Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Chicken_Faced_Killa]

incase anyone else is wondering why were talking Mcinnes:
https://www.reddit.com/r/nrl/comments/kja964/cameron_mcinnes_recently_met_with_wests_tigers/

The guy has grit and we need that. The floating of him between Lock and Hooker worked for St George this year... This I think would play into Liddle and the more fast pace we see from League.

Yet,
Simpkins seems to be a long term prospect. I would not block him with McInnes. A Two year contract could do that. Dragons were not finals material, the Storm and Canberra were, Both Josh Hodgson and Brandon Smith offer a fair bit more then McInnes. Even then if I wanted to recruit someone it would still be Angus Crichton. When we gave our all VS Parramatta I applauded our team, but we got steamrolled in spite of us putting our best efforts. We just won't get there without good forwards and it really doesn't matter if it's any of the above in Nr9 if our forward pack isn't going forward.

That Cheese bloke makes an impact on games through sheer enthusiasm, much like Josh Reynolds in his prime. Skills-wise Cheese would be about the 12th best hooker in the league, he doesn't have many strings to his bow at all IMO.


That's a big call, can you post the 11 that you think are in front of him?

Skills-wise? Sure. Hodgson, Liddle, Mahoney, Korisau, the stabber from Manly, the balding flog from Storm, Friend, both the Braileys, McCulluch, Grant, Granville. How many short?

I'm assuming your list isn't in order? and it's also 2 short. Skill-wise you're dreaming

You also forgot McInnes

**2020 stats**

Hodgson - 9 games, 0 tries, 37 metres/pg
Liddle - 6 games, 1 try, 49 metres p/g
Mahoney - 21 games, 6 tries, 25 metres p/g
Korosiau - 20 games, 3 tries, 57 meters p/g
Jayden Brailey - 2 games, 0 tries, 21 metres p/g
Blayke Brailey - 20 games, 4 tries, 43 metres p/g
McCullough -10 games, 2 tries, 37.4 metres p/g
Grant - 15 games, 3 tries, 88 metres p/g
Granville - 8 games, 0 tries, 50 metres p/g

McInness - 18 games, 1 try, 120 metres p/g

Brandon Smith. - 18 games, 3 tries, 118 metres p/g

By my calculation that puts Brandon on top slightly ahead of McIness.

Do yourself a favour mate and have a look at the stats before you post rubbish

Those stats don’t back up your argument. Both McInnes and Smith spent a lot of time at lock hence more metres gained.

Smith is a decent player and offers a lot to a team but could he guide a time to long term success as the primary hooker?

Personally I’d take a few of those other guys ahead of B Smith if I was looking for a new dummy half

Apparently you were going to take 11 not just a few over B Smith :clap:

That was someone else who said that not me

 

[Cairnstigers]

kind of don't want McInnes just will stop Liddle and Simpkin's development

McInnes was on the extended bench for NSW this year. Would do almost anything to block Liddle’s development tbh, I don’t rate him at all and think the bloke has had enough chances. Everyone wanted grub out when he was constantly injured, that’s the sort of gist I’m getting with Jacob. Have McInnes starting at hooker with him moving to lock mid-game to pave way for Simpkin

I disagree with this completely . Liddle is a weapon . It was clear when he returned , how direct he plays as well as his manipulation around the ruck . He puts his forwards onto the ball, and his ruck deception, creates space for his halves who are close to the ruck , especially on kicking options .
And I haven’t even mentioned the thing everyone notices , his speed and ability to get out .
Grants , passing out of the ruck was bog average in my opinion . We went from one of the teams making the most metres , to one of the teams making the least in 1 season . I think that was the transition from Robbie to grant as much as the forwards shat the bed this year.
Grant is an awesome footballer , I’m not saying he’s not, but Liddle is a better dummy half than grant . Grant is a better footballer .

??? we conceded double the amount of points mid-way through the season without Grant and having Liddle in the side. I don’t care if you think he’s good, the problem is **he’ll do another ACL before the first 10 rounds**. Just watch

Thats crystal ball talk
But ? I would like to know from everyone on the Forum, especially those reluctant to sign McInnes , who do we have that is good enough to play Hooker if Liddle goes down in the 1st few weeks
Or do we just write off our season again because there is always next year

 

[Leck]

incase anyone else is wondering why were talking Mcinnes:
https://www.reddit.com/r/nrl/comments/kja964/cameron_mcinnes_recently_met_with_wests_tigers/

The guy has grit and we need that. The floating of him between Lock and Hooker worked for St George this year... This I think would play into Liddle and the more fast pace we see from League.

