Knights Interest In Brooks

[jirskyr]

What I do like about Tim Sheens is he has natural gravitas - his personality and his record. I like that they are having him speak on behalf of the club, I think he speaks well and is naturally less of a media target than Madge, Captain Fedora or The Duck.

 

[nrlsurvivor]

I realize this might not need it’s own thread so mods please merge with another if you feel necessary.

This morning Danny Buderus, the Knights GM, was on the radio saying they think Luke Brooks would be a good replacement for Mitchell Pearce. This is on the back of assistant coach Andrew Johns doing the same a fortnight ago.

Whether you think Luke Brooks needs to be moved on is against the point. No club in the NRL can legally talk to Brooks until November 1st 2022. The Knights have publicly being declaring their interest for a month now which blatantly goes against the NRLs anti tampering rules.

Does anybody genuinely think a clubs GM would come out and say they want Luke Keary at their club when he still had 2 years on his contract? We are still seen as push overs by other clubs, no one respects us and know we can be bullied into submission.

Pascoe needs to come out on the front foot, publicly blast the Knights and demand the NRL do something about this. Make no mistake this is a big test for the club, if we are seen to be walked over again there is no coming back. Clubs, managers and players will continue to see us as weak and never take us seriously. I know the club reads this forum. Get off your screens and do something about it, fans are sick of being the joke of the league.

What station did Buderus say this?

Around 2:20 mark
https://www.triplem.com.au/story/knights-boss-danny-buderus-weighs-in-on-luke-brooks-potentially-joining-the-club-190335

Ok so when you actually listen to what Buderus said there is absolutely no mention of him saying Brooks would be a good replacement for Pearce. All he said in responding to a question about Luke was “Brooks is a good player that would fit into any structure at any club, but the reality is he’s contracted to the Tigers for the next 2 years. I haven’t got an immediate answer, and there’s gonna be a lot of interest, about whose gonna replace Mitchell. But there’s no answer on that. We’ll go through the process.” Then he goes into to talk about their current halves.

 

[Chicken_Faced_Killa]

I realize this might not need it’s own thread so mods please merge with another if you feel necessary.

This morning Danny Buderus, the Knights GM, was on the radio saying they think Luke Brooks would be a good replacement for Mitchell Pearce. This is on the back of assistant coach Andrew Johns doing the same a fortnight ago.

Whether you think Luke Brooks needs to be moved on is against the point. No club in the NRL can legally talk to Brooks until November 1st 2022. The Knights have publicly being declaring their interest for a month now which blatantly goes against the NRLs anti tampering rules.

Does anybody genuinely think a clubs GM would come out and say they want Luke Keary at their club when he still had 2 years on his contract? We are still seen as push overs by other clubs, no one respects us and know we can be bullied into submission.

Pascoe needs to come out on the front foot, publicly blast the Knights and demand the NRL do something about this. Make no mistake this is a big test for the club, if we are seen to be walked over again there is no coming back. Clubs, managers and players will continue to see us as weak and never take us seriously. I know the club reads this forum. Get off your screens and do something about it, fans are sick of being the joke of the league.

What station did Buderus say this?

Around 2:20 mark
https://www.triplem.com.au/story/knights-boss-danny-buderus-weighs-in-on-luke-brooks-potentially-joining-the-club-190335

Ok so when you actually listen to what Buderus said there is absolutely no mention of him saying Brooks would be a good replacement for Pearce. All he said in responding to a question about Luke was “Brooks is a good player that would fit into any structure at any club, but the reality is he’s contracted to the Tigers for the next 2 years. I haven’t got an immediate answer, and there’s gonna be a lot of interest, about whose gonna replace Mitchell. But there’s no answer on that. We’ll go through the process.” Then he goes into to talk about their current halves.

How dare you ruin 5 pages of discussion with a quote from the source.

 

[Alex Seyfarth's #1 Fan]

I have to say that this thread is hilarious. Reading the indignation of the Knights having the audacity to try tempt Brooks away after reading approximately 1350 pages of people trying to find someone to take Brooks away.

