Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[WT2K]

Just listening to ABC grandstand.. Angus Crichton potentially on the market and Josh McGuire is on the market.


McGuire will go to St George and they can have the grub.

They signed that young roosters forward. Might mean McGuire is on the market, would be an easy start at lock for us.

Yea, they mentioned drags won't be signing McGuire now

 

[JC99]

Just listening to ABC grandstand.. Angus Crichton potentially on the market and Josh McGuire is on the market.


McGuire will go to St George and they can have the grub.

They signed that young roosters forward. Might mean McGuire is on the market, would be an easy start at lock for us.

Yea, they mentioned drags won't be signing McGuire now

Telegraph reported he’s on $650k. Get cowboys to throw in $200k-$250k and it’s a great deal he’s still a great forward, but I get the feeling we aren’t focusing on signing more forwards anyway.

 

[momo_amp_medo]

However, Harry Grant appears to be a generational type talent playing in a key position, any club worth their salt should be chasing him. When he got hurt, our season unravelled.

I honestly don't agree with that and I think folks have gone off too early with Harry.

My issue with Harry is the longer the season went, the less dependable his form became. Not that it was ever bad, because I think he's unlikely to play bad football, but specifically his hooking qualities stumbled a little as the season wore on.

Maybe it was just the COVID season or his first full season in NRL that starts to take a toll. But specifically I am talking about his service and his decision-making. I think both of those aspects started to falter a little and he was guilty of holding the ball too often when he should have just been letting it sing. The best hookers get rid of the football as quickly as possible, but REALLY go when it's time to go. They don't stop and think about it, which is killer being that close to the defensive line.

There was a very noticeable up-swing in momentum when Liddle returned to the side and his all-around speed made an impact - both run speed and distribution speed. He just got the ball moving. The back end of our season was hallmarked by late-game rushes of points and I believe this was partially influenced by the increase of tempo from Liddle.

What I won't criticise Harry about is his toiling ability, to just toil away tackling and chasing the football. That is high quality and I think his major contribution. People notice Harry because he's always around the football. He's clearly a smart footballer.

I think he's very similar to Brandon Smith, who I don't believe is really a hooker. Harry is more hooker-style than Smith on account of his size, but he has that same toiling smart football about him. But I do have question marks on him touching the football every set for 24 rounds. You could certainly do worse than have Harry going around, but there's a very particular skillset a la Koroisau or Cook that Grant doesn't have, that decisive speed in attack. Liddle is more that kind of footballer, even if he lacks the physical stature and tenacity of Grant at this stage.

Also yet to see much of a kicking game from Harry.

I'd definitely re-sign the guy but I just think we need to temper our reactions to his first 10 weeks, which were great, to his last 10 weeks - injury notwithstanding - with the mindset of trying to predict a career-long outcome. Debutants can often start their careers really well in the first half-season, but that doesn't necessarily equate to what you are going to see career-long.

I definitely think it's too early to call him a generational talent.

Think you’re underestimating how smart he is with the footy in his hands. Constantly drawing markers and giving our forwards more room and always picks the right passes. He’s the guy you want picking the ball up when there’s a half chance because most of the time he creates something for you.

Liddle either passes off the deck or runs, he doesn’t have that evasiveness in his game that draws markers and opens up room for his team mates. It’s a skill that can be learned but Harry already has it, learned off the best in the game.

Good example is the comeback vs manly. Doueihi made thag good run and Harry got the ball and instantly fired it out wide knowing there was an overlap. Garner almost ruined it but Harry picked it back up and fired it wide again creating the try. He’s a very very smart footballer and although he might not be a once in a generation player, he’s going to be a top 3 hooker for the next 10 years Barring injury

I still think Liddle is a great little player and I’m keen to see him play more for and continue to develop. He’s very fast and plays eyes up footy, I hope our forwards give him room to run because he could become a Damien cook like player, I remember his game vs roosters where he scored he was excellent

Don’t agree entirely with what you are saying. The Wests Tigers looked the sharpest when both Harry and Liddle were on the field. Harry was at lock, I think, and Liddle was dummy half. Attack was crisp and penetrating. Liddle was definitely faster out of dummy half than Grant. I’d love to have both again.

100% agree with this ..... we really had something late in games when these two were operating together.

 

[momo_amp_medo]

I honestly don’t agree with that and I think folks have gone off too early with Harry.

If we had Harry I would let him control the middle like Cameron Smith does and put a half on either side of the field as the default attacking shape. A fullback who's strength is support rather than ball playing would also suit this setup.

If we had Liddle as our first choice hooker, I would play Brooks in the middle to choose the point of attack, distribute the ball and support up the middle with an allrounder half on the right and a ball playing fullback covering the left side in attack.

