Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[tiger05premier]

Not much in that article makes me think it’s a sure thing that we’re getting him anytime soon

Nicolussi pretty on the money usually with Tigers stuff.

I'm 3 from 3 in the rumour mill and I'll be 4 from 4 after Laurie starts training with us after next week. It's a done deal, the sticking point Cini but now resolved. Pemriff wanted a trade deal for Simpkins and were prepared to pay plenty so that's probably a good sign too.

Which Simpkins? The dummy half?

I

Yep, Hooker Simpkins

And we said yes? Surely we aren’t getting rid of him?

No, we didn;t say yes but he was the player they wanted.

Madge still has big plans for simpkins I hope?

 

[iofthetigers]

Just thinking with Mbye wanting to return to QLD, what do you reckon the likelihood of him being picked up by a northern team is? I have a feeling he won't see out his contract at WT.

He has been shopped around by his manager for over 6 months leaking info to the press. I don’t believe this is all his doing but unfortunately we are stuck with him.

 

[cochise]

Just thinking with Mbye wanting to return to QLD, what do you reckon the likelihood of him being picked up by a northern team is? I have a feeling he won't see out his contract at WT.

He has been shopped around by his manager for over 6 months leaking info to the press. I don’t believe this is all his doing but unfortunately we are stuck with him.

We actually need him this year.

 

[ElleryHanley]

If we get Laurie and he can make that fullback spot his then we are looking good. Mbye off the bench gives us cover all over the park. Simpkins is missing out but will he really be ready at 19.

Mbye off the bench balances the whole squad...

He can cover
1
3
4
6
7
9

He is not great at any of them, but he is a near perfect utility at 14.

Mate, you should see Mbye at training. Maybe he always trains like this, maybe he's finally injury free but he looks like he's desperate for a starting job. He is flying.

Mbye was very good at FB for about ten games for the Dogs. I thought he linked really well there for us in the game or so he was there in 2020. The main issue seems to be the high ball? I.e. he can't catch them 🙂

Mbye 1 / Laurie 14
Laurie 1 / Mbye 14

Both work actually as Laurie can cover all those spots also.

 

[cochise]

If we get Laurie and he can make that fullback spot his then we are looking good. Mbye off the bench gives us cover all over the park. Simpkins is missing out but will he really be ready at 19.

Mbye off the bench balances the whole squad...

He can cover
1
3
4
6
7
9

He is not great at any of them, but he is a near perfect utility at 14.

Mate, you should see Mbye at training. Maybe he always trains like this, maybe he's finally injury free but he looks like he's desperate for a starting job. He is flying.

Mbye was very good at FB for about ten games for the Dogs. I thought he linked really well there for us in the game or so he was there in 2020. The main issue seems to be the high ball? I.e. he can't catch them 🙂

Mbye 1 / Laurie 14
Laurie 1 / Mbye 14

Both work actually as Laurie can cover all those spots also.

I think we may start with the 1st option and transition to the second if he comes this year.

 

[hsvjones]

Maybe just Maybe the rumour that started today about us chasing Crichton for FB and willing to pay for him have made the Panther think if we release Laurie to us now that will fill the FB spot and we will leave Crichton alone..

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

Not much in that article makes me think it’s a sure thing that we’re getting him anytime soon

Nicolussi pretty on the money usually with Tigers stuff.

I'm 3 from 3 in the rumour mill and I'll be 4 from 4 after Laurie starts training with us after next week. It's a done deal, the sticking point Cini but now resolved. Pemriff wanted a trade deal for Simpkins and were prepared to pay plenty so that's probably a good sign too.

Which Simpkins? The dummy half?

I

Yep, Hooker Simpkins

And we said yes? Surely we aren’t getting rid of him?

No, we didn;t say yes but he was the player they wanted.

Simpkins will be a gun hooker hopefully gets a shot this year

 

[cochise]

Maybe just Maybe the rumour that started today about us chasing Crichton for FB and willing to pay for him have made the Panther think if we release Laurie to us now that will fill the FB spot and we will leave Crichton alone..

The mind games that go on between the various general managers and recruitment guys would be fascinating, they also all know each other so it really brings in that competitive part of it all. kind of like a high stakes game of poker.. Its the reason I love the movie Draft Day.

 

[ElleryHanley]

https://www.weststigers.com.au/news/2021/01/15/wests-tigers-recharge-at-recoverie/

53 seconds

THE BLOR

That vid was definitely made with the lasses in mind...

