” he hopes the rolling drama around the English veteran is sorted as soon as possible, though he is “unsure” if that means Bateman returns to the club in 2025.
The 31-year-old has two years to run on a lucrative deal worth around $700,000 per season, and has been exploring options elsewhere with the Tigers’ blessing.
Marshall dismissed regular and widespread reports – including by this masthead – that he and Bateman had fallen out over a perception the coach was implementing double standards among his players. The Rugby League Players Association also intervened recently to determine the exact date Bateman is due to return to Tigers training in the new year, if at all.
“I’ve had honest discussions and in-house discussions around where John’s future is,” Marshall said.
“Those discussions will remain private but the things that have been reported are not true.”
Asked if Bateman actually wants to play for the Tigers, Richardson added: “That’s up to John Bateman, at the end of the day.
“I can’t answer for John Bateman. I’d like to but I can’t. John knows that he’s got a contract in place, his manager’s made it clear he’s got a contract in place.
“We honour every contract at the club, so if John wants to be here for the next two years, then he’ll be here for the next two years. That’s a decision between him and his manager.”
The training standards
Marshall, his players and coaching staff all trooped into Thursday’s sponsorship announcement fresh from the training paddock, assistant coach John Morris wearing his boots throughout the event.
From skipper Api Koroisau, to young gun Lachie Galvin and new recruits Jack Bird and Royce Hunt, Tigers players are reporting that this is the toughest pre-season they’ve ever known.
The summer slog began with youngsters Latu Fainu, Solomona Faataape and Solomone Saukuru being served breach notice because they failed to meet weight and skinfold criteria, as well as outlined time trials for a 1.6-kilometre run.
Fellow youngsters Heath Mason and Brandon Tumeth also failed to meet their time trial expectations, but were only served warnings.
The club’s response put the players on notice, with newly signed prop Royce Hunt returning to training three weeks early to ensure he hits the standards expected of him.
Marshall declined to go in depth on the matter, but said he is impressed with the response of his players to his new, tougher regime, where they are not allowed to complain about heat and a ‘one-in, all-in’ policy rules.
“We’ve made really clear the standards of where we’re going and to see the players buy into that, off the back of three wooden spoons as a club, we need to be better,” he said.
“The players have really attacked it, I’m really happy with where we’re at, the fitness levels at training and the buy-in from the players.”
Terrell May: the misunderstood marquee signing
Amongst the off-season drama, the Tigers were struck by a recruitment rainbow.
Rising Samoan prop Terrell May inked a three-year, $2.1 million deal two weeks ago after being surprisingly put on the open market by the Roosters.
Conjecture around May’s off-field fit at the Roosters followed, with elements of a candid interview with this masthead cited as cause for concern about his commitment to a full-time NRL career.
May’s concession that “Sometimes I just get, ‘I don’t want to be there and don’t want to play’,” was said to have raised eyebrows.
But Marshall himself has raised a similar perspective as a player and made no apologies for prioritising his young family as a coach, and weighed up May as a signing accordingly.
“I like his aggression and the way he carries the footy. He creates a lot of second phase [play] with offloads,” Marshall said of May.
“He’s a big body. He commands a lot of respect from the defensive line. And on top of that, after meeting him … I think what he said was misinterpreted.
“He’s actually a guy that has normal feelings like everyone else. He says ‘sometimes, it’s hard’. Which I admire him for. But when I sat down with him, he was fully committed to getting us out of where we are and wanted to be a part of it.”
John Bateman, breach notices and Terrell May: Benji lifts lid on Tiger Town
By Dan Walsh
November 28, 2024 — 3.57pm
Never a dull day in Tiger Town, even the good ones.
On Thursday the Tigers pulled out all the stops, their entire playing squad, staff marshalling proceedings wearing headsets and a slew of 2005 premiership-winners to announce the biggest sponsorship in club history.
A multi-million-dollar front-of-jersey deal with Pepper Money came with a song and dance at the Tigers’ Centre of Excellence, and an extensive media turnout for coach Benji Marshall and CEO Shane Richardson holding court.
Even with a club staffer attempting to steer questioning back toward the sponsorship deal at one point, talk of John Bateman’s impending exit, Terrell May’s looming arrival and training standards at the club were the real order of the day.
At times Marshall was terse, at others expansive, while Richardson was bullishly positive throughout.
The John Bateman saga
By the fourth question regarding Bateman’s future – or lack thereof – at the Tigers, Marshall was down to one-word answers.
“Yes,” he hopes the rolling drama around the English veteran is sorted as soon as possible, though he is “unsure” if that means Bateman returns to the club in 2025.
The 31-year-old has two years to run on a lucrative deal worth around $700,000 per season, and has been exploring options elsewhere with the Tigers’ blessing.
