Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Tom Shines]

It's an interesting one. To'a has a lot of friends at the club and is close to Benji from what I understand. Benji even elevated him to the leadership core this season.

I just think it's partly his agent at Wassermanns playing funny buggers about $$$ with Perth Bears a potential suitor come November 1. Not sure he would get a better deal anywehere else than what we (or Bears) can offer with his injury history.

The difference in first half of the season Toa versus second half is $600k/ $300k … he is a tough one to value

 

[Demps]

It's an interesting one. To'a has a lot of friends at the club and is close to Benji from what I understand. Benji even elevated him to the leadership core this season.

I just think it's partly his agent at Wassermanns playing funny buggers about $$$ with Perth Bears a potential suitor come November 1. Not sure he would get a better deal anywehere else than what we (or Bears) can offer with his injury history.

Has friends everywhere.
NZ, Parra, Newcastle....
Probably a likeable guy.

He's keeping the seat warm until Makasini comes in... that guy has all the attributes you want from a modern outside back. Guys like Folau, Inglis, Yow Yeh and more recently Sualilii and Xavier Coates - Makasini has it.

 

[weststigers]

Sounds like the Sharks need to shed some players.

Talakai and Brandon Hanlin are the ones given the tap, but any others worth asking about?

You wouldn't take Talakai?

 

[Vicious]

The difference in first half of the season Toa versus second half is $600k/ $300k … he is a tough one to value

$450k then, $200k maximum now.

 

[weststigers]

Not much room for depth backs … they might have to go with what they got already

We got 4 spots left assuming they sign Taylan …

Three forwards please…

How do you feel about Hope as the second hooker next season ? Does that need an upgrade?

Hope needs an upgrade. Ultimately way too small and gets thrown around in attack and defence. Other than that he's a great hooker.

 

[Tom Shines]

Hope needs an upgrade. Ultimately way too small and gets thrown around in attack and defence. Other than that he's a great hooker.

Yeah I think you are right about the required upgrade …wouldn’t want to be relying on him if Api is out for more than a game

$450k then, $200k maximum now.

He was great at the start of the season …but he seems to never maintain good form for too long…that was probably the longest

 

[innsaneink]

You wouldn't take Talakai?

Yes please

 

[weststigers]

Yes please

Handy to cover centre if you absolutely need to as well

 

[Vicious]

Yeah I think you are right about the required upgrade …wouldn’t want to be relying on him if Api is out for more than a game


He was great at the start of the season …but he seems to never maintain good form for too long…that was probably the longest

No other club would put up with him repeatedly getting injured and his form disintegrating in the back half of the season.

 

[Demps]

You wouldn't take Talakai?

Think he could offer a lot to our club.

Wondering who else could be an option over there though?

Sounds like it they get some off the books they'll be able to keep Kennedy

 

[Vicious]

Handy to cover centre if you absolutely need to as well

We finally agree on one.
It’s very clear our current team lacks aggression, Talakai is highly aggressive, so helps fix that problem.
I’d also take a close look at Hamlin-Uele for the same reason.

 

[TheEnz]

I think we made Toa an offer...based on his hot/cold/injured performances that was probably fair and he is not satisfied so probably wants to test the market. He probably wants peak Toa money. Hopefully we don't fold and offer it. Having said that he is not doing himself any favours with his most recent performances.

 

[Vicious]

Think he could offer a lot to our club.

Wondering who else could be an option over there though?

Sounds like it they get some off the books they'll be able to keep Kennedy

Stonestreet is off contract if we wanted a tall, fast option to keep our wingers on their toes.
If we don’t keep Staines, I think he would be a good replacement.

 

[tigahhh]

I think we made Toa an offer...based on his hot/cold/injured performances that was probably fair and he is not satisfied so probably wants to test the market. He probably wants peak Toa money. Hopefully we don't fold and offer it. Having said that he is not doing himself any favours with his most recent performances.

hope so, I’d prefer to keep to’a.

 

[Chainlink]

These are players i think worth looking at:

FORWARDS

Davvy Moale - PROP. Think he missed a lot of time injured. but thats prob kept is reputation and price down. Could be worth a contract to give us some depth and punch off bench?

Daniel Suluka-Fafita - PROP. Provides some presence but still good work rate.

Adam Elliot - LOCK/2RF. Brings composure, leadership and link man with some punch.

Ethan Bullemore - 2RF/Bench. Adds spark off bench to help turn momentum.

BACKS

Taylan May - CENTRE. Just get it done.

Chevvy Stewart - FB/Wing. Currently contracted for 2026 but stuck behind Weekes. High-upside, low-cost backup fullback/wing option.

Blake Wilson - Fast. good finisher. Speed and value. Good wing/FB depth.

 

[Demps]

Stonestreet is off contract if we wanted a tall, fast option to keep our wingers on their toes.
If we don’t keep Staines, I think he would be a good replacement.

Stonestreet is great.
He's first grade ready.

 

[Vicious]

Stonestreet is great.
He's first grade ready.

He would likely push Skelton out of our top 17 when we are full strength, but other way it would certainly create great competition for NRL positions.

 

[Demps]

hope so, I’d prefer to keep to’a.

He's been at the club 3 years and his truly great performances are countable on 1 hand.

Taylan is a much better player and with Makasini being the future... he'd be an expensive back up.

 

[weststigers]

Think he could offer a lot to our club.

Wondering who else could be an option over there though?

Sounds like it they get some off the books they'll be able to keep Kennedy

Hmmm...he stands out most because we lack what he has. Billy Burns, Nikora and Tieg Wilton could add some value.

 

[Tom Shines]

Stonestreet is off contract if we wanted a tall, fast option to keep our wingers on their toes.
If we don’t keep Staines, I think he would be a good replacement.

Is it better to keep our first grade backs on their toes or sign a couple of starting mids ?