Yet,
Simpkins seems to be a long term prospect. I would not block him with McInnes. A Two year contract could do that. Dragons were not finals material, the Storm and Canberra were, Both Josh Hodgson and Brandon Smith offer a fair bit more then McInnes. Even then if I wanted to recruit someone it would still be Angus Crichton. When we gave our all VS Parramatta I applauded our team, but we got steamrolled in spite of us putting our best efforts. We just won't get there without good forwards and it really doesn't matter if it's any of the above in Nr9 if our forward pack isn't going forward.

That Cheese bloke makes an impact on games through sheer enthusiasm, much like Josh Reynolds in his prime. Skills-wise Cheese would be about the 12th best hooker in the league, he doesn't have many strings to his bow at all IMO.


That's a big call, can you post the 11 that you think are in front of him?

Skills-wise? Sure. Hodgson, Liddle, Mahoney, Korisau, the stabber from Manly, the balding flog from Storm, Friend, both the Braileys, McCulluch, Grant, Granville. How many short?

I'm assuming your list isn't in order? and it's also 2 short. Skill-wise you're dreaming

You also forgot McInnes

**2020 stats**

Hodgson - 9 games, 0 tries, 37 metres/pg
Liddle - 6 games, 1 try, 49 metres p/g
Mahoney - 21 games, 6 tries, 25 metres p/g
Korosiau - 20 games, 3 tries, 57 meters p/g
Jayden Brailey - 2 games, 0 tries, 21 metres p/g
Blayke Brailey - 20 games, 4 tries, 43 metres p/g
McCullough -10 games, 2 tries, 37.4 metres p/g
Grant - 15 games, 3 tries, 88 metres p/g
Granville - 8 games, 0 tries, 50 metres p/g

McInness - 18 games, 1 try, 120 metres p/g

Brandon Smith. - 18 games, 3 tries, 118 metres p/g

By my calculation that puts Brandon on top slightly ahead of McIness.

Do yourself a favour mate and have a look at the stats before you post rubbish

Those stats don’t back up your argument. Both McInnes and Smith spent a lot of time at lock hence more metres gained.

Smith is a decent player and offers a lot to a team but could he guide a time to long term success as the primary hooker?

Personally I’d take a few of those other guys ahead of B Smith if I was looking for a new dummy half

Apparently you were going to take 11 not just a few over B Smith :clap:

That was someone else who said that not me

Sorry my bad!

 

[the_third]

kind of don't want McInnes just will stop Liddle and Simpkin's development

McInnes was on the extended bench for NSW this year. Would do almost anything to block Liddle’s development tbh, I don’t rate him at all and think the bloke has had enough chances. Everyone wanted grub out when he was constantly injured, that’s the sort of gist I’m getting with Jacob. Have McInnes starting at hooker with him moving to lock mid-game to pave way for Simpkin

I disagree with this completely . Liddle is a weapon . It was clear when he returned , how direct he plays as well as his manipulation around the ruck . He puts his forwards onto the ball, and his ruck deception, creates space for his halves who are close to the ruck , especially on kicking options .
And I haven’t even mentioned the thing everyone notices , his speed and ability to get out .
Grants , passing out of the ruck was bog average in my opinion . We went from one of the teams making the most metres , to one of the teams making the least in 1 season . I think that was the transition from Robbie to grant as much as the forwards shat the bed this year.
Grant is an awesome footballer , I’m not saying he’s not, but Liddle is a better dummy half than grant . Grant is a better footballer .

??? we conceded double the amount of points mid-way through the season without Grant and having Liddle in the side. I don’t care if you think he’s good, the problem is **he’ll do another ACL before the first 10 rounds**. Just watch

Thats crystal ball talk
But ? I would like to know from everyone on the Forum, especially those reluctant to sign McInnes , who do we have that is good enough to play Hooker if Liddle goes down in the 1st few weeks
Or do we just write off our season again because there is always next year

Promote Simpkin to top 30 and take a punt
Probably too soon for Walters to fill a gap
We are short a hooker this year, but McInnes is a 2022 signing so he’s also not the solution to that problem either

 

[tigerballs]

incase anyone else is wondering why were talking Mcinnes:
https://www.reddit.com/r/nrl/comments/kja964/cameron_mcinnes_recently_met_with_wests_tigers/

The guy has grit and we need that. The floating of him between Lock and Hooker worked for St George this year... This I think would play into Liddle and the more fast pace we see from League.

