Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[4jtigers]

Title says 'tigers tempting publish relatives disaster"

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-transfer-window-clubs-ready-for-late-christmas-shopping-rush-ahead-of-2020-shutdown/news-story/a52d6cc66d5a4a39b071477c3710b43c

Anyone gut a subscription?

It is "tigers tempting publish relations disaster", its from Crawley, wouldn't expect anything else.

I will say though , I was quick to bag him , considering I assumed the article was about us not signing Nofa yet , but he does have a point regarding Benji and Widdop . IF and that’s a big IF , we did nab Widdop , a lot of supporters , who lets say , arnt as tuned in as the people on here , will go bananas . Look I’d be ok with benji running around in CC cup , and acting as a halves coach to first grade , and a poo hits the fan , replacement .
In fact I think he would excel in that position . What I’m not ok with , is inevitably him signing , and the crawleys of the world writing articles saying how badly we are mistreating a club legend by banishing him to CC cup . Which is why I’d be ok with Widdop . Because we have no loyalty or history to him , and AD will be the first choice 6 , and if he plays well, the long term 6 .

You wouldn't want Benji as a halves coach, great player but he wouldn't be a good coach... he'd be the last one picked if we want an organizing half, you don't want a hail mary play all the time do you? or always gunning for the highlights reel even if it's not on

 

[Tigermars]

Title says 'tigers tempting publish relatives disaster"

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-transfer-window-clubs-ready-for-late-christmas-shopping-rush-ahead-of-2020-shutdown/news-story/a52d6cc66d5a4a39b071477c3710b43c

Anyone gut a subscription?

It is "tigers tempting publish relations disaster", its from Crawley, wouldn't expect anything else.

Scroll back 4 hours and you can have a read what Crawly said.

 

[Deleted member 3518]

Title says 'tigers tempting publish relatives disaster"

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-transfer-window-clubs-ready-for-late-christmas-shopping-rush-ahead-of-2020-shutdown/news-story/a52d6cc66d5a4a39b071477c3710b43c

Anyone gut a subscription?

It is "tigers tempting publish relations disaster", its from Crawley, wouldn't expect anything else.

I will say though , I was quick to bag him , considering I assumed the article was about us not signing Nofa yet , but he does have a point regarding Benji and Widdop . IF and that’s a big IF , we did nab Widdop , a lot of supporters , who lets say , arnt as tuned in as the people on here , will go bananas . Look I’d be ok with benji running around in CC cup , and acting as a halves coach to first grade , and a poo hits the fan , replacement .
In fact I think he would excel in that position . What I’m not ok with , is inevitably him signing , and the crawleys of the world writing articles saying how badly we are mistreating a club legend by banishing him to CC cup . Which is why I’d be ok with Widdop . Because we have no loyalty or history to him , and AD will be the first choice 6 , and if he plays well, the long term 6 .

Not having a go at you 🙂 but the decision has been made and the umbilical cord cut.
Most will always love Benji and the joy of 2005. I still enjoy having a few and reliving the night - I snuck into the Members Stand to watch it (with the help of some diehard Eels fans who had been doing it for years.)
As has been pointed out, Widdop is younger and can cover positions we are a little light on. Although I would prefer we spend the money elsewhere, Widdop could have more upside than Benji.
Getting Benji back would be a massive backdown and backwards step.

Yep , I’m with you ?. I’m just saying the optics arnt good considering we said the reason we went in another direction was lack of a squad position . Which we now have especially if Walters is looking like exiting.

You know this is going to be the narrative pushed if we sign Widdop . Logic has nothing to do with it .

 

[Deleted member 3518]

Title says 'tigers tempting publish relatives disaster"

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-transfer-window-clubs-ready-for-late-christmas-shopping-rush-ahead-of-2020-shutdown/news-story/a52d6cc66d5a4a39b071477c3710b43c

Anyone gut a subscription?

It is "tigers tempting publish relations disaster", its from Crawley, wouldn't expect anything else.

