Gutter talk + Utai

AmericanHistoryX

Well-known member
More trouble brewing for Wests Tigers
The morale among Wests Tigers players has hit rock bottom - and it's not just because they are going so badly on the field. Players are fuming with management over the handling of a series of fiascos, starting with Tim Sheens' sacking last year and followed up by the Benji Marshall soap opera, the handling of departing assistant coaches Royce Simmons and Steve Georgallis and the culling of several loyal players, most notably Bryce Gibbs and Andrew Fifita. It's got to the stage where at least two high-profile stars have asked their managers to investigate if there is any way they can get out of their current deals.
The Lurker - Sportal
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Utai suffers unlucky break
The big-time career of veteran Tigers winger Matt Utai could be over after he badly broke his jaw playing in the NSW Cup last weekend. The 32-year-old suffered the shocking injury in an accidental head clash but remains hopeful of picking up a deal for 2014\. Utai has been unable to get back into the top grade this season, however, and this latest setback could prove costly to his ambitions of continuing at the highest level.
Sportal
 
Terrible luck for Utai, but at this stage of his career, I wouldn't be re-signing him.
 
For the right money on a second tier contract he would be a good retention.

He is a thorough professional and could play a significant role in mentoring a younger squad
 
@smeghead said:
For the right money on a second tier contract he would be a good retention.

He is a thorough professional and could play a significant role in mentoring a younger squad

Wonder if they'll offer Tuqiri a contract/role along these lines?
 
I'd rather base our decision after seeing Lote play a few games in top grade

Last season he didn't seem to be able to cut it anymore

Matt Utai wasn't playing too bad

If each were to continue as is /were I'd probably offer Utai a playing contract and Lote a job which would involve him being involved with the schools (from what I hear he is still king of the kids)and going to Fiji and trying to attract talent to the WT's

In the off season I would try and work on Utai playing also as a back up forward
 
Agree madunit. Utai's defense was nothing short of shocking last year - to the point people on the hill were screaming "throw it the other side" when the ball was coming out to his wing/centre position. Both he and Lote have been great in the past but it's time to move on…
 
Nobody can deny Utai's enthusiasm when he runs the ball, but his defense, as a few of you say, is ordinary, especially with the size of the bigger wingers nowadays and he always looks bewildered under the high ball. Unfortunately his stature is such that he can't compete with the big athletic wingers. Also he is not big enough for the forwards.
 
@AmericanHistoryX said:
More trouble brewing for Wests Tigers
The morale among Wests Tigers players has hit rock bottom - and it's not just because they are going so badly on the field. Players are fuming with management over the handling of a series of fiascos, starting with Tim Sheens' sacking last year and followed up by the Benji Marshall soap opera, the handling of departing assistant coaches Royce Simmons and Steve Georgallis and the culling of several loyal players, most notably Bryce Gibbs and Andrew Fifita. It's got to the stage where at least two high-profile stars have asked their managers to investigate if there is any way they can get out of their current deals.
The Lurker - Sportal
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\
\
Utai suffers unlucky break
The big-time career of veteran Tigers winger Matt Utai could be over after he badly broke his jaw playing in the NSW Cup last weekend. The 32-year-old suffered the shocking injury in an accidental head clash but remains hopeful of picking up a deal for 2014\. Utai has been unable to get back into the top grade this season, however, and this latest setback could prove costly to his ambitions of continuing at the highest level.
Sportal

The Lurker probably has just caught up Benji and Blake Ayshford ring a bell
 
I'm a fan of Utai mainly for his unquestionable drive and commitment. For that reason, I really hope we retain him in some capacity as a mentor for junior players.
 
@smeghead said:
For the right money on a second tier contract he would be a good retention.

**He is a thorough professional** and could play a significant role in mentoring a younger squad

Thats the word Im getting from those at the Club, Sirro has a huge opinion of him as a team player. Massive respect.
 
@GNR4LIFE said:
I would have thought the bigger talking point in this thread would have been the first paragraph

I dunno why people seek out this crap then go to the trouble of posting it

Anyone with two braincells can see it for wat it is
 
@innsaneink said:
@GNR4LIFE said:
I would have thought the bigger talking point in this thread would have been the first paragraph

I dunno why people seek out this crap then go to the trouble of posting it

Anyone with two braincells can see it for wat it is

I think it should be pointed out what it is - it is another piece of made-up BS.
 
At 32 and at 5 ft zero inches tall Utai's defense of the high ball has been a problem for some time.

I have no problem with him as a bloke and someone who has achieved a great deal in his career. If you look at our wingers ATM ( Nofo & Simona ) both are very good under the high ball , have speed and youth on their side….its hard to see where Utai would fit in moving forward.

I wish him well but I think father time is knocking on his door.

Thanks for the effort over the past 3 years though Matty.
 

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