Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Milky]

Apparently, we are 1 0f 2 clubs chasing Wilson De Courcey if he gets released and we are after another outside back that is related to either Api or Turuva.

Potential is great, but not what we need. We are easing Maka and Tavana into the team who are 18 and 21 respectively with very little experience amongst them.

Although, in saying that, options seem to be very limited on the market and we need to fill our spots somehow.

 

[king_sirro]

Like what ?
He is slightly better under the high ball and even that is debatable.

His go forward is better due to a much better ability to get between defenders, Luke gets driven back in the NRL on a regular basis. Better under the high ball, much better decision making in defence, better finisher due to better hands. Is there anything else? Dont get me wrong, Luke is 19 and may go past Turuva as a player, but he is a long way from him right now.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

Apparently, we are 1 0f 2 clubs chasing Wilson De Courcey if he gets released and we are after another outside back that is related to either Api or Turuva.

De Courcey is definitely leaving the Knights after rejecting a 2-year extension by the Knights earlier this season. He must have had something lined up to do that you would think.

He's from Western Sydney (turning 21yo this year), a powerful right-sided centre or winger with a bit of x-factor about him. As we found out against us, his decision-making in defence is questionable but he's only 20.

Rated by the great @jrtiger who identified Simi Sasagi at the Knights whilst he was in lower grades.

 

[innsaneink]

Like what ?
He is slightly better under the high ball and even that is debatable.

Id say turuvas defence is better

 

[mtd#2]

Apparently, we are 1 0f 2 clubs chasing Wilson De Courcey if he gets released and we are after another outside back that is related to either Api or Turuva.

We are the family club after all lol

 

[Vicious]

Id say turuvas defence is better

Possibly, I can’t argue against that.
Still there certainly doesn’t seem to be 250k in difference between them in way of overall playing ability.
Like I’ve been saying, I cannot fault the 💯 commitment and effort Turuva always brings, so I have no issue with him being in our starting 13, but I’m looking at it as a value for money type scenario.
If the whispers are correct, we seem to be very tight for Salary Cap space so every dollar we can potentially save becomes valuable to allow us to fund an all round better roster with better depth.
In saying this we do not appear to have much dead wood left in 2027, so we have an opportunity to be better placed than we have for many years if we are smart with our recruitment and retention for 2027.

 

[wstigers11]

Possibly, I can’t argue against that.
Still there certainly doesn’t seem to be 250k in difference between them in way of overall playing ability.
Like I’ve been saying, I cannot fault the 💯 commitment and effort Turuva always brings, so I have no issue with him being in our starting 13, but I’m looking at it as a value for money type scenario.
If the whispers are correct, we seem to be very tight for Salary Cap space so every dollar we can potentially save becomes valuable to allow us to fund an all round better roster with better depth.
In saying this we do not appear to have much dead wood left in 2027, so we have an opportunity to be better placed than we have for many years if we are smart with our recruitment and retention for 2027.

There’s $250k in difference when you consider Tito has already played 3 positions this year because we have zero depth and has done a job every time

 

[Odessa]

Apparently, we are 1 0f 2 clubs chasing Wilson De Courcey if he gets released and we are after another outside back that is related to either Api or Turuva.

Taking the Family Club to another Level imagine if there is a couple of weddings in there the starting 13 could be family

 

[Bellend]

De Courcey is definitely leaving the Knights after rejecting a 2-year extension by the Knights earlier this season. He must have had something lined up to do that you would think.

He's from Western Sydney (turning 21yo this year), a powerful right-sided centre or winger with a bit of x-factor about him. As we found out against us, his decision-making in defence is questionable but he's only 20.

Rated by the great @jrtiger who identified Simi Sasagi at the Knights whilst he was in lower grades.

I like him he has potential. But up to Benji

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

I like him he has potential. But up to Benji

IMO we need our 1st choice outside back depth to have 'experience' & just an all-round solid player.

Realistically if our 1st choice backs are Turuva, Taylan, Averillo & Makasini, it would be great to have a Jesse Arthars or Enari Tuala type to come in and do a job, able to play either centre or wing.

Plus someone who understands they are depth & willing to play on a contract approx $200k-$300k.

If he's dropped down the pecking order at the Rabbits and pending his recovery from ACL, maybe Isaiah Tass.

Can understand Benji's interest in Nick Cotric according to Kade.

Was hoping this type of backup may be Jeral Skelton but he seems to be pigeon holed as just a winger with us even though he did play some centre at Bulldogs Cup.

 

[gregjm87]

Like what ?
He is slightly better under the high ball and even that is debatable.

I'm not a Turuva fan but he is a far more balanced runner, has better passing skills allowing him to do a job at centre and appears to be somewhat of a leader.
I think he is grossly overrated on the forum and overpaid for what he brings but he is not without his qualities.
* I'll add that being popular amongst the group does somewhat matter. Trying to get rid of a popular bloke because you were silly enough to overpay him in the first place will not help team morale.

 

[426Tlgerland]

IMO we need our 1st choice outside back depth to have 'experience' & just an all-round solid player.

