New Faces at Training

[Magpieger]

FOX SPORTS RATING ON RECRUITMENT

WESTS TIGERS

2021 gains: James Roberts (Rabbitohs), Stefano Utoikamanu (Eels), Paul Momirovski (loan return from Storm), James Tamou (Panthers), Joe Ofahengaue (Broncos), Tuki Simpkins (Cowboys), Jock Madden, Jake Simpkin, Zac Cini (all upgraded)

2021 losses: Harry Grant (loan return to Storm), Josh Aloiai (Broncos), Chris Lawrence (retirement), Sam McIntyre (Titans), Matt Eisenhuth, Robert Jennings (both Panthers), Josh Reynolds (Hull FC), Elijah Taylor (Salford), Kane Bradley (Cowboys), Benji Marshall, Oliver Clark, Dylan Smith (all unsigned)

Rating: B: James Tamou’s exactly what the Tigers have needed. A good club man, a standard-setter and someone who leads by example. The acquisitions of Joe Ofahengaue and James Roberts fall under the category of wait and see. On their day both can break games open, at their worst they both can leave you scratching your head.

. Former Bronco Joe Ofahengaue gets used to life as a Tiger
. Former Bronco Joe Ofahengaue gets used to life as a Tiger
The problem for Ofahengaue has been that he’s moved from middle to edge to bench again and again. That can’t be good for your development, so hopefully a settled role will bring the best out of him. Roberts, meanwhile, comes with some baggage but the Tigers insist he’s in a good space physically and mentally and if that continues then he remains one of the competition’s great attacking threats. There’s a lot of good whispers about hooker Jake Simpkin who, with just Jacob Liddle in front of him, may get a shot at first grade in 2021.

I remember when Bodene Thompson was with Titans, pretty ordinary with moments of promise coz he kept getting shuffled between back-row and centre. When he came to us I wasnt over the moon but he was given a job exclusively in the 2nd row and turned out to be our most consistent player.
Joe O has the potential to do the same.

 

[Deleted member 3518]

FOX SPORTS RATING ON RECRUITMENT

WESTS TIGERS

2021 gains: James Roberts (Rabbitohs), Stefano Utoikamanu (Eels), Paul Momirovski (loan return from Storm), James Tamou (Panthers), Joe Ofahengaue (Broncos), Tuki Simpkins (Cowboys), Jock Madden, Jake Simpkin, Zac Cini (all upgraded)

2021 losses: Harry Grant (loan return to Storm), Josh Aloiai (Broncos), Chris Lawrence (retirement), Sam McIntyre (Titans), Matt Eisenhuth, Robert Jennings (both Panthers), Josh Reynolds (Hull FC), Elijah Taylor (Salford), Kane Bradley (Cowboys), Benji Marshall, Oliver Clark, Dylan Smith (all unsigned)

Rating: B: James Tamou’s exactly what the Tigers have needed. A good club man, a standard-setter and someone who leads by example. The acquisitions of Joe Ofahengaue and James Roberts fall under the category of wait and see. On their day both can break games open, at their worst they both can leave you scratching your head.

. Former Bronco Joe Ofahengaue gets used to life as a Tiger
. Former Bronco Joe Ofahengaue gets used to life as a Tiger
The problem for Ofahengaue has been that he’s moved from middle to edge to bench again and again. That can’t be good for your development, so hopefully a settled role will bring the best out of him. Roberts, meanwhile, comes with some baggage but the Tigers insist he’s in a good space physically and mentally and if that continues then he remains one of the competition’s great attacking threats. There’s a lot of good whispers about hooker Jake Simpkin who, with just Jacob Liddle in front of him, may get a shot at first grade in 2021.



I remember when Bodene Thompson was with Titans, pretty ordinary with moments of promise coz he kept getting shuffled between back-row and centre. When he came to us I wasnt over the moon but he was given a job exclusively in the 2nd row and turned out to be our most consistent player.
Joe O has the potential to do the same.