Brooks is my king and the Knights will have to 1v1 me to have him.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

What I do like about Tim Sheens is he has natural gravitas - his personality and his record. I like that they are having him speak on behalf of the club, I think he speaks well and is naturally less of a media target than Madge, Captain Fedora or The Duck.

They didn’t call him Teflon Tim for nothing.

 

[tony soprano]

What I do like about Tim Sheens is he has natural gravitas - his personality and his record. I like that they are having him speak on behalf of the club, I think he speaks well and is naturally less of a media target than Madge, Captain Fedora or The Duck.

Can you believe this man has been sitting on the other side of the world in obscurity for 10 years nrl is so dumb.

 

[WT46]

He's going to newy guys 100% confirmed

 

[coivtny]

He's going to newy guys 100% confirmed

A prior comment from you re JAC:
He’s off to Souths guys… He’s using the bulldogs to get more money from Souths.
Do you see a credibility issue?

 

[Tiger5150]

He's going to newy guys 100% confirmed

Sauce?

 

[Tucker]

He's going to newy guys 100% confirmed

Sauce?

Spicy barbeque

 

[Tucker]

He's going to newy guys 100% confirmed

Haha this will get all the delicate types on here frothing…

 

[tony soprano]

All eyes on Luke Brooks as Wests Tigers return, club looks to extend Utoikamnu contract
Luke Brooks has dropped a big hint on where his future lies, while the Wests Tigers make a move to secure a young star for the future.

Brent Read
Brent Read
Follow
@brentread_7
3 min read
November 16, 2021 - 8:00PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
0 comments


Wests Tigers are preparing to upgrade and extend the contract of young star Stefano Utoikamanu but it is the future of Luke Brooks that will come under fresh scrutiny on Wednesday as the club’s big names return to training.

News Corp understands that Brooks has undergone a Covid test and submitted the paperwork in preparation for his return – Tigers players were required to return negative tests within 48 hours of returning to training under NRL guidelines.

The fact Brooks underwent a test and submitted documentation to the Tigers is the surest sign yet that the No. 7 plans to honour the final two years of his deal – or alternatively, isn’t willing to force through a move by staying away.

Along with other senior players, Brooks will pick up his training gear, and undergo testing and wellbeing screening under the watchful eye of coach Michael Maguire. He will also be able to lean on former NSW half Brett Kimmorley, who joined the club last year as pathways manager but has been given extra responsibility this year with the NRL side as a consultant to the spine.

It means Brooks and the other halves at the club will have unprecedented access to not just Kimmorley, but club legend Benji Marshall this season. While Marshall’s exact role is still to be defined, Kimmorley has already started working with the younger members of the spine and will be available to Brooks and the remainder of the first grade squad when they return this week.

“His job was mainly the halves and I pushed it through to the spine because the four of them need to work together,” Tigers head of football Tim Sheens said.

“He is basically consulting the senior side as well. He will have a hands-on (role). He is a halfback to talk to – halfbacks like to talk to halfbacks.

“At the end of the day that gives them a source and someone to sit down with and have a look at their game during the year.

“Hopefully it will work smoothly. He is a good teacher Noddy (Kimmorley). I am finding that he is really clued up on how to pass things on.”

The players are expected to hit the training paddock on Thursday and all eyes will be on Brooks amid ongoing speculation that Newcastle continue to see him as the successor to Mitchell Pearce in the No. 7 jersey.

Brooks has two years to run on his existing deal but his future has dominated column inches over the off-season, prompting the club at one point to release a statement insisting he was central to their plans.

Having allowed Pearce to exit his contract a year ahead of schedule to join Super League side Catalans, Newcastle are understood to want a halfback because it would be the least disruption to their spine.

At the same time, the Tigers are juggling numerous balls as they look to finalise their roster. As it stands, Brooks will start the season at halfback and the only question as far as the Tigers are concerned is who will be passing him the ball out of dummy half.

