Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

Whilst I agree Mason would make a nice 14 - what then of TDS, who we needs to split minutes with Api?
It's interesting, particularly with Haywoods development also. Even if Api goes, Mason at 14 blocks the path for him too.

In saying that, if you have many options, then it's a good problem to have.

With the HIA rules, it's pretty important to have the versatility at 14.

I guess things become clearer once Api signs his next contract.
 
Based it off what i have heard from 2 current NRL players... They would know better than anyone. He's one of the first on the tip sheets for match ups, which is rare for a second rower. Hes in his second full year of first grade and if you know the game, service from the halves is more important than anything as a backrower. You can run the perfect line, but it doesnt mean anything if you dont get the ball at the right time. Point in case, Samuelas try against the Sharks this year. If you watch his junior tape, he scored nearly all his tries from inside or outside balls from Latu.

He is 21, no backrower is defensively sound at that age or sub 50 games into their career. Just give it time, let him develop. The Dogs, Storm and Panthers are currently the best because they give their players time to develop into their roles. Moving positions and shifting the squad doesnt help anyone other than fan egos. We want wins on the field, not the internet.

Once Sam hits 100 games in the backrow he will be an elite backrower. He's done more in his first 30 games than some of the best backrowers currently in the game in their first 30... The reason that guys like Martin, Angus, Haumole etc are at their level is that their teams gave them time and let them develop in their position. Moving Sam away would only stall his development and the teams. He's shown so much ability at back row, why would you risk that for something that isn't even likely? Not to mention we have May and Pole who we know are quality props.

I respect your opinion and i'm not attacking you or your point of view, this is purely about the betterment of our team and putting us in the best position to win games!
He’s a gun already. Most forwards his age aren’t starting in first grade. IMO will be elite in 2 years time
 
Based it off what i have heard from 2 current NRL players... They would know better than anyone. He's one of the first on the tip sheets for match ups, which is rare for a second rower. Hes in his second full year of first grade and if you know the game, service from the halves is more important than anything as a backrower. You can run the perfect line, but it doesnt mean anything if you dont get the ball at the right time. Point in case, Samuelas try against the Sharks this year. If you watch his junior tape, he scored nearly all his tries from inside or outside balls from Latu.

He is 21, no backrower is defensively sound at that age or sub 50 games into their career. Just give it time, let him develop. The Dogs, Storm and Panthers are currently the best because they give their players time to develop into their roles. Moving positions and shifting the squad doesnt help anyone other than fan egos. We want wins on the field, not the internet.

Once Sam hits 100 games in the backrow he will be an elite backrower. He's done more in his first 30 games than some of the best backrowers currently in the game in their first 30... The reason that guys like Martin, Angus, Haumole etc are at their level is that their teams gave them time and let them develop in their position. Moving Sam away would only stall his development and the teams. He's shown so much ability at back row, why would you risk that for something that isn't even likely? Not to mention we have May and Pole who we know are quality props.

I respect your opinion and i'm not attacking you or your point of view, this is purely about the betterment of our team and putting us in the best position to win games!
Completely agree, teams clearly have done their homework on him. I also think our attack being constantly chopped and changed this year has done him no favours either

I'd argue he's one of our best defensive players though. If you watch him, he's always leading the line speed and not only making tackle, but hitting hard in defence looking to force errors

Sam needs to be kept there to develop. He is a future gun! I really hope we can settle on our halves and he can build a combo with whoever is next to him
 
He said that prior to last season, before he won player of the year at second row. Can't take too much from that. Samuela knows hes better suited at second row and have heard that he speaks to Haumole regularly about how he cant improve at second row.

Please, can the forum stop moving our best players from their best positions!
I keep reading (here) that he claims to be a middle? It’s like an urban myth.
He played edge mostly coming through - middle in a few rep games where he didn’t get the spot but was too good to leave out.
Even Manly had him lined up to pair with Haumole, and were spewing to lose him - but were desperate to get Latu off the books.

He’s an edge, always been an edge…
We’ll just leave him there.
(Heaven forbid we move him to the middle to take the spots of generational talents like Twal and Seyfarth)
 
I keep reading (here) that he claims to be a middle? It’s like an urban myth.
He played edge mostly coming through - middle in a few rep games where he didn’t get the spot but was too good to leave out.
Even Manly had him lined up to pair with Haumole, and were spewing to lose him - but were desperate to get Latu off the books.