Ah ... Joe O doesn’t play centre mate ! Just kidding . I hope he goes well too.

 

[BAGNF05]

The POM mentioned in another thread coaching staff were happy with Fitzgibbon, could very well be upgraded to top 30 on minimum wage

It's good to read WTs are really supporting this young fellow. The improvements to our coaching structures and support systems shine through.

I know nothing of him, what’s his story?

This clip does his skills justice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eUcAN6sgjI

Thanks for sharing, bit of Inglis/peachey in there

What I enjoyed most about the highlights is the confidence of the young man to get on the outside of his opponent and back himself in a sprint. I am so thorughly sick of watching wingers step back inside when there is a clear channel down the wing because they are 'strong runners' ie lack genuine pace.

He will obviously have a lot less time and space if he cracks firsts but what strikes me most is his balance. He appears to be one of those natural athletes made for rugby league, guys that give defenders nightmares, I hope he gets a crack.

 

[LeichhardtTiger]

hope he gets a crack.

and gives up the swan dives!

 

[BAGNF05]

Many posts placing a lot of hope on Douiehi,based on half a game.We are very skinney in the 5/8 position in case it does not work or injury which is common in the halves ,who do we play? Tannous i believe is a year away.Mbye may go ,and then what?AfterFB most think we need either lock or 2nd rower,to me it is 5/8.

The $$$ we paid for him was a nod to what the club sees in him. Time will tell but hopefully they were right. Despite lacking a yard of pace he had a really solid year at FB if you ask me.

OK, My reasons,Doeihe was a panick buy same as Momo,there were not many options.I doubt we had Hartigan then,.Since then we have tried to validate their worth by changing positions,they are both average players.Doehi,TT,Momo were not bought to play in the halves,even though they may have played some football in that position.The only player that would get a contract in another club as a half is Madden.The rest is smoke and mirrors.I have said i like Doeihi and hope he kills it.so why my doubts? He is not big,he is tall ,lanky and not quick,as a centre maybe but at 5/8 they will run around him,and target him.The others,may have beeen good in junior sides and TT was probably 2 stone lighter.I know I;m the odd man out here,but i just call it as i see it.

Fair enough, he definitely hasn’t jumped off the page and said ‘I’m an NRL superstar’ yet. Just something about him gives me confidence, a little bit of Jack Wighton.

 

[BAGNF05]

hope he gets a crack.

and gives up the swan dives!

Haha you only get that wrong once when the dusters cop a hit

 

[balmain boy]

Many posts placing a lot of hope on Douiehi,based on half a game.We are very skinney in the 5/8 position in case it does not work or injury which is common in the halves ,who do we play? Tannous i believe is a year away.Mbye may go ,and then what?AfterFB most think we need either lock or 2nd rower,to me it is 5/8.

The $$$ we paid for him was a nod to what the club sees in him. Time will tell but hopefully they were right. Despite lacking a yard of pace he had a really solid year at FB if you ask me.

OK, My reasons,Doeihe was a panick buy same as Momo,there were not many options.I doubt we had Hartigan then,.Since then we have tried to validate their worth by changing positions,they are both average players.Doehi,TT,Momo were not bought to play in the halves,even though they may have played some football in that position.The only player that would get a contract in another club as a half is Madden.The rest is smoke and mirrors.I have said i like Doeihi and hope he kills it.so why my doubts? He is not big,he is tall ,lanky and not quick,as a centre maybe but at 5/8 they will run around him,and target him.The others,may have beeen good in junior sides and TT was probably 2 stone lighter.I know I;m the odd man out here,but i just call it as i see it.

Neither were panick buys...

Both are decent players who have contributed to our squad. Doueiji was largely very good at fullback. Good under high ball, chime into attacks, just lacked a bit of pace. . Momoroski average 3 tries every 4 games. WHat more do you want from a youngster?

And by your definition the Roosters are struggling immensely in the halves this season are they?

