Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Vicious]

Rocco Berry is off the market now, extending for a further season at the Wahs.

So if we're looking at a depth right centre/wing, I think most likely options are James Schiller, possibly Isaiah Tass & Seb Kris. Kris may be too pricey especially if it's just experienced 'depth' we seek.

If it's Schiller, Knights would have to subsidise a chunk of his reported salary of >$400k is correct for next season.

PS. If we're considering Schiller, surely the club is looking at Blake Wilson as an option too (less x-factor but much more reliable imo).

Seb Kris would be nice to have, but if he does leave the Raiders he will land a regular starting spot at some NRL club.
For us to give him a regular starting spot, it could only really be on the left wing ahead of Makasini and Tupou, although I personally rate him much higher than Turuva.
All that said, I’m pretty sure Benji plans on using Makasini as our regular left winger from the start of the 2027 season with Tupou as his competition for that spot.
As for Schiller, I think his best position is right centre, although he has played a fair bit of wing also
Blake Wilson is not a bad call, but I don’t think he has anywhere near the explosive speed and tackle busting ability that Schiller has.

 

[Vicious]

Melbourne Storm has snaffled another promising backrower in Tane Kiriona from Qld Cup on a one year deal. A few of us on here mentioned him a few weeks back as one the WT should target. Only 22/23 from CQ Capras. Very damaging on both sides of the ball.

Hmm our talent scouts scrolling these pages missed that one.
I would love to know our clubs thoughts surrounding our edge back row depth?
Are we re-signing Tony Sukkar?
And if so, are we conte t that Sukkar and Ethan Roberts will fill the void whenever Samuela Fainu or KPP are unavailable?
With natural improvement maybe they can, hunt geez it would be nice tj have one more solid NRL contender option into the mix.
What are your thoughts on someone like Isaac Tago as a potential recruit IF the Panthers are willing to contribute some of his wage?
I think he could potentially excel as primarily a bench utility who can be used for some impact off the bench as a lock or edge back rower with extra leg speed and also be a big contender for a starting centre spot.

 

[Lestronge]

Not sure what the average NSW Cup contract is. But don't think they are much as Shaun Mielekamp mentioned in his thread that they all contribute to a lower tier cap that the club has to stay under.

NRL T&T contracts are about $1,300 per week plus NRL match bonuses.

I think the T&T come under the nrl cap don’t they ?

 

[Camel2281]

100% I mentioned in a post a while back the impact that wingers like Marky, Coates, D Tupou, Milky, etc etc have on a game. Suggesting you stick just anyone on the wing when you need to is a certain recipe to lose a game. Wingers nowadays are multitalented big strong fit athletes and if you don’t have a few of that type you’re behind the best squads.
It’s a position we are definitely weak in.

That's why I like the thought of developing Makasini into a winger. His raw physical attributes alone makes him a great candidate

 

[Camel2281]

I think the T&T come under the nrl cap don’t they ?

I think it's a separate development cap

 

[liltiger]

Can even add Bryenton (given it eventuates) in there as a quality young gun signing too.

Any idea how Jack Attard went this season. Was really hopefull he would get a start in a year or two. Strange we have Attard who heaps of people had wraps on last offseason and are now bringing in Bryenton, who my die hard Dogs mate is crying about losing. I know theyre only young so one might become a winger or something else might pop up but was just curious if Attard isnt rated by the club anymore and if Bryenton comes maybe hes taking his spot.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

Seb Kris would be nice to have, but if he does leave the Raiders he will land a regular starting spot at some NRL club.
For us to give him a regular starting spot, it could only really be on the left wing ahead of Makasini and Tupou, although I personally rate him much higher than Turuva.
All that said, I’m pretty sure Benji plans on using Makasini as our regular left winger from the start of the 2027 season with Tupou as his competition for that spot.
As for Schiller, I think his best position is right centre, although he has played a fair bit of wing also
Blake Wilson is not a bad call, but I don’t think he has anywhere near the explosive speed and tackle busting ability that Schiller has.

I think it will come down to $$$ and who we can get at the value the club places on an experienced depth centre/wing. If the club has to pay more than high 200s, I think we pass on Schiller so Newy will have to come to the party.

 

[liltiger]

Leniu to the Eels on a 4 year deal. Surprising as it seemed like he was only going there for a year before heading to PNG.

N.R.L made it much harder to make money off P.N.G after they said they couldnt offer massive unders to players and allow the tax benefits to make up the difference on any offer they recoeve.

 

[liltiger]

Would HBG like to open the wallet pls lol

https://twitter.com/x/status/2108000377744576702

No need. We have Pat Richards. Lol.

