Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[cochise]

@The_POM any truth to this Hastings talk?

If you say his name 3 posts in a row he will appear.

No thats Beetlejuice lol

Have you ever seen them on the forum at the same time?

 

[Tim Sheens]

https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/tigers/summer-buzz-saint-sinner-shoosh-as-wests-tigers-launch-surprise-leilua-positional-switch/news-story/a7b61a476036487adc8a90e52fad8498%3famp

A article advising of the switching of the sides, good read!

Can someone post the article?


Wests Tigers launch surprise Leilua positional switch
Luciano Leilua has confirmed Michael Maguire is looking to shake things up to end the Wests Tigers’ finals drought.
James Phelps

January 30, 2021 - 6:00PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

A positional switch at the Wests Tigers could spell double trouble for rivals, with Luciano and Joey Leilua in contention to play on the same edge.
In a move that would see the brothers team up in both defence and attack, coach Michael Maguire is considering playing Joey at left centre this year after recruiting right-hand specialist James Roberts in a major coup for the club.
Having once dreamt of becoming an NRL player like his big brother, Luciano hopes to get the chance to go shoulder to shoulder in a 220kg sibling sandwich.
“We haven’t played many games together before last year but we’ve done more on the same side this year,” Luciano said.
“It’s good for us because we know each other’s game a lot and it creates options for us when we attack.
“I’ve always been really impressed with what (Joey’s) been able to do in the game so it’s good to be with him now.
“Hopefully we can have some success together here because I think we’ve got a great side and we can do a lot to help get this team up to the top of the ladder this year.”
Luciano did admit there was a downside to being so close to arguably the NRL’s most antagonistic player.
“He’s been in my ear the whole time talking, which has been annoying,” Luciano said.
“We also know how to push each other — and we can get competitive at times — but that is good. We pushed each other a fair bit in pre-season to come back to training with not too much weight and in good shape.
“It’s definitely helped me be good this year and I think he’s the same.”

Happy to move Joey to the left but they should put Luc on the right and Garner/Blore on the left. Better balance that way

Yeah, I had assumed, seemingly wrongly, that Lucy was moving to the right. Sort of based this a bit an a comment from @cochise regarding admission of not utilising Garner properly and changing it up this year.

I apologise if I misread or misunderstood that post.

 

[cochise]

https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/tigers/summer-buzz-saint-sinner-shoosh-as-wests-tigers-launch-surprise-leilua-positional-switch/news-story/a7b61a476036487adc8a90e52fad8498%3famp

A article advising of the switching of the sides, good read!

Can someone post the article?


Wests Tigers launch surprise Leilua positional switch
Luciano Leilua has confirmed Michael Maguire is looking to shake things up to end the Wests Tigers’ finals drought.
James Phelps

January 30, 2021 - 6:00PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

A positional switch at the Wests Tigers could spell double trouble for rivals, with Luciano and Joey Leilua in contention to play on the same edge.
In a move that would see the brothers team up in both defence and attack, coach Michael Maguire is considering playing Joey at left centre this year after recruiting right-hand specialist James Roberts in a major coup for the club.
Having once dreamt of becoming an NRL player like his big brother, Luciano hopes to get the chance to go shoulder to shoulder in a 220kg sibling sandwich.
“We haven’t played many games together before last year but we’ve done more on the same side this year,” Luciano said.
“It’s good for us because we know each other’s game a lot and it creates options for us when we attack.
“I’ve always been really impressed with what (Joey’s) been able to do in the game so it’s good to be with him now.
“Hopefully we can have some success together here because I think we’ve got a great side and we can do a lot to help get this team up to the top of the ladder this year.”
Luciano did admit there was a downside to being so close to arguably the NRL’s most antagonistic player.
“He’s been in my ear the whole time talking, which has been annoying,” Luciano said.
“We also know how to push each other — and we can get competitive at times — but that is good. We pushed each other a fair bit in pre-season to come back to training with not too much weight and in good shape.
“It’s definitely helped me be good this year and I think he’s the same.”

Happy to move Joey to the left but they should put Luc on the right and Garner/Blore on the left. Better balance that way

Yeah, I had assumed, seemingly wrongly, that Lucy was moving to the right. Sort of based this a bit an a comment from @cochise regarding admission of not utilising Garner properly and changing it up this year.

I apologise if I misread or misunderstood that post.