 

[AdelaideTiger]

Many posts placing a lot of hope on Douiehi,based on half a game.We are very skinney in the 5/8 position in case it does not work or injury which is common in the halves ,who do we play? Tannous i believe is a year away.Mbye may go ,and then what?AfterFB most think we need either lock or 2nd rower,to me it is 5/8.

The $$$ we paid for him was a nod to what the club sees in him. Time will tell but hopefully they were right. Despite lacking a yard of pace he had a really solid year at FB if you ask me.

OK, My reasons,Doeihe was a panick buy same as Momo,there were not many options.I doubt we had Hartigan then,.Since then we have tried to validate their worth by changing positions,they are both average players.Doehi,TT,Momo were not bought to play in the halves,even though they may have played some football in that position.The only player that would get a contract in another club as a half is Madden.The rest is smoke and mirrors.I have said i like Doeihi and hope he kills it.so why my doubts? He is not big,he is tall ,lanky and not quick,as a centre maybe but at 5/8 they will run around him,and target him.The others,may have beeen good in junior sides and TT was probably 2 stone lighter.I know I;m the odd man out here,but i just call it as i see it.

Neither were panick buys...

Both are decent players who have contributed to our squad. Doueiji was largely very good at fullback. Good under high ball, chime into attacks, just lacked a bit of pace. . Momoroski average 3 tries every 4 games. WHat more do you want from a youngster?

And by your definition the Roosters are struggling immensely in the halves this season are they?

I agree, a few people on here often conflate a lack of explosiveness with being average, is Cameron Smith Average? Was Cooper Cronk Average? just because you can't burn your opposite number on the outside every play it doesn't mean you're an average player.
I think Doueihi is a gun and will own the 6 jersey this year.

 

[Tigerbuck63]

The POM mentioned in another thread coaching staff were happy with Fitzgibbon, could very well be upgraded to top 30 on minimum wage

It's good to read WTs are really supporting this young fellow. The improvements to our coaching structures and support systems shine through.

I know nothing of him, what’s his story?

This clip does his skills justice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eUcAN6sgjI

Thanks for sharing, bit of Inglis/peachey in there

Easy to do that in lower grades.
Read on Forum not the greatest trainer.
Considering other options around upgrade makes sense.

 

[BAGNF05]

The POM mentioned in another thread coaching staff were happy with Fitzgibbon, could very well be upgraded to top 30 on minimum wage

It's good to read WTs are really supporting this young fellow. The improvements to our coaching structures and support systems shine through.

I know nothing of him, what’s his story?

This clip does his skills justice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eUcAN6sgjI

Thanks for sharing, bit of Inglis/peachey in there

Easy to do that in lower grades.
Read on Forum not the greatest trainer.
Considering other options around upgrade makes sense.

Yeah, im not making any predictions just comparing styles, the balance and effortless running style is impressive.

 

[Big Brain]

Many posts placing a lot of hope on Douiehi,based on half a game.We are very skinney in the 5/8 position in case it does not work or injury which is common in the halves ,who do we play? Tannous i believe is a year away.Mbye may go ,and then what?AfterFB most think we need either lock or 2nd rower,to me it is 5/8.

The $$$ we paid for him was a nod to what the club sees in him. Time will tell but hopefully they were right. Despite lacking a yard of pace he had a really solid year at FB if you ask me.

OK, My reasons,Doeihe was a panick buy same as Momo,there were not many options.I doubt we had Hartigan then,.Since then we have tried to validate their worth by changing positions,they are both average players.Doehi,TT,Momo were not bought to play in the halves,even though they may have played some football in that position.The only player that would get a contract in another club as a half is Madden.The rest is smoke and mirrors.I have said i like Doeihi and hope he kills it.so why my doubts? He is not big,he is tall ,lanky and not quick,as a centre maybe but at 5/8 they will run around him,and target him.The others,may have beeen good in junior sides and TT was probably 2 stone lighter.I know I;m the odd man out here,but i just call it as i see it.

Well you’re a good judge. Madden hasn’t played NRL and Momo just came back from playing with the premiers.

