Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Russell]

Brandon Smith is quality. Drop him in our team and it instantly improves us. I prefer him at 13 but he still goes very well at 9.

Having the option to move him to 13 and then freshen up the ruck with Liddle or Simpkin coming on, against tired defenders would be a nice option to have. Having said that I don’t see him coming here when he will have the majority of teams to choose from.

It would be ludicrous not to sign Brandon Smith if he would come here. Forget skills and the like, he is a relentless competitor and a winner. The prototype of what Madge would be looking for. Liddle is a crafty hooker with a bit of toe yet to prove he’s a consistent NRL player. Ship him off and use Simpkin and Smith in tandem for the next 10 years.

It would also be crazy to sign Smith or anyone for that matter that is shopping themselves to only play a position of their choice.

When did that become a thing?

Madge is the boss and if you’re lucky enough to get an offer, you turn up, train your arse off and Madge will tell you what he expects of you.

I can understand Smith’s situation, he believes he’s a hooker, which he is, a bit of an unconventional one, but he’s an international and one who has dominated that position at Test level before. He’s been stuck behind a bloke people are calling the GOAT. I hate Smith but it’s hard to argue too much. Smith feels it’s his time to get a run in his favoured position and I feel that WT are not in a position to dictate to any player of his quality. We simply need him in the organisation more than we need Liddle.

Sorry but it’s the complete opposite. No player is bigger than the club. Smith is in no position to dictate to us where he plays. What sort of precedence does that set?

Player power is already out of control, so now you’re advocating they should be able to dictate to clubs what position they’ll play before they’re signed. Surely you can see what a slippery slope that is.

I’m only advocating that we do whatever it takes to attract the really good ones that will dramatically change your club on the field and in the eyes of other players. The very ones we can’t quite get right now.

Yeah I get that and I’d love to have him here. But giving him the autonomy over Madge to pick his own position before he’s even arrived isn’t the way to go.

What happens if half way through the season Madge isn’t happy with his service and Simpkin is killing it. Madge’s hands are tied because Smith will have a meltdown if he’s not starting 9? That’s not a sustainable way to run a club.

This new way of shopping yourself as a fullback or a hooker is just a new garbage ploy of scum bag player managers to drive up their clients price. It needs to be shut down immediately.

Yeah I agree with you there, I’d sign him on the promise of first crack at hooker but form will always dictate long term selections. If Simpkin becomes an 80 min rep star he either goes to back row or can move on to another club. Win win

How do you get him to go to another club?

We'd end up with another sooky baby like the two scumbags at Parra and Lawn Mower Boy at Manly.

 

[Deleted member 3518]

I would say the Mansour talk is just trying not to burn bridges incase Nofo deal falls through. I don't think we have any intentions in Mansour once he resigns which most people believe he's close to.

I don’t think one relates to the other

Nofoaluma is a right winger
Mansour is a left winger
Both bring the ball back hard
Both solid wingers
And not a bad combination on our edges
I wouldn't be upset getting Mansour at all for a year or 2 max

We dont really have any world class players in our team and I don't think we should be paying a million dollars for one either
A couple of players on the edge of greatness would be good
If Nofoaluma sticks around, and we get Mansour along with the fullback we signed from Penrith or Mbye, I wouldn't mind going real hard for both Crichton and Staggs
That would have to be close to the best back 5 in the Nrl
Then If Doueihi can kick on in the halves with Brooks, our one to seven could be set
Our Front row looks great on paper
We have two quality Hookers to choose from
Only real weakness would be our back row but I think we could find someone from within
Lj has one spot so really just after one more good back rower as we have a little depth in Garner

Crichton and Staggs would end up being just as good if not better than Gasnier and Cooper
Or Ettinghausen and McGraw

They would form a lethal combination

Mansour would be a retrograde step and all the good work done by the WTs would be undone. We don't need another slow winger who can't tackle. We already have Nofoaluma. We should be working overtime training our best youngsters to ready them for the NRL. Kepaoa. has already demonstrated he can score tries Nofoaluma can't because of his pace. Pace brings a whole new dimens ion to both the attack and defence.

Mate!!!!

Nofo scored 17 tries this year - but he can't score tries.