Mate, I read it the same way for the same reason lol. I know they are expecting Blore to breakout this year so maybe he is starting and Garner is heading back to the bench.

 

[YesHeCheeKam]

https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/tigers/summer-buzz-saint-sinner-shoosh-as-wests-tigers-launch-surprise-leilua-positional-switch/news-story/a7b61a476036487adc8a90e52fad8498%3famp

A article advising of the switching of the sides, good read!

Can someone post the article?


Wests Tigers launch surprise Leilua positional switch
Luciano Leilua has confirmed Michael Maguire is looking to shake things up to end the Wests Tigers’ finals drought.
James Phelps

January 30, 2021 - 6:00PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

A positional switch at the Wests Tigers could spell double trouble for rivals, with Luciano and Joey Leilua in contention to play on the same edge.
In a move that would see the brothers team up in both defence and attack, coach Michael Maguire is considering playing Joey at left centre this year after recruiting right-hand specialist James Roberts in a major coup for the club.
Having once dreamt of becoming an NRL player like his big brother, Luciano hopes to get the chance to go shoulder to shoulder in a 220kg sibling sandwich.
“We haven’t played many games together before last year but we’ve done more on the same side this year,” Luciano said.
“It’s good for us because we know each other’s game a lot and it creates options for us when we attack.
“I’ve always been really impressed with what (Joey’s) been able to do in the game so it’s good to be with him now.
“Hopefully we can have some success together here because I think we’ve got a great side and we can do a lot to help get this team up to the top of the ladder this year.”
Luciano did admit there was a downside to being so close to arguably the NRL’s most antagonistic player.
“He’s been in my ear the whole time talking, which has been annoying,” Luciano said.
“We also know how to push each other — and we can get competitive at times — but that is good. We pushed each other a fair bit in pre-season to come back to training with not too much weight and in good shape.
“It’s definitely helped me be good this year and I think he’s the same.”

Happy to move Joey to the left but they should put Luc on the right and Garner/Blore on the left. Better balance that way

Yeah, I had assumed, seemingly wrongly, that Lucy was moving to the right. Sort of based this a bit an a comment from @cochise regarding admission of not utilising Garner properly and changing it up this year.

I apologise if I misread or misunderstood that post.

Mate, I read it the same way for the same reason lol. I know they are expecting Blore to breakout this year so maybe he is starting and Garner is heading back to the bench.

Blore doesn't have big minutes him from his limited first grade career so far. Generally came on and made 1 big hit but was missing for large chunks of his stints. So regardless of who starts id say theres plenty of game time for both

 

[cochise]

https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/tigers/summer-buzz-saint-sinner-shoosh-as-wests-tigers-launch-surprise-leilua-positional-switch/news-story/a7b61a476036487adc8a90e52fad8498%3famp

A article advising of the switching of the sides, good read!

Can someone post the article?


Wests Tigers launch surprise Leilua positional switch
Luciano Leilua has confirmed Michael Maguire is looking to shake things up to end the Wests Tigers’ finals drought.
James Phelps

January 30, 2021 - 6:00PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

A positional switch at the Wests Tigers could spell double trouble for rivals, with Luciano and Joey Leilua in contention to play on the same edge.
In a move that would see the brothers team up in both defence and attack, coach Michael Maguire is considering playing Joey at left centre this year after recruiting right-hand specialist James Roberts in a major coup for the club.
Having once dreamt of becoming an NRL player like his big brother, Luciano hopes to get the chance to go shoulder to shoulder in a 220kg sibling sandwich.
“We haven’t played many games together before last year but we’ve done more on the same side this year,” Luciano said.
“It’s good for us because we know each other’s game a lot and it creates options for us when we attack.
“I’ve always been really impressed with what (Joey’s) been able to do in the game so it’s good to be with him now.
“Hopefully we can have some success together here because I think we’ve got a great side and we can do a lot to help get this team up to the top of the ladder this year.”
Luciano did admit there was a downside to being so close to arguably the NRL’s most antagonistic player.
“He’s been in my ear the whole time talking, which has been annoying,” Luciano said.
“We also know how to push each other — and we can get competitive at times — but that is good. We pushed each other a fair bit in pre-season to come back to training with not too much weight and in good shape.
“It’s definitely helped me be good this year and I think he’s the same.”

Happy to move Joey to the left but they should put Luc on the right and Garner/Blore on the left. Better balance that way

Yeah, I had assumed, seemingly wrongly, that Lucy was moving to the right. Sort of based this a bit an a comment from @cochise regarding admission of not utilising Garner properly and changing it up this year.