Yet,
Simpkins seems to be a long term prospect. I would not block him with McInnes. A Two year contract could do that. Dragons were not finals material, the Storm and Canberra were, Both Josh Hodgson and Brandon Smith offer a fair bit more then McInnes. Even then if I wanted to recruit someone it would still be Angus Crichton. When we gave our all VS Parramatta I applauded our team, but we got steamrolled in spite of us putting our best efforts. We just won't get there without good forwards and it really doesn't matter if it's any of the above in Nr9 if our forward pack isn't going forward.

That Cheese bloke makes an impact on games through sheer enthusiasm, much like Josh Reynolds in his prime. Skills-wise Cheese would be about the 12th best hooker in the league, he doesn't have many strings to his bow at all IMO.


That's a big call, can you post the 11 that you think are in front of him?

Skills-wise? Sure. Hodgson, Liddle, Mahoney, Korisau, the stabber from Manly, the balding flog from Storm, Friend, both the Braileys, McCulluch, Grant, Granville. How many short?

I'm assuming your list isn't in order? and it's also 2 short. Skill-wise you're dreaming

You also forgot McInnes

**2020 stats**

Hodgson - 9 games, 0 tries, 37 metres/pg
Liddle - 6 games, 1 try, 49 metres p/g
Mahoney - 21 games, 6 tries, 25 metres p/g
Korosiau - 20 games, 3 tries, 57 meters p/g
Jayden Brailey - 2 games, 0 tries, 21 metres p/g
Blayke Brailey - 20 games, 4 tries, 43 metres p/g
McCullough -10 games, 2 tries, 37.4 metres p/g
Grant - 15 games, 3 tries, 88 metres p/g
Granville - 8 games, 0 tries, 50 metres p/g

McInness - 18 games, 1 try, 120 metres p/g

Brandon Smith. - 18 games, 3 tries, 118 metres p/g

By my calculation that puts Brandon on top slightly ahead of McIness.

Do yourself a favour mate and have a look at the stats before you post rubbish

Context is King. Raw stats are meaningless on their own. You have to ask yourself how did McInnes and Smith make so many meters? The answer is it wasn’t while they were playing 9. So you need to take those meters and games, where they played in other positions, out of the stats to compare apples with apples.


Stats mean everything, it's how a coach, talent manager and the club rates a players strengths and weaknesses, from there they can build a plan to improve their skills and rectify any flaws.

You can argue that stats don't always show results eg. Benji this year, but in the case of B Smith, he produced and the Storm won the premiership.

He is definitely not the 12th ranked hooker in the nrl as stated by @Fade-To-Black

Warren Ryan once said of an over-hyped player with outstanding stats that “he’s never bent the line and in defence, he wouldn’t bruise a ripe peach”.

 

[Cairnstigers]

kind of don't want McInnes just will stop Liddle and Simpkin's development

McInnes was on the extended bench for NSW this year. Would do almost anything to block Liddle’s development tbh, I don’t rate him at all and think the bloke has had enough chances. Everyone wanted grub out when he was constantly injured, that’s the sort of gist I’m getting with Jacob. Have McInnes starting at hooker with him moving to lock mid-game to pave way for Simpkin

I disagree with this completely . Liddle is a weapon . It was clear when he returned , how direct he plays as well as his manipulation around the ruck . He puts his forwards onto the ball, and his ruck deception, creates space for his halves who are close to the ruck , especially on kicking options .
And I haven’t even mentioned the thing everyone notices , his speed and ability to get out .
Grants , passing out of the ruck was bog average in my opinion . We went from one of the teams making the most metres , to one of the teams making the least in 1 season . I think that was the transition from Robbie to grant as much as the forwards shat the bed this year.
Grant is an awesome footballer , I’m not saying he’s not, but Liddle is a better dummy half than grant . Grant is a better footballer .