Give us a break ... I know you don't like him and you want a young bloke in his place .... but really, let's not make things up.

Not everyone can score an 90 metre try, in fact very few.


How many did he let in? The support you give him you would believe him to be the complete winger. Do you believe at 27 it is too much to ask of him to be a competent defender? Don't you want our team to improve? I do not support WTs because Nofoaluma is in the team. Have you ever wondered why he has not played SOO. I note you don't mind putting the boot into JAC . He is far superior to Nofoaluma. That is the reality.

Now hang on a minute, you said and I quote ***"Kepaoa. has already demonstrated he can score tries Nofoaluma can’t because of his pace."***

Doesn't matter if he let in 400 tries in one game, that was not your statement - YOU SAID, he can't score them because of his pace.

I pointed out that he had scored 17 tries this season. I think that is proof he can score tries with/without pace.

Put the boot into JAC - yes because he is screwing us around for the second time - he either wants to play for us or he doesn't. I don't care how fast or slow he is, I don't care if he wants to play FB / Winger or left right out, I don't care if he has family issues, I don't care if he wants to stay in Melbourne, I don't care if he is far superior to Noffo in your eyes.The question is ....Do you want to play for the Tigers JAC? If you do, why did you not sign for 2022 at least.

I don't like guys who play you for a sucker and get away with it - he is just another Latrine.

Kepaoa has demonstrated with his pace he can score tries Nofoaluma couldn't or, Nofoaluma couldn't score some of the tries. kepaoa did because he does not have Kepaoa's pace. That is significant normally but amplified as the game becomes faster.

You have overlooked Nofoaluma's defence (again) Not much point as a 27. year old with numerous NRL games scoring 17 if more are scored against you. Someone posted the number earlier in the day.

Once again you have misunderstood - we are talking about Noffo scoring tries. You said he couldn't score tries.

You have then qualified your statement to say "Kepaoa has scored tries Nofo couldn't."

That's a maybe - don't think he has in the NRL - I would also say that some of the tries Noffo scored this year, Kepaoa could not have scored.

We are not talking about defence. That does not come into this discussion.

It's clear what I have written and I have written it more than once on this forum.

Kepaoa has scored tries that Nofoaluma couldn't because he (Nofoaluma) lacks the pace to have done it.

It is useless continuing this discussion - all you can see is "Pace" and "Juniors" to the extreme and against reality.

However, that is ok, it is your opinion. You have stated it a number of times as you have said, I do not agree with your summation of Noffo, his try scoring ability, the contract price he should receive, or his loyalty.

Let's leave it there, shall we Paws.

I like to believe I view players objectively. I understand fans get attached to certain players but the reason most of us are here is to see the team compete in the finals and GF. It is easy to lose sight of that especially when supporting a team which hasn't played in the finals for x number of years. To improve we need better players or players improving. I am a huge believer in players improving incrementally over the years. So I compare Nofoaluma against other wingers even a 35 year old at the Roosters and guess what? Nofoaluma comes up short against him in all areas. It is better to be realistic than live with your head in the sand.

If you think Nofoaluma comes up short against Brett Morris in "all areas" then you aren't being very objective. Also, in your comparison against other wingers, how did the rest of them compare against the "35 year old" last year?

On the contrary, I am objective and both the Morris bros have been very good for a long time. I'm not the only one as well, with NSW selectors and Kangaroo selectors preferring Morris over Nofoaluma for many years. This is a fact regardless of how unpalatable it is to Nofoaluma apologists.

I got to say , I agree with you here paws . I think Nofa is a great footballer , but he’s not as good as the Morris boys . But if last year is anything to go by, IMO he could be . If he has another year like that , there’s no reason why this conversation can’t flip on its head

 

[TYGA]

If you can get Brandon Smith you have to do it. He’s a star player and with the cap room created now and for 2022 you introduce probably our best player in terms of talent and don’t re-sign or release liddle to offset the salary somewhat.

I like our young hookers and the Tigers need to weigh up who else they can get to strengthen the roster. Storm what a comparable replacement which in all honesty we don’t have.