The Tigers’ pursuit of Josh Hodgson has stalled as Canberra refuse to budge on their No. 9 while doubt remains over their alternative hooker, Tom Starling. Starling is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday as part of a bail review but it could be some time before the Raiders have some clarity around his future.

The Wests Tigers are looking to upgrade and extend the contract of powerhouse prop Stefano Utoikamanu. Picture: NRL Photos
The Wests Tigers are looking to upgrade and extend the contract of powerhouse prop Stefano Utoikamanu. Picture: NRL Photos
With that in mind, the club has been reluctant to engage in talks with the Tigers over Hodgson, particularly in light of the fact that the Tigers want the Raiders to contribute heavily this season to smooth to move.

There is one thing the Tigers can be certain about and that is that Utoikamanu is going nowhere. The young prop was called into the extended NSW squad this year by Blues coach Brad Fittler, a pointer to the fact that representative football is on the horizon.

The Tigers want to ensure he is in for the long haul and the club has begun initial talks with his management over an upgrade and extension to his existing deal.

Utoikamanu is contracted until the end of 2023 and the Tigers want to push that out for as much as two years, while at the same time rewarding him with an upgrade the existing years of his deal.

Who's he referring to here

His job was mainly the halves and I pushed it through to the spine because the four of them need to work together,” Tigers head of football Tim Sheens said.


Positive article for tigpies

 

[weststigerman]

All eyes on Luke Brooks as Wests Tigers return, club looks to extend Utoikamnu contract
Luke Brooks has dropped a big hint on where his future lies, while the Wests Tigers make a move to secure a young star for the future.

Brent Read
Brent Read
Follow
@brentread_7
3 min read
November 16, 2021 - 8:00PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
0 comments


Wests Tigers are preparing to upgrade and extend the contract of young star Stefano Utoikamanu but it is the future of Luke Brooks that will come under fresh scrutiny on Wednesday as the club’s big names return to training.

News Corp understands that Brooks has undergone a Covid test and submitted the paperwork in preparation for his return – Tigers players were required to return negative tests within 48 hours of returning to training under NRL guidelines.

The fact Brooks underwent a test and submitted documentation to the Tigers is the surest sign yet that the No. 7 plans to honour the final two years of his deal – or alternatively, isn’t willing to force through a move by staying away.

Along with other senior players, Brooks will pick up his training gear, and undergo testing and wellbeing screening under the watchful eye of coach Michael Maguire. He will also be able to lean on former NSW half Brett Kimmorley, who joined the club last year as pathways manager but has been given extra responsibility this year with the NRL side as a consultant to the spine.

It means Brooks and the other halves at the club will have unprecedented access to not just Kimmorley, but club legend Benji Marshall this season. While Marshall’s exact role is still to be defined, Kimmorley has already started working with the younger members of the spine and will be available to Brooks and the remainder of the first grade squad when they return this week.

“His job was mainly the halves and I pushed it through to the spine because the four of them need to work together,” Tigers head of football Tim Sheens said.

“He is basically consulting the senior side as well. He will have a hands-on (role). He is a halfback to talk to – halfbacks like to talk to halfbacks.

“At the end of the day that gives them a source and someone to sit down with and have a look at their game during the year.

“Hopefully it will work smoothly. He is a good teacher Noddy (Kimmorley). I am finding that he is really clued up on how to pass things on.”

The players are expected to hit the training paddock on Thursday and all eyes will be on Brooks amid ongoing speculation that Newcastle continue to see him as the successor to Mitchell Pearce in the No. 7 jersey.

Brooks has two years to run on his existing deal but his future has dominated column inches over the off-season, prompting the club at one point to release a statement insisting he was central to their plans.

Having allowed Pearce to exit his contract a year ahead of schedule to join Super League side Catalans, Newcastle are understood to want a halfback because it would be the least disruption to their spine.

At the same time, the Tigers are juggling numerous balls as they look to finalise their roster. As it stands, Brooks will start the season at halfback and the only question as far as the Tigers are concerned is who will be passing him the ball out of dummy half.

