OFFICIAL Kelma Tuilagi

[Tiger5150]

The Samoan connection is starting to bear its fruits. The following players are all of Samaon descent: Nofoaluma, Leilua bros, Talau, Chee Kam, Kepaoa, Blore and maybe a few more. If these guys play well and look like they have a good bond, more will follow. A lot of Island boys want to play at a place they feel comfortable. It's something they prioritise over a lot of other factors.


Raises a question. How many Tongan players do we have? Does having a squad full of Samoans make us less attractive to Tongan players?

One.

Who is the lonely Tongan?

EDIT: Google tells me its Joffa.

Well if it didnt stop him, hopefully it wouldnt hold others back.

 

[Alex Seyfarth's #1 Fan]

The Samoan connection is starting to bear its fruits. The following players are all of Samaon descent: Nofoaluma, Leilua bros, Talau, Chee Kam, Kepaoa, Blore and maybe a few more. If these guys play well and look like they have a good bond, more will follow. A lot of Island boys want to play at a place they feel comfortable. It's something they prioritise over a lot of other factors.


Raises a question. How many Tongan players do we have? Does having a squad full of Samoans make us less attractive to Tongan players?

Good question. When I was at high school, all of the Island boys got along, even the Samaons and Tongans. But they did have little rivalries amongst each other based on where you were from. Things were always heated whenever it was Tonga vs Samoa in any sport.

Anyway, people from that part of the world (as in their culture is from there) are some of the most welcoming, funny and warm people you'll ever meet. None of the Samoan boys would have any issue with anyone joining the club based on race, upbringing, or any other factor. Cause in the end they are all brothers.

So no, Tongan players won't be deterred by our large quantity of Samoan players.

 

[Tiger5150]

The Samoan connection is starting to bear its fruits. The following players are all of Samaon descent: Nofoaluma, Leilua bros, Talau, Chee Kam, Kepaoa, Blore and maybe a few more. If these guys play well and look like they have a good bond, more will follow. A lot of Island boys want to play at a place they feel comfortable. It's something they prioritise over a lot of other factors.


Raises a question. How many Tongan players do we have? Does having a squad full of Samoans make us less attractive to Tongan players?

Good question. When I was at high school, all of the Island boys got along, even the Samaons and Tongans. But they did have little rivalries amongst each other based on where you were from. Things were always heated whenever it was Tonga vs Samoa in any sport.

Anyway, people from that part of the world (as in their culture is from there) are some of the most welcoming, funny and warm people you'll ever meet. None of the Samoan boys would have any issue with anyone joining the club based on race, upbringing, or any other factor. Cause in the end they are all brothers.

So no, Tongan players won't be deterred by our large quantity of Samoan players.

Would like to think so. Ive spent a lot of time in the south pacific, working on an island called Niue (worked with Dene Halatau's uncle). I know poly culture well. There is a lot of rivalry between the islands.

 

[Geo]

The Samoan connection is starting to bear its fruits. The following players are all of Samaon descent: Nofoaluma, Leilua bros, Talau, Chee Kam, Kepaoa, Blore and maybe a few more. If these guys play well and look like they have a good bond, more will follow. A lot of Island boys want to play at a place they feel comfortable. It's something they prioritise over a lot of other factors.


Raises a question. How many Tongan players do we have? Does having a squad full of Samoans make us less attractive to Tongan players?

I don’t think it’s an issue sincemost a were all born in Australia...they have Pacific Islander decent

 

[tig_prmz]

There is a bit of rawness about him in a good way. Sounds like he's greatful just being here.

 

[MarySt]

RD10 v Bears

19 runs for 197 metres
73 post contact metres
2 line breaks
3 tackle breaks
23 tackles (1 missed)
2 tries

granted they were playing against a weak squad, but would love to see this guy get a callup soon, has been a fairly consistent performer all year. Would not look out of place in first grade

 

[Toowoomba_Tiger]

Yeah he's been going great. Pushing for First Grade for sure. Might have to wait for injuries though.
The whole Reserve Grade is going great. Very impressive to watch. Gardners doing a really good job, even against the Bears where there were a lot of changes to the lineup, they all did very well.
Tuki Simpkins is still a stand out for me.
Zach Docker Clay has been playing 5/8th and Hooker. Played halfback last week and was in everything. Very refreshing to see how a halfback should play. Same age as Brooks I think. Solid in all aspects. A real live wire. If Brooks does get dropped or injured at any point, I'd call him up over Jock Madden.

