Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

Jolls said:

Signings Assessment​

KPP​

Proven athletic edge forward with Super League and NRL experience; international pedigree that should strengthens our edge defence and provide and attacking (offload/line-break) threat. His age/profile means that there is still room to improve while offering immediate physicality and line-running — addresses the impact shortfalls in Seyfarths game. This should provide us with strike and strong defence on both edges giving us better attacking balance but eh must be linked with finishers who can capitalise on his strenghts.

The risk with KPP is minimal. He is not a silver-bullet for our forward rotation though. We still need depth and middle-forward grunt along with a FG level 13. The three-year deal gives some continuity in the pack and the chance to build combinations with the halves.

Bunty Afoa​

Brings experience and a high workload to the middle and will be useful as a stabiliser for our younger middle forwards. He is tough and is capable of repeat set carries and brings a wealth of NRL experience. He is not a game-changing impact prop; more of a reliable, workmanlike addition. He could form a great rotation with Royce Hunt shoudl be be able to get fit over the off season and deliver the game changing impact we need.

The risk with Bunty is that at 29 and after many NRL games under his belt his output could be on the decline. This is reflected in the short term nature of his contract. Bunty is a sensible short-term upgrade to provide depth and experience in the middle. He lowers the risk of carrying Pole as a potential long-term answer.

Jock Madden​

Jock performed well in the absence of Reynolds in a premiership winning team and was singled out as being a key component of their success in 2025. He provides good cover and will press Latu for a FG halves position. He is versatile enough to play as a utility playmaker/hooler and will bolster our injury cover. He is also still young enough to develop into a consistent NRL option; he will not set the world on fire but he is reliable. His recovery from a pectoral tear is a risk as he, like Latu, appears to be injury prone. He hasn’t cemented himself as a long-term first-choice half so is likely to be our depth cover as opposed to a preferred starter; however, with Latu recovering from shoulder surgery he could be wearing the 7 come round 1.

Ethan Roberts​

Ethan has youth, size and a development profile with a hig ceiling. He has representative junior credentials so is a classic “buy young athletic forward”. A low-cost, high-upside signing that can be blooded gradually if required. The downside is that he has unproven consistency as NRL level and will prossibly need some development time in NSW Cup. Benji is not afraid to give players exposure to FG early; so while he is not an instant fix he is a smart medium/long-term investment. We need to manage both expectations and minutes as he develops.

Taylan May​

Taylan has demonstrated that he is a genuine strike player. He has pace and finishing ability, has shown he can score and change games when focused. We have given him an opportunity and he has performed. Football wise he is a low risk signing with potential X-factor.
Taylan's off-field history and the reputational context associated with it means the club will continue to manage community perception carefully. His long-term consistency is unproven but he has the potential to provide a high reward if he stays on the straight path and performs. With a fit Starford Toa or potentially Makasimi on the opposite edge we have strike on both sides of the field.

Mavrik (Mav) Geyer​

Mav Geyer is signed on a one-year deal after limited NRL minutes since his debut with Penrith in 2024. He provides immediate edge depth and a proven NSW Cup/NRL defensive workrate. He is no world beater but is young enough to develop further while offering a short-term, low-commitment option. The oOne-year deal is short but works to the advantage of both parties. If he performs well, the club will need look at re-signing him early or risk losing him. This could create churn; however, unless he improves drastically over the off season it is not likely that he will continue to provide depth and injury cover.

Javon Andrews​

Javon Andrews is a high-upside playmaker with junior representative honours bringing a potential long term creative option in the halves. His prior involvement in Tigers Pathways is a plus and the three-year deal gives the club a genuine development window to prepare him as an internal halves solution should he fulfill his potential. He could be a direct succession option for Luai.

He is still a junior and will need time in NSW Cup along with controlled NRL minutes. Javon is a strategic signing to address the creativity pipeline — exactly the kind of internal solution that offsets Galvin's departure. The club will need to manage his pathway carefully so he’s not rushed.