The Tigers’ pursuit of Josh Hodgson has stalled as Canberra refuse to budge on their No. 9 while doubt remains over their alternative hooker, Tom Starling. Starling is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday as part of a bail review but it could be some time before the Raiders have some clarity around his future.

The Wests Tigers are looking to upgrade and extend the contract of powerhouse prop Stefano Utoikamanu. Picture: NRL Photos
The Wests Tigers are looking to upgrade and extend the contract of powerhouse prop Stefano Utoikamanu. Picture: NRL Photos
With that in mind, the club has been reluctant to engage in talks with the Tigers over Hodgson, particularly in light of the fact that the Tigers want the Raiders to contribute heavily this season to smooth to move.

There is one thing the Tigers can be certain about and that is that Utoikamanu is going nowhere. The young prop was called into the extended NSW squad this year by Blues coach Brad Fittler, a pointer to the fact that representative football is on the horizon.

The Tigers want to ensure he is in for the long haul and the club has begun initial talks with his management over an upgrade and extension to his existing deal.

Utoikamanu is contracted until the end of 2023 and the Tigers want to push that out for as much as two years, while at the same time rewarding him with an upgrade the existing years of his deal.

Who's he referring to here

His job was mainly the halves and I pushed it through to the spine because the four of them need to work together,” Tigers head of football Tim Sheens said.


Positive article for tigpies

Kimmorley I thought.

 

[TYGA]

Knights would have been fined millions in America for anti tampering. NRL is such an amateur hour competition.

 

[happy_tiger]

Yes, the comments members of the Knights coaching staff are making are illegal. Make no mistake about that. It’s against the rules and we should be pushing the nrl to come down hard on them, regardless whether we end up releasing him.


I bet you it's actually not illegal by letter of the law.

Illegal to approach a player about a contract, not illegal to talk favourably of a player. If Pascoe came out tomorrow and said "sure we'd love to have Cameron Munster in our side, he's a quality player" there would be nothing illegal about that.

I find it all quite pointless anyway, surely if the Knights really want to engage Brooks about 2022 they just put the word out to his manager on the sly. They can speak to his manager about his individual circumstance, an "inquiry" without actually making contract overtures. I don't think the media talk is for the player himself, I think it's for the fans/sponsors/media.

It’s a high risk tactic. Knights are not in a much stronger position than us. Can you imagine the discussion here if we were making noises like this about signing a contracted player? If it was Lee?

If they don’t get Brooks they look pretty ridiculous/desperate. This place would be melting down

Seriously, On Paper the Knights are a much better side than the performances suggest...
That's why the Agent needs a Brooks release - That coach has bigger problems than ours... Great squad and cant do crap with it.

The need a Halfback NOW, Another ordinary year - It's 60% or better they'll lose Ponga - They lose him... They've wasted 10 years.

Wasn't Drinkwater linked to the Knights or is that more fanciful darts on a board from the press?

Which Drinkwater ......

 

[nrlsurvivor]

All eyes on Luke Brooks as Wests Tigers return, club looks to extend Utoikamnu contract
Luke Brooks has dropped a big hint on where his future lies, while the Wests Tigers make a move to secure a young star for the future.

Brent Read
Brent Read
Follow
@brentread_7
3 min read
November 16, 2021 - 8:00PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
0 comments


Wests Tigers are preparing to upgrade and extend the contract of young star Stefano Utoikamanu but it is the future of Luke Brooks that will come under fresh scrutiny on Wednesday as the club’s big names return to training.

News Corp understands that Brooks has undergone a Covid test and submitted the paperwork in preparation for his return – Tigers players were required to return negative tests within 48 hours of returning to training under NRL guidelines.

The fact Brooks underwent a test and submitted documentation to the Tigers is the surest sign yet that the No. 7 plans to honour the final two years of his deal – or alternatively, isn’t willing to force through a move by staying away.

Along with other senior players, Brooks will pick up his training gear, and undergo testing and wellbeing screening under the watchful eye of coach Michael Maguire. He will also be able to lean on former NSW half Brett Kimmorley, who joined the club last year as pathways manager but has been given extra responsibility this year with the NRL side as a consultant to the spine.

