Tom Shines
Well-known member
Thanks Col… glad I could provide the club a win… it’s been a while for them
Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion
- Thread starter MacDougall
- Start date
Thanks Col… glad I could provide the club a win… it’s been a while for them
It’s not a criticism, he got his stats up and made over 200m, so many of our supporters will be very happy with that.
He simply hasn’t made the progression from a good player to a great player like many were expecting after he reached his 50 plus NRL games, however his pay cheque is increasing to the elite player status.
Tucker
Well-known member
He has indicated that Api is blocking the pathway from 27 onwards, if resigned.
Obviously this about earning potential from then on.
Tom Shines
Well-known member
For one year it seems … I guess they will then negotiate a new contract which the market will dictate the terms
gallagher
Well-known member
Ray Stone can negotiate from Nov 1. He's one I'd be going after, one real mad tough bugger.
I'd take Ray Stone here for sure
If you are a reasonably good young player (19-22) who believes that they are probable first graders they would be absolutely crazy to sign anything longer than a 2 year contact for 2026 & 2027 with 2 new clubs shortly to enter and inflate the market.This would apply even more if you are a spine player.
BlackWhiteGold
Well-known member
Hey @Vicious imo Bula is not a $900k player yet but the question is, does the club see his development trajectory taking him to a $900k player in 27. He seems to be very popular & deeply part of the culture being developed. But atm he’s lacking in a lot of areas on both sides of the ball and he’s yet to dominate / tear a game apart like the elite fullbacks do.
Personally and it’s a coaching thing but I’d love to see him become a ‘backing up’ fullback i.e hover behind the ruck for an Api scoot or Terrell, Sione offload & cut up teams down the middle. Rather than the manufactured predictable sweeps all the time. That’s on Benji & Hodgo.
It’ll be intetesting what Richo does with the option, atm I reckon it reverts to the player option & Bula accepting $800k.
Tom Shines
Well-known member
This is something I have noticed as well that seems lacking from his play … Hodgo was a great example himself of this play so I would be gobsmacked if he wasn’t coaching him up on it.,
GNR4LIFE
Well-known member
It should be a fullbacks bread and butter.
tigahhh
Well-known member
that gap to the bottom of the ladder is getting closer and closer . i can’t handle another spoon . if we don’t win against manly we are screwed .
I find it a little perplexing as well. He is so light on his feet that getting an offload and accelerating into broken play would be obvious. He also seems to have a good motor.
Anyone know anything here about if players do develop this way over time or is it just some players can naturally read the play and others can’t
pawsandclaws1
Well-known member
Cameron Smith was one of the greatest hooker forwards to have played first grade. Smith was hardly noticed on the field but he had that ability to change the momentum of a game better than most. He understood when it was required to slow momentum or change it up for attack. One of his methods was to kick long from dummy half early in the tackle count He put the onus back on his opponents to wrestle the momentum back. He also had a brilliant footballing brain and schemed from dummy half to pick apart an opponent's game. In effect, the best footballing brain had his hands on the ball first at dummy half and that is why he had so much success. I am not sure if we will ever see a player like him again but the importance of having a very good footballing mind at dummy half is important.
Maybe the future inclusion of Latu in the team will create opportunities for Bula (and others).
pawsandclaws1
Well-known member
A lot of Latu's teammates need to look at his intensity in defence as well. He wants to tackle the ball carrier and he wants to hit him hard. I'm not sure some of our players are at that level but need to be and understand being the first man in to halt an attacker is so important.
Tom Shines
Well-known member
I give them little chance against Manly …Manly have been embarrassed last start and had two weeks to prepare for a game at home where they are a much better side …
The spoon race could come down to the two games against the Titans… the last one in the final round … start praying it’s not another spoon bowl and Benji tells them to go out and have some fun…
Tucker
Well-known member
To'a is becoming X Factor. That guy looks impossible to stop at times. As great as May, Bula and Api have been this year, Starford has been right with them.
Bula has X factor in him but he doesnt show the urgency that a true superstar has. He regularly beats the first contact or at least is in a position to promote the ball before being cleaned up. I dont know how to light a fire under him...he is obviously fit, obviously mentally reslient, has obvious talent. His positioning is getting better. We unlock the final ingredient and he'll be one of the biggest stars in the comp.
Fainu and Luai both have it as well, as does Api. When they all click, we will blow teams off the field.
We need some great defensive players who will stop us having to be constantly chasing down large scorelines.
What’s the ‘27 version of TDS look like?
Good player or turns into another Liddle?
GNR4LIFE
Well-known member
What’s wrong with Liddle?
tigahhh
Well-known member
i think manly is our easiest shot , we almost beat penrith despite having an off year we know their resume and Raiders , in form team of the comp. manly are under pressure and dropped half their side to Reggie’s plus no Hamoule . i give us a chance IF benji pulls his head in and starts latu . latu will want a good game against manly .