Losses​

We have not lost any players that will leave a significant hole on our Top 30. Depth has been increased significantly across the board. WE are in a net positive position.

Weaknesses / outstanding needs​

Based on us not recruiting a proven FG level 13 we appear to be hanging our hat on AD transitioning into this role. Even if he is successful in this transition we lack depth in this area. Jack Bird is a potential solution; however, his age and declining performances indicate that this is a risky strategy.
Click to expand...
Too rose coloured...

But, with KPP + Bunty I am expecting our forward pack to improve a lot. Terrell may carried this team this year. We definately have some good juniors coming through, yet it's hard to get excited about "the next best things".

I am excited to see Taylan May in our backline (for however long he plays till he brainfarts again). I am excited that we have a more balanced team. Now really worried we won't have a big named fullback though, if Bula was going to leave I would have offered Kennedy 500k to come here. ...

Losses:
Galvin
maybe Bula which will cut!
Staines who I hoped would make it, he did not. Naden, etc who had to go. ... not worried about any of these.
 
Tigerwould said:
Keaon Koloamatangi would be a great get. Wouldn’t come cheap but would transform our forward pack.
*side note. I’ve had this feeling about signing forwards before. apart from a few exceptions they haven’t lived up to the expectations
Click to expand...
Hope next season the forwards knock it out of the park this must happen if we want to improve more.

Royce and Bunty need to be breathing fire.
 
Snidest 0 said:
Jaydn Su'A

I'd take him for two years!

He's the hit man we need!
Click to expand...
One thing with Flanagan...

I think he can judge when a player is 'done' and when he can get more out of a player.
He certainly judged Jack Bird right.
If Flanno is fighting hard to keep Jaydn, sure we may want him. But if he is letting him go, then I wouldn't touch him.

That said, would be an upgrade or a good swap if pole is leaving.
 
crazycat said:
One thing with Flanagan...

I think he can judge when a player is 'done' and when he can get more out of a player.
He certainly judged Jack Bird right.
If Flanno is fighting hard to keep Jaydn, sure we may want him. But if he is letting him go, then I wouldn't touch him.

That said, would be an upgrade or a good swap if pole is leaving.
Click to expand...
Pole is not leaving bro!
 
Jolls said:

Signings Assessment​

KPP​

Proven athletic edge forward with Super League and NRL experience; international pedigree that should strengthens our edge defence and provide and attacking (offload/line-break) threat. His age/profile means that there is still room to improve while offering immediate physicality and line-running — addresses the impact shortfalls in Seyfarths game. This should provide us with strike and strong defence on both edges giving us better attacking balance but eh must be linked with finishers who can capitalise on his strenghts.

The risk with KPP is minimal. He is not a silver-bullet for our forward rotation though. We still need depth and middle-forward grunt along with a FG level 13. The three-year deal gives some continuity in the pack and the chance to build combinations with the halves.

Bunty Afoa​

Brings experience and a high workload to the middle and will be useful as a stabiliser for our younger middle forwards. He is tough and is capable of repeat set carries and brings a wealth of NRL experience. He is not a game-changing impact prop; more of a reliable, workmanlike addition. He could form a great rotation with Royce Hunt shoudl be be able to get fit over the off season and deliver the game changing impact we need.

The risk with Bunty is that at 29 and after many NRL games under his belt his output could be on the decline. This is reflected in the short term nature of his contract. Bunty is a sensible short-term upgrade to provide depth and experience in the middle. He lowers the risk of carrying Pole as a potential long-term answer.

Jock Madden​

Jock performed well in the absence of Reynolds in a premiership winning team and was singled out as being a key component of their success in 2025. He provides good cover and will press Latu for a FG halves position. He is versatile enough to play as a utility playmaker/hooler and will bolster our injury cover. He is also still young enough to develop into a consistent NRL option; he will not set the world on fire but he is reliable. His recovery from a pectoral tear is a risk as he, like Latu, appears to be injury prone. He hasn’t cemented himself as a long-term first-choice half so is likely to be our depth cover as opposed to a preferred starter; however, with Latu recovering from shoulder surgery he could be wearing the 7 come round 1.