??? we conceded double the amount of points mid-way through the season without Grant and having Liddle in the side. I don’t care if you think he’s good, the problem is **he’ll do another ACL before the first 10 rounds**. Just watch

Thats crystal ball talk
But ? I would like to know from everyone on the Forum, especially those reluctant to sign McInnes , who do we have that is good enough to play Hooker if Liddle goes down in the 1st few weeks
Or do we just write off our season again because there is always next year

Promote Simpkin to top 30 and take a punt
Probably too soon for Walters to fill a gap
We are short a hooker this year, but McInnes is a 2022 signing so he’s also not the solution to that problem either

Talk of Walters going to Brisbane?
Not sure when
Simpkin is still a bit green but I agree to give him a chance to show what he has got if at all possible
But we really don't want to rely on that scenario
I realise McInnes is for 2022 at this stage, but things could change here
An early release?
I still believe we will need another hooker to cover Liddle and Simpkin
An experienced one at that
I think we all know Walters will join his dad
? Is when
Liddle has 1st dibs on Hooker
He either holds that position or looses it to Simpkin
One way or another, we lose one of those two players unless they want to play second fiddle
B Smith wants a hooking roll so count him out for now
McInnes is the best option I can see for our club at the moment
A player happy to play lock, but can step up to Hooker if required
At least then we are covered by someone very capable
Not an Mbye

This is just my 2 bobs worth
It is something Madge needs to carefully consider
Without upsetting the ? cart

 

[Fade.To.Black]

incase anyone else is wondering why were talking Mcinnes:
https://www.reddit.com/r/nrl/comments/kja964/cameron_mcinnes_recently_met_with_wests_tigers/

The guy has grit and we need that. The floating of him between Lock and Hooker worked for St George this year... This I think would play into Liddle and the more fast pace we see from League.

Yet,
Simpkins seems to be a long term prospect. I would not block him with McInnes. A Two year contract could do that. Dragons were not finals material, the Storm and Canberra were, Both Josh Hodgson and Brandon Smith offer a fair bit more then McInnes. Even then if I wanted to recruit someone it would still be Angus Crichton. When we gave our all VS Parramatta I applauded our team, but we got steamrolled in spite of us putting our best efforts. We just won't get there without good forwards and it really doesn't matter if it's any of the above in Nr9 if our forward pack isn't going forward.

That Cheese bloke makes an impact on games through sheer enthusiasm, much like Josh Reynolds in his prime. Skills-wise Cheese would be about the 12th best hooker in the league, he doesn't have many strings to his bow at all IMO.


That's a big call, can you post the 11 that you think are in front of him?

Skills-wise? Sure. Hodgson, Liddle, Mahoney, Korisau, the stabber from Manly, the balding flog from Storm, Friend, both the Braileys, McCulluch, Grant, Granville. How many short?

I'm assuming your list isn't in order? and it's also 2 short. Skill-wise you're dreaming

You also forgot McInnes

**2020 stats**

Hodgson - 9 games, 0 tries, 37 metres/pg
Liddle - 6 games, 1 try, 49 metres p/g
Mahoney - 21 games, 6 tries, 25 metres p/g
Korosiau - 20 games, 3 tries, 57 meters p/g
Jayden Brailey - 2 games, 0 tries, 21 metres p/g
Blayke Brailey - 20 games, 4 tries, 43 metres p/g
McCullough -10 games, 2 tries, 37.4 metres p/g
Grant - 15 games, 3 tries, 88 metres p/g
Granville - 8 games, 0 tries, 50 metres p/g

McInness - 18 games, 1 try, 120 metres p/g

Brandon Smith. - 18 games, 3 tries, 118 metres p/g

By my calculation that puts Brandon on top slightly ahead of McIness.

Do yourself a favour mate and have a look at the stats before you post rubbish

Counting isn't your strong point eh bud? I listed 12. Good work.

 

[Fade.To.Black]

incase anyone else is wondering why were talking Mcinnes:
https://www.reddit.com/r/nrl/comments/kja964/cameron_mcinnes_recently_met_with_wests_tigers/

The guy has grit and we need that. The floating of him between Lock and Hooker worked for St George this year... This I think would play into Liddle and the more fast pace we see from League.

Yet,
Simpkins seems to be a long term prospect. I would not block him with McInnes. A Two year contract could do that. Dragons were not finals material, the Storm and Canberra were, Both Josh Hodgson and Brandon Smith offer a fair bit more then McInnes. Even then if I wanted to recruit someone it would still be Angus Crichton. When we gave our all VS Parramatta I applauded our team, but we got steamrolled in spite of us putting our best efforts. We just won't get there without good forwards and it really doesn't matter if it's any of the above in Nr9 if our forward pack isn't going forward.

That Cheese bloke makes an impact on games through sheer enthusiasm, much like Josh Reynolds in his prime. Skills-wise Cheese would be about the 12th best hooker in the league, he doesn't have many strings to his bow at all IMO.


