Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[orange&black]

I think those that have been calling for Benji's head only need to look over at Penrith to see that the playing group has a lot to do with how the coach is performing. The last few years Cleary has been up on a pedestal, same game plan, same coach and still has a bunch of high profile players. So what has changed at the Riff - a couple of key positional changes.

Not being close enough to see what was going on at training etc, I had not formed a view on Benji's ability. The reason for that is a lot can be going on behind the scene that just isn't translating to on field success. There was enough in what we did see, for 75% of most games, to give me the feel that he had some ability.

My gut feel was that he had until the bye to get this higher quality team heading in the right direction. Week one was a poor start; but, as a coach, he has kicked a few goals since then. The team has demonstrated that they can execute different game plans against different opponents and have been in every game. They have also shown a level of resolve to come back from being behind in a couple.

So what we know now is that the kid can coach; how good he can coach is yet to be seen. Those who claimed he has no idea clearly had the wrong end of the stick.

Completely agree and would also add that he seems to have created a new found culture of caring and respect among the players, also all certainly look to be enjoying playing under him. Furthermore at this early stage I think most of the younger and less experienced players have come on a bit, whether that’s to do with him or the influence of the new recruits remains to be seen.
So far the group wants to play for him and there’s no telling what they could do with a couple more quality players and a bit more depth.
A few more good wins will cement his future and see us turn a corner.

 

[Rock Hopper Steve]

Pearce-Paul has scored 1 try in 24 matches and is hardly going to set us alight.

I reckon he needs to put on a 5kg of muscle to go with his good height for a 2RF, he may be not happy at the knights hence testing the market this stuff can mess with your form
Sign him and put him in Seyfarth's spot for mine if anything brings more size to the pack but I think he would go well there.

 

[orange&black]

Pearce-Paul has scored 1 try in 24 matches and is hardly going to set us alight.

Agree- he hasn’t been consistent and seems a bit of a show pony and flat track bully to me. Rather a hard working tough player like Bullemore.

 

[hank37w]

Pearce-Paul has scored 1 try in 24 matches and is hardly going to set us alight.

However, he would burn us with the money that he would want.

 

[jrtiger]

Pearce-Paul has scored 1 try in 24 matches and is hardly going to set us alight.

I think he's struggled to bed down a combination with his half because O'Brien's constantly chopping and changing with his selections. furthermore, I think he's been playing with the shackles on at Newcastle.

in England he was offloading at will, using late footwork at the line and sitting halfbacks on their backsides. he could even thread the needle with a short kick. at Newcastle he just runs at an outside shoulder and doesn't deviate from the tramline. I think he'd be incredible next to Galvin.

 

[Rock Hopper Steve]

Completely agree and would also add that he seems to have created a new found culture of caring and respect among the players, also all certainly look to be enjoying playing under him. Furthermore at this early stage I think most of the younger and less experienced players have come on a bit, whether that’s to do with him or the influence of the new recruits remains to be seen.
So far the group wants to play for him and there’s no telling what they could do with a couple more quality players and a bit more depth.
A few more good wins will cement his future and see us turn a corner.

This might sound silly but I think the next 2 games are important, winning both will go a long way to giving the team some belief that they are a better team now, lose them both and like previous seasons dread could set in and losing becomes a habit all over again.

 

[Lestronge]

He could, but if you watched the interview he was very clear that his preference is to go home.
He even said he'd like to leave on good terms and return in 10 years. His mind seems set on a return and no doubt his agent has feelers out.

Or it could be a dude wishing for a train that’s not coming for a long time / if ever .
I want to retire tomorrow and spend my days at the pub and the beach . Doesn’t mean it’s happening …

 

[Rock Hopper Steve]

I think he's struggled to bed down a combination with his half because O'Brien's constantly chopping and changing with his selections. furthermore, I think he's been playing with the shackles on at Newcastle.

in England he was offloading at will, using late footwork at the line and sitting halfbacks on their backsides. he could even thread the needle with a short kick. at Newcastle he just runs at an outside shoulder and doesn't deviate from the tramline. I think he'd be incredible next to Galvin.

Yes and Benji if he's to be the good coach we hope he will become will see this and give him more freedom to bring out the best in him, just need the price not to be outrageous.