The strengths and weaknesses of the players in your spine should define your attacking structure. Harry and Liddle are both very good hookers but as @jirskyr says they have different strengths and weaknesses.

I also think that a combination of Liddle and Brendan Smith at lock would do wanders for our forward pack and team generally.

 

[WT2K]

Just listening to ABC grandstand.. Angus Crichton potentially on the market and Josh McGuire is on the market.

Both quality players for sure. Crichton is a great player he will ask for pretty decent coin

Carayannis said Crichton is on 850k and if he has to leave... Chooks would need to chip in.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

Angus will probably end up back at Souths

 

[Sart0ri]

I also think that a combination of Liddle and Brendan Smith at lock would do wanders for our forward pack and team generally.

Brendan Smith has the same competitive hunger that Grant has, he is also 24 so still has some room to develop.

Liddle at 9 and B.Smith at 13 sounds great to me.

 

[JC99]

Just listening to ABC grandstand.. Angus Crichton potentially on the market and Josh McGuire is on the market.

Both quality players for sure. Crichton is a great player he will ask for pretty decent coin

Carayannis said Crichton is on 850k and if he has to leave... Chooks would need to chip in.

He’s quality but he’s not that good. Roosters paid overs for him for sure.

 

[Leck]

There's too much mumble about Harry and Liddle in this thread. Let's be honest we're not going to sign Harry for 2021, he's going back to Melbourne. However Liddle is an excellent 9 so we're covered at that position along with Simpkin at back up.

If I was Madge/Pascoe I would try and sign Flanagan asap, he's a crafty half that would gel well with Brooks. Flanagan has a great kicking game and knows how to put runners in holes. When Brooks is allowed to scheme, take the line on and drop those deft grubbers we look unstoppable. Unlike Benji, Flanagan isn't selfish so I could see them making a great combination. Plus both their tackle efficiency is at over 88% so our defense wouldn't suffer.

We also need a reliable kicker. The amount of games we've lost in the last 10 years due to poor kicking is criminal. Flanagan is @81%, #5 in the league which is a big plus.

If the Rorters don't want him, it's their loss. We should chase him.

 

[Shooter Mcgavin]

Brandon Smith would not leave storm to play lock somewhere else you would think. If he’s gonna leave Melbourne, it would be for the 9 in my opinion

 

[Strider]

I think all these mentioned signings might be possible after 2021 but next year you'd have to say we will struggle to make 8th at a best case scenario. Nice to dream though. I suppose if we don't sign JAC some of the names are possible. But I haven't given up yet.

 

[weststigerman]

Brandon Smith would not leave storm to play lock somewhere else you would think. If he’s gonna leave Melbourne, it would be for the 9 in my opinion

I think he’s a much better lock than 9. I think next year Melbourne will have Harry at 9 and Brandon at lock.

 

[Goanna57]

There's too much mumble about Harry and Liddle in this thread. Let's be honest we're not going to sign Harry for 2021, he's going back to Melbourne. However Liddle is an excellent 9 so we're covered at that position along with Simpkin at back up.

If I was Madge/Pascoe I would try and sign Flanagan asap, he's a crafty half that would gel well with Brooks. Flanagan has a great kicking game and knows how to put runners in holes. When Brooks is allowed to scheme, take the line on and drop those deft grubbers we look unstoppable. Unlike Benji, Flanagan isn't selfish so I could see them making a great combination. Plus both their tackle efficiency is at over 88% so our defense wouldn't suffer.

We also need a reliable kicker. The amount of games we've lost in the last 10 years due to poor kicking is criminal. Flanagan is @81%, #5 in the league which is a big plus.

If the Rorters don't want him, it's their loss. We should chase him.

Don’t think so

 

[Balmainian]

However, Harry Grant appears to be a generational type talent playing in a key position, any club worth their salt should be chasing him. When he got hurt, our season unravelled.

I honestly don't agree with that and I think folks have gone off too early with Harry.

My issue with Harry is the longer the season went, the less dependable his form became. Not that it was ever bad, because I think he's unlikely to play bad football, but specifically his hooking qualities stumbled a little as the season wore on.

Maybe it was just the COVID season or his first full season in NRL that starts to take a toll. But specifically I am talking about his service and his decision-making. I think both of those aspects started to falter a little and he was guilty of holding the ball too often when he should have just been letting it sing. The best hookers get rid of the football as quickly as possible, but REALLY go when it's time to go. They don't stop and think about it, which is killer being that close to the defensive line.

There was a very noticeable up-swing in momentum when Liddle returned to the side and his all-around speed made an impact - both run speed and distribution speed. He just got the ball moving. The back end of our season was hallmarked by late-game rushes of points and I believe this was partially influenced by the increase of tempo from Liddle.