 

[Snake]

I suspect strategic maneuvering here from Penrith. I bet they want the Tigers to take Mansour (and a fair chunk of his salary) in order to release Laurie - a package deal that’s hinging on how much Penrith can squeeze out of the Tigers. Although I’m keen to see Laurie join ASAP, I don’t hold much enthusiasm for Mansour, he seems like a good club man and is a powerful ball runner, but he has a limited skill set and is full of brain fart mistakes. Captain Brain Fart of the NRL!!

For a minute I thought this was the Nofo thread! At the end of the post ..

 

[weststigerman]

Some crazy claims on both sides around Nofa's ability in this thread. Fact is he is rated at least the 2nd best winger based only on this year's performances. He was also the Tigers best performer according to his team mates. That is also a fact.

No matter how you shape the argument to push an agenda, he is worth a lot to us, and it will be a big coup if we re-sign him long term.

 

[Nelson]

I would say the Mansour talk is just trying not to burn bridges incase Nofo deal falls through. I don't think we have any intentions in Mansour once he resigns which most people believe he's close to.

I don’t think one relates to the other

Nofoaluma is a right winger
Mansour is a left winger
Both bring the ball back hard
Both solid wingers
And not a bad combination on our edges
I wouldn't be upset getting Mansour at all for a year or 2 max

We dont really have any world class players in our team and I don't think we should be paying a million dollars for one either
A couple of players on the edge of greatness would be good
If Nofoaluma sticks around, and we get Mansour along with the fullback we signed from Penrith or Mbye, I wouldn't mind going real hard for both Crichton and Staggs
That would have to be close to the best back 5 in the Nrl
Then If Doueihi can kick on in the halves with Brooks, our one to seven could be set
Our Front row looks great on paper
We have two quality Hookers to choose from
Only real weakness would be our back row but I think we could find someone from within
Lj has one spot so really just after one more good back rower as we have a little depth in Garner

Crichton and Staggs would end up being just as good if not better than Gasnier and Cooper
Or Ettinghausen and McGraw

They would form a lethal combination

Mansour would be a retrograde step and all the good work done by the WTs would be undone. We don't need another slow winger who can't tackle. We already have Nofoaluma. We should be working overtime training our best youngsters to ready them for the NRL. Kepaoa. has already demonstrated he can score tries Nofoaluma can't because of his pace. Pace brings a whole new dimens ion to both the attack and defence.

Mate!!!!

Nofo scored 17 tries this year - but he can't score tries.

Give us a break ... I know you don't like him and you want a young bloke in his place .... but really, let's not make things up.

Not everyone can score an 90 metre try, in fact very few.


How many did he let in? The support you give him you would believe him to be the complete winger. Do you believe at 27 it is too much to ask of him to be a competent defender? Don't you want our team to improve? I do not support WTs because Nofoaluma is in the team. Have you ever wondered why he has not played SOO. I note you don't mind putting the boot into JAC . He is far superior to Nofoaluma. That is the reality.

Now hang on a minute, you said and I quote ***"Kepaoa. has already demonstrated he can score tries Nofoaluma can’t because of his pace."***

Doesn't matter if he let in 400 tries in one game, that was not your statement - YOU SAID, he can't score them because of his pace.

I pointed out that he had scored 17 tries this season. I think that is proof he can score tries with/without pace.

Put the boot into JAC - yes because he is screwing us around for the second time - he either wants to play for us or he doesn't. I don't care how fast or slow he is, I don't care if he wants to play FB / Winger or left right out, I don't care if he has family issues, I don't care if he wants to stay in Melbourne, I don't care if he is far superior to Noffo in your eyes.The question is ....Do you want to play for the Tigers JAC? If you do, why did you not sign for 2022 at least.

I don't like guys who play you for a sucker and get away with it - he is just another Latrine.

Kepaoa has demonstrated with his pace he can score tries Nofoaluma couldn't or, Nofoaluma couldn't score some of the tries. kepaoa did because he does not have Kepaoa's pace. That is significant normally but amplified as the game becomes faster.

You have overlooked Nofoaluma's defence (again) Not much point as a 27. year old with numerous NRL games scoring 17 if more are scored against you. Someone posted the number earlier in the day.