 

[Speed2burn]

Maybe just Maybe the rumour that started today about us chasing Crichton for FB and willing to pay for him have made the Panther think if we release Laurie to us now that will fill the FB spot and we will leave Crichton alone..

The mind games that go on between the various general managers and recruitment guys would be fascinating, they also all know each other so it really brings in that competitive part of it all. kind of like a high stakes game of poker.. Its the reason I love the movie Draft Day.

You just know Hartigan and Lee would be the guys that milk the casinos dry . The amount of smart decisions this club has made over the past couple months is just unheard of

 

[JC99]

Maybe just Maybe the rumour that started today about us chasing Crichton for FB and willing to pay for him have made the Panther think if we release Laurie to us now that will fill the FB spot and we will leave Crichton alone..

The mind games that go on between the various general managers and recruitment guys would be fascinating, they also all know each other so it really brings in that competitive part of it all. kind of like a high stakes game of poker.. Its the reason I love the movie Draft Day.

You just know Hartigan and Lee would be the guys that milk the casinos dry . The amount of smart decisions this club has made over the past couple months is just unheard of

They’re playing chess and Penrith are playing checkers ? smart operators

 

[Spud_Murphy]

Would be absolutely huge if we can get cam this year dragons would have to be insane real-ease him and replace him with Andrew

Yes it would! And yes St George do some really weird things recruitment wise, so anything is possible. Last year it was releasing Lucy to sign Merrin! That worked out really well for them 😂

 

[diedpretty]

Full article re DL possibly being released to the Tigers as early as next week

“James Tamou has welcomed the chance to captain the Wests Tigers and what now looks certain to be the arrival of former Panthers teammate Daine Laurie before the season kick-off.

On the same day the Tigers nailed down the signature of David Nofoaluma for a further four seasons, Laurie made it clear to Penrith he wants to join the Tigers immediately where he is expected to pull on the No. 1 jersey.

James Tamou at Tigers training.
James Tamou at Tigers training. SUPPLIED
Already signed at the Tigers for the 2022 season, Laurie has stepped up his quest to leave the foot of the mountains - and Tamou said fans should get excited if the fullback's wish was granted, which could be was early as next week.

Penrith initially had no interest in releasing Laurie given he is a valuable back-up fullback and costs the club nothing in their salary cap. After developing him the last few years, Penrith believed they were entitled to some sort of return. They also have several spots to fill in their roster.

But the Panthers and Tigers have been in regular dialogue and are committed to getting the best outcome for both clubs.


"Daine is more than ready, he showed last year he was ready when he debuted,'' Tamou told the Herald. "I hate bringing up last year because I'm, a Tiger now, but Daine used to throw himself into everything and was such a competitor.

Daine Laurie is keen to quit Penrith and link with the Wests Tigers early.
Daine Laurie is keen to quit Penrith and link with the Wests Tigers early. GETTY IMAGES
"If he was in the second team, their game day was always going up against the first team and getting them ready to play. He stood out because he wanted to compete, and that's something we want here - players to compete on every play and to make your own luck. He's always competing and deceptively fast and strong.''

Adam Doueihi was tried as fullback last year but has made the move to No. 6, while Laurie's arrival would also give coach Michael Maguire the chance to utilise Moses Mbye as a utility.

RELATED ARTICLE
David Nofoaluma will now stay put at the Wests Tigers until 2025.
UPDATED NRL 2021
'I got a bit emotional': Nofoaluma can't hide joy at new Tigers deal
The Tigers' captaincy is yet to be announced, but Tamou, last year's Penrith skipper, has plenty of support internally to take over from Mbye - and the prop spoke about the joy he gets from leading his teammates into battle. His speech after the Panthers' grand final loss has not been forgotten by key figures at the joint venture.


"Coming into a new side is always hard and you have to earn their trust first,'' Tamou said. "I've told 'Madge' [Maguire] there are some good leaders here, I'll go with the flow and see where he goes with it.

"I'd be more than happy to do it. Being a leader has made me accountable for my own game - it's something I enjoy and it's a challenge I enjoy.

"It's one of those things where you fall in love with the team, you fall in love with the boys, you want to take the first hit-up for the team, and you want to lead them.

"Once upon a time I was a player who only concentrated on how I played. Now I want the team to do well and win, and I don't care if I'm on the field or off it. That's just maturity.''

While Tamou rated Joe Ofahengaue as a standout in the gym, he found it impossible to not single out praise for fellow front-rower Zane Musgrove.


