Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[The Chad]

Ok, so 5 players to build our squad & cover as many holes as possible.

That wing position is weak. So is centre. Unless we are signing a second rower that plays centre as well, I'm starting to think our new winger also has to cover centre- giving more depth.

Izaac Thompson from the Rabbits is a bigger body that can play both. And would be a budget option. Obviously, the name that fits & has some jazz to it is Val Holmes. His defence is weird, but he certainly an upgrade on the wing in attack. We have the money for him- that's the key. You could overspend (slightly) on a 2-3 year deal without crippling the club and get a genuine superstar.

Faataape needs to be re-signed to become the #3/4 option in the centre ranks & I'd keep Naden simply because of depth purposes. If Naden is centre/winger #4/5 in the squad- we are ok. Luke Lualili'i obviously covers some wing depth as well. At some point Makasini will feature- I suspect he might be the one to push Olam or Doueihi off the roster in time.


The forwards- I'm thinking 1 back row & 3 middles.

Seyfarth is versatile enough to cover 2nd row & actually contributes to my "Bash Brothers" ideal anyway.

That said- watching good teams these days- those wide forwards are really the metre makers. Kleese Haas is young & dynamic & could excel running off Luia. If rumours of Harrison Hassett are true though- he becomes that backrow edge runner. This is why I mention Seyfarth- who might be needed to start until Hassett transitions into a starter. Rueben Porter & Johannssen offer the depth in the backrow, but I think the club needs to look at Fa'agutu & Kit Lualili'i getting some experience there too while numbers are thin.

Our middles are where everyone will have different takes. I've made my ideas pretty clear- I'd sacrifice the explosive runners in place of hard tackling, hard working types & produce that 'hard' edge we are simply not known for. Klemmer will start- he's our best defensive middle despite the critics. Pole & Sione Fainu offer attack (think the way the Roosters use Leniu & Tupouniua) off the bench. Our #13 options are young & untested (Fa'agutu & Kit Lualili'i) and need to earn the starting spot. Twal is a steady player that holds value, but COULD be the guy that floats between 1st grade & 2nd grade.

With Hassett added in the backrow- we need experience in the middle. Horsburgh is still my #1 guy & could play prop or #13 effectively. He adds that starch that makes teams look up before running into the line. WE NEED THAT INTIMIDATION. Currently, teams enjoy running at our middles- that has to stop. Nelson Asofa-Solomona has some value as an enormous human that doesn't get overpowered. He's not the player he used to be, but he does give the forward pack someone teams 'fear'. Good news is- we can afford both. If Nelson isn't available, there are options but none hold that immediate respect he would bring. Jack Hetherington is a big body with a reckless edge & the demeanour I'd want in our forwards- make the opposition wear a few hits running through our middle. I know he has a few of you worried about his discipline, I'm ok with it. Assuming Nelson ISN'T available, Hetherington is my target.

That last spot in my middle three recruits is down to 3/4 options, with 2 playing the same role. Dylan Walker & Jazz Tevaga offer that versatile #13/#9 option that is very valuable. But you only need 1 of the 2. I prefer Tevaga for personality, but Walker might be the more available. The other 2 options- Mat Croker from the Knights who is kind of another Twal, or........Josh Schuster. Before you choke on your tea- Schuster on a decent contract value is by far the most talented option & could revolusionize our attack from #13. But, he is a lazy player & doesn't quite fit my ideal. Of that lot- I think I'd go Tevaga, but suspect Dylan Walker.

So, my 5 new additions would likely be Val Holmes, Corey Horsburgh, Jack Hetherington, Harrison Hassett & Dylan Walker.

 

[The Chad]

Our first signing should be a new head of Strength and conditioning. We aren’t fit enough and definitely not strong enough. Our second signing should be any player that can get a kickoff to make the in goal. We give up sometimes 20m just on the kickoff. If we don’t get the S & C right it won’t matter who we sign. Blore was under done according to Bellamy when he arrived. The blokes who joined Panthers have said how much harder the conditioning is Penrith. Our physio department needs a massive overhaul. Our players seem to remain injured for longer periods then most.