Once again you have misunderstood - we are talking about Noffo scoring tries. You said he couldn't score tries.

You have then qualified your statement to say "Kepaoa has scored tries Nofo couldn't."

That's a maybe - don't think he has in the NRL - I would also say that some of the tries Noffo scored this year, Kepaoa could not have scored.

We are not talking about defence. That does not come into this discussion.

It's clear what I have written and I have written it more than once on this forum.

Kepaoa has scored tries that Nofoaluma couldn't because he (Nofoaluma) lacks the pace to have done it.

It is useless continuing this discussion - all you can see is "Pace" and "Juniors" to the extreme and against reality.

However, that is ok, it is your opinion. You have stated it a number of times as you have said, I do not agree with your summation of Noffo, his try scoring ability, the contract price he should receive, or his loyalty.

Let's leave it there, shall we Paws.

I like to believe I view players objectively. I understand fans get attached to certain players but the reason most of us are here is to see the team compete in the finals and GF. It is easy to lose sight of that especially when supporting a team which hasn't played in the finals for x number of years. To improve we need better players or players improving. I am a huge believer in players improving incrementally over the years. So I compare Nofoaluma against other wingers even a 35 year old at the Roosters and guess what? Nofoaluma comes up short against him in all areas. It is better to be realistic than live with your head in the sand.

If you think Nofoaluma comes up short against Brett Morris in "all areas" then you aren't being very objective. Also, in your comparison against other wingers, how did the rest of them compare against the "35 year old" last year?

On the contrary, I am objective and both the Morris bros have been very good for a long time. I'm not the only one as well, with NSW selectors and Kangaroo selectors preferring Morris over Nofoaluma for many years. This is a fact regardless of how unpalatable it is to Nofoaluma apologists.

I got to say , I agree with you here paws . I think Nofa is a great footballer , but he’s not as good as the Morris boys . But if last year is anything to go by, IMO he could be . If he has another year like that , there’s no reason why this conversation can’t flip on its head

Yeah nobody said he was, the comment was just a total straw man as is often the case...

 

[Snake]

Some crazy claims on both sides around Nofa's ability in this thread. Fact is he is rated at least the 2nd best winger based only on this year's performances. He was also the Tigers best performer according to his team mates. That is also a fact.

No matter how you shape the argument to push an agenda, he is worth a lot to us, and it will be a big coup if we re-sign him long term.

What about blocking path ways can not have it both ways ,Max for me a 2 yr extension that’s 3 more yrs long enough IMO .

 

[JC99]

If you can get Brandon Smith you have to do it. He’s a star player and with the cap room created now and for 2022 you introduce probably our best player in terms of talent and don’t re-sign or release liddle to offset the salary somewhat.

I like our young hookers and the Tigers need to weigh up who else they can get to strengthen the roster. Storm what a comparable replacement which in all honesty we don’t have.

He’s a huge talent. He would easily be one of our best players, if you get the chance to upgrade your roster with someone like that you have to try do it. He’s perfectly suited for Madge too with his tough play style

 

[BAGNF05]

Brandon Smith is quality. Drop him in our team and it instantly improves us. I prefer him at 13 but he still goes very well at 9.

Having the option to move him to 13 and then freshen up the ruck with Liddle or Simpkin coming on, against tired defenders would be a nice option to have. Having said that I don’t see him coming here when he will have the majority of teams to choose from.

It would be ludicrous not to sign Brandon Smith if he would come here. Forget skills and the like, he is a relentless competitor and a winner. The prototype of what Madge would be looking for. Liddle is a crafty hooker with a bit of toe yet to prove he’s a consistent NRL player. Ship him off and use Simpkin and Smith in tandem for the next 10 years.

It would also be crazy to sign Smith or anyone for that matter that is shopping themselves to only play a position of their choice.

When did that become a thing?

Madge is the boss and if you’re lucky enough to get an offer, you turn up, train your arse off and Madge will tell you what he expects of you.

I can understand Smith’s situation, he believes he’s a hooker, which he is, a bit of an unconventional one, but he’s an international and one who has dominated that position at Test level before. He’s been stuck behind a bloke people are calling the GOAT. I hate Smith but it’s hard to argue too much. Smith feels it’s his time to get a run in his favoured position and I feel that WT are not in a position to dictate to any player of his quality. We simply need him in the organisation more than we need Liddle.