"He's a big man and he loves the physicality,'' Tamou said. "He loves the game and the boys, he wants to do his part for the team, and that rubs off on the team.''

Meanwhile, the New York Yankees hitting coach Rachel Balkovec, who is is town working with the Sydney Blue Sox, visited Tigers training where she was keen to meet Maguire after learning about his tough no-nonsense approach to coaching.”

Lol - that last paragraph has to be a gee up surely. Why and how on earth would the Yankees hitting coach have even heard of Madge. If true i'm sure she would have been impressed with the wonderful training facilities at Concord. They would run a very close second to the Yankees facilities.

 

[Magpieger]

Not much in that article makes me think it’s a sure thing that we’re getting him anytime soon

Nicolussi pretty on the money usually with Tigers stuff.

I'm 3 from 3 in the rumour mill and I'll be 4 from 4 after Laurie starts training with us after next week. It's a done deal, the sticking point Cini but now resolved. Pemriff wanted a trade deal for Simpkins and were prepared to pay plenty so that's probably a good sign too.

Which Simpkins? The dummy half?

I

Yep, Hooker Simpkins

Stuff them

What's wrong with Api?

IC the grub of all grubs chased him hard

Tell the grub of all grubs to go to hell

Yeah, they can get well & truly stuffed!

 

[cochise]

Full article re DL possibly being released to the Tigers as early as next week

“James Tamou has welcomed the chance to captain the Wests Tigers and what now looks certain to be the arrival of former Panthers teammate Daine Laurie before the season kick-off.

On the same day the Tigers nailed down the signature of David Nofoaluma for a further four seasons, Laurie made it clear to Penrith he wants to join the Tigers immediately where he is expected to pull on the No. 1 jersey.

James Tamou at Tigers training.
James Tamou at Tigers training. SUPPLIED
Already signed at the Tigers for the 2022 season, Laurie has stepped up his quest to leave the foot of the mountains - and Tamou said fans should get excited if the fullback's wish was granted, which could be was early as next week.

Penrith initially had no interest in releasing Laurie given he is a valuable back-up fullback and costs the club nothing in their salary cap. After developing him the last few years, Penrith believed they were entitled to some sort of return. They also have several spots to fill in their roster.

But the Panthers and Tigers have been in regular dialogue and are committed to getting the best outcome for both clubs.


"Daine is more than ready, he showed last year he was ready when he debuted,'' Tamou told the Herald. "I hate bringing up last year because I'm, a Tiger now, but Daine used to throw himself into everything and was such a competitor.

Daine Laurie is keen to quit Penrith and link with the Wests Tigers early.
Daine Laurie is keen to quit Penrith and link with the Wests Tigers early. GETTY IMAGES
"If he was in the second team, their game day was always going up against the first team and getting them ready to play. He stood out because he wanted to compete, and that's something we want here - players to compete on every play and to make your own luck. He's always competing and deceptively fast and strong.''

Adam Doueihi was tried as fullback last year but has made the move to No. 6, while Laurie's arrival would also give coach Michael Maguire the chance to utilise Moses Mbye as a utility.

RELATED ARTICLE
David Nofoaluma will now stay put at the Wests Tigers until 2025.
UPDATED NRL 2021
'I got a bit emotional': Nofoaluma can't hide joy at new Tigers deal
The Tigers' captaincy is yet to be announced, but Tamou, last year's Penrith skipper, has plenty of support internally to take over from Mbye - and the prop spoke about the joy he gets from leading his teammates into battle. His speech after the Panthers' grand final loss has not been forgotten by key figures at the joint venture.


"Coming into a new side is always hard and you have to earn their trust first,'' Tamou said. "I've told 'Madge' [Maguire] there are some good leaders here, I'll go with the flow and see where he goes with it.

"I'd be more than happy to do it. Being a leader has made me accountable for my own game - it's something I enjoy and it's a challenge I enjoy.

"It's one of those things where you fall in love with the team, you fall in love with the boys, you want to take the first hit-up for the team, and you want to lead them.

"Once upon a time I was a player who only concentrated on how I played. Now I want the team to do well and win, and I don't care if I'm on the field or off it. That's just maturity.''

While Tamou rated Joe Ofahengaue as a standout in the gym, he found it impossible to not single out praise for fellow front-rower Zane Musgrove.


"He's a big man and he loves the physicality,'' Tamou said. "He loves the game and the boys, he wants to do his part for the team, and that rubs off on the team.''

Meanwhile, the New York Yankees hitting coach Rachel Balkovec, who is is town working with the Sydney Blue Sox, visited Tigers training where she was keen to meet Maguire after learning about his tough no-nonsense approach to coaching.”