Tony Grimaldi

 

[weststigers]

Ok, so 5 players to build our squad & cover as many holes as possible.

That wing position is weak. So is centre. Unless we are signing a second rower that plays centre as well, I'm starting to think our new winger also has to cover centre- giving more depth.

Izaac Thompson from the Rabbits is a bigger body that can play both. And would be a budget option. Obviously, the name that fits & has some jazz to it is Val Holmes. His defence is weird, but he certainly an upgrade on the wing in attack. We have the money for him- that's the key. You could overspend (slightly) on a 2-3 year deal without crippling the club and get a genuine superstar.

Faataape needs to be re-signed to become the #3/4 option in the centre ranks & I'd keep Naden simply because of depth purposes. If Naden is centre/winger #4/5 in the squad- we are ok. Luke Lualili'i obviously covers some wing depth as well. At some point Makasini will feature- I suspect he might be the one to push Olam or Doueihi off the roster in time.


The forwards- I'm thinking 1 back row & 3 middles.

Seyfarth is versatile enough to cover 2nd row & actually contributes to my "Bash Brothers" ideal anyway.

That said- watching good teams these days- those wide forwards are really the metre makers. Kleese Haas is young & dynamic & could excel running off Luia. If rumours of Harrison Hassett are true though- he becomes that backrow edge runner. This is why I mention Seyfarth- who might be needed to start until Hassett transitions into a starter. Rueben Porter & Johannssen offer the depth in the backrow, but I think the club needs to look at Fa'agutu & Kit Lualili'i getting some experience there too while numbers are thin.

Our middles are where everyone will have different takes. I've made my ideas pretty clear- I'd sacrifice the explosive runners in place of hard tackling, hard working types & produce that 'hard' edge we are simply not known for. Klemmer will start- he's our best defensive middle despite the critics. Pole & Sione Fainu offer attack (think the way the Roosters use Leniu & Tupouniua) off the bench. Our #13 options are young & untested (Fa'agutu & Kit Lualili'i) and need to earn the starting spot. Twal is a steady player that holds value, but COULD be the guy that floats between 1st grade & 2nd grade.

With Hassett added in the backrow- we need experience in the middle. Horsburgh is still my #1 guy & could play prop or #13 effectively. He adds that starch that makes teams look up before running into the line. WE NEED THAT INTIMIDATION. Currently, teams enjoy running at our middles- that has to stop. Nelson Asofa-Solomona has some value as an enormous human that doesn't get overpowered. He's not the player he used to be, but he does give the forward pack someone teams 'fear'. Good news is- we can afford both. If Nelson isn't available, there are options but none hold that immediate respect he would bring. Jack Hetherington is a big body with a reckless edge & the demeanour I'd want in our forwards- make the opposition wear a few hits running through our middle. I know he has a few of you worried about his discipline, I'm ok with it. Assuming Nelson ISN'T available, Hetherington is my target.

That last spot in my middle three recruits is down to 3/4 options, with 2 playing the same role. Dylan Walker & Jazz Tevaga offer that versatile #13/#9 option that is very valuable. But you only need 1 of the 2. I prefer Tevaga for personality, but Walker might be the more available. The other 2 options- Mat Croker from the Knights who is kind of another Twal, or........Josh Schuster. Before you choke on your tea- Schuster on a decent contract value is by far the most talented option & could revolusionize our attack from #13. But, he is a lazy player & doesn't quite fit my ideal. Of that lot- I think I'd go Tevaga, but suspect Dylan Walker.

So, my 5 new additions would likely be Val Holmes, Corey Horsburgh, Jack Hetherington, Harrison Hassett & Dylan Walker.

Horsburgh, Hetherington and Schuster will definitely bolster NSW Cup. The Magpies could have a decent season.

Moving onto NRL, apart from his defence, Holmes has another major drawback which we desperately need to address and that is running metres from our wingers. Holmes might be slick in space, but he's not making 200m a game. Everything else aside, does he really fill the gap we need filled? Or is he just a big name that may be available? I personally think it's the latter and we shouldn't blow our load on the next big name that comes along if it's not going to address the issues we've had this year.