Sorry but it’s the complete opposite. No player is bigger than the club. Smith is in no position to dictate to us where he plays. What sort of precedence does that set?

Player power is already out of control, so now you’re advocating they should be able to dictate to clubs what position they’ll play before they’re signed. Surely you can see what a slippery slope that is.

I’m only advocating that we do whatever it takes to attract the really good ones that will dramatically change your club on the field and in the eyes of other players. The very ones we can’t quite get right now.

Yeah I get that and I’d love to have him here. But giving him the autonomy over Madge to pick his own position before he’s even arrived isn’t the way to go.

What happens if half way through the season Madge isn’t happy with his service and Simpkin is killing it. Madge’s hands are tied because Smith will have a meltdown if he’s not starting 9? That’s not a sustainable way to run a club.

This new way of shopping yourself as a fullback or a hooker is just a new garbage ploy of scum bag player managers to drive up their clients price. It needs to be shut down immediately.

Yeah I agree with you there, I’d sign him on the promise of first crack at hooker but form will always dictate long term selections. If Simpkin becomes an 80 min rep star he either goes to back row or can move on to another club. Win win

How do you get him to go to another club?

We'd end up with another sooky baby like the two scumbags at Parra and Lawn Mower Boy at Manly.

Difference is he seems a great character of a bloke, he would probably realise the Simpkin kid had earned his spot and still give you a 100% playing another position. We need the cheese ?

 

[tony soprano]

Brandon Smith is quality. Drop him in our team and it instantly improves us. I prefer him at 13 but he still goes very well at 9.

Having the option to move him to 13 and then freshen up the ruck with Liddle or Simpkin coming on, against tired defenders would be a nice option to have. Having said that I don’t see him coming here when he will have the majority of teams to choose from.

It would be ludicrous not to sign Brandon Smith if he would come here. Forget skills and the like, he is a relentless competitor and a winner. The prototype of what Madge would be looking for. Liddle is a crafty hooker with a bit of toe yet to prove he’s a consistent NRL player. Ship him off and use Simpkin and Smith in tandem for the next 10 years.

It would also be crazy to sign Smith or anyone for that matter that is shopping themselves to only play a position of their choice.

When did that become a thing?

Madge is the boss and if you’re lucky enough to get an offer, you turn up, train your arse off and Madge will tell you what he expects of you.

I can understand Smith’s situation, he believes he’s a hooker, which he is, a bit of an unconventional one, but he’s an international and one who has dominated that position at Test level before. He’s been stuck behind a bloke people are calling the GOAT. I hate Smith but it’s hard to argue too much. Smith feels it’s his time to get a run in his favoured position and I feel that WT are not in a position to dictate to any player of his quality. We simply need him in the organisation more than we need Liddle.

Sorry but it’s the complete opposite. No player is bigger than the club. Smith is in no position to dictate to us where he plays. What sort of precedence does that set?

Player power is already out of control, so now you’re advocating they should be able to dictate to clubs what position they’ll play before they’re signed. Surely you can see what a slippery slope that is.

I’m only advocating that we do whatever it takes to attract the really good ones that will dramatically change your club on the field and in the eyes of other players. The very ones we can’t quite get right now.

Yeah I get that and I’d love to have him here. But giving him the autonomy over Madge to pick his own position before he’s even arrived isn’t the way to go.

What happens if half way through the season Madge isn’t happy with his service and Simpkin is killing it. Madge’s hands are tied because Smith will have a meltdown if he’s not starting 9? That’s not a sustainable way to run a club.

This new way of shopping yourself as a fullback or a hooker is just a new garbage ploy of scum bag player managers to drive up their clients price. It needs to be shut down immediately.

Yeah I agree with you there, I’d sign him on the promise of first crack at hooker but form will always dictate long term selections. If Simpkin becomes an 80 min rep star he either goes to back row or can move on to another club. Win win

How do you get him to go to another club?

We'd end up with another sooky baby like the two scumbags at Parra and Lawn Mower Boy at Manly.