I will say though , I was quick to bag him , considering I assumed the article was about us not signing Nofa yet , but he does have a point regarding Benji and Widdop . IF and that’s a big IF , we did nab Widdop , a lot of supporters , who lets say , arnt as tuned in as the people on here , will go bananas . Look I’d be ok with benji running around in CC cup , and acting as a halves coach to first grade , and a poo hits the fan , replacement .
In fact I think he would excel in that position . What I’m not ok with , is inevitably him signing , and the crawleys of the world writing articles saying how badly we are mistreating a club legend by banishing him to CC cup . Which is why I’d be ok with Widdop . Because we have no loyalty or history to him , and AD will be the first choice 6 , and if he plays well, the long term 6 .

The problem with Marshall is he's a massive distraction. He's on TV, he's interviewed all the time. He's everywhere. And if he's in the top 30, he'll expect to play and it will put unnecessary pressure on people like AD who are trying to make the position their own. Also, we didn't do the dirty on him at all, we gave him a great go and then his contract came to an end and we didn't re-sign him. As far as i'm concerned we owe him nothing

Widdop keeps a low profile and would be, in my opinion, a more handy back up because he can play 1,6,7 and kick goals.

? agree . That’s the gist of what I was saying. There’s no reason for the press to push for some perceived drama, as in the end , Widdop is a backup , has no baggage , and like you said doesn’t have the media crap , pushing thier mate .

 

[Deleted member 3518]

Title says 'tigers tempting publish relatives disaster"

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-transfer-window-clubs-ready-for-late-christmas-shopping-rush-ahead-of-2020-shutdown/news-story/a52d6cc66d5a4a39b071477c3710b43c

Anyone gut a subscription?

It is "tigers tempting publish relations disaster", its from Crawley, wouldn't expect anything else.

I will say though , I was quick to bag him , considering I assumed the article was about us not signing Nofa yet , but he does have a point regarding Benji and Widdop . IF and that’s a big IF , we did nab Widdop , a lot of supporters , who lets say , arnt as tuned in as the people on here , will go bananas . Look I’d be ok with benji running around in CC cup , and acting as a halves coach to first grade , and a poo hits the fan , replacement .
In fact I think he would excel in that position . What I’m not ok with , is inevitably him signing , and the crawleys of the world writing articles saying how badly we are mistreating a club legend by banishing him to CC cup . Which is why I’d be ok with Widdop . Because we have no loyalty or history to him , and AD will be the first choice 6 , and if he plays well, the long term 6 .

Widdop also has the ability to play FB, a goal kicker and 4yrs younger than Benji as well. Not arguing a case either way but seems he has enough to offer.

No thanks. Another footballer looking for a retirement package. We've learnt nothing from Reynolds if Widdop is being considered.

It’s not to play firsts though . If we are honest , it would be to back up brooks ,AD , Mbye , madden , then Widdop. To sign him , it can’t be looked at any other way . If it’s to actually play him with everyone for , it’s a solid NO from me , and sign a journeyman 6 who can do a job . There’s plenty out there .

 

[Cultured_Bogan]

If we have let Benji go and then go on to sign Widdop, then I would guess there is more than just age and performance concerns behind Marshall's departure.

 

[AJ1]

Widdop with low money, short term deal, yes. 85% rate in goalkicking.

I'd be happy if we released Walters and signed Widdop for depth. It's half a season more we'd get out of him compared to Walters who will be unavailable until June/July. Covers FB as well. Who knows, Broncos may provide us with another financial incentive to release Billy. They are throwing lots of cash around at the moment

 

[Roar_Power]

I'd support WT signing Widdop on a 1 year deal (with club option). Price has to be right. His goal kicking is too good not to consider him and we may need an option in the halves or FB at some stage in 2021. Plenty of experience too.