 

[sleeve]

Many posts placing a lot of hope on Douiehi,based on half a game.We are very skinney in the 5/8 position in case it does not work or injury which is common in the halves ,who do we play? Tannous i believe is a year away.Mbye may go ,and then what?AfterFB most think we need either lock or 2nd rower,to me it is 5/8.

The $$$ we paid for him was a nod to what the club sees in him. Time will tell but hopefully they were right. Despite lacking a yard of pace he had a really solid year at FB if you ask me.

OK, My reasons,Doeihe was a panick buy same as Momo,there were not many options.I doubt we had Hartigan then,.Since then we have tried to validate their worth by changing positions,they are both average players.Doehi,TT,Momo were not bought to play in the halves,even though they may have played some football in that position.The only player that would get a contract in another club as a half is Madden.The rest is smoke and mirrors.I have said i like Doeihi and hope he kills it.so why my doubts? He is not big,he is tall ,lanky and not quick,as a centre maybe but at 5/8 they will run around him,and target him.The others,may have beeen good in junior sides and TT was probably 2 stone lighter.I know I;m the odd man out here,but i just call it as i see it.


Well you’re a good judge. Madden hasn’t played NRL and Momo just came back from playing with the premiers.

Time will tell Big Brain.

 

[BAGNF05]

Many posts placing a lot of hope on Douiehi,based on half a game.We are very skinney in the 5/8 position in case it does not work or injury which is common in the halves ,who do we play? Tannous i believe is a year away.Mbye may go ,and then what?AfterFB most think we need either lock or 2nd rower,to me it is 5/8.

The $$$ we paid for him was a nod to what the club sees in him. Time will tell but hopefully they were right. Despite lacking a yard of pace he had a really solid year at FB if you ask me.

OK, My reasons,Doeihe was a panick buy same as Momo,there were not many options.I doubt we had Hartigan then,.Since then we have tried to validate their worth by changing positions,they are both average players.Doehi,TT,Momo were not bought to play in the halves,even though they may have played some football in that position.The only player that would get a contract in another club as a half is Madden.The rest is smoke and mirrors.I have said i like Doeihi and hope he kills it.so why my doubts? He is not big,he is tall ,lanky and not quick,as a centre maybe but at 5/8 they will run around him,and target him.The others,may have beeen good in junior sides and TT was probably 2 stone lighter.I know I;m the odd man out here,but i just call it as i see it.

Neither were panick buys...

Both are decent players who have contributed to our squad. Doueiji was largely very good at fullback. Good under high ball, chime into attacks, just lacked a bit of pace. . Momoroski average 3 tries every 4 games. WHat more do you want from a youngster?

And by your definition the Roosters are struggling immensely in the halves this season are they?

I agree, a few people on here often conflate a lack of explosiveness with being average, is Cameron Smith Average? Was Cooper Cronk Average? just because you can't burn your opposite number on the outside every play it doesn't mean you're an average player.
I think Doueihi is a gun and will own the 6 jersey this year.

I totally agree with you but Smith is much worse than average.

 

[sleeve]

It's dangerous ground when you questions player abilities in certain positions,i realise that.Calling players average is not insulting them,it's simply an opinion.People get very protective of their favourite players,and i am probably the same.I try to use logic that i see,it's not what others see.It's all about perception,and we all differ.Keep happy its the Tigers comeback.

 

[sleeve]

Many posts placing a lot of hope on Douiehi,based on half a game.We are very skinney in the 5/8 position in case it does not work or injury which is common in the halves ,who do we play? Tannous i believe is a year away.Mbye may go ,and then what?AfterFB most think we need either lock or 2nd rower,to me it is 5/8.

The $$$ we paid for him was a nod to what the club sees in him. Time will tell but hopefully they were right. Despite lacking a yard of pace he had a really solid year at FB if you ask me.