It means Brooks and the other halves at the club will have unprecedented access to not just Kimmorley, but club legend Benji Marshall this season. While Marshall’s exact role is still to be defined, Kimmorley has already started working with the younger members of the spine and will be available to Brooks and the remainder of the first grade squad when they return this week.

“His job was mainly the halves and I pushed it through to the spine because the four of them need to work together,” Tigers head of football Tim Sheens said.

“He is basically consulting the senior side as well. He will have a hands-on (role). He is a halfback to talk to – halfbacks like to talk to halfbacks.

“At the end of the day that gives them a source and someone to sit down with and have a look at their game during the year.

“Hopefully it will work smoothly. He is a good teacher Noddy (Kimmorley). I am finding that he is really clued up on how to pass things on.”

The players are expected to hit the training paddock on Thursday and all eyes will be on Brooks amid ongoing speculation that Newcastle continue to see him as the successor to Mitchell Pearce in the No. 7 jersey.

Brooks has two years to run on his existing deal but his future has dominated column inches over the off-season, prompting the club at one point to release a statement insisting he was central to their plans.

Having allowed Pearce to exit his contract a year ahead of schedule to join Super League side Catalans, Newcastle are understood to want a halfback because it would be the least disruption to their spine.

At the same time, the Tigers are juggling numerous balls as they look to finalise their roster. As it stands, Brooks will start the season at halfback and the only question as far as the Tigers are concerned is who will be passing him the ball out of dummy half.

The Tigers’ pursuit of Josh Hodgson has stalled as Canberra refuse to budge on their No. 9 while doubt remains over their alternative hooker, Tom Starling. Starling is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday as part of a bail review but it could be some time before the Raiders have some clarity around his future.

The Wests Tigers are looking to upgrade and extend the contract of powerhouse prop Stefano Utoikamanu. Picture: NRL Photos
The Wests Tigers are looking to upgrade and extend the contract of powerhouse prop Stefano Utoikamanu. Picture: NRL Photos
With that in mind, the club has been reluctant to engage in talks with the Tigers over Hodgson, particularly in light of the fact that the Tigers want the Raiders to contribute heavily this season to smooth to move.

There is one thing the Tigers can be certain about and that is that Utoikamanu is going nowhere. The young prop was called into the extended NSW squad this year by Blues coach Brad Fittler, a pointer to the fact that representative football is on the horizon.

The Tigers want to ensure he is in for the long haul and the club has begun initial talks with his management over an upgrade and extension to his existing deal.

Utoikamanu is contracted until the end of 2023 and the Tigers want to push that out for as much as two years, while at the same time rewarding him with an upgrade the existing years of his deal.

Who's he referring to here

His job was mainly the halves and I pushed it through to the spine because the four of them need to work together,” Tigers head of football Tim Sheens said.


Positive article for tigpies

Kimmorley I thought.

Yep. Kimmorley. Looks like his role has expanded to also help out the first grade spine.

 

[jirskyr]

What I do like about Tim Sheens is he has natural gravitas - his personality and his record. I like that they are having him speak on behalf of the club, I think he speaks well and is naturally less of a media target than Madge, Captain Fedora or The Duck.

They didn’t call him Teflon Tim for nothing.

"They" didn't call him Teflon Tim, or "we" didn't? I thought that was a forum thing?

 

[tony soprano]

All eyes on Luke Brooks as Wests Tigers return, club looks to extend Utoikamnu contract
Luke Brooks has dropped a big hint on where his future lies, while the Wests Tigers make a move to secure a young star for the future.

Brent Read
Brent Read
Follow
@brentread_7
3 min read
November 16, 2021 - 8:00PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
0 comments


Wests Tigers are preparing to upgrade and extend the contract of young star Stefano Utoikamanu but it is the future of Luke Brooks that will come under fresh scrutiny on Wednesday as the club’s big names return to training.

News Corp understands that Brooks has undergone a Covid test and submitted the paperwork in preparation for his return – Tigers players were required to return negative tests within 48 hours of returning to training under NRL guidelines.