That's a big call, can you post the 11 that you think are in front of him?

Skills-wise? Sure. Hodgson, Liddle, Mahoney, Korisau, the stabber from Manly, the balding flog from Storm, Friend, both the Braileys, McCulluch, Grant, Granville. How many short?

I'm assuming your list isn't in order? and it's also 2 short. Skill-wise you're dreaming

You also forgot McInnes

**2020 stats**

Hodgson - 9 games, 0 tries, 37 metres/pg
Liddle - 6 games, 1 try, 49 metres p/g
Mahoney - 21 games, 6 tries, 25 metres p/g
Korosiau - 20 games, 3 tries, 57 meters p/g
Jayden Brailey - 2 games, 0 tries, 21 metres p/g
Blayke Brailey - 20 games, 4 tries, 43 metres p/g
McCullough -10 games, 2 tries, 37.4 metres p/g
Grant - 15 games, 3 tries, 88 metres p/g
Granville - 8 games, 0 tries, 50 metres p/g

McInness - 18 games, 1 try, 120 metres p/g

Brandon Smith. - 18 games, 3 tries, 118 metres p/g

By my calculation that puts Brandon on top slightly ahead of McIness.

Do yourself a favour mate and have a look at the stats before you post rubbish

Context is King. Raw stats are meaningless on their own. You have to ask yourself how did McInnes and Smith make so many meters? The answer is it wasn’t while they were playing 9. So you need to take those meters and games, where they played in other positions, out of the stats to compare apples with apples.


Stats mean everything, it's how a coach, talent manager and the club rates a players strengths and weaknesses, from there they can build a plan to improve their skills and rectify any flaws.

You can argue that stats don't always show results eg. Benji this year, but in the case of B Smith, he produced and the Storm won the premiership.

He is definitely not the 12th ranked hooker in the nrl as stated by @Fade-To-Black

He would be 12th ranked hooker skills-wise or thereabouts. Not as an all-round player. He has no kicking game, his passing isn't great. "Stats mean everything" lol. You must love playing SuperCoach then....

 

[balmain boy]

Ky rodwell and billy stempleton look like units

Had a chat with Ron Palmer today, reckons Ky Rodwell is the best trainer at the club and will definitely be in the top 17. Also said Stefano needs to learn how to train and we've got more second row candidates than anything else. Wouldn't commit on AD playing 5/8.

Shows how little Ronnie knows about footy. Only knows fitness, and that is questionable too

 

[tigerballs]

Ky rodwell and billy stempleton look like units

Had a chat with Ron Palmer today, reckons Ky Rodwell is the best trainer at the club and will definitely be in the top 17. Also said Stefano needs to learn how to train and we've got more second row candidates than anything else. Wouldn't commit on AD playing 5/8.

Shows how little Ronnie knows about footy. Only knows fitness, and that is questionable too

So you know something different?

 

[tigerap]

Riff released Zane Tetevano, Packer to the Riff anyone...

 

[westy81]

Riff released Zane Tetevano, Packer to the Riff anyone...

Hope so, getting rid of Packer and Reynolds a year early would be great

 

[compensate]

kind of don't want McInnes just will stop Liddle and Simpkin's development

McInnes was on the extended bench for NSW this year. Would do almost anything to block Liddle’s development tbh, I don’t rate him at all and think the bloke has had enough chances. Everyone wanted grub out when he was constantly injured, that’s the sort of gist I’m getting with Jacob. Have McInnes starting at hooker with him moving to lock mid-game to pave way for Simpkin

I disagree with this completely . Liddle is a weapon . It was clear when he returned , how direct he plays as well as his manipulation around the ruck . He puts his forwards onto the ball, and his ruck deception, creates space for his halves who are close to the ruck , especially on kicking options .
And I haven’t even mentioned the thing everyone notices , his speed and ability to get out .
Grants , passing out of the ruck was bog average in my opinion . We went from one of the teams making the most metres , to one of the teams making the least in 1 season . I think that was the transition from Robbie to grant as much as the forwards shat the bed this year.
Grant is an awesome footballer , I’m not saying he’s not, but Liddle is a better dummy half than grant . Grant is a better footballer .

??? we conceded double the amount of points mid-way through the season without Grant and having Liddle in the side. I don’t care if you think he’s good, the problem is he’ll do another ACL before the first 10 rounds. Just watch

That’s not true . Liddle played like 15 minutes a game at most . We let in most of our points around the ruck when grant and Mikalele were standing next to Garner benji and BJ.
Whether that’s because guys were burnt out , couldn’t tackle or were just old or fat , whatever . That has nothing to do with Liddle .