Lol - that last paragraph has to be a gee up surely. Why and how on earth would the Yankees hitting coach have even heard of Madge. If true i'm sure she would have been impressed with the wonderful training facilities at Concord. They would run a very close second to the Yankees facilities.

She had come from the Sydney Blue Sox so hopefully our demountables were a step up from where they train.

 

[Tiger_Steve]

Full article re DL possibly being released to the Tigers as early as next week

“James Tamou has welcomed the chance to captain the Wests Tigers and what now looks certain to be the arrival of former Panthers teammate Daine Laurie before the season kick-off.

On the same day the Tigers nailed down the signature of David Nofoaluma for a further four seasons, Laurie made it clear to Penrith he wants to join the Tigers immediately where he is expected to pull on the No. 1 jersey.

James Tamou at Tigers training.
James Tamou at Tigers training. SUPPLIED
Already signed at the Tigers for the 2022 season, Laurie has stepped up his quest to leave the foot of the mountains - and Tamou said fans should get excited if the fullback's wish was granted, which could be was early as next week.

Penrith initially had no interest in releasing Laurie given he is a valuable back-up fullback and costs the club nothing in their salary cap. After developing him the last few years, Penrith believed they were entitled to some sort of return. They also have several spots to fill in their roster.

But the Panthers and Tigers have been in regular dialogue and are committed to getting the best outcome for both clubs.


"Daine is more than ready, he showed last year he was ready when he debuted,'' Tamou told the Herald. "I hate bringing up last year because I'm, a Tiger now, but Daine used to throw himself into everything and was such a competitor.

Daine Laurie is keen to quit Penrith and link with the Wests Tigers early.
Daine Laurie is keen to quit Penrith and link with the Wests Tigers early. GETTY IMAGES
"If he was in the second team, their game day was always going up against the first team and getting them ready to play. He stood out because he wanted to compete, and that's something we want here - players to compete on every play and to make your own luck. He's always competing and deceptively fast and strong.''

Adam Doueihi was tried as fullback last year but has made the move to No. 6, while Laurie's arrival would also give coach Michael Maguire the chance to utilise Moses Mbye as a utility.

RELATED ARTICLE
David Nofoaluma will now stay put at the Wests Tigers until 2025.
UPDATED NRL 2021
'I got a bit emotional': Nofoaluma can't hide joy at new Tigers deal
The Tigers' captaincy is yet to be announced, but Tamou, last year's Penrith skipper, has plenty of support internally to take over from Mbye - and the prop spoke about the joy he gets from leading his teammates into battle. His speech after the Panthers' grand final loss has not been forgotten by key figures at the joint venture.


"Coming into a new side is always hard and you have to earn their trust first,'' Tamou said. "I've told 'Madge' [Maguire] there are some good leaders here, I'll go with the flow and see where he goes with it.

"I'd be more than happy to do it. Being a leader has made me accountable for my own game - it's something I enjoy and it's a challenge I enjoy.

"It's one of those things where you fall in love with the team, you fall in love with the boys, you want to take the first hit-up for the team, and you want to lead them.

"Once upon a time I was a player who only concentrated on how I played. Now I want the team to do well and win, and I don't care if I'm on the field or off it. That's just maturity.''

While Tamou rated Joe Ofahengaue as a standout in the gym, he found it impossible to not single out praise for fellow front-rower Zane Musgrove.


"He's a big man and he loves the physicality,'' Tamou said. "He loves the game and the boys, he wants to do his part for the team, and that rubs off on the team.''

Meanwhile, the New York Yankees hitting coach Rachel Balkovec, who is is town working with the Sydney Blue Sox, visited Tigers training where she was keen to meet Maguire after learning about his tough no-nonsense approach to coaching.”


Lol - that last paragraph has to be a gee up surely. Why and how on earth would the Yankees hitting coach have even heard of Madge. If true i'm sure she would have been impressed with the wonderful training facilities at Concord. They would run a very close second to the Yankees facilities.

It could actually happen quite easily. I’m not aware of what Madge has done but I know many NRL and elite sporting coaches travel to UK, USA etc to learn off other coaches/set ups/systems. It would be a small world really. Word would get around. Maguire is a proven coach. Why wouldn’t someone want to pick his brains?

 

[mike]

Daine Laurie more than likely to be released from panthers immediately to join Tigers for 2021 season and wear the 1 jersey.