 

[TigerSJ]

Kelma is a beast and could be anything. Like to see him get a little fitter, maybe trim a couple of kgs. Bring him on off the bench for 20 mins and let him loose. The speed of NRL could be his only hurdle.

 

[rihannafan1]

At least there's a bunch of blokes down there who could come up and play physical. Seyfarth, Simpkins, Tuilagi, Dias, Musgrove.

It would be nice to see Zach get a game of firsts but he's an Adam Clune or Matt Frawley type. A fine backup. Madden has a lot more upside. And having seen most of their games this year I'd say that was Zach's best of the season on Thursday.

 

[Speed2burn]

I actually think he’s ahead of Blore in terms of development

Straight out of the Melbourne system, playing 80 mins on an edge every week. Tons of upside and could be a diamond in the rough

 

[tony soprano]

I actually think he’s ahead of Blore in terms of development

Straight out of the Melbourne system, playing 80 mins on an edge every week. Tons of upside and could be a diamond in the rough

Noticed blore really stings in defence tho which we need

 

[AL The Tiger]

I actually think he’s ahead of Blore in terms of development

Straight out of the Melbourne system, playing 80 mins on an edge every week. Tons of upside and could be a diamond in the rough

Noticed blore really stings in defence tho which we need

Not sure Blore would be appropriate right now. Never know what could be considered a sin bin in today's NRL environment

 

[Elderslie_Tiger]

I actually think he’s ahead of Blore in terms of development

Straight out of the Melbourne system, playing 80 mins on an edge every week. Tons of upside and could be a diamond in the rough

Noticed blore really stings in defence tho which we need

Not sure Blore would be appropriate right now. Never know what could be considered a sin bin in today's NRL environment

Players just have to learn its a matter from the weekend GO LOW or GO OFF simple

 

[Devon Head]

I actually think he’s ahead of Blore in terms of development

Straight out of the Melbourne system, playing 80 mins on an edge every week. Tons of upside and could be a diamond in the rough

Commentators during game were talking up his chances of breaking into firsts this season as being very highly likely. Said Madge has spoken previously about using him in the bench rotation.

 

[jrtiger]

I actually think he’s ahead of Blore in terms of development

Straight out of the Melbourne system, playing 80 mins on an edge every week. Tons of upside and could be a diamond in the rough

Noticed blore really stings in defence tho which we need

Blore is a better defender, Tuilagi a better attacker. both brilliant prospects and should be mainstays of our first grade side for the next decade.

 

[tony soprano]

I actually think he’s ahead of Blore in terms of development

Straight out of the Melbourne system, playing 80 mins on an edge every week. Tons of upside and could be a diamond in the rough

Noticed blore really stings in defence tho which we need

Not sure Blore would be appropriate right now. Never know what could be considered a sin bin in today's NRL environment

Had good technique very strong

 

[JC99]

Doubt he plays this week but getting a spot over Blore or Seyfarth wouldn't exactly be undeserved. He'll get a crack soon enough, really good player.

 

[TheDaBoss]

Thinking realistically

How many more debuts u guys reckon will happen in this regular season for us...imho next inline has to be either Amone or Tuki

 

[diedpretty]

At least there's a bunch of blokes down there who could come up and play physical. Seyfarth, Simpkins, Tuilagi, Dias, Musgrove.

It would be nice to see Zach get a game of firsts but he's an Adam Clune or Matt Frawley type. A fine backup. Madden has a lot more upside. And having seen most of their games this year I'd say that was Zach's best of the season on Thursday.

Austin Dias - love that name - reminds me of Martin Lang the way he just runs 100 mph in to the defence without any fear.

 

[The_Patriot]

Like the prospect and potential but i dont see it yet.

Feel he has a way to go to get past the Blores and Garners etc.