Difference is he seems a great character of a bloke, he would probably realise the Simpkin kid had earned his spot and still give you a 100% playing another position. We need the cheese ?

What happens if Simpkin guns it

 

[gregjm87]

Brandon Smith is quality. Drop him in our team and it instantly improves us. I prefer him at 13 but he still goes very well at 9.

Having the option to move him to 13 and then freshen up the ruck with Liddle or Simpkin coming on, against tired defenders would be a nice option to have. Having said that I don’t see him coming here when he will have the majority of teams to choose from.

It would be ludicrous not to sign Brandon Smith if he would come here. Forget skills and the like, he is a relentless competitor and a winner. The prototype of what Madge would be looking for. Liddle is a crafty hooker with a bit of toe yet to prove he’s a consistent NRL player. Ship him off and use Simpkin and Smith in tandem for the next 10 years.

It would also be crazy to sign Smith or anyone for that matter that is shopping themselves to only play a position of their choice.

When did that become a thing?

Madge is the boss and if you’re lucky enough to get an offer, you turn up, train your arse off and Madge will tell you what he expects of you.

I can understand Smith’s situation, he believes he’s a hooker, which he is, a bit of an unconventional one, but he’s an international and one who has dominated that position at Test level before. He’s been stuck behind a bloke people are calling the GOAT. I hate Smith but it’s hard to argue too much. Smith feels it’s his time to get a run in his favoured position and I feel that WT are not in a position to dictate to any player of his quality. We simply need him in the organisation more than we need Liddle.

Sorry but it’s the complete opposite. No player is bigger than the club. Smith is in no position to dictate to us where he plays. What sort of precedence does that set?

Player power is already out of control, so now you’re advocating they should be able to dictate to clubs what position they’ll play before they’re signed. Surely you can see what a slippery slope that is.

Disagree. Players should be able to say where they want/expect to play before signing. If a club wants to sign him but not to play his preferred to position, that is something he should be allowed to consider before committing to a contract. Otherwise the club just ends up with an unhappy player looking to break their contract. What shouldn't happen is a player saying he is happy to play anywhere, sign a contract, then make demands over position.

 

[BAGNF05]

Brandon Smith is quality. Drop him in our team and it instantly improves us. I prefer him at 13 but he still goes very well at 9.

Having the option to move him to 13 and then freshen up the ruck with Liddle or Simpkin coming on, against tired defenders would be a nice option to have. Having said that I don’t see him coming here when he will have the majority of teams to choose from.

It would be ludicrous not to sign Brandon Smith if he would come here. Forget skills and the like, he is a relentless competitor and a winner. The prototype of what Madge would be looking for. Liddle is a crafty hooker with a bit of toe yet to prove he’s a consistent NRL player. Ship him off and use Simpkin and Smith in tandem for the next 10 years.

It would also be crazy to sign Smith or anyone for that matter that is shopping themselves to only play a position of their choice.

When did that become a thing?

Madge is the boss and if you’re lucky enough to get an offer, you turn up, train your arse off and Madge will tell you what he expects of you.

I can understand Smith’s situation, he believes he’s a hooker, which he is, a bit of an unconventional one, but he’s an international and one who has dominated that position at Test level before. He’s been stuck behind a bloke people are calling the GOAT. I hate Smith but it’s hard to argue too much. Smith feels it’s his time to get a run in his favoured position and I feel that WT are not in a position to dictate to any player of his quality. We simply need him in the organisation more than we need Liddle.

Sorry but it’s the complete opposite. No player is bigger than the club. Smith is in no position to dictate to us where he plays. What sort of precedence does that set?

Player power is already out of control, so now you’re advocating they should be able to dictate to clubs what position they’ll play before they’re signed. Surely you can see what a slippery slope that is.

I’m only advocating that we do whatever it takes to attract the really good ones that will dramatically change your club on the field and in the eyes of other players. The very ones we can’t quite get right now.

Yeah I get that and I’d love to have him here. But giving him the autonomy over Madge to pick his own position before he’s even arrived isn’t the way to go.