 

[Tigerbenb]

Why do you say this? Out of interest, not having a go at you.

If you were him, what at wests takes your game to the next level ? The coaching ? Results ? Culture ? Kid knocked back Wayne bennett at the fins, has a top 30 at the pennies … he’s only 20.

 

[Tigerbenb]

Ok, so 5 players to build our squad & cover as many holes as possible.

That wing position is weak. So is centre. Unless we are signing a second rower that plays centre as well, I'm starting to think our new winger also has to cover centre- giving more depth.

Izaac Thompson from the Rabbits is a bigger body that can play both. And would be a budget option. Obviously, the name that fits & has some jazz to it is Val Holmes. His defence is weird, but he certainly an upgrade on the wing in attack. We have the money for him- that's the key. You could overspend (slightly) on a 2-3 year deal without crippling the club and get a genuine superstar.

Faataape needs to be re-signed to become the #3/4 option in the centre ranks & I'd keep Naden simply because of depth purposes. If Naden is centre/winger #4/5 in the squad- we are ok. Luke Lualili'i obviously covers some wing depth as well. At some point Makasini will feature- I suspect he might be the one to push Olam or Doueihi off the roster in time.


The forwards- I'm thinking 1 back row & 3 middles.

Seyfarth is versatile enough to cover 2nd row & actually contributes to my "Bash Brothers" ideal anyway.

That said- watching good teams these days- those wide forwards are really the metre makers. Kleese Haas is young & dynamic & could excel running off Luia. If rumours of Harrison Hassett are true though- he becomes that backrow edge runner. This is why I mention Seyfarth- who might be needed to start until Hassett transitions into a starter. Rueben Porter & Johannssen offer the depth in the backrow, but I think the club needs to look at Fa'agutu & Kit Lualili'i getting some experience there too while numbers are thin.

Our middles are where everyone will have different takes. I've made my ideas pretty clear- I'd sacrifice the explosive runners in place of hard tackling, hard working types & produce that 'hard' edge we are simply not known for. Klemmer will start- he's our best defensive middle despite the critics. Pole & Sione Fainu offer attack (think the way the Roosters use Leniu & Tupouniua) off the bench. Our #13 options are young & untested (Fa'agutu & Kit Lualili'i) and need to earn the starting spot. Twal is a steady player that holds value, but COULD be the guy that floats between 1st grade & 2nd grade.

With Hassett added in the backrow- we need experience in the middle. Horsburgh is still my #1 guy & could play prop or #13 effectively. He adds that starch that makes teams look up before running into the line. WE NEED THAT INTIMIDATION. Currently, teams enjoy running at our middles- that has to stop. Nelson Asofa-Solomona has some value as an enormous human that doesn't get overpowered. He's not the player he used to be, but he does give the forward pack someone teams 'fear'. Good news is- we can afford both. If Nelson isn't available, there are options but none hold that immediate respect he would bring. Jack Hetherington is a big body with a reckless edge & the demeanour I'd want in our forwards- make the opposition wear a few hits running through our middle. I know he has a few of you worried about his discipline, I'm ok with it. Assuming Nelson ISN'T available, Hetherington is my target.

That last spot in my middle three recruits is down to 3/4 options, with 2 playing the same role. Dylan Walker & Jazz Tevaga offer that versatile #13/#9 option that is very valuable. But you only need 1 of the 2. I prefer Tevaga for personality, but Walker might be the more available. The other 2 options- Mat Croker from the Knights who is kind of another Twal, or........Josh Schuster. Before you choke on your tea- Schuster on a decent contract value is by far the most talented option & could revolusionize our attack from #13. But, he is a lazy player & doesn't quite fit my ideal. Of that lot- I think I'd go Tevaga, but suspect Dylan Walker.

So, my 5 new additions would likely be Val Holmes, Corey Horsburgh, Jack Hetherington, Harrison Hassett & Dylan Walker.

I like you rationale ,but your ok with big jacky boy gets the sin bin and suspensions ? You might be, his team mates won’t be … deep down you won’t be either if his bin or recklessness costs a few games… buts it’s because he’s an angry hot head?