Realistically if our 1st choice backs are Turuva, Taylan, Averillo & Makasini, it would be great to have a Jesse Arthars or Enari Tuala type to come in and do a job, able to play either centre or wing.

Plus someone who understands they are depth & willing to play on a contract approx $200k-$300k.

If he's dropped down the pecking order at the Rabbits and pending his recovery from ACL, maybe Isaiah Tass.

Can understand Benji's interest in Nick Cotric according to Kade.

Was hoping this type of backup may be Jeral Skelton but he seems to be pigeon holed as just a winger with us even though he did play some centre at Bulldogs Cup.

Wow Nick Cotric , this sounds like an old rumour from years ago, thought we tried for him couple years ago , where is he at now , Pommy land ?

 

[jadtiger]

IMO we need our 1st choice outside back depth to have 'experience' & just an all-round solid player.

Realistically if our 1st choice backs are Turuva, Taylan, Averillo & Makasini, it would be great to have a Jesse Arthars or Enari Tuala type to come in and do a job, able to play either centre or wing.

Plus someone who understands they are depth & willing to play on a contract approx $200k-$300k.

If he's dropped down the pecking order at the Rabbits and pending his recovery from ACL, maybe Isaiah Tass.

Can understand Benji's interest in Nick Cotric according to Kade.

Was hoping this type of backup may be Jeral Skelton but he seems to be pigeon holed as just a winger with us even though he did play some centre at Bulldogs Cup.

The problem is with 2 new clubs entering the NRL in the next 2 years undoubtedly many depth players consider themselves a chance to play first grade at another club.Retaining depth will be a headache at all existing clubs,conversely it will also make it easier to offload players that the club feel will not make the grade.
It is a 2 edged sword but will probably help us more than hinder us.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

Wow Nick Cotric , this sounds like an old rumour from years ago, thought we tried for him couple years ago , where is he at now , Pommy land ?

Catalans. Yesterday Kade posted a rumour that WT had offered a Dev contract for '27 as one of a few NRL clubs chasing him as he wants to return to Oz.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

The problem is with 2 new clubs entering the NRL in the next 2 years undoubtedly many depth players consider themselves a chance to play first grade at another club.Retaining depth will be a headache at all existing clubs,conversely it will also make it easier to offload players that the club feel will not make the grade.
It is a 2 edged sword but will probably help us more than hinder us.

Our point-of-difference that Benji is fostering is the 'family' club both externally & internally as we are seeing with brothers in the system together. The Fainus, Taotuas, Api/Turuva cousins, Lanyons, Isdales & Finaus amongst them.

 

[Tiger Stripes]

I don't remember any times that Turuva's mistakes have basically solely cost us a game. I could think of an occassion or two that Luke has.

Turuva is also a much better defender and communicator by a long shot.

And a character off the field with teammates--------culture, comradery, fun guy to have around at training etc.

 

[tigertragic]

IMO we need our 1st choice outside back depth to have 'experience' & just an all-round solid player.

Realistically if our 1st choice backs are Turuva, Taylan, Averillo & Makasini, it would be great to have a Jesse Arthars or Enari Tuala type to come in and do a job, able to play either centre or wing.

Plus someone who understands they are depth & willing to play on a contract approx $200k-$300k.

If he's dropped down the pecking order at the Rabbits and pending his recovery from ACL, maybe Isaiah Tass.

Can understand Benji's interest in Nick Cotric according to Kade.

Was hoping this type of backup may be Jeral Skelton but he seems to be pigeon holed as just a winger with us even though he did play some centre at Bulldogs Cup.

Unfortunately our problem this year has been losing multiple centres/backrowers at the same time in addition to spine players, but agree we need experienced NRL quality back ups and not relying on youngsters with ‘potential’ or state cup ceiling players.
Makasini may be a future NRL player and can do some good things but is being found out at this stage of his development
Sukkar is improving with experience and is a state cup player that might develop into an NRL quality player
Mason and Hope are state cup at best
Unfortunately those 4 have basically been our 1st choice back up plan so far this year or rotating our props to the edges where their lack of lateral movement gets found out.

No doubt they are all trying but an opposition better player is trying just as hard and quality/experience wins out

 

[cktiger]

Incorrect. While Panthers aren't super express speed each of their players, man for man, are faster than ours

Except for Bula.

 

[pawsandclaws1]

Except for Bula.

Many forget Doueihi over 100m is no slouch.

 

[weststigers]

Possibly, I can’t argue against that.
Still there certainly doesn’t seem to be 250k in difference between them in way of overall playing ability.
Like I’ve been saying, I cannot fault the 💯 commitment and effort Turuva always brings, so I have no issue with him being in our starting 13, but I’m looking at it as a value for money type scenario.
If the whispers are correct, we seem to be very tight for Salary Cap space so every dollar we can potentially save becomes valuable to allow us to fund an all round better roster with better depth.
In saying this we do not appear to have much dead wood left in 2027, so we have an opportunity to be better placed than we have for many years if we are smart with our recruitment and retention for 2027.

The guy is safe as houses. Makes his yards and when he is going at the line, he's an elite finisher. You can't cheap out everywhere. Wing is an important position these days.