Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Vicious]

In terms of filling obvious gaps in our Roster should we be shopping in the outside backs bargain bin when a starting Middle and/or Lock seems the more pressing issue

Currently in our playing roster for 2026 we only have Makasini and Luke Laulilli as genuine cover for the outside backs.
I know we have others such as Doueihi and Bird who have played plenty of NRL as a centre, but I really think their days of playing centre are behind them and there is a chance Bird might not be part of our playing roster for 2026.
Throw in the fact that To’a and Skelton would not be guaranteed starting players at any other NRL team and there are no guarantees that either Makasini or Laulilli will be ready to be NRL quality centres by 2026 and it’s clear to see we are one quality outside back short.
Yes we could say it’s the same story for our middle forwards, a similar story for our depth at number 9 and a similar concern that although we have heavily recruited in way of edge second rowers, are we still lacking one with the athleticism and explosive speed of someone like Jacob Preston ?

 

[Odessa]

I'm not sure Corey Allan provides anything that Naden, Mapapalangi, Tu'itupou, Saukuru or Heath Mason don't already offer.

Could be as simple an issue as, if the depth at centre gets tested, Adam Doueihi or Jack Bird need to fill in.

I think May, To'a & Makasini along with Doueihi, Bird, Mason, Saukuru, Mapapalangi, Tu'itupou or moving Turuva or Lualili'i inside for a few games offers enough depth. I think there is a world where Brent Naden is decent value on the roster as a result.

Or, you give Latu some training at centre as well and round out his versatility.

If I'm recruiting from outside- find a backrower that can play some centre. Is Talakai still being shopped around?

Talakai said no to us last time he mite have had a change of heart he would be perfect for us fills the gaps in the roster

 

[Tom Shines]

In terms of filling obvious gaps in our Roster should we be shopping in the outside backs bargain bin when a starting Middle and/or Lock seems the more pressing issue

Couple people here don’t have much idea… they think it’s about improving the NSW Cup team to provide more “depth”…

 

[Ermo]

Agree to disagree. It’s all opinion based anyway CC. You and I both have no idea what Allan could offer a young backline.

I just think a player of his experience who is both solid in defence and attack can be a valuable squad member. I’ll leave it at that.

Nothing. He offers nothing.

 

[balmain boy]

We should try to get Alamoti from Penrith. Would really stiffen up our back line.

He's better than Faatape, but there's a reason he's not playing for Panthers much. He's just very average, solid back-up, nothing more. We have no room for him whatsoever

 

[balmain boy]

I was told yestrday that we have lost two great young juniors that weren't even offered a contract. Cameron Kanaan and Mark Tannous. Kannan is going to the Penrith and Tannous is going to the Sharks. There is a big issue that we have in losing great young talent that has been grown in our backyard. I know a few people on here don't like it when I go on about our juniors, but because I have seen my son play against some of these kids that we have had but its a disaster that our club drop the ball here. These kids weren't even offered a chance to stay but get identified and signed by others clubs, it seems it be a trend now.
The list of them not even offered a contract players like Aiden Gow scored over 15 tries for the Knights in SG Ball, Alex Conti signed to an NRL deal with the Dogs and has been killing it in Jersey Flegg, Mikey Nasser was the leading try scorer for the Roosters and they won the SG Ball comp this year, Cameron Kannan who has been impressive and our leading try scorer in Flegg and other years in SG Ball and Matts and Mark Tannous who played a first grade trial earlier in the year and developing really well. How isn't one of these kids offered a contract to stay. I thought things would get better with Shannon Gallant in charge but the list keeps on getting longer. Our Juniors are our life blood we need to keep them as long as we can. Its one thing if they are offered a whole heap of deals from different clubs but for them to leave because they arent wanted the ball is being dropped in a big big way.

We have much better options already. Neither were must keep players. You can't keep them all. Wouldn't have either of them starting in flegg next season, so if they're not good enough to start in flegg and they can get a run elsewhere then good luck to them.
Conti and Nasser were different, should have kept them.

 

[Buttface]

He's better than Faatape, but there's a reason he's not playing for Panthers much. He's just very average, solid back-up, nothing more. We have no room for him whatsoever

Faatape? Where’s he playing these days.