 

[AJ1]

If we have let Benji go and then go on to sign Widdop, then I would guess there is more than just age and performance concerns behind Marshall’s departure

Depends who Widdop is replacing....Widdop for Walters is a good upgrade, Widdop replacing Benji or Grub would speak volumes of how the club view them.

 

[851]

Some transfer info, the Benji bit is kind of sad how he has ended up like this, but it is his own fault

https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2020-transfer-whispers-brandon-smith-broncos-titans-storm-benji-marshall-cameron-smith-contract-deal/news-story/f0df511000e74f54e2eaad217b81af55?utm_source=nrl_sportsmail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=crm

Transfer Whispers: Two clubs to battle in race for Storm star, Benji hits another roadblock
NRL PREMIERSHIP
Mark St John
December 13, 2020 12:39pm
MARK ST JOHN@markdfstjohn
Source: FOX SPORTS

The race for the prized signature of Storm hooker Brandon Smith is set to come down to two clubs due to his preference of where he wants to live.
Meanwhile Benji Marshall’s bid to play on has been delayed as clubs scramble for other players before making a call on the veteran half.

Read on for all the latest NRL Transfer Whispers

TWO CLUB FIRM FOR SIGNATURE OF STORM STAR

Storm hooker Brandon Smith is the hottest signing target in the NRL after being told he can negotiate with clubs beyond 2021.

The Tigers and Bulldogs are reportedly keen on his services, but Brent Read believes the Broncos and the Titans are set to fight it out for his signature for 2022 and beyond.


“I’m told by people close to Brandon Smith that he wants to be in South East Queensland,” Read said on Triple M.

“I know the Broncos are really interested in Brandon Smith and he is really interested in the Broncos.

“There was a bit going on this week behind the scenes at Brisbane. They were trying to sort out if it was a realistic proposition.

“He has got family up there and I think his parents are moving to South East Queensland. His preference is to be in South East Queensland, so that means you need to be at the Titans or the Broncos.

“At the moment I think those two clubs are the frontrunners to get him.”

However the two clubs will not be trying to lure Smith to Queensland early because of what they would have to give up to get him.

“I don’t think they will get him for next year because the Storm want something in return,” Read said.

“They have got players that they can potentially swap, but I’m not sure they are overly keen on doing that.

“So I think we might have to wait 12 months, but they are the two clubs that are frontrunners to get him. Canterbury are also in the mix, but I’m told he wants to be in South East Queensland.”

BENJI IN LIMBO AFTER SUPER LEAGUE SNUB

Benji Marshall’s decision to knock back a lucrative Super League deal could come back to bite him in his bid to continue his playing career.

Marshall has already turned down roles at the Cowboys and in the UK to remain in Sydney, but any deal at a Harbour City club won’t come until after teams settle their rosters late in the pre-season, according to Brent Read.

“This is one that is going to linger for a while,” Read said on Triple M.

“If you look at the Bulldogs they are still trying to get Matt Burton out of his deal at Penrith. Depending on what happens with Burton, Canterbury may explore the option of Benji down the track.

“But I think this is one that is going to simmer and bubble along all summer and if someone gets to late January early February or March and still have a hole to fill and Benji still wants to play, then I think he will loom on someone’s radar.

“At the moment it doesn’t look like there is a lot of options out there for him, but a lot can change over a summer.”


SMITH DECISION LOOMS AFTER MEETING WITH STORM

The longest running contract saga in the NRL is expected to come to a head this week after Storm Chair Matt Tripp met with Cameron Smith about his future.

Smith looks unlikely to return to the Storm in a playing capacity and must now decide between off-field roles in Melbourne and Queensland with both the NRL and AFL or a playing contract at the Titans.

“It is close because the Storm Chair Matt Tripp was due to fly up to Queensland this weekend,” Read said on Triple M.

“I think we are very close on Cameron Smith and I think he will make a decision pre-Christmas.

“I’m told he is still a bit indecisive on it all, but that meeting with Matt Tripp this weekend should at least put to bed whether he is going back to Melbourne.