Marshall dismissed regular and widespread reports – including by this masthead – that he and Bateman had fallen out over a perception the coach was implementing double standards among his players. The Rugby League Players Association also intervened recently to determine the exact date Bateman is due to return to Tigers training in the new year, if at all.
“I’ve had honest discussions and in-house discussions around where John’s future is,” Marshall said.
“Those discussions will remain private but the things that have been reported are not true.”
Asked if Bateman actually wants to play for the Tigers, Richardson added: “That’s up to John Bateman, at the end of the day.
“I can’t answer for John Bateman. I’d like to but I can’t. John knows that he’s got a contract in place, his manager’s made it clear he’s got a contract in place.
“We honour every contract at the club, so if John wants to be here for the next two years, then he’ll be here for the next two years. That’s a decision between him and his manager.”
The training standards
Marshall, his players and coaching staff all trooped into Thursday’s sponsorship announcement fresh from the training paddock, assistant coach John Morris wearing his boots throughout the event.
From skipper Api Koroisau, to young gun Lachie Galvin and new recruits Jack Bird and Royce Hunt, Tigers players are reporting that this is the toughest pre-season they’ve ever known.
The summer slog began with youngsters Latu Fainu, Solomona Faataape and Solomone Saukuru being served breach notice because they failed to meet weight and skinfold criteria, as well as outlined time trials for a 1.6-kilometre run.
Fellow youngsters Heath Mason and Brandon Tumeth also failed to meet their time trial expectations, but were only served warnings.
The club’s response put the players on notice, with newly signed prop Royce Hunt returning to training three weeks early to ensure he hits the standards expected of him.
Marshall declined to go in depth on the matter, but said he is impressed with the response of his players to his new, tougher regime, where they are not allowed to complain about heat and a ‘one-in, all-in’ policy rules.
“We’ve made really clear the standards of where we’re going and to see the players buy into that, off the back of three wooden spoons as a club, we need to be better,” he said.
“The players have really attacked it, I’m really happy with where we’re at, the fitness levels at training and the buy-in from the players.”
Terrell May: the misunderstood marquee signing
Amongst the off-season drama, the Tigers were struck by a recruitment rainbow.
Rising Samoan prop Terrell May inked a three-year, $2.1 million deal two weeks ago after being surprisingly put on the open market by the Roosters.
Conjecture around May’s off-field fit at the Roosters followed, with elements of a candid interview with this masthead cited as cause for concern about his commitment to a full-time NRL career.
May’s concession that “Sometimes I just get, ‘I don’t want to be there and don’t want to play’,” was said to have raised eyebrows.
But Marshall himself has raised a similar perspective as a player and made no apologies for prioritising his young family as a coach, and weighed up May as a signing accordingly.
“I like his aggression and the way he carries the footy. He creates a lot of second phase [play] with offloads,” Marshall said of May.
“He’s a big body. He commands a lot of respect from the defensive line. And on top of that, after meeting him … I think what he said was misinterpreted.
“He’s actually a guy that has normal feelings like everyone else. He says ‘sometimes, it’s hard’. Which I admire him for. But when I sat down with him, he was fully committed to getting us out of where we are and wanted to be a part of it.”
Tiger_Yoshi
Well-known member
nothing new there
BAGNF05
Well-known member
The newspapers should have to pay us sponsorship for the amount of useless stories they write on us.
BlackWhiteGold
Well-known member
Yeah though I got excited when I saw John Bateman breach notices in the headline lol
diedpretty
Well-known member
Defensively probably the best 2 options although Olam can be hit and miss at times. I have had Bird at centre all along until Makasini is ready to step up. At that time Bird could move in to the 14 role which would give him a bit more longevity. Time will tell i guess.
ChilledChaos
Well-known member
Also, one thing I forgot to point out with my recent chat with Terrell. I asked him about Taylan and hoped he could join the club. He just smirked and said “you’ll see soon bro” 👀 😏
BlackWhiteGold
Well-known member
DT Sports Con
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...o/news-story/aa37f89771ef58edf89c50faeca3231f
BIRD ANSWERS BIG QUESTION
Star recruit Jack Bird has solved one of the Wests Tigers’ pre-season conundrums - where he has been earmarked to play next season.Sport Con can reveal that Bird and coach Benji Marshall have spoken about him wearing the No.13 jersey and playing in the middle of the field as part of the revamped Tigers outfit.
“I have been training at 13 a little bit,” Bird said.
“That’s really up to Benji and the coaching staff but I think the chats I have had with Benj, he wants me to play at 13 and just try to get used to that role again.
“I played there at the Dragons a few years back but it has been a while since I played in the middle.
Jack Bird locks in new role at Wests Tigers. Photo: Wests Tigers
“That is the idea of me trying to get fit and get the lungs back to play at the capacity Benji wants me to play at.
“Obviously training and game speed are a lot different but I have been training well I think. The plan is to play at 13.”
Bird is among a slew of signings that have raised optimism at the Tigers as they prepare to end their three-year streak of wooden spoons.