What happens if half way through the season Madge isn’t happy with his service and Simpkin is killing it. Madge’s hands are tied because Smith will have a meltdown if he’s not starting 9? That’s not a sustainable way to run a club.

This new way of shopping yourself as a fullback or a hooker is just a new garbage ploy of scum bag player managers to drive up their clients price. It needs to be shut down immediately.

Yeah I agree with you there, I’d sign him on the promise of first crack at hooker but form will always dictate long term selections. If Simpkin becomes an 80 min rep star he either goes to back row or can move on to another club. Win win

How do you get him to go to another club?

We'd end up with another sooky baby like the two scumbags at Parra and Lawn Mower Boy at Manly.

Difference is he seems a great character of a bloke, he would probably realise the Simpkin kid had earned his spot and still give you a 100% playing another position. We need the cheese ?

What happens if Simpkin guns it

Read my earlier post, I’d give smith first crack at hooker with Simpkin his back up, if the apprentice becomes the master than that’s football, you pick on form. I believe Smith would give you 100% every week no matter what.

 

[carltonleach]

Does anyone know how hard we are chasing smith? Or is it just another player who has put himself on the market and we are just saying we are interested and not actually going hard for him?

 

[Deleted member 3518]

Does anyone know how hard we are chasing smith? Or is it just another player who has put himself on the market and we are just saying we are interested and not actually going hard for him?

I think the question was posed to Madge , and he played a straight bat “he’s a relented footballer , every team should look at talented footballers . I coached him at NZ and he’s a great bloke “
What was he going to say “nah he’s a crap dummy half, he can’t pass the ball and in 4 years when concussions ends his career we will will have an albatross around our neck again . Good lock,great bloke , and an absolute menace ,but see previous comment “

The issue is coin. And value .
Is he good value at “500k . Yea probably”.
Is he good value at 300k ? “300k? Where do we sign”.
Is he good value at 800k ? “Smithy your a good bloke mate . Good footballer. Geez we like ya . We are just going to crunch the numbers and get back to you “
**tumbleweeds**
*** more tumbleweeds***
SMITH SIGNS WITH BULLDOGS.
“Damn we missed him”

 

[Shooter Mcgavin]

Smith is the kind of player many players may want to play with. Seems very popular and likeable. Could be a magnet for others.

However, then there’s Simpkin factor to consider. Have to weigh that up if it’s worth it or whether we are better investing in a better half/other areas

 

[momo_amp_medo]

In today’s team game a great NRL hooker should have a skill set including:
- ability to read and manage the game
- spot weakness in posing defence line
- effective ball distribution
- speed and power and
- superior tackling skills.

Who ticks these boxes? I know for One Cam Smith does. But not too many others.
We have two hookers currently in our squad with potential to show us their repertoire.
Let’s leave it at that ..... we need a player like Cheese but he has to be willing to play lock. A position we are desperate to fill.

 

[weststigerman]

Some crazy claims on both sides around Nofa's ability in this thread. Fact is he is rated at least the 2nd best winger based only on this year's performances. He was also the Tigers best performer according to his team mates. That is also a fact.

No matter how you shape the argument to push an agenda, he is worth a lot to us, and it will be a big coup if we re-sign him long term.

What about blocking path ways can not have it both ways ,Max for me a 2 yr extension that’s 3 more yrs long enough IMO .

I don't understand the argument he's blocking pathways, he's just turned 26, and we don't have any wingers close to his ability coming through.

That's like a Panthers fan saying don't sign Crichton long term because he'll block pathways for others.

 

[carltonleach]

Does anyone know how hard we are chasing smith? Or is it just another player who has put himself on the market and we are just saying we are interested and not actually going hard for him?

I think the question was posed to Madge , and he played a straight bat “he’s a relented footballer , every team should look at talented footballers . I coached him at NZ and he’s a great bloke “
What was he going to say “nah he’s a crap dummy half, he can’t pass the ball and in 4 years when concussions ends his career we will will have an albatross around our neck again . Good lock,great bloke , and an absolute menace ,but see previous comment “

The issue is coin. And value .
Is he good value at “500k . Yea probably”.
Is he good value at 300k ? “300k? Where do we sign”.