 

[king_sirro]

Our first signing should be a new head of Strength and conditioning. We aren’t fit enough and definitely not strong enough. Our second signing should be any player that can get a kickoff to make the in goal. We give up sometimes 20m just on the kickoff. If we don’t get the S & C right it won’t matter who we sign. Blore was under done according to Bellamy when he arrived. The blokes who joined Panthers have said how much harder the conditioning is Penrith. Our physio department needs a massive overhaul. Our players seem to remain injured for longer periods then most.

I don't know about this. For me, this is the first year where we do look fit. The strength part may come down to having players who are simply incapable of getting as strong as others, for me that's a roster issue. But in regards to fitness, we don't seem to tire this year like previous ones. We have multiple forwards capable of playing 80 minutes. Fainu and Porter do it on their ear, Api does it with a huge workload, Klemmer and Stef can play long minutes, Stef could play 80 at a pinch. Seyfarth, Twal can play 80, Bateman can, Pole plays long minutes.

The only forward who looks like they get gassed is Papali'i.

Fitness looks the best it has in years IMO. It's our intensity that's the issue.

 

[Tiger_claws]

I don't know about this. For me, this is the first year where we do look fit. The strength part may come down to having players who are simply incapable of getting as strong as others, for me that's a roster issue. But in regards to fitness, we don't seem to tire this year like previous ones. We have multiple forwards capable of playing 80 minutes. Fainu and Porter do it on their ear, Api does it with a huge workload, Klemmer and Stef can play long minutes, Stef could play 80 at a pinch. Seyfarth, Twal can play 80, Bateman can, Pole plays long minutes.

The only forward who looks like they get gassed is Papali'i.

Fitness looks the best it has in years IMO. It's our intensity that's the issue.

There have been multiple games at around 21st to 25th minutes where Stefano hasn’t “shut the gate”. It’s either allowed a try or a linebreak leading to a try. He isn’t alone in this regard. Being on the field for long minutes is completely different to “playing long minutes

 

[Tiger_claws]

Tony Grimaldi

He has a very good reputation.

 

[king_sirro]

There have been multiple games at around 21st to 25th minutes where Stefano hasn’t “shut the gate”. It’s either allowed a try or a linebreak leading to a try. He isn’t alone in this regard. Being on the field for long minutes is completely different to “playing long minutes

I get that point and agree. I reckon that's more Stefs attitude then fitness though. He has played games where he has done 70 minutes quite well.

 

[426Tlgerland]

It was a bad miss by Porter on Dearden when he scored, but he definitely redeemed himself with some great ball running in the second half.
I cannot remember the last time we had anyone on our right edge running the ball as dangerously as what Porter did. Let’s hope that is the confidence boost he needed to start producing that type of ball running on a regular basis and also eliminate his missed tackles.

Porter is a keeper upgrade and extend x 2 year even 3 years

 

[426Tlgerland]

In my estimation we need 1 winger, 2 back rowers & 2 middles along with Faataape, Rueben Porter re-signed.

That means we need to find a way to lose Bateman, Matamua & Tumeth.

Could be 1 backrow & 3 middles depending on where Seyfarth is asked to play.

Agree , Bateman is easy just come out and say how week he is how he is to old , he’s not NRL quality anymore , hel stay in Pommy land , the other 2 just be up front and say your crap and not wanted

 

[ATown]

I am playing the ball. I didn’t want him to leave for the exact same reasons you just stated and I reckon he has better in him. Really disappointing, and yeah I blame our previous management for a lot of it. But he could have played better while here, he’s had some shockers too.
That has nothing to do with what I was replying to. You seemed to be celebrating and congratulating him and Blore on their successful signing with the storm and wished them luck in their endeavours. I cannot do that. If you’re not with us, you are against us, and bad luck to you and may all the bad karma shine on you through out your football career. I wasn’t having a go at you either, good luck to ya if you can put things aside and cheer on former players. I must be a little more petty than you, but as I said to Merlot, I wish bad luck on him now, but if he comes back and wins us a GF I’d love the Ute again. But for now, no luck for you mighty boy.