No mate, I’m talking about the 3 mid-season games where Liddle played 80 almost every week whilst Harry was missing. We went from conceding 17 average points per game with Harry, to 33 with Liddle

 

[Holden]

kind of don't want McInnes just will stop Liddle and Simpkin's development

McInnes was on the extended bench for NSW this year. Would do almost anything to block Liddle’s development tbh, I don’t rate him at all and think the bloke has had enough chances. Everyone wanted grub out when he was constantly injured, that’s the sort of gist I’m getting with Jacob. Have McInnes starting at hooker with him moving to lock mid-game to pave way for Simpkin

I disagree with this completely . Liddle is a weapon . It was clear when he returned , how direct he plays as well as his manipulation around the ruck . He puts his forwards onto the ball, and his ruck deception, creates space for his halves who are close to the ruck , especially on kicking options .
And I haven’t even mentioned the thing everyone notices , his speed and ability to get out .
Grants , passing out of the ruck was bog average in my opinion . We went from one of the teams making the most metres , to one of the teams making the least in 1 season . I think that was the transition from Robbie to grant as much as the forwards shat the bed this year.
Grant is an awesome footballer , I’m not saying he’s not, but Liddle is a better dummy half than grant . Grant is a better footballer .

??? we conceded double the amount of points mid-way through the season without Grant and having Liddle in the side. I don’t care if you think he’s good, the problem is he’ll do another ACL before the first 10 rounds. Just watch

That’s not true . Liddle played like 15 minutes a game at most . We let in most of our points around the ruck when grant and Mikalele were standing next to Garner benji and BJ.
Whether that’s because guys were burnt out , couldn’t tackle or were just old or fat , whatever . That has nothing to do with Liddle .

No mate, I’m talking about the 3 mid-season games where Liddle played 80 almost every week whilst Harry was missing. We went from conceding 17 average points per game with Harry, to 33 with Liddle

dyu remember which games/weeks they were exactly?


 

[cochise]

any truth to the rumour we are signing benji for one year and letting walters go to broncos

Hard to imagine a more stupid turn of events if true

'Life's not all about money': Benji Marshall opens up on future
By Zachary Gates
2 hours ago

Legendary playmaker Benji Marshall has spoken for the first time since knocking back a monster pay deal with Super League club Hull FC, declaring "life's not all about money". Hopes of Marshall's illustrious NRL career ending on a fairytale note at Wests Tigers were dashed when coach Michael Maguire in August told him he wouldn't be offered a contract for 2021.

And while the 2005 premiership hero was reportedly in talks to join the North Queensland Cowboys on a $150,000 contract, and later Hull on a blockbuster $722,000 deal, neither agreement eventuated. Marshall said he had opted to prioritise family over money. "Life's not all about money and when I thought about the pros and cons, the pros were just about the money," Marshall told Triple M. "If it was about the money I probably would've retired five years ago. "

Good luck Benji your not missed and its not about the $.
Culture is already looking better at WT without having a sook around the team.

When you think Wests Tigers, you think Benji Marshall and vice versa it’s as simple as that... and I don’t see that changing anytime soon

Yes he’s not the player he once was, but that doesn’t mean we should disrespect the greatest player in the clubs history whom had put this team on the map leading us to our first and only premiership, more so respect his decision to wanna play on and wish him all the best and cherish the memories he had once demonstrated at this team and give him the respect he deserves and allow him to do whatever he wishes as we owe him that at the very least wouldn’t you think, I don’t understand why everyone’s so bothered about him believing in himself that he can play another season, it has no barring on us whatsoever if he plays on somewhere else to try further his legacy that’s fine, for all he has done for this club we should support a club legends aspirations not put him down....

I’m not upset we didn’t re-sign benji, I personally think it was the correct decision in terms of this club moving forward however I do think he deserves to be respected and appreciated for the things he has done for this great club, and should be able to make whatever decision he thinks is right for himself and be supported by us fans

Think what you like its your choice, we all have our own thoughts, second time round one things why ask him to come back he never developed any players it was all about him.

I wished him all the best, he was a sook that's not being disrespectful just stating the facts on how he left.

I think you will find he has rubbed a lot of long term supporters the wrong way not only how he left this time but also the prior time as well. Maybe you don't recall history but he was one of the main instigators in having Sheens removed then the following season did not see out his contract and went to play rugby union.