OK, My reasons,Doeihe was a panick buy same as Momo,there were not many options.I doubt we had Hartigan then,.Since then we have tried to validate their worth by changing positions,they are both average players.Doehi,TT,Momo were not bought to play in the halves,even though they may have played some football in that position.The only player that would get a contract in another club as a half is Madden.The rest is smoke and mirrors.I have said i like Doeihi and hope he kills it.so why my doubts? He is not big,he is tall ,lanky and not quick,as a centre maybe but at 5/8 they will run around him,and target him.The others,may have beeen good in junior sides and TT was probably 2 stone lighter.I know I;m the odd man out here,but i just call it as i see it.


Well you’re a good judge. Madden hasn’t played NRL and Momo just came back from playing with the premiers.

Der!

 

[pawsandclaws1]

The POM mentioned in another thread coaching staff were happy with Fitzgibbon, could very well be upgraded to top 30 on minimum wage

It's good to read WTs are really supporting this young fellow. The improvements to our coaching structures and support systems shine through.

I know nothing of him, what’s his story?

This clip does his skills justice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eUcAN6sgjI

Thanks for sharing, bit of Inglis/peachey in there

Easy to do that in lower grades.
Read on Forum not the greatest trainer.
Considering other options around upgrade makes sense.

Aren't we looking for a diamond? He may need some polish but what he has is highly impressive. I recall sceptism around Koroibete and JAC.

 

[Tigerbuck63]

The POM mentioned in another thread coaching staff were happy with Fitzgibbon, could very well be upgraded to top 30 on minimum wage

It's good to read WTs are really supporting this young fellow. The improvements to our coaching structures and support systems shine through.

I know nothing of him, what’s his story?

This clip does his skills justice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eUcAN6sgjI

Thanks for sharing, bit of Inglis/peachey in there

Easy to do that in lower grades.
Read on Forum not the greatest trainer.
Considering other options around upgrade makes sense.

Aren't we looking for a diamond? He may need some polish but what he has is highly impressive. I recall sceptism around Koroibete and JAC.

Well that decision is above both our pay grades.
One less spot to worry about if works out.

 

[TigerBlood93]

Douiehi was one of our best players last year! I only expect him to get better at 6! Hope he’s put on some size and done some sprint training. He breaks tackles for fun! I see doueihi similar to jack wighton! I just hope Adam has been working on his tackling technique because teams will definitely target him, he’s a competitor so I know he will put in the work this pre season.

 

[Magpieger]

The POM mentioned in another thread coaching staff were happy with Fitzgibbon, could very well be upgraded to top 30 on minimum wage

It's good to read WTs are really supporting this young fellow. The improvements to our coaching structures and support systems shine through.

I know nothing of him, what’s his story?

This clip does his skills justice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eUcAN6sgjI

Thanks for sharing, bit of Inglis/peachey in there

What I enjoyed most about the highlights is the confidence of the young man to get on the outside of his opponent and back himself in a sprint. I am so thorughly sick of watching wingers step back inside when there is a clear channel down the wing because they are 'strong runners' ie lack genuine pace.

He will obviously have a lot less time and space if he cracks firsts but what strikes me most is his balance. He appears to be one of those natural athletes made for rugby league, guys that give defenders nightmares, I hope he gets a crack.

Agree. Just hope we've learned from previous lessons about fast, scrawny wingers.
Remember a trial match on Sunshine Coast, Qld, Addo-Carr was dynamite... but there was no faith.
Im not a gambling man but I half considered backing him for leading try-scorer when he went to Storm.

 

[Shooter Mcgavin]

Some good photos posted today of the boys.
Good to see Tuki there and Fitzgibbon back training with the top team (after suggestions he may have had a stint demoted due to attitude issues).

Joey looks pretty solid and may prove a handful for opposition defences. Would love to see him get some 1 on 1 chances near the line.

https://www.weststigers.com.au/news/2021/02/02/starting-the-week-off-strong/?fbclid=IwAR2iR0fyt0jQDwqi2MPUmJIRw8WOFkT9dRIIWFDnBiY-FsbILCwPnEhyHbc