This is how it works. I don’t understand any other way of thinking.

 

[Sully]

I don't know about this. For me, this is the first year where we do look fit. The strength part may come down to having players who are simply incapable of getting as strong as others, for me that's a roster issue. But in regards to fitness, we don't seem to tire this year like previous ones. We have multiple forwards capable of playing 80 minutes. Fainu and Porter do it on their ear, Api does it with a huge workload, Klemmer and Stef can play long minutes, Stef could play 80 at a pinch. Seyfarth, Twal can play 80, Bateman can, Pole plays long minutes.

The only forward who looks like they get gassed is Papali'i.

Fitness looks the best it has in years IMO. It's our intensity that's the issue.

Agree with your assessment KS regarding the fitness piece, however the strength in the wrestle and tackle is below a lot of teams who match up in size with us. We cannot get them to the ground easily and this leads to fast play the balls from them and we get 6 agains or line breaks happen

 

[king_sirro]

Agree with your assessment KS regarding the fitness piece, however the strength in the wrestle and tackle is below a lot of teams who match up in size with us. We cannot get them to the ground easily and this leads to fast play the balls from them and we get 6 agains or line breaks happen

I agree with this. Also worth noting is it appears we often relax in the tackle when we think we have the ball carrier covered. This results in late offloads or not getting the runner to the ground. Boy this grinds on me. They just switch off.

 

[Tiger_Yoshi]

Our first signing should be a new head of Strength and conditioning. We aren’t fit enough and definitely not strong enough. Our second signing should be any player that can get a kickoff to make the in goal. We give up sometimes 20m just on the kickoff. If we don’t get the S & C right it won’t matter who we sign. Blore was under done according to Bellamy when he arrived. The blokes who joined Panthers have said how much harder the conditioning is Penrith. Our physio department needs a massive overhaul. Our players seem to remain injured for longer periods then most.

very very good point....and if we do get an excellent S&C coach who floggs the team, watch some cream rise to the top....like Sione and Sam Fainu.

 

[bptiger 0]

From Buzz in DT:

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...n/news-story/e65ccabe3f0f5f0bf79f4a52bd509029

Although the Raiders have not officially granted Horsburgh a release, although it appears a formality, the St George-Illawarra Dragons are set to pounce.

There has also been some interest from the Wests Tigers – and he is also a Redcliffe junior.

If we don’t compete with the dragons to sign him , then I really don’t know what the hell Richo and benji are doing ,

 

[Tigerstigerstigers]

very very good point....and if we do get an excellent S&C coach who floggs the team, watch some cream rise to the top....like Sione and Sam Fainu.

The poor discipline and weak defence under pressure reflect lack of conditioning . It’s those times you need to call on reserves. Jerome and Lachie are the leaders of fitness in their respective clubs … Benji and Richo just need to add like minded individuals who want to play for Benji, and leave behind the ones that don’t come along for the ride . Onwards and upwards

 

[liltiger]

The poor discipline and weak defence under pressure reflect lack of conditioning . It’s those times you need to call on reserves. Jerome and Lachie are the leaders of fitness in their respective clubs … Benji and Richo just need to add like minded individuals who want to play for Benji, and leave behind the ones that don’t come along for the ride . Onwards and upwards

Really think that's what this seasons been about, weeding out who is in and who's out. Just hoping we can sign some committed workers to help the young guys develop their game.

 

[craigtob]

If we don’t compete with the dragons to sign him , then I really don’t know what the hell Richo and benji are doing ,

Totally agree.
I feel unless we start to sign big body players we will never get away from the bottom 4.
We are the smallest club i have ever seen in years and years hence why we struggle to get on the front foot.

 

[Tiger_Yoshi]

Totally agree.
I feel unless we start to sign big body players we will never get away from the bottom 4.
We are the smallest club i have ever seen in years and years hence why we struggle to get on the front foot.

Dogs have a much smaller pack than ours, where are they on the ladder....Its the size of the fight that counts, moreso than the body