Ethan Roberts​

Ethan has youth, size and a development profile with a hig ceiling. He has representative junior credentials so is a classic “buy young athletic forward”. A low-cost, high-upside signing that can be blooded gradually if required. The downside is that he has unproven consistency as NRL level and will prossibly need some development time in NSW Cup. Benji is not afraid to give players exposure to FG early; so while he is not an instant fix he is a smart medium/long-term investment. We need to manage both expectations and minutes as he develops.

Taylan May​

Taylan has demonstrated that he is a genuine strike player. He has pace and finishing ability, has shown he can score and change games when focused. We have given him an opportunity and he has performed. Football wise he is a low risk signing with potential X-factor.
Taylan's off-field history and the reputational context associated with it means the club will continue to manage community perception carefully. His long-term consistency is unproven but he has the potential to provide a high reward if he stays on the straight path and performs. With a fit Starford Toa or potentially Makasimi on the opposite edge we have strike on both sides of the field.

Mavrik (Mav) Geyer​

Mav Geyer is signed on a one-year deal after limited NRL minutes since his debut with Penrith in 2024. He provides immediate edge depth and a proven NSW Cup/NRL defensive workrate. He is no world beater but is young enough to develop further while offering a short-term, low-commitment option. The oOne-year deal is short but works to the advantage of both parties. If he performs well, the club will need look at re-signing him early or risk losing him. This could create churn; however, unless he improves drastically over the off season it is not likely that he will continue to provide depth and injury cover.

Javon Andrews​

Javon Andrews is a high-upside playmaker with junior representative honours bringing a potential long term creative option in the halves. His prior involvement in Tigers Pathways is a plus and the three-year deal gives the club a genuine development window to prepare him as an internal halves solution should he fulfill his potential. He could be a direct succession option for Luai.

He is still a junior and will need time in NSW Cup along with controlled NRL minutes. Javon is a strategic signing to address the creativity pipeline — exactly the kind of internal solution that offsets Galvin's departure. The club will need to manage his pathway carefully so he’s not rushed.

Losses​

We have not lost any players that will leave a significant hole on our Top 30. Depth has been increased significantly across the board. WE are in a net positive position.

Weaknesses / outstanding needs​

Based on us not recruiting a proven FG level 13 we appear to be hanging our hat on AD transitioning into this role. Even if he is successful in this transition we lack depth in this area. Jack Bird is a potential solution; however, his age and declining performances indicate that this is a risky strategy.
Click to expand...
enjoyable to read your words again
Heighington should build a 13 from within
 
crazycat said:
Too rose coloured...

But, with KPP + Bunty I am expecting our forward pack to improve a lot. Terrell may carried this team this year. We definately have some good juniors coming through, yet it's hard to get excited about "the next best things".

I am excited to see Taylan May in our backline (for however long he plays till he brainfarts again). I am excited that we have a more balanced team. Now really worried we won't have a big named fullback though, if Bula was going to leave I would have offered Kennedy 500k to come here. ...

Losses:
Galvin
maybe Bula which will cut!
Staines who I hoped would make it, he did not. Naden, etc who had to go. ... not worried about any of these.
Click to expand...
love the rose coloured
 
Modman said:
That all sounds very positive , where do you think we will finish next year, cause that certainly translates to us making the top 8 at the very least.
Click to expand...
I think that we have recruited pretty well against some of our identified deficiencies. I also think that we have gained is, on paper, better than what we have lost. Some of our regular FG from 25 are likely to find themselves either on the pine or pushing for a spot on the pine from reggies. This is a good thing.