> Is he good value at 800k ? “Smithy your a good bloke mate . Good footballer. Geez we like ya . We are just going to crunch the numbers and get back to you “
**tumbleweeds**
*** more tumbleweeds***
SMITH SIGNS WITH BULLDOGS.
“Damn we missed him”

Yeh I get what ur saying. So that’s all the talks there’s been about it though is what I mean? 800k is pretty crazy, not saying he definitely won’t be worth that in the years to come but atm seems crazy!! Is that what he’s asking or just a number u have thrown in? I’d love to have him at the tigers but as a lock. We would always have a backup hooker on the field if injury was to strike again.

 

[TigerWest]

Brandon Smith is quality. Drop him in our team and it instantly improves us. I prefer him at 13 but he still goes very well at 9.

Having the option to move him to 13 and then freshen up the ruck with Liddle or Simpkin coming on, against tired defenders would be a nice option to have. Having said that I don’t see him coming here when he will have the majority of teams to choose from.

It would be ludicrous not to sign Brandon Smith if he would come here. Forget skills and the like, he is a relentless competitor and a winner. The prototype of what Madge would be looking for. Liddle is a crafty hooker with a bit of toe yet to prove he’s a consistent NRL player. Ship him off and use Simpkin and Smith in tandem for the next 10 years.

It would also be crazy to sign Smith or anyone for that matter that is shopping themselves to only play a position of their choice.

When did that become a thing?

Madge is the boss and if you’re lucky enough to get an offer, you turn up, train your arse off and Madge will tell you what he expects of you.

I can understand Smith’s situation, he believes he’s a hooker, which he is, a bit of an unconventional one, but he’s an international and one who has dominated that position at Test level before. He’s been stuck behind a bloke people are calling the GOAT. I hate Smith but it’s hard to argue too much. Smith feels it’s his time to get a run in his favoured position and I feel that WT are not in a position to dictate to any player of his quality. We simply need him in the organisation more than we need Liddle.

Sorry but it’s the complete opposite. No player is bigger than the club. Smith is in no position to dictate to us where he plays. What sort of precedence does that set?

Player power is already out of control, so now you’re advocating they should be able to dictate to clubs what position they’ll play before they’re signed. Surely you can see what a slippery slope that is.

I’m only advocating that we do whatever it takes to attract the really good ones that will dramatically change your club on the field and in the eyes of other players. The very ones we can’t quite get right now.

Yeah I get that and I’d love to have him here. But giving him the autonomy over Madge to pick his own position before he’s even arrived isn’t the way to go.

What happens if half way through the season Madge isn’t happy with his service and Simpkin is killing it. Madge’s hands are tied because Smith will have a meltdown if he’s not starting 9? That’s not a sustainable way to run a club.

This new way of shopping yourself as a fullback or a hooker is just a new garbage ploy of scum bag player managers to drive up their clients price. It needs to be shut down immediately.

Yeah I agree with you there, I’d sign him on the promise of first crack at hooker but form will always dictate long term selections. If Simpkin becomes an 80 min rep star he either goes to back row or can move on to another club. Win win

How do you get him to go to another club?

We'd end up with another sooky baby like the two scumbags at Parra and Lawn Mower Boy at Manly.

Difference is he seems a great character of a bloke, he would probably realise the Simpkin kid had earned his spot and still give you a 100% playing another position. We need the cheese ?

If he’s getting hooker money, I wouldn’t think he’d care to much, but if we do sign him for hooker, then you expect he will play hooker with maybe a bit of back row, he seems a team player.

 

[JC99]

In today’s team game a great NRL hooker should have a skill set including:
- ability to read and manage the game
- spot weakness in posing defence line
- effective ball distribution
- speed and power and
- superior tackling skills.

Who ticks these boxes? I know for One Cam Smith does. But not too many others.
We have two hookers currently in our squad with potential to show us their repertoire.
Let’s leave it at that ..... we need a player like Cheese but he has to be willing to play lock. A position we are desperate to fill.

Why does he have to be willing to play lock? There’s a lot more good forwards than good hookers around and he’s very good at both. It’s not until 2022 so if Liddle doesn’t perform we could easily chase The Cheese. He would be one of our best players for sure