OFFICIAL Alex Twal #206

Agree for once our recruitment got it right with Twal.

Look forward to his ongoing development in 2018 after a full off season under his belt.

Maybe with the lack of props on the market and experience WT should offer Tim Grant a 2 year extension. It will then allow us to have Packer, Matalino, Twal, Grant, Sue and J J Felise and even Alioia.

Maybe WT should look at props in other teams lower grades and bring them over.
 
I love his defence, really effective in stopping the opposition forwards, wrapping and putting them on the ground.

Pulled off a great tackle on Paasi (?) on the goal line, stopped him dead. Really impressed with that from a young prop, hitting and sticking.
 
Looks good thus far, very pleasing.
Odd to read that Parramatta are on the lookout for a tall, rangy middle forward for 2018, when they already had one under their noses.
 
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I love his defence, really effective in stopping the opposition forwards, wrapping and putting them on the ground.

Pulled off a great tackle on Paasi (?) on the goal line, stopped him dead. Really impressed with that from a young prop, hitting and sticking.
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Was that one that Sue double teamed him on?
 
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Looks good thus far, very pleasing.
Odd to read that Parramatta are on the lookout for a tall, rangy middle forward for 2018, when they already had one under their noses.
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Was Twal "compensation" for Moses perhaps? Can't recall the chronology.
 
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Looks good thus far, very pleasing.
Odd to read that Parramatta are on the lookout for a tall, rangy middle forward for 2018, when they already had one under their noses.

Was Twal "compensation" for Moses perhaps? Can't recall the chronology.
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There was a few weeks in between the moves, but you'd have to think they'd be linked in some shape or form - both were already signed before the move.
I think Nathan Ryan mentioned that Parra were on the look out for another depth fwd, someone with height etc. Wonder if they were actively trying to retain Twal, or just didn't think he'd take the next step?
Early days for him obviously, but there's a hell of a lot to like about him from the little action he's seen thus far.
Has given away a few pens and made some weird decisions with the ball in hand (butchering a massive overlap against Parra, bad offload against GC), but that's something that will come in time.
 
@ said:
Looks good thus far, very pleasing.
Odd to read that Parramatta are on the lookout for a tall, rangy middle forward for 2018, when they already had one under their noses.
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They were asleep at the wheel, a lot of talent scouts were chasing Alex except Parra!!!!
Maybe they just thought they had he because he was a junior and wouldn't leave.
Glad we got him.
 
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Looks good thus far, very pleasing.
Odd to read that Parramatta are on the lookout for a tall, rangy middle forward for 2018, when they already had one under their noses.

Was Twal "compensation" for Moses perhaps? Can't recall the chronology.

There was a few weeks in between the moves, but you'd have to think they'd be linked in some shape or form - both were already signed before the move.
I think Nathan Ryan mentioned that Parra were on the look out for another depth fwd, someone with height etc. Wonder if they were actively trying to retain Twal, or just didn't think he'd take the next step?
Early days for him obviously, but there's a hell of a lot to like about him from the little action he's seen thus far.
Has given away a few pens and made some weird decisions with the ball in hand (butchering a massive overlap against Parra, bad offload against GC), but that's something that will come in time.
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Yeah lacks a bit of match awareness but he is a very talented kid, and doing extremely well for a kid who probably wasn't going to see FG at Parra this year.
 
Read somewhere Parra had him on a weight gain diet, but since he couldn't put on enough weight they decided he would never get to first grade level as a light-ish prop.
 
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Read somewhere Parra had him on a weight gain diet, but since he couldn't put on enough weight they decided he would never get to first grade level as a light-ish prop.
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Well they certainly let a good player slip right out under their nose, glad he left a club who didn't see his potential. This is why I love Cleary, he notices potential in players and let's them prove themselves.
 
Great young forward. He's the same height and weight as Matulino. Not sure the profiles are correct but a heavy boned lad. 5kgs of solid muscle and he will be playing at 111kgs. I think this kid will be in the first team rotation and has a big future.
 
Twal eyes off Lebanon jersey

Alicia Newton, National Correspondent‌‌, ‌‌‌NRL.com

Tue 1st August, 03:00PM

Try telling Wests Tigers mid-season recruit Alex Twal the final five weeks are a write-off as he eyes a maiden Test jersey with Lebanon at the Rugby League World Cup.

The 21-year-old, who's parents moved from Lebanon to Australia, has settled in well at Concord since switching from Parramatta prior to June 30.

Twal is eligible for the Cedars despite representing the Junior Kangaroos last season and could join a potential star-studded line-up coached by Brad Fittler.

Fittler takes over from current Wests Tigers mentor Ivan Cleary, who resigned from the Lebanese coaching gig after gaining the NRL role in April.

"I'm looking forward to it and expect it to be a massive occasion for the country and the Lebanese community in Australia," Twal told NRL.com.

"I've spoken to Freddy (Fittler) recently and he's just told me to use the last six weeks to gain experience against quality players and continue to get better each week.

"There's a few experienced NRL campaigners in Robbie Farah, Mitch Moses and Tim Mannah so it should be a good side that they put together."‌‌

Twal starred in the Wests Tigers' 26-4 upset win on the weekend with over 130 metres from 15 carries and has no regrets over his decision to join the Wests Tigers early after agreeing to a three-year deal originally starting in 2018.

The joint venture will miss the finals for the sixth consecutive season, while his former club the Eels are eyeing off a top four finish for the first time since 2005.

"I don't look at it like that with how well the Parra boys are going, I felt like I wasn't a chance with everyone ahead of me," Twal said.

"Knowing I wasn't going to be at Parra next season I thought when the opportunity to come early was a option I took it with both hands.

"It wasn't just about playing first grade [at Wests Tigers], I like where the club is heading too. The direction is taking the team with the young boys coming through really appealed.

"You want to get a head start if you're going to be here for the next three years and that was my mindset."

Twal was eager to make it a mission to play his former side a fortnight ago and while the spotlight was on Moses' return to face his old club, the born-and-bred Parramatta City junior had a quiet point to prove as well.

"I was looking forward to it and when I first left it was a game I really hoped to be playing in and aimed to. I was grateful Ivan made that happen and while we didn't get the result, we played well," he said.

"The last four weeks have been positive, we've been in all the games and won up in Newcastle on my debut which was great. I think the physicality between reserve grade and the NRL are similar, it's just the speed and you don't have time to think. That's something I am adjusting to.

"I'm enjoying everyone's company and all the coaching staff have been welcoming, I feel like I'm at home and have been here a lot longer than I have."

This article first appeared on NRL.com
 
Hugely impressed and excited by Alex from what I've seen. Not only pressing his case for the World Cup but also a regular spot in firsts in 2018\. Keep it up champion!
 
For some reason he reminds me of Aussie Jum Tamou (at 20% of the price). It might just be the beard though.
 
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