The fact Brooks underwent a test and submitted documentation to the Tigers is the surest sign yet that the No. 7 plans to honour the final two years of his deal – or alternatively, isn’t willing to force through a move by staying away.

Along with other senior players, Brooks will pick up his training gear, and undergo testing and wellbeing screening under the watchful eye of coach Michael Maguire. He will also be able to lean on former NSW half Brett Kimmorley, who joined the club last year as pathways manager but has been given extra responsibility this year with the NRL side as a consultant to the spine.

It means Brooks and the other halves at the club will have unprecedented access to not just Kimmorley, but club legend Benji Marshall this season. While Marshall’s exact role is still to be defined, Kimmorley has already started working with the younger members of the spine and will be available to Brooks and the remainder of the first grade squad when they return this week.

“His job was mainly the halves and I pushed it through to the spine because the four of them need to work together,” Tigers head of football Tim Sheens said.

“He is basically consulting the senior side as well. He will have a hands-on (role). He is a halfback to talk to – halfbacks like to talk to halfbacks.

“At the end of the day that gives them a source and someone to sit down with and have a look at their game during the year.

“Hopefully it will work smoothly. He is a good teacher Noddy (Kimmorley). I am finding that he is really clued up on how to pass things on.”

The players are expected to hit the training paddock on Thursday and all eyes will be on Brooks amid ongoing speculation that Newcastle continue to see him as the successor to Mitchell Pearce in the No. 7 jersey.

Brooks has two years to run on his existing deal but his future has dominated column inches over the off-season, prompting the club at one point to release a statement insisting he was central to their plans.

Having allowed Pearce to exit his contract a year ahead of schedule to join Super League side Catalans, Newcastle are understood to want a halfback because it would be the least disruption to their spine.

At the same time, the Tigers are juggling numerous balls as they look to finalise their roster. As it stands, Brooks will start the season at halfback and the only question as far as the Tigers are concerned is who will be passing him the ball out of dummy half.

The Tigers’ pursuit of Josh Hodgson has stalled as Canberra refuse to budge on their No. 9 while doubt remains over their alternative hooker, Tom Starling. Starling is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday as part of a bail review but it could be some time before the Raiders have some clarity around his future.

The Wests Tigers are looking to upgrade and extend the contract of powerhouse prop Stefano Utoikamanu. Picture: NRL Photos
The Wests Tigers are looking to upgrade and extend the contract of powerhouse prop Stefano Utoikamanu. Picture: NRL Photos
With that in mind, the club has been reluctant to engage in talks with the Tigers over Hodgson, particularly in light of the fact that the Tigers want the Raiders to contribute heavily this season to smooth to move.

There is one thing the Tigers can be certain about and that is that Utoikamanu is going nowhere. The young prop was called into the extended NSW squad this year by Blues coach Brad Fittler, a pointer to the fact that representative football is on the horizon.

The Tigers want to ensure he is in for the long haul and the club has begun initial talks with his management over an upgrade and extension to his existing deal.

Utoikamanu is contracted until the end of 2023 and the Tigers want to push that out for as much as two years, while at the same time rewarding him with an upgrade the existing years of his deal.

Who's he referring to here

His job was mainly the halves and I pushed it through to the spine because the four of them need to work together,” Tigers head of football Tim Sheens said.


Positive article for tigpies

Kimmorley I thought.

Yep. Kimmorley. Looks like his role has expanded to also help out the first grade spine.

Yep wondering who our spine are

 

[twentyforty]

All eyes on Luke Brooks as Wests Tigers return, club looks to extend Utoikamnu contract
Luke Brooks has dropped a big hint on where his future lies, while the Wests Tigers make a move to secure a young star for the future.

Brent Read
Brent Read
Follow
@brentread_7
3 min read
November 16, 2021 - 8:00PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
0 comments


Wests Tigers are preparing to upgrade and extend the contract of young star Stefano Utoikamanu but it is the future of Luke Brooks that will come under fresh scrutiny on Wednesday as the club’s big names return to training.