What I won't criticise Harry about is his toiling ability, to just toil away tackling and chasing the football. That is high quality and I think his major contribution. People notice Harry because he's always around the football. He's clearly a smart footballer.

I think he's very similar to Brandon Smith, who I don't believe is really a hooker. Harry is more hooker-style than Smith on account of his size, but he has that same toiling smart football about him. But I do have question marks on him touching the football every set for 24 rounds. You could certainly do worse than have Harry going around, but there's a very particular skillset a la Koroisau or Cook that Grant doesn't have, that decisive speed in attack. Liddle is more that kind of footballer, even if he lacks the physical stature and tenacity of Grant at this stage.

Also yet to see much of a kicking game from Harry.

I'd definitely re-sign the guy but I just think we need to temper our reactions to his first 10 weeks, which were great, to his last 10 weeks - injury notwithstanding - with the mindset of trying to predict a career-long outcome. Debutants can often start their careers really well in the first half-season, but that doesn't necessarily equate to what you are going to see career-long.

I definitely think it's too early to call him a generational talent.

Think you’re underestimating how smart he is with the footy in his hands. Constantly drawing markers and giving our forwards more room and always picks the right passes. He’s the guy you want picking the ball up when there’s a half chance because most of the time he creates something for you.

Liddle either passes off the deck or runs, he doesn’t have that evasiveness in his game that draws markers and opens up room for his team mates. It’s a skill that can be learned but Harry already has it, learned off the best in the game.

Good example is the comeback vs manly. Doueihi made thag good run and Harry got the ball and instantly fired it out wide knowing there was an overlap. Garner almost ruined it but Harry picked it back up and fired it wide again creating the try. He’s a very very smart footballer and although he might not be a once in a generation player, he’s going to be a top 3 hooker for the next 10 years Barring injury

I still think Liddle is a great little player and I’m keen to see him play more for and continue to develop. He’s very fast and plays eyes up footy, I hope our forwards give him room to run because he could become a Damien cook like player, I remember his game vs roosters where he scored he was excellent

Don’t agree entirely with what you are saying. The Wests Tigers looked the sharpest when both Harry and Liddle were on the field. Harry was at lock, I think, and Liddle was dummy half. Attack was crisp and penetrating. Liddle was definitely faster out of dummy half than Grant. I’d love to have both again.

Liddle is certainly a quicker player and has faster service but Harry creates more for sure. That’s why having Liddle at hooker and Harry as a ball playing lock worked so well

People need to give Liddle a full season at dummy half before they pass judgment on his capabilities in that position. Harry got the chance to do so, how about giving one of our own that same opportunity.

He will ...but will he manage to get through it

That’s a fair comment.........but he’s had a season ending injury every year he’s had a chance to cement his position.
We need a specialist hooker to be their when/if Liddell goes down.

 

[tigerfan59]

However, Harry Grant appears to be a generational type talent playing in a key position, any club worth their salt should be chasing him. When he got hurt, our season unravelled.

I honestly don't agree with that and I think folks have gone off too early with Harry.

My issue with Harry is the longer the season went, the less dependable his form became. Not that it was ever bad, because I think he's unlikely to play bad football, but specifically his hooking qualities stumbled a little as the season wore on.

Maybe it was just the COVID season or his first full season in NRL that starts to take a toll. But specifically I am talking about his service and his decision-making. I think both of those aspects started to falter a little and he was guilty of holding the ball too often when he should have just been letting it sing. The best hookers get rid of the football as quickly as possible, but REALLY go when it's time to go. They don't stop and think about it, which is killer being that close to the defensive line.

There was a very noticeable up-swing in momentum when Liddle returned to the side and his all-around speed made an impact - both run speed and distribution speed. He just got the ball moving. The back end of our season was hallmarked by late-game rushes of points and I believe this was partially influenced by the increase of tempo from Liddle.

What I won't criticise Harry about is his toiling ability, to just toil away tackling and chasing the football. That is high quality and I think his major contribution. People notice Harry because he's always around the football. He's clearly a smart footballer.

I think he's very similar to Brandon Smith, who I don't believe is really a hooker. Harry is more hooker-style than Smith on account of his size, but he has that same toiling smart football about him. But I do have question marks on him touching the football every set for 24 rounds. You could certainly do worse than have Harry going around, but there's a very particular skillset a la Koroisau or Cook that Grant doesn't have, that decisive speed in attack. Liddle is more that kind of footballer, even if he lacks the physical stature and tenacity of Grant at this stage.

Also yet to see much of a kicking game from Harry.