“That won’t happen. He is not going back to Melbourne to play, but I think we will get confirmation over the weekend.”

However Smith has been sounded out for positions in Melbourne’s off-field staff as well as by AFL clubs and he can still decide to play on at the Titans.

“That is on the table for Cam if he wants to be a coach or a board member,” Read said.

“There are numerous roles that Melbourne have put aside for Cameron Smith if he wants to stay involved with the club.

“He is obviously going to be based on the Gold Coast, so he has to make a decision about what he does.

“There is job offers everywhere for Cam. I think the Gold Coast Suns have approached him. The Titans there is a playing deal if he wants it there. There is a coaching role as well at the Titans if he wants it. He’s got plenty of jobs on the table to choose from.”

 

[Holman Barnes #1 Fan]

Benji's ego getting in the way of his career. Classic. I still remember when he snobbed the Dragons of a $300K/year deal. They took the deal off the table. Almost immediately after he was asking to sign the deal. The deal was gone, Dragons said they had nothing there for him. That is how he ended up at Brisbane on minimum wage.

He should be grateful he was able to extend his career for as long as he did with us. In my opinion it is he who has disrespected us. The current situation is his own doing. I hope the club has nothing to do with him for a few years. Eventually we will need to patch things up in the name of public relations, but not now.

 

[851]

Benji's ego getting in the way of his career. Classic. I still remember when he snobbed the Dragons of a $300K/year deal. They took the deal off the table. Almost immediately after he was asking to sign the deal. The deal was gone, Dragons said they had nothing there for him. That is how he ended up at Brisbane on minimum wage.

He should be grateful he was able to extend his career for as long as he did with us. In my opinion it is he who has disrespected us. The current situation is his own doing. I hope the club has nothing to do with him for a few years. Eventually we will need to patch things up in the name of public relations, but not now.

I could not agree more, we will be a far better team/club without him next year

 

[The_Patriot]

Im happy Benji has moved on and im even happier he doesnt have a coaching role at the club. He was a great player but we are trying to rebuild the culture and reality is either as a player or a coach he stands in the way of that.

Hopefully we sign Widdop, would love to see Crawley sook and moan,

 

[Newtown]

Widdop is a great option at a sensible price. His goalkicking alone is so valuable,

 

[rihannafan1]

Would the club take back Matt Lodge? From what I read his body is busted but if not, he is tough as and would come heavily subsidised by Brisbane.

I'm sure he'll get a big NO from most on here given his appalling behaviour a few years back although he does seem to have grown up an awful lot (I know, low bar.)

 

[hammertime]

I don't think benji has the right people surrounding him and reads into his own press a bit much.

Thankfully our team can move on from that era finally.

I hope he somehow turns this around and retire gracefully so he can remembered as the legend he is.

 

[TigerWest]

Would the club take back Matt Lodge? From what I read his body is busted but if not, he is tough as and would come heavily subsidised by Brisbane.

I'm sure he'll get a big NO from most on here given his appalling behaviour a few years back although he does seem to have grown up an awful lot (I know, low bar.)

If fit, I would take him, I said earlier he would make us a beast of a forward pack.

What happened, happened, he’s eligible to play and we want to make the 8.

 

[rihannafan1]

Would the club take back Matt Lodge? From what I read his body is busted but if not, he is tough as and would come heavily subsidised by Brisbane.

I'm sure he'll get a big NO from most on here given his appalling behaviour a few years back although he does seem to have grown up an awful lot (I know, low bar.)

If fit, I would take him, I said earlier he would make us a beast of a forward pack.

What happened, happened, he eligible to play and we want to make the 8.

Yep. And that seems to be what the club cares about now as well. Not who you were, but who you are right now and what you can offer.

 

[Goanna57]

People really want to sign Widdop doesn’t matter how good a kicker he is if he is hardly ever on the field

 

[finnzo]

The game is going away from players like lodge the game is to fast for him these days and the bloke just carnt keep up