 

[Rock Hopper Steve]

Agree- he hasn’t been consistent and seems a bit of a show pony and flat track bully to me. Rather a hard working tough player like Bullemore.

Mmm just looked at his profile on the Manly site bigger than I thought 110kg, offer him and KPP a contract, see if one of them takes the bait.

 

[bptiger 0]

Just a side note , I have worked out why we got the last two wooden spoons, it was all papa fault , he is bad luck , he goes to the unbeatable panthers and they are Now 1 from 6 and rooted to the bottom .
Not saying any of the above is true just thought I would share that 🤔

 

[Red88_Tiger]

I saw Brad Arthur interviewed this morning after Leeds won their Super League game. He basically said he wants to return to Sydney to be close to his family.
So if we eliminate Penrith, Parra ( They won't want him back), Saints( I can't see them dumping Flanno), Roosters , Sharks, Bulldogs, Rabbitohs where the coaching situation seems stable that only leaves Wests , Manly (likely to play finals so probably not) and Newcastle.
Pressure is now up on Benji and O'Brien
Disclaimer: I love Benji and don't want it to happen.

Townsville is only one flight to Sydney
Way closer than the uk

 

[426Tlgerland]

I was all for Flanno or Brad Arthur , but club has given Benji a go so he should get this year and next year , after that I would say results at end of 2026 will dictate outcome
Top 8 this year would set him in stone for next year and also assist with future signings , mid range this year probably ok but would def need top 8 next year even top 6

 

[Nonotmeagain]

I think he's struggled to bed down a combination with his half because O'Brien's constantly chopping and changing with his selections. furthermore, I think he's been playing with the shackles on at Newcastle.

in England he was offloading at will, using late footwork at the line and sitting halfbacks on their backsides. he could even thread the needle with a short kick. at Newcastle he just runs at an outside shoulder and doesn't deviate from the tramline. I think he'd be incredible next to Galvin.

He's struggled because of better opposition and a lack of skill to compensate with the rise in intensity and class. Put him in Melbourne he'd be better put him with a struggling outfit and he'd perform accordingly.

 

[Canadian Club]

Exactly this. That is why I bet my bottom dollar we are still a big player for Kobe Hetherington as a middle priority and contingency will suss out Adam Elliott & Tyson Frizell also if Hetherington falls through. Just my opinion.

Plus we'd have to be a good chance at Kai Pearce-Paul and I reckon a smokey depending on what happens at Broncos with cap is Jordan Riki, I think Teddy23 or someone mentioned this a while back.

Then the likes of Pheonix Godinet & Tame Havea Jr can develop properly with good role models above them.

There's also no magic number in which a player will be ready, even the highly touted ones. Some make their mark in the NRL at 19 like Nanai or Samuela. Others take a few years. Suia Wong was highly rated an expected to be an NRL starter at 19, but has only started to kick on this year at 22 years old. Then you have the guys like Blore who are highly rated but unfortunately due to injury spend the early part of their career uable to play, stalling their development. Then there are the Schusters of the world... Point is anything can happen and clubs need to be flexible and diligent with development

The game also changes quickly. Style of play and even body type and skill level required changes in positions. Look at the lock position in the late 2010s as opposed to now.

 

[boonboon]

I do find it funny people think that backrowers performing worse the Seyfarth at better teams are somehow great signings who will replace him and be so much better

 

[Rock Hopper Steve]

I do find it funny people think that backrowers performing worse the Seyfarth at better teams are somehow great signings who will replace him and be so much better

How do you know that the 2 mentioned would not be an improvement BB.

 

[hodgo]

I kinda disagree with alot that don't rate kpp. To me he is exactly what we need. A second rower that can create and gets his arms free alot. We have enough work man need someone with x factor on the edge

 

[liltiger]

Who ever we do bring in needs to base their game on Defence. Imo they can be useless at gaining metres and scoring tries, as long as they can take a dirty hit up and have rock solid defence I'll be happy. We just need guys to shore up our line. We need a heinghton or Fulton type player, 80 minute tackling machine.

 

[Coastie_Tiger]

They are missing JFH pretty bad also

Think To'o is also a massive out lose so go forward without them both.

 

[hsvjones]

I think with the whispers around that Dogs are shopping Mahoney I this extending TDS should be a priority. (Gus can denies it as much as he wants). Dogs would love to get TDS and that would help getting Galvin over there IMO.