He’s an edge, always been an edge…
We’ll just leave him there.
(Heaven forbid we move him to the middle to take the spots of generational talents like Twal and Seyfarth)
I don't know this story. Why?
 
I’m guessing the Peter Taateo signing (from the Raiders) will also be announced this week.

Development contract this year and a Top 30 deal next year. I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets an NRL game this year off the bench — maybe even in the next few weeks.

I was impressed with him yesterday in KOE. Made an impact in both attack and defence, and showed nice footwork before the line.
He's a player who's been averaging 25 mins off the bench in cup for the Raiders. Another small nuggety prop. He should most definitely be on no more than a train and trial...
 
He's a player who's been averaging 25 mins off the bench in cup for the Raiders. Another small nuggety prop. He should most definitely be on no more than a train and trial...
According to the Raiders' profile, he is 183cm and 108kg.


According to WTs' profile, Fonua Pole is 182cm and 108kg.


Size although important, is not the overriding factor in success as a prop in the NRL. Pole has spirit and the will to win, which was immediately obvious in SG and Flegg.
 
I keep reading (here) that he claims to be a middle? It’s like an urban myth.
He played edge mostly coming through - middle in a few rep games where he didn’t get the spot but was too good to leave out.
Even Manly had him lined up to pair with Haumole, and were spewing to lose him - but were desperate to get Latu off the books.

He’s an edge, always been an edge…
We’ll just leave him there.
(Heaven forbid we move him to the middle to take the spots of generational talents like Twal and Seyfarth)
Oh yeh? 😂

Desperate to get one of the best junior halves in the country off their books, with an aging DCE and potential Luke Brooks signing on the horizon, aye?
 
Based it off what i have heard from 2 current NRL players... They would know better than anyone. He's one of the first on the tip sheets for match ups, which is rare for a second rower. Hes in his second full year of first grade and if you know the game, service from the halves is more important than anything as a backrower. You can run the perfect line, but it doesnt mean anything if you dont get the ball at the right time. Point in case, Samuelas try against the Sharks this year. If you watch his junior tape, he scored nearly all his tries from inside or outside balls from Latu.

He is 21, no backrower is defensively sound at that age or sub 50 games into their career. Just give it time, let him develop. The Dogs, Storm and Panthers are currently the best because they give their players time to develop into their roles. Moving positions and shifting the squad doesnt help anyone other than fan egos. We want wins on the field, not the internet.

Once Sam hits 100 games in the backrow he will be an elite backrower. He's done more in his first 30 games than some of the best backrowers currently in the game in their first 30... The reason that guys like Martin, Angus, Haumole etc are at their level is that their teams gave them time and let them develop in their position. Moving Sam away would only stall his development and the teams. He's shown so much ability at back row, why would you risk that for something that isn't even likely? Not to mention we have May and Pole who we know are quality props.

I respect your opinion and i'm not attacking you or your point of view, this is purely about the betterment of our team and putting us in the best position to win games!
Being on the apposition tip sheet could mean he’s someone to watch but also someone to exploit. I think it’s a bit of both but in favour of the latter
 
So who is our left field recruitment that we don't see coming?

I assume our next target is a #13.

Hopgood is the one I'd like rather Hetherington. Seems to have fallen out at Parramatta to Walker. But with KPP now we have Twal, Seyfarth, Bird as middle rotations. Bird can be upgraded on though I feel. Hunt who knows what comes of his dropping but Sione locks down his bench spot.

Also are we gonna chase a half or go all in on Latu & Mason as options? If we land Taylan May - Doueihi also becomes 4th drop half. That's if he re-signs. I reckon Doueihi signs a 1 year extension & goes to Perth. Smart for both parties with his injury history but also allows him to cash in over there.

Personally I would be speaking to Souths to swap Gray for Sullivan then we have enjoy ball playing depth.

At fully fit. We are getting there across the park.

Will be interesting few weeks between now & June 30 plus who we re-sign that are off-contract and the obvious new signings....

Credit also for the dodged bullets of Klemmer, Papalili & Bateman.
 

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