**Herald Sun - 18/07/2013**

BENJI Marshall has walked out on the Wests Tigers _ but wants a return to the club in coming years.

Marshall posted a four minute video on the club's website today revealing why he made the contentious decision to quit.

"It's been a hard time for myself and my family but as you all know I have made my decision to move on from the club at the end of this year. It was probably the hardest decision I have had to make," Marshall said.

"I feel like I have done everything in the game at this club, including winning a premiership, representing my country, captaining my country, winning a Four Nations, winning a World Cup and winning the Golden Boot. Without (the fans) support, a lot of that couldn't have been achieved.

"I feel like I am the person I am today based upon what I have done at this club. At the end of the day, my decision was based on what was best for myself and my family. Not only that but what was best for the club also.

"I know some people won't be happy but some will be happy to see me go. That's life, rugby league is a game and the club is bigger than me.

"I will honour my words about not playing for another (NRL) club. There is no other NRL club for me to play for. The Tigers are my home and will always be my home.

"I have seen guys like Mark O'Neill leave, go to England and then come back to the club. I am hoping to do the same in some capacity after I retire, maybe be involved with the club. Hopefully get back into it somewhere."

Marshall said he was not angry at the club.

"There is no hard feeling between myself or the club," he said.

"A the end of they day they did what they thought they could in the (salary) cap to keep me but this decision goes far further beyond than money.

"If it was in the past I could have take more money to go elsewhere. I feel like I have given my life to the club. Eleven years is a long time. I will never forget the years I had here."

Well he did not play for another club but more than one, was given a lifeline to come back, Madge selected him also to play for NZ after 7 years being exiled.

Lastly 2005 was not all about Marshall there is no i in Team.
Agree Marshall will be remembered for being a great player for the Tigers but he will also now be remembered for being someone that wanted to play on too long as should have retired back in 2018.

I seriously don't understand why some people can't just let it go, the majority on here wanted the club to let him go, me included, they made that decision so I don't see why some want o bag him at every opportunity. He believes he still has something to offer, great good on him, he is probably a little delusional but I still think I could lace on the boots tomorrow and play like its 20 years ago.

He is gone, no need to constantly tear him down anymore.

History lesson for those that continue to reminisce, just stating the facts nothing more have certainly moved on.
He will become irrelevant once the new season starts, unless he gets a contract in Sydney as expecting a 2nd child.

Let those that want to remember him fondly do so, you achieve nothing by continuing to bag him after he is gone except to make yourself appear bitter and unable to move on. The club made the right choice, now is the time to remember him with rose coloured glasses for what he gave to the club. Anyone who want to continue to bag him is just holding a grudge as he now has zero effect on our team moving forward.

 

[Holden]

any truth to the rumour we are signing benji for one year and letting walters go to broncos

Hard to imagine a more stupid turn of events if true

'Life's not all about money': Benji Marshall opens up on future
By Zachary Gates
2 hours ago

Legendary playmaker Benji Marshall has spoken for the first time since knocking back a monster pay deal with Super League club Hull FC, declaring "life's not all about money". Hopes of Marshall's illustrious NRL career ending on a fairytale note at Wests Tigers were dashed when coach Michael Maguire in August told him he wouldn't be offered a contract for 2021.

And while the 2005 premiership hero was reportedly in talks to join the North Queensland Cowboys on a $150,000 contract, and later Hull on a blockbuster $722,000 deal, neither agreement eventuated. Marshall said he had opted to prioritise family over money. "Life's not all about money and when I thought about the pros and cons, the pros were just about the money," Marshall told Triple M. "If it was about the money I probably would've retired five years ago. "

Good luck Benji your not missed and its not about the $.
Culture is already looking better at WT without having a sook around the team.

When you think Wests Tigers, you think Benji Marshall and vice versa it’s as simple as that... and I don’t see that changing anytime soon

Yes he’s not the player he once was, but that doesn’t mean we should disrespect the greatest player in the clubs history whom had put this team on the map leading us to our first and only premiership, more so respect his decision to wanna play on and wish him all the best and cherish the memories he had once demonstrated at this team and give him the respect he deserves and allow him to do whatever he wishes as we owe him that at the very least wouldn’t you think, I don’t understand why everyone’s so bothered about him believing in himself that he can play another season, it has no barring on us whatsoever if he plays on somewhere else to try further his legacy that’s fine, for all he has done for this club we should support a club legends aspirations not put him down....