 

[Odessa]

He's better than Faatape, but there's a reason he's not playing for Panthers much. He's just very average, solid back-up, nothing more. We have no room for him whatsoever

What Are we looking for a star in the back line ?

The reason I mentioned Allan is because he can play fullback wing centre and has played origin

I think Benji is keen on Toa May Mak as centre options for next year and the wingers look set as well biggest problem is if Bula goes down again

Would love any money the club has to get a quality forward I think if Terrell goes down we are gone who cares if we have a elite centre if we have no go forward

 

[balmain boy]

Does anyone know where we can find a halfback for next season? We need a leader, an organiser, a kicker.

The boys tried but it was complete chaos out there when we had the ball. No plan.

 

[Vicious]

Does anyone know where we can find a halfback for next season? We need a leader, an organiser, a kicker.

The boys tried but it was complete chaos out there when we had the ball. No plan.

Toby Sexton was offered to us, we didn’t want him.

 

[weststigers]

Currently in our playing roster for 2026 we only have Makasini and Luke Laulilli as genuine cover for the outside backs.
I know we have others such as Doueihi and Bird who have played plenty of NRL as a centre, but I really think their days of playing centre are behind them and there is a chance Bird might not be part of our playing roster for 2026.
Throw in the fact that To’a and Skelton would not be guaranteed starting players at any other NRL team and there are no guarantees that either Makasini or Laulilli will be ready to be NRL quality centres by 2026 and it’s clear to see we are one quality outside back short.
Yes we could say it’s the same story for our middle forwards, a similar story for our depth at number 9 and a similar concern that although we have heavily recruited in way of edge second rowers, are we still lacking one with the athleticism and explosive speed of someone like Jacob Preston ?

Not sure why you have it in for To'a and Skelton so much, yet you think Luke L and Makasini (who hasn't even played NRL) are NRL walk up centres.

Both guys have been pretty good for us this season.

I hope the hype around Makasini is real, but I have no expectations yet because he has just turned 18 and he may need more time to develop. Hopefully he gets a run against the Titans to test him out in the big time.

I can't see Luke breaking into the team as a starter any time soon, even though I think he is talented.

 

[Tom Shines]

Toby Sexton was offered to us, we didn’t want him.

Didn’t you want AD for the role ?

 

[Leica_Tiger]

Couple people here don’t have much idea… they think it’s about improving the NSW Cup team to provide more “depth”…

Yes you would think bringing in bonafide FG players would push our current underperformers down to cup thus strengthening..
Give us a player out of the Leniu Mariota or Stone pool before even mentioning Corey Allen

 

[Tom Shines]

Yes you would think bringing in bonafide FG players would push our current underperformers down to cup thus strengthening..
Give us a player out of the Leniu Mariota or Stone pool before even mentioning Corey Allen

Exactly … we got 2-3 spots left … gotta make it count

 

[Vicious]

Didn’t you want AD for the role ?

Well he is at least able kick on the last tackle.

 

[Tom Shines]

Well he is at least able kick on the last tackle.

Cool

 

[Modman]

Toby Sexton was offered to us, we didn’t want him.

I Was surprised Vicious I would of thought we could of got a deal with the Galvin scenario we knew Latu wasn't ready and we had little option, he could of lead us around the park without being spectacular. I think he was playing his role quite effective .

 

[Tom Shines]

I Was surprised Vicious I would of thought we could of got a deal with the Galvin scenario we knew Latu wasn't ready and we had little option, he could of lead us around the park without being spectacular. I think he was playing his role quite effective .

He wants to play with Perth in 27 according to the rumours …in the meantime he has signed to go to the South of France next year

 

[tigahhh]

Does anyone know where we can find a halfback for next season? We need a leader, an organiser, a kicker.

The boys tried but it was complete chaos out there when we had the ball. No plan.

literally why doueihi still makes the team …

 

[king_sirro]

Does anyone know where we can find a halfback for next season? We need a leader, an organiser, a kicker.

The boys tried but it was complete chaos out there when we had the ball. No plan.

Im not sure the move is another halfback. We have the most talented 19 year old halfback in the world. Its more about getting the coaching and reps in to make sure these guys start targeting our strengths more when under pressure. Laui was terrible in the second half. He showed no composure at all.
Benji needs to work bloody hard on Jarome and Latu, but also all players around them. All 13 on the field should know what the percentage play is at any given moment, but they don't.