Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Speed2burn]

I wasn’t overly impressed with Laulili this year. Had a couple of shockers. But you can’t write him off at 18. If he’s got a crack that young, he’s clearly got something. Idk if he’s worth starting with, but should definitely be in the side at some stage.

Definitely debuted way too early. If we weren’t such a shit show, he probably doesn’t debut until he’s 20

Now that I look back on it though, I’m glad he’s had a taste

 

[Speed2burn]

This is a make or break year for Benji, if there isn't constantly noticeable improvement in weekly performance he will be gone, iv got no doubt about it.

Whilst I agree, I wonder how many player contracts at the WT would be based around benji being coach.

He should have recruited strong assistants around him imo

 

[JB9918]

Anyone taken any notice of train & trialist Eiden Ackland at training sessions? With Bud departed, could well be Eiden Ackland & Latu Fainu as our NSW Cup halves.

I think it will be Latu at 7 & Doueihi at 6.

The latest photos shows Toa at right centre.

They will both get a run in NRL throughout the year but I think Ackland or Naden will play halves in NSW Cup at some point as well.

 

[Flippedy]

Why do people think that if May is found not guilty he'll walk immediately into a top 30 spot? Having not played for over a year and not had any preseason or training it will take him time to be ready for first grade.

A train and trial at first is fine and then if needed can offload someone early to free a space if needed

Plus the fact we don’t really need him, we have enough options for centre and wing. And unlike Lodge and some others who have atoned for their indiscretions and moved on, May is a serial douchebag who still seems to be lurching from one crime to another without remorse. Love his brother and his attitude, but no thanks to Taylan (I’m just misguided) May.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

Why not both.

Naden had all the tools the top centres/wingers had. Speed, strength, size. Should be pushing for rep jerseys, but instead no one wants him in the NRL.

You’re seriously suggesting Naden is good enough to be a rep player? Good lord.

 

[FootyEnjoyer]

What 2nd rowers are actually available?

 

[Tom Shines]

What 2nd rowers are actually available?

I don’t have the list ..but with players being able to sign a year in advance …I imagine it’s a short one….

Might be better off signing someone for 2026… then trying to get him released early …

 

[Needaname]

I really think one more quality signing is brewing behind the scenes. Batemen and Sullivan gone quickly just before the new year is a little promising

A quality centre or 2nd rower 🙏

I’m not sure where they will get them from. If your talking quality, that has to be someone known; and just about everyone known is tied to their club, up and comers like Lucas, Wilton, Hass and Leumeluu have resigned recently.
Who is there?

 

[twentyforty]

What 2nd rowers are actually available?

It may not be up to date, but gives you a rough idea.

Players Off Contract 2026 – By Position

A complete list of NRL players off contract in 2026 by playing position.

www.zerotackle.com

 

[Tom Shines]

It may not be up to date, but gives you a rough idea.

Players Off Contract 2026 – By Position

A complete list of NRL players off contract in 2026 by playing position.

www.zerotackle.com

Seems out of whack ….has players like Kikau and Bateman available ….

 

[bptiger 0]

Sullivan officially released for ‘25. Can return 26/27

Yes but how much we paying

 

[ancient_magpie]

I really think one more quality signing is brewing behind the scenes. Batemen and Sullivan gone quickly just before the new year is a little promising

A quality centre or 2nd rower 🙏

Why would we sign another centre with Makasini coming through next year.

 

[Speed2burn]

Why would we sign another centre with Makasini coming through next year.

olam is one injury from retirement
And T’oa is well… he speaks for himself

 

[bptiger 0]

I don’t have the list ..but with players being able to sign a year in advance …I imagine it’s a short one….

Might be better off signing someone for 2026… then trying to get him released early …

Ur right but this coming season is are Waterloo if we don’t go very close to making that 8 , all hell will break out , we could lose galvin , luai could invoke his clause , recruitment who be harder , NEXT year we need to preform, we need that backrower NOW

 

[Tom Shines]

Ur right but this coming season is are Waterloo if we don’t go very close to making that 8 , all hell will break out , we could lose galvin , luai could invoke his clause , recruitment who be harder , NEXT year we need to preform, we need that backrower NOW

If players aren’t available for 2025 in Dec 2024 because they have all signed elsewhere …then what do you want them to do ?

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

I really think one more quality signing is brewing behind the scenes. Batemen and Sullivan gone quickly just before the new year is a little promising

A quality centre or 2nd rower 🙏

Spot 29 will be for the upgrade of Sione Fainu to top 30. Spot 30 will be left open, Richo & Benji will be patient until the right person comes along.

For example, Taylan May post court case in March OR Tim Johannssen absolutely monsters it in the trials OR we sign a Kai Pearce-Paul for 2026 (which in that case we may just promote a Dev or T&T for this season). We're in a decent position to be patient despite lack of experience as right edge backrower.

 

[jadtiger]

To be fair, they weren't recruited until Sheens came back on board as Head of Football or whatever it was. Not sure how much Madge had in recruiting those boys based on his previously horrendous recruitment record. Thank goodness whoever was responsible got Api tho

We only got Papi because Madge was Kiwi coach and he wanted to play for him,no wonder he lost interest as soon as the fraud Sheens got the job

 

[BAGNF05]

Spot 29 will be for the upgrade of Sione Fainu to top 30. Spot 30 will be left open, Richo & Benji will be patient until the right person comes along.

For example, Taylan May post court case in March OR Tim Johannssen absolutely monsters it in the trials OR we sign a Kai Pearce-Paul for 2026 (which in that case we may just promote a Dev or T&T for this season). We're in a decent position to be patient despite lack of experience as right edge backrower.

Old administration were famous for being patient (always next year), Richo will be looking to upgrade second row as soon as he can.

 

[weststigerman]

You’re seriously suggesting Naden is good enough to be a rep player? Good lord.

No, that's not what I said. I said he has the physical attributes, but missing the rest.

 

[Kaito]

We only got Papi because Madge was Kiwi coach and he wanted to play for him,no wonder he lost interest as soon as the fraud Sheens got the job

I think there is definately some truth to that JT, being
sold one thing and getting another. At least he kinda
bit down on the mouth guard & put in 4 us. We played
him horribly BTW, making him crash & bash it up.
Ivan will have him running Parra lines at his best again!