The 29-year-old has returned to preseason in good shape with a point to prove after being let go by the Dragons with one year remaining on his deal.
The Chad
Well-known member
Well, if #13 is the go- that means Staines, Laulili'i, Doueihi & To'a are in play..DT Sports Con
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...o/news-story/aa37f89771ef58edf89c50faeca3231f
BIRD ANSWERS BIG QUESTION
Star recruit Jack Bird has solved one of the Wests Tigers’ pre-season conundrums - where he has been earmarked to play next season.
Sport Con can reveal that Bird and coach Benji Marshall have spoken about him wearing the No.13 jersey and playing in the middle of the field as part of the revamped Tigers outfit.
“I have been training at 13 a little bit,” Bird said.
“That’s really up to Benji and the coaching staff but I think the chats I have had with Benj, he wants me to play at 13 and just try to get used to that role again.
“I played there at the Dragons a few years back but it has been a while since I played in the middle.
Jack Bird locks in new role at Wests Tigers. Photo: Wests Tigers
“That is the idea of me trying to get fit and get the lungs back to play at the capacity Benji wants me to play at.
“Obviously training and game speed are a lot different but I have been training well I think. The plan is to play at 13.”
Bird is among a slew of signings that have raised optimism at the Tigers as they prepare to end their three-year streak of wooden spoons.
The 29-year-old has returned to preseason in good shape with a point to prove after being let go by the Dragons with one year remaining on his deal.
The Chad
Well-known member
Unless........
Latu at centre....
Latu at centre....
ChilledChaos
Well-known member
1. Bula
2. Turuva
3. Taylan May
4. Olam
5. Skelton
6. Galvin
7. Luai
8. Terrell May
9. Api
10. Hunt
11. Sam Fainu
12. Bateman
13. Bird
14. Latu Fainu
15. Pole
16. Sione Fainu
17. Johannsen
Powerful Back 5 (assuming Taylan signs) with some class halves and explosive forwards! Really hoping for a team like this 🫡🔥
2. Turuva
3. Taylan May
4. Olam
5. Skelton
6. Galvin
7. Luai
8. Terrell May
9. Api
10. Hunt
11. Sam Fainu
12. Bateman
13. Bird
14. Latu Fainu
15. Pole
16. Sione Fainu
17. Johannsen
Powerful Back 5 (assuming Taylan signs) with some class halves and explosive forwards! Really hoping for a team like this 🫡🔥
king_sirro
Well-known member
DT Sports Con
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...o/news-story/aa37f89771ef58edf89c50faeca3231f
BIRD ANSWERS BIG QUESTION
Star recruit Jack Bird has solved one of the Wests Tigers’ pre-season conundrums - where he has been earmarked to play next season.
Sport Con can reveal that Bird and coach Benji Marshall have spoken about him wearing the No.13 jersey and playing in the middle of the field as part of the revamped Tigers outfit.
“I have been training at 13 a little bit,” Bird said.
“That’s really up to Benji and the coaching staff but I think the chats I have had with Benj, he wants me to play at 13 and just try to get used to that role again.
“I played there at the Dragons a few years back but it has been a while since I played in the middle.
Jack Bird locks in new role at Wests Tigers. Photo: Wests Tigers
“That is the idea of me trying to get fit and get the lungs back to play at the capacity Benji wants me to play at.
“Obviously training and game speed are a lot different but I have been training well I think. The plan is to play at 13.”
Bird is among a slew of signings that have raised optimism at the Tigers as they prepare to end their three-year streak of wooden spoons.
The 29-year-old has returned to preseason in good shape with a point to prove after being let go by the Dragons with one year remaining on his deal.
It's amazing how so many were convinced Bird will play centre even though it was pointed out numerous times Turuva signed to play right centre and Bird straight after signing on, stated he wanted to play lock. A clear indication of the discussions he had before signing. I bet even this article will go straight over some people's heads and we will see some classic "your mad if you think Bird will play in the middle", "no way Turuva plays centre" etc etc.
I swear people just take in whatever suits their opinion and block everything else out.
BAGNF05
Well-known member
I’m excited to see Turuva and Olam in the centres creasing opponents and Bird playing a variety of roles, mainly in the forwards. Hopefully his body can hold up.
Last edited:
AmericanHistoryX
Well-known member
So that is confirmed? Turuva & Olam first of the rack? Our official starting centres?
Tom Shines
Well-known member
yes .. its official ..
BAGNF05
Well-known member
Olam will probably miss the start of the season if that’s serious question, can never tell with you.
Tom Shines
Well-known member
Richo was saying Olam is back training now … he has another three months to get right … they have been tight lipped about the type of surgery … but if he is training now you think he will be right by March …?
BAGNF05
Well-known member
I have no intel, two knees normally takes time, I’d imagine they’ll be cautious.