News Corp understands that Brooks has undergone a Covid test and submitted the paperwork in preparation for his return – Tigers players were required to return negative tests within 48 hours of returning to training under NRL guidelines.

The fact Brooks underwent a test and submitted documentation to the Tigers is the surest sign yet that the No. 7 plans to honour the final two years of his deal – or alternatively, isn’t willing to force through a move by staying away.

Along with other senior players, Brooks will pick up his training gear, and undergo testing and wellbeing screening under the watchful eye of coach Michael Maguire. He will also be able to lean on former NSW half Brett Kimmorley, who joined the club last year as pathways manager but has been given extra responsibility this year with the NRL side as a consultant to the spine.

It means Brooks and the other halves at the club will have unprecedented access to not just Kimmorley, but club legend Benji Marshall this season. While Marshall’s exact role is still to be defined, Kimmorley has already started working with the younger members of the spine and will be available to Brooks and the remainder of the first grade squad when they return this week.

“His job was mainly the halves and I pushed it through to the spine because the four of them need to work together,” Tigers head of football Tim Sheens said.

“He is basically consulting the senior side as well. He will have a hands-on (role). He is a halfback to talk to – halfbacks like to talk to halfbacks.

“At the end of the day that gives them a source and someone to sit down with and have a look at their game during the year.

“Hopefully it will work smoothly. He is a good teacher Noddy (Kimmorley). I am finding that he is really clued up on how to pass things on.”

The players are expected to hit the training paddock on Thursday and all eyes will be on Brooks amid ongoing speculation that Newcastle continue to see him as the successor to Mitchell Pearce in the No. 7 jersey.

Brooks has two years to run on his existing deal but his future has dominated column inches over the off-season, prompting the club at one point to release a statement insisting he was central to their plans.

Having allowed Pearce to exit his contract a year ahead of schedule to join Super League side Catalans, Newcastle are understood to want a halfback because it would be the least disruption to their spine.

At the same time, the Tigers are juggling numerous balls as they look to finalise their roster. As it stands, Brooks will start the season at halfback and the only question as far as the Tigers are concerned is who will be passing him the ball out of dummy half.

The Tigers’ pursuit of Josh Hodgson has stalled as Canberra refuse to budge on their No. 9 while doubt remains over their alternative hooker, Tom Starling. Starling is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday as part of a bail review but it could be some time before the Raiders have some clarity around his future.

The Wests Tigers are looking to upgrade and extend the contract of powerhouse prop Stefano Utoikamanu. Picture: NRL Photos
The Wests Tigers are looking to upgrade and extend the contract of powerhouse prop Stefano Utoikamanu. Picture: NRL Photos
With that in mind, the club has been reluctant to engage in talks with the Tigers over Hodgson, particularly in light of the fact that the Tigers want the Raiders to contribute heavily this season to smooth to move.

There is one thing the Tigers can be certain about and that is that Utoikamanu is going nowhere. The young prop was called into the extended NSW squad this year by Blues coach Brad Fittler, a pointer to the fact that representative football is on the horizon.

The Tigers want to ensure he is in for the long haul and the club has begun initial talks with his management over an upgrade and extension to his existing deal.

Utoikamanu is contracted until the end of 2023 and the Tigers want to push that out for as much as two years, while at the same time rewarding him with an upgrade the existing years of his deal.

Who's he referring to here

His job was mainly the halves and I pushed it through to the spine because the four of them need to work together,” Tigers head of football Tim Sheens said.


Positive article for tigpies

Kimmorley I thought.

Yep. Kimmorley. Looks like his role has expanded to also help out the first grade spine.

Yep wondering who our spine are

Hope the 13 is included in that little group?

 

[diedpretty]

What I do like about Tim Sheens is he has natural gravitas - his personality and his record. I like that they are having him speak on behalf of the club, I think he speaks well and is naturally less of a media target than Madge, Captain Fedora or The Duck.

Yep he is certainly stamping his authority on the club. Hear nothing about Madge these days which is good. It appears he has been told he has one job and he can devote all his time and effort to it.