I'd definitely re-sign the guy but I just think we need to temper our reactions to his first 10 weeks, which were great, to his last 10 weeks - injury notwithstanding - with the mindset of trying to predict a career-long outcome. Debutants can often start their careers really well in the first half-season, but that doesn't necessarily equate to what you are going to see career-long.

I definitely think it's too early to call him a generational talent.

Think you’re underestimating how smart he is with the footy in his hands. Constantly drawing markers and giving our forwards more room and always picks the right passes. He’s the guy you want picking the ball up when there’s a half chance because most of the time he creates something for you.

Liddle either passes off the deck or runs, he doesn’t have that evasiveness in his game that draws markers and opens up room for his team mates. It’s a skill that can be learned but Harry already has it, learned off the best in the game.

Good example is the comeback vs manly. Doueihi made thag good run and Harry got the ball and instantly fired it out wide knowing there was an overlap. Garner almost ruined it but Harry picked it back up and fired it wide again creating the try. He’s a very very smart footballer and although he might not be a once in a generation player, he’s going to be a top 3 hooker for the next 10 years Barring injury

I still think Liddle is a great little player and I’m keen to see him play more for and continue to develop. He’s very fast and plays eyes up footy, I hope our forwards give him room to run because he could become a Damien cook like player, I remember his game vs roosters where he scored he was excellent

Don’t agree entirely with what you are saying. The Wests Tigers looked the sharpest when both Harry and Liddle were on the field. Harry was at lock, I think, and Liddle was dummy half. Attack was crisp and penetrating. Liddle was definitely faster out of dummy half than Grant. I’d love to have both again.

Liddle is certainly a quicker player and has faster service but Harry creates more for sure. That’s why having Liddle at hooker and Harry as a ball playing lock worked so well

People need to give Liddle a full season at dummy half before they pass judgment on his capabilities in that position. Harry got the chance to do so, how about giving one of our own that same opportunity.

He will ...but will he manage to get through it

That’s a fair comment.........but he’s had a season ending injury every year he’s had a chance to cement his position.
We need a specialist hooker to be their when/if Liddell goes down.

 

[Leck]

There's too much mumble about Harry and Liddle in this thread. Let's be honest we're not going to sign Harry for 2021, he's going back to Melbourne. However Liddle is an excellent 9 so we're covered at that position along with Simpkin at back up.

If I was Madge/Pascoe I would try and sign Flanagan asap, he's a crafty half that would gel well with Brooks. Flanagan has a great kicking game and knows how to put runners in holes. When Brooks is allowed to scheme, take the line on and drop those deft grubbers we look unstoppable. Unlike Benji, Flanagan isn't selfish so I could see them making a great combination. Plus both their tackle efficiency is at over 88% so our defense wouldn't suffer.

We also need a reliable kicker. The amount of games we've lost in the last 10 years due to poor kicking is criminal. Flanagan is @81%, #5 in the league which is a big plus.

If the Rorters don't want him, it's their loss. We should chase him.

Don’t think so

Sure, but why though?

 

[supercoach]

I am not sure where the cap space is going to come from for us to sign all the players been thrown around. Without Grub and Packer taking a walk...and at this stage it seems highly unlikely we basically have room for maybe JAC and a low range signing. Fingers crossed I am wrong but from what I have been told 2022 is going to be the season we introduce the quality signings

 

[hsvjones]

Can a new tread be made up with the last 20 pages of Liddle, Simpkins and Harry discussions

 

[Curaeus]

Young Flanagan could be a good and reasonably cheap pickup especially if the Chooks have to cover part of the freight for next year. Not a great player as yet but he is young (22), seems to be a decent organiser and is a reliable goal kicker.

 

[Goanna57]

There's too much mumble about Harry and Liddle in this thread. Let's be honest we're not going to sign Harry for 2021, he's going back to Melbourne. However Liddle is an excellent 9 so we're covered at that position along with Simpkin at back up.

If I was Madge/Pascoe I would try and sign Flanagan asap, he's a crafty half that would gel well with Brooks. Flanagan has a great kicking game and knows how to put runners in holes. When Brooks is allowed to scheme, take the line on and drop those deft grubbers we look unstoppable. Unlike Benji, Flanagan isn't selfish so I could see them making a great combination. Plus both their tackle efficiency is at over 88% so our defense wouldn't suffer.

We also need a reliable kicker. The amount of games we've lost in the last 10 years due to poor kicking is criminal. Flanagan is @81%, #5 in the league which is a big plus.

If the Rorters don't want him, it's their loss. We should chase him.

Don’t think so

Sure, but why though?

I don’t think with his inexperience he whould be a good fit , it’s
not like Brooks is an out and out champion player.
That’s not to say the kid will not turn out to be a very good player bit to early to judge him