Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

Wonder if the delay in announcing these 2 or 3 external signings is because we've had to pivot due to the Fafita situation.
Like Richo always says you don't know whats about to fall out of the tree, maybe we were about to pull the trigger on some depth signings and Fafita became an option, therefore that depth is from whom ever is left thats starting now.
I dunno plausible i guess be interesting to see what turns up in the wash.
 
Coastie_Tiger said:
Wonder if the delay in announcing these 2 or 3 external signings is because we've had to pivot due to the Fafita situation.
Like Richo always says you don't know whats about to fall out of the tree, maybe we were about to pull the trigger on some depth signings and Fafita became an option, therefore that depth is from whom ever is left thats starting now.
I dunno plausible i guess be interesting to see what turns up in the wash.
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There's been a lot happen since he made that vague statement.

The market has gone into overdrive. I've got no doubt that a variety of different or alternative options opened up or at least were worth exploring before they cut those cheques.

Even so far as the last few days with Gagai unlikely to be retained by Newcastle.

Whilst I'll fall short of suggesting him as a target, that is the type of news that may, and should, have the recruitment brains canvassing all options for what they think they need, even if it means holding off on other, potential recruits that they may have thought were sewn up.
 
magpies forever said:
I still wouldn't rule out KPP coming early after Dom Young is transferred to Newcastle and they have to stump up salary $$$. KPP might just be the first domino at this stage.
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Interesting wording in the announcement, I might be reading too much into it....or maybe I'm desperate to have some troops this year. When you compare his announcement to Turuvas they have not really ruled out him coming early:

KPP:
Wests Tigers are pleased to announce that Kai Pearce-Paul will join the club ahead of the 2026 season on a three-year deal.

Turuva:
The 21-year-old, who was NRL Rookie of the Year last season, will link up with Wests Tigers at the end of the 2024 season.

Both could mean the exact same thing, however KPP's is more open ended.
 
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tigahhh said:
tbf he’s coached against his natural strengths, knights don’t utilise him properly. only when they were getting pumped aob allowed them to play more expansive which is when he excels and is how we play.
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How often is KPP a target with the Pong lurking out wide? Game plan is always get it to Pong.
 
The Chad said:
If that pass from Latu to Seyfarth is a precursor of things to come.....Latu to KPP might be amazing.
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That’s what I was thinking and hoping also The Chad.
Do you think a potential signing of David Fifita could be on the cards and if so do you think he’s worth the risk ?
The more I think about it, the more I think that Samuela Fainu and Alex Seyfarth are both better suited to the middle and if that happens it significantly increases our forward depth with their versatility to play as middles or on an edge and we wouldn’t necessarily need a smaller forward such as Jack Bird on our bench as players such as KPP and maybe David Fifita can easily fill in as centres during a game if required if injuries occur.
 
Vicious said:
That’s what I was thinking and hoping also The Chad.
Do you think a potential signing of David Fifita could be on the cards and if so do you think he’s worth the risk ?
The more I think about it, the more I think that Samuela Fainu and Alex Seyfarth are both better suited to the middle and if that happens it significantly increases our forward depth with their versatility to play as middles or on an edge and we wouldn’t necessarily need a smaller forward such as Jack Bird on our bench as players such as KPP and maybe David Fifita can easily fill in as centres during a game if required if injuries occur.
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Hes tossed his toys outta the cot and is refusing to play...knows more than the club medicos...red flags
 
innsaneink said:
Hes tossed his toys outta the cot and is refusing to play...knows more than the club medicos...red flags
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I think that’s more to do with his feud and dislike for Des Hasler.
He’s very erratic so obviously signing someone like him on big money comes with plenty of risk, but there is no doubting he’s amongst the very best edge back rowers in the game when he is fit and has his mind ion the job.
Could a coach like Benji get him motivated and get the best out of him is the million dollar question, but I think there is a fair chance he could appreciate Benji’s coaching style and fit in well with our team dynamic.
I would 💯 be taking the risk on him as we would be a substantially better team with him at anywhere near his best in tandem with our new signing of KPP on the other edge.
 
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Vicious said:
That’s what I was thinking and hoping also The Chad.
Do you think a potential signing of David Fifita could be on the cards and if so do you think he’s worth the risk ?
The more I think about it, the more I think that Samuela Fainu and Alex Seyfarth are both better suited to the middle and if that happens it significantly increases our forward depth with their versatility to play as middles or on an edge and we wouldn’t necessarily need a smaller forward such as Jack Bird on our bench as players such as KPP and maybe David Fifita can easily fill in as centres during a game if required if injuries occur.
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I personally would look at it.

I get what Ink & a few others are saying. But you KNOW he comes with some personality questions. So you structure a contract that let's both parties move if needed.

As a player, with Fifita & KPP on the edges, I think the Tigers would be close to elite as far as athletic ability goes. I also understand the reluctance to move Sam Fainu, but I don't see this as necessarily a long term move to the middle, just putting the best players on the field at all times. Fifita could easily slide into #13 & be effective as well.

What I like about Sam Fainu in a more involved role is that he offers that enforcer style player we don't currently have.

I'm no expert. But I do think coaches, teams & fans get a little too caught up trying to be 'the same' as what is currently successful. The Bulldogs have copied the Panthers style of mobile, smaller forwards & it works.

But....that doesn't mean you HAVE to have smaller forwards.

The Storm have photocopied Bennett's Broncos forward plan- big, mobile athletes. That ALSO works. Canberra could be accused of using a Temu version of that blueprint...that is working.

Thing is, it's ok to not try copying what others do. We don't need to find smaller forwards & defend like the Bulldogs do. It's ok to be massive, physical monsters & just obliterate teams.

Fifita, KPP, Fainu x 2, May, Twal, Pole....Seyfarth...Hunt....that could be unlike any forward pack this club has put together.

Adding 2 quality back rowers removes much of the need for adding any middles, because we play 2-3 guys in the backrow that are middle-capable.

It would be one of the most complete forward packs in the NRL.
 
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