 

[liltiger]

500k a season? Any club in the NRL can pay that

I’m curious on why some NRL clubs cheap out on these positions. Arguably more important then your coach

For such an important role id be willing to pay upward of $1million a season plus. Get that role right and the clubs fine. Make the wrong call and you dont play finals for 16 years. Oh wait.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

Hmm our talent scouts scrolling these pages missed that one.
I would love to know our clubs thoughts surrounding dour edge back row depth?
Are we re-signing Tony Sukkar?
And if so, are we conte t that Sukkar and Ethan Roberts will fill the void whenever Samuela Fainu or KPP are unavailable?
With natural improvement maybe they can, hunt geez it would be nice tj have one more solid NRL contender option into the mix.
What are your thoughts on someone like Isaac Tago as a potential recruit IF the Panthers are willing to contribute some of his wage?
I think he could potentially excel as primarily a bench utility who can be used for some impact off the bench as a lock or edge back rower with extra leg speed and also be a big contender for a starting centre spot.

Yeah I think Benji sees Sukkar & Roberts as the main depth for Samuela & KPP next season. And in game if we have to replace Samuela or KPP, Frizell can be that option (better defensively on an edge than Sione). Hopefully Mitch Taotua & Pheonix Godinet can both go to another level too and be nice surprises for us in 2027.

I don't think Tago is realistic because I think he is on a ridiculous salary around $750K and unless Panthers contribute about half of that, I doubt we'd even entertain it even if he is like a brother to the Mays. But who knows!

 

[tiger_one]

 

[Odessa]

100% I mentioned in a post a while back the impact that wingers like Marky, Coates, D Tupou, Milky, etc etc have on a game. Suggesting you stick just anyone on the wing when you need to is a certain recipe to lose a game. Wingers nowadays are multitalented big strong fit athletes and if you don’t have a few of that type you’re behind the best squads.
It’s a position we are definitely weak in.

The young Coates will be a super player and better then his brother

 

[Vicious]

The young Coates will be a super player and better then his brother

If we were prepared to pay big money for an emerging star on the wing, surely we would be hunting Fletcher Hunt?
Only 20y.o and has Marky Mark like height, speed and athleticism, plus he’s equally at home in the centres or at fullback know required.
I like the sound of 2 young, tall and athletic wingers in Makasini and Fletcher Hunt.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

If we were prepared to pay big money for an emerging star on the wing, surely we would be hunting Fletcher Hunt?
Only 20y.o and has Marky Mark like height, speed and athleticism, plus he’s equally at home in the centres or at fullback know required.
I like the sound of 2 young, tall and athletic wingers in Makasini and Fletcher Hunt.

Check out young Aidan Gow, Knights Flegg winger, sub 11 second 100m runner, big & powerful and was a Leichhardt Wanderers junior. Injury has kept his name out of the lights but I think won't be long before he passes Hunt.

 

[Vicious]

Check out young Aidan Gow, Knights Flegg winger, sub 11 second 100m runner, big & powerful and was a Leichhardt Wanderers junior. Injury has kept his name out of the lights but I think won't be long before he passes Hunt.

Yes I haven’t seen him play, but I’ve heard a lot about him.
He’s from my old junior club and he’s apparently very quick and a prolific try scorer.
I’m wondering about the contract status of Cameron Kanaan ?
He showed plenty of promise coming through our Wests Tigers pathways and looks to have had a great season winning the Jersey Flegg title with the Panthers.
It would be nice to have him back also.

 

[happy_tiger]

No need. We have Pat Richards. Lol.

And Connor McGregor ....

 

[batboy]

Averillo ✅️
Brailey ✅️
Mann ✅️
Frizzell ❓️
Schiller ❓️

Solomone, extended.
Hopefully Sukkar & the Fainus, also extended.

Honestly, that's not a bad recruitment drive.

You think?
There’s barely any first graders amongst it and no starters.

Parra finished playing better football than us, and above us on the ladder and have signed Luai, Leniu and Sua.

The bar here is so low, we’re cooked!!

 

[Bellend]

Yeah I think Benji sees Sukkar & Roberts as the main depth for Samuela & KPP next season. And in game if we have to replace Samuela or KPP, Frizell can be that option (better defensively on an edge than Sione). Hopefully Mitch Taotua & Pheonix Godinet can both go to another level too and be nice surprises for us in 2027.

I don't think Tago is realistic because I think he is on a ridiculous salary around $750K and unless Panthers contribute about half of that, I doubt we'd even entertain it even if he is like a brother to the Mays. But who knows!

Pheonix Godinet needs to prove he wants it and should not be rushed at all,

 

[GNR4LIFE]

Pheonix Godinet needs to prove he wants it and should not be rushed at all,

There’s a name I haven’t read for a while.