We will field a more balanced side on both sides of the pill and both sides of the park. I don't subscribe to the theory that winning the NRL premiership is about having a stable spine that wins you games. Sure that will help but neither of the 2025 GF teams had a stable spine. What they had was enough depth to win games when the spine was depleted. this is partly due to quality but equally due to the repeatablitiy of the game plan. Everyone knows what line to run, in what part of the field, so that the playmakers, whover they are, can play what they see and know where, within reason, the support will be.

So, for me, the key to being top 8 is a combination is having enough structure to enable ad lib play and enough quality (depth) to cover for the inevitable injuries.

For 2026 we have recruited well enough, in most positions, to field a balanced side with attacking options on both sides of the field. We have improved our depth in some areas. However, we are underdone at 13 and 1.

It appears, from the outside, that we are relying on AD to transition into 13 as a ball player - but there is no depth at all should he go down. I don't see a depth replacement that has a similar skill set to enable the game plan to be executed in the same manner when he goes down. The backup that comes to mind is for Latu to shift to 13 and Madden to play 7. This is not an ideal solution as it unbalances the structure and execution. If we are thinking next man up, who is it in reggies who is playing the same style of footy as AD?

Same can be said for Bula where the likely next man up is Taruva. Mason certainly isn't up to the task so it will be interesting to see if we pick up Attard to fill that void and what his development looks like.

I also think we are short, pun intedned, in aerial threats so we will leave points out on the field until we can address this. Makasini may be an answer should he come into grade on the wing as expected. I think that our game plan will probably be to attack the ball in the air, and on the ground, with our edges as opposed to the wing.

So a long answer to a simple question I guess. Will we make the 8? I think we have recruited well enough to do so. Do we have the talent and depth to have a crack at the title? I don't think so.
 
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crazycat said:
Too rose coloured...

But, with KPP + Bunty I am expecting our forward pack to improve a lot. Terrell may carried this team this year. We definately have some good juniors coming through, yet it's hard to get excited about "the next best things".

I am excited to see Taylan May in our backline (for however long he plays till he brainfarts again). I am excited that we have a more balanced team. Now really worried we won't have a big named fullback though, if Bula was going to leave I would have offered Kennedy 500k to come here. ...

Losses:
Galvin
maybe Bula which will cut!
Staines who I hoped would make it, he did not. Naden, etc who had to go. ... not worried about any of these.
Click to expand...
CC,

I get where you are coming from but I think it comes across as being rose coloured because it has been a good recruiting drive.

Galvin and TDS weren't included in the losses as they were gone mid season 2025. I also didn't include Bula as a loss because he is not a 2026 problem (unless he is released early). Given it is all media scuttlebut I choose to ignore it. I did include Taylan May as he has is now on a top 30 deal.

My focus was on who was recruited to address deficiencies identified by Benji and Richo. I tried to provide an unbiased assessment of what the players will bring, what their deficiencies are and how they are likely to fit into the team and our game plan. I think it comes across as being rose coloured because we have recruited against glaring deficiencies in our makeup. In doing so all of the players are, on paper, an improvement over the player we lost or the one that will now be sitting on the pine/plying their trade in reggies trying to win back their FG position. These are all positives.

Extrapolating from that, should Benji have both grades playing a similar style to enable the development of our extended squad; but more importantly, to enable a seemless step up to FG when the time comes. That means; for example, that Mason can't be plying his trade at 1 in cup, Mav Geyer must be replicating the lines that KPP is running in FG and that Bunty Afoa and down the track Ethan Roberts pushing Pole and Sam F for starting positions off the pine. So these are again positives for us.

What I didn't cover were the deficiencies that remain. No proven 13, no FG ready playmaking 13 in reggies, no FG ready 1 in reggies, no backup 9 with a similar playing style to Api, no identified FG ready centres in reggies. So while we have recruited well there are still some gaps in the Top 30 makeup that will potentially bite us in the bum at some point in the season. These deficiencies will have to be met internally - do we have the depth/potential in the juniors to fill these gaps? Only time will tell.
 
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