We are going to be exciting if nothing else in 2021. I am FIRED UP.

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/tiger-tamou-eager-to-re-unite-with-laurie-before-2021-kick-off-20210115-p56uh1.html

48hrs?

 

[tigerap]

Maybe just Maybe the rumour that started today about us chasing Crichton for FB and willing to pay for him have made the Panther think if we release Laurie to us now that will fill the FB spot and we will leave Crichton alone..

The mind games that go on between the various general managers and recruitment guys would be fascinating, they also all know each other so it really brings in that competitive part of it all. kind of like a high stakes game of poker.. Its the reason I love the movie Draft Day.

You just know Hartigan and Lee would be the guys that milk the casinos dry . The amount of smart decisions this club has made over the past couple months is just unheard of

They’re playing chess and Penrith are playing checkers ? smart operators

The Queens Gambit

 

[nrlsurvivor]

Full article re DL possibly being released to the Tigers as early as next week

“James Tamou has welcomed the chance to captain the Wests Tigers and what now looks certain to be the arrival of former Panthers teammate Daine Laurie before the season kick-off.

On the same day the Tigers nailed down the signature of David Nofoaluma for a further four seasons, Laurie made it clear to Penrith he wants to join the Tigers immediately where he is expected to pull on the No. 1 jersey.

James Tamou at Tigers training.
James Tamou at Tigers training. SUPPLIED
Already signed at the Tigers for the 2022 season, Laurie has stepped up his quest to leave the foot of the mountains - and Tamou said fans should get excited if the fullback's wish was granted, which could be was early as next week.

Penrith initially had no interest in releasing Laurie given he is a valuable back-up fullback and costs the club nothing in their salary cap. After developing him the last few years, Penrith believed they were entitled to some sort of return. They also have several spots to fill in their roster.

But the Panthers and Tigers have been in regular dialogue and are committed to getting the best outcome for both clubs.


"Daine is more than ready, he showed last year he was ready when he debuted,'' Tamou told the Herald. "I hate bringing up last year because I'm, a Tiger now, but Daine used to throw himself into everything and was such a competitor.

Daine Laurie is keen to quit Penrith and link with the Wests Tigers early.
Daine Laurie is keen to quit Penrith and link with the Wests Tigers early. GETTY IMAGES
"If he was in the second team, their game day was always going up against the first team and getting them ready to play. He stood out because he wanted to compete, and that's something we want here - players to compete on every play and to make your own luck. He's always competing and deceptively fast and strong.''

Adam Doueihi was tried as fullback last year but has made the move to No. 6, while Laurie's arrival would also give coach Michael Maguire the chance to utilise Moses Mbye as a utility.

RELATED ARTICLE
David Nofoaluma will now stay put at the Wests Tigers until 2025.
UPDATED NRL 2021
'I got a bit emotional': Nofoaluma can't hide joy at new Tigers deal
The Tigers' captaincy is yet to be announced, but Tamou, last year's Penrith skipper, has plenty of support internally to take over from Mbye - and the prop spoke about the joy he gets from leading his teammates into battle. His speech after the Panthers' grand final loss has not been forgotten by key figures at the joint venture.


"Coming into a new side is always hard and you have to earn their trust first,'' Tamou said. "I've told 'Madge' [Maguire] there are some good leaders here, I'll go with the flow and see where he goes with it.

"I'd be more than happy to do it. Being a leader has made me accountable for my own game - it's something I enjoy and it's a challenge I enjoy.

"It's one of those things where you fall in love with the team, you fall in love with the boys, you want to take the first hit-up for the team, and you want to lead them.

"Once upon a time I was a player who only concentrated on how I played. Now I want the team to do well and win, and I don't care if I'm on the field or off it. That's just maturity.''

While Tamou rated Joe Ofahengaue as a standout in the gym, he found it impossible to not single out praise for fellow front-rower Zane Musgrove.


"He's a big man and he loves the physicality,'' Tamou said. "He loves the game and the boys, he wants to do his part for the team, and that rubs off on the team.''

Meanwhile, the New York Yankees hitting coach Rachel Balkovec, who is is town working with the Sydney Blue Sox, visited Tigers training where she was keen to meet Maguire after learning about his tough no-nonsense approach to coaching.”


Lol - that last paragraph has to be a gee up surely. Why and how on earth would the Yankees hitting coach have even heard of Madge. If true i'm sure she would have been impressed with the wonderful training facilities at Concord. They would run a very close second to the Yankees facilities.