I’m not upset we didn’t re-sign benji, I personally think it was the correct decision in terms of this club moving forward however I do think he deserves to be respected and appreciated for the things he has done for this great club, and should be able to make whatever decision he thinks is right for himself and be supported by us fans

Think what you like its your choice, we all have our own thoughts, second time round one things why ask him to come back he never developed any players it was all about him.

I wished him all the best, he was a sook that's not being disrespectful just stating the facts on how he left.

I think you will find he has rubbed a lot of long term supporters the wrong way not only how he left this time but also the prior time as well. Maybe you don't recall history but he was one of the main instigators in having Sheens removed then the following season did not see out his contract and went to play rugby union.

**Herald Sun - 18/07/2013**

BENJI Marshall has walked out on the Wests Tigers _ but wants a return to the club in coming years.

Marshall posted a four minute video on the club's website today revealing why he made the contentious decision to quit.

"It's been a hard time for myself and my family but as you all know I have made my decision to move on from the club at the end of this year. It was probably the hardest decision I have had to make," Marshall said.

"I feel like I have done everything in the game at this club, including winning a premiership, representing my country, captaining my country, winning a Four Nations, winning a World Cup and winning the Golden Boot. Without (the fans) support, a lot of that couldn't have been achieved.

"I feel like I am the person I am today based upon what I have done at this club. At the end of the day, my decision was based on what was best for myself and my family. Not only that but what was best for the club also.

"I know some people won't be happy but some will be happy to see me go. That's life, rugby league is a game and the club is bigger than me.

"I will honour my words about not playing for another (NRL) club. There is no other NRL club for me to play for. The Tigers are my home and will always be my home.

"I have seen guys like Mark O'Neill leave, go to England and then come back to the club. I am hoping to do the same in some capacity after I retire, maybe be involved with the club. Hopefully get back into it somewhere."

Marshall said he was not angry at the club.

"There is no hard feeling between myself or the club," he said.

"A the end of they day they did what they thought they could in the (salary) cap to keep me but this decision goes far further beyond than money.

"If it was in the past I could have take more money to go elsewhere. I feel like I have given my life to the club. Eleven years is a long time. I will never forget the years I had here."

Well he did not play for another club but more than one, was given a lifeline to come back, Madge selected him also to play for NZ after 7 years being exiled.

Lastly 2005 was not all about Marshall there is no i in Team.
Agree Marshall will be remembered for being a great player for the Tigers but he will also now be remembered for being someone that wanted to play on too long as should have retired back in 2018.

I seriously don't understand why some people can't just let it go, the majority on here wanted the club to let him go, me included, they made that decision so I don't see why some want o bag him at every opportunity. He believes he still has something to offer, great good on him, he is probably a little delusional but I still think I could lace on the boots tomorrow and play like its 20 years ago.

He is gone, no need to constantly tear him down anymore.

History lesson for those that continue to reminisce, just stating the facts nothing more have certainly moved on.
He will become irrelevant once the new season starts, unless he gets a contract in Sydney as expecting a 2nd child.

Let those that want to remember him fondly do so, you achieve nothing by continuing to bag him after he is gone except to make yourself appear bitter and unable to move on. The club made the right choice, now is the time to remember him with rose coloured glasses for what he gave to the club. Anyone who want to continue to bag him is just holding a grudge as he now has zero effect on our team moving forward.

I'll drink to this, I love the guy to bits and im pretty sure most people here did at some point or another.

I also agree the club made the right decision.

But seeing as he was a huge part of the WT history, I wish nothing but the best for you benji, and congrats on the good news, make more sense as to why you want to stay in sydney. Also brother, regardless if no camp picks you up, you'll always have a fan in me.

 

[Speed2burn]

Ky rodwell and billy stempleton look like units

Had a chat with Ron Palmer today, reckons Ky Rodwell is the best trainer at the club and will definitely be in the top 17. Also said Stefano needs to learn how to train and we've got more second row candidates than anything else. Wouldn't commit on AD playing 5/8.

Who is Ky Rodwell? First time I’ve heard of him

 

[Holden]

On a non - serious note > anyone remember this beauty hahah
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVrQ9NPHzJY



Edit: JT is the funniest bloke here dear lord

 

[hammertime]

Mcinnes would be a very smart buy that allows us to hedge our bets.

If Simpkins or liddle work out, then Cam slots into 13.

If they don't, or have injuries, he becomes our 9.

Clever roster management.