It could actually happen quite easily. I’m not aware of what Madge has done but I know many NRL and elite sporting coaches travel to UK, USA etc to learn off other coaches/set ups/systems. It would be a small world really. Word would get around. Maguire is a proven coach. Why wouldn’t someone want to pick his brains?

There might end up being some further media about her visit. On SEN this morning Jimmy Smith and Katie Holmes signed off the show by mentioning they were off to Wests Tigers training with Katie Balkovec.

 

[cochise]

Full article re DL possibly being released to the Tigers as early as next week

“James Tamou has welcomed the chance to captain the Wests Tigers and what now looks certain to be the arrival of former Panthers teammate Daine Laurie before the season kick-off.

On the same day the Tigers nailed down the signature of David Nofoaluma for a further four seasons, Laurie made it clear to Penrith he wants to join the Tigers immediately where he is expected to pull on the No. 1 jersey.

James Tamou at Tigers training.
James Tamou at Tigers training. SUPPLIED
Already signed at the Tigers for the 2022 season, Laurie has stepped up his quest to leave the foot of the mountains - and Tamou said fans should get excited if the fullback's wish was granted, which could be was early as next week.

Penrith initially had no interest in releasing Laurie given he is a valuable back-up fullback and costs the club nothing in their salary cap. After developing him the last few years, Penrith believed they were entitled to some sort of return. They also have several spots to fill in their roster.

But the Panthers and Tigers have been in regular dialogue and are committed to getting the best outcome for both clubs.


"Daine is more than ready, he showed last year he was ready when he debuted,'' Tamou told the Herald. "I hate bringing up last year because I'm, a Tiger now, but Daine used to throw himself into everything and was such a competitor.

Daine Laurie is keen to quit Penrith and link with the Wests Tigers early.
Daine Laurie is keen to quit Penrith and link with the Wests Tigers early. GETTY IMAGES
"If he was in the second team, their game day was always going up against the first team and getting them ready to play. He stood out because he wanted to compete, and that's something we want here - players to compete on every play and to make your own luck. He's always competing and deceptively fast and strong.''

Adam Doueihi was tried as fullback last year but has made the move to No. 6, while Laurie's arrival would also give coach Michael Maguire the chance to utilise Moses Mbye as a utility.

RELATED ARTICLE
David Nofoaluma will now stay put at the Wests Tigers until 2025.
UPDATED NRL 2021
'I got a bit emotional': Nofoaluma can't hide joy at new Tigers deal
The Tigers' captaincy is yet to be announced, but Tamou, last year's Penrith skipper, has plenty of support internally to take over from Mbye - and the prop spoke about the joy he gets from leading his teammates into battle. His speech after the Panthers' grand final loss has not been forgotten by key figures at the joint venture.


"Coming into a new side is always hard and you have to earn their trust first,'' Tamou said. "I've told 'Madge' [Maguire] there are some good leaders here, I'll go with the flow and see where he goes with it.

"I'd be more than happy to do it. Being a leader has made me accountable for my own game - it's something I enjoy and it's a challenge I enjoy.

"It's one of those things where you fall in love with the team, you fall in love with the boys, you want to take the first hit-up for the team, and you want to lead them.

"Once upon a time I was a player who only concentrated on how I played. Now I want the team to do well and win, and I don't care if I'm on the field or off it. That's just maturity.''

While Tamou rated Joe Ofahengaue as a standout in the gym, he found it impossible to not single out praise for fellow front-rower Zane Musgrove.


"He's a big man and he loves the physicality,'' Tamou said. "He loves the game and the boys, he wants to do his part for the team, and that rubs off on the team.''

Meanwhile, the New York Yankees hitting coach Rachel Balkovec, who is is town working with the Sydney Blue Sox, visited Tigers training where she was keen to meet Maguire after learning about his tough no-nonsense approach to coaching.”


Lol - that last paragraph has to be a gee up surely. Why and how on earth would the Yankees hitting coach have even heard of Madge. If true i'm sure she would have been impressed with the wonderful training facilities at Concord. They would run a very close second to the Yankees facilities.

It could actually happen quite easily. I’m not aware of what Madge has done but I know many NRL and elite sporting coaches travel to UK, USA etc to learn off other coaches/set ups/systems. It would be a small world really. Word would get around. Maguire is a proven coach. Why wouldn’t someone want to pick his brains?

There might end up being some further media about her visit. On SEN this morning Jimmy Smith and Katie Holmes signed off the show by mentioning they were off to Wests Tigers training with Katie Balkovec.

Katie Brown?