I apologise if I misread or misunderstood that post.

Mate, I read it the same way for the same reason lol. I know they are expecting Blore to breakout this year so maybe he is starting and Garner is heading back to the bench.

Blore doesn't have big minutes him from his limited first grade career so far. Generally came on and made 1 big hit but was missing for large chunks of his stints. So regardless of who starts id say theres plenty of game time for both

Wasn't my point but I agree.

 

[Magpieger]

Have a listen to bloke in a bars recent podcast with Hastings seems like he has really matured and is ready for another crack in the nrl

Heard an interview with Rugby League Guru podcast on Spotify. Got the same vibe.
Matty Johns spoke highly of him on one of his episodes too and I remember hearing that as many Manly players who trash-talked him, an equal number thought the opposite.
I think to myself, is he a similar bloke to Munster? A larrikin, a diamond in the rough that doesn't always rub people the right way, but is totally confident in his abilities and backs himself 100% to win a game on his own?...
Wish, no, HOPE Brooksy gets some of that in him this year.

 

[Tigerwould]

Man we have been copping it in facebook and most social media since the benji signing. Dunno how I feel about it, he’s my childhood favourite but I’m a huge supporter of the club. This sucks.

Why are idiots on a Wests Tigers Facebook page when they could be here on the very best forum in existence?

I don't have any time for Facebook, but from what I am hearing, the majority of people on that Facebook forum sound like clueless fair weather footy fans and I don't think I would take any of their opinions too seriously.

Most of the crap talking idiots that get punted from here end up on Facebook.
Don’t want them on a site like this, I’d prefer they stay on FB.

 

[isaaktigers]

https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/tigers/summer-buzz-saint-sinner-shoosh-as-wests-tigers-launch-surprise-leilua-positional-switch/news-story/a7b61a476036487adc8a90e52fad8498%3famp

A article advising of the switching of the sides, good read!

Can someone post the article?


Wests Tigers launch surprise Leilua positional switch
Luciano Leilua has confirmed Michael Maguire is looking to shake things up to end the Wests Tigers’ finals drought.
James Phelps

January 30, 2021 - 6:00PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

A positional switch at the Wests Tigers could spell double trouble for rivals, with Luciano and Joey Leilua in contention to play on the same edge.
In a move that would see the brothers team up in both defence and attack, coach Michael Maguire is considering playing Joey at left centre this year after recruiting right-hand specialist James Roberts in a major coup for the club.
Having once dreamt of becoming an NRL player like his big brother, Luciano hopes to get the chance to go shoulder to shoulder in a 220kg sibling sandwich.
“We haven’t played many games together before last year but we’ve done more on the same side this year,” Luciano said.
“It’s good for us because we know each other’s game a lot and it creates options for us when we attack.
“I’ve always been really impressed with what (Joey’s) been able to do in the game so it’s good to be with him now.
“Hopefully we can have some success together here because I think we’ve got a great side and we can do a lot to help get this team up to the top of the ladder this year.”
Luciano did admit there was a downside to being so close to arguably the NRL’s most antagonistic player.
“He’s been in my ear the whole time talking, which has been annoying,” Luciano said.
“We also know how to push each other — and we can get competitive at times — but that is good. We pushed each other a fair bit in pre-season to come back to training with not too much weight and in good shape.
“It’s definitely helped me be good this year and I think he’s the same.”

Happy to move Joey to the left but they should put Luc on the right and Garner/Blore on the left. Better balance that way

Yeah, I had assumed, seemingly wrongly, that Lucy was moving to the right. Sort of based this a bit an a comment from @cochise regarding admission of not utilising Garner properly and changing it up this year.

I apologise if I misread or misunderstood that post.

Mate, I read it the same way for the same reason lol. I know they are expecting Blore to breakout this year so maybe he is starting and Garner is heading back to the bench.

Blore doesn't have big minutes him from his limited first grade career so far. Generally came on and made 1 big hit but was missing for large chunks of his stints. So regardless of who starts id say theres plenty of game time

I see Blore / Garner sharing the position.

At this stage Blore is still in the age of development but is a hard one to handle.

Garner will be starting and coming off at the 30th minute mark and Blore coming on and starting after halftime till about the 70th minute for fresh legs of Garner.

I see our points mostly coming from these 2 this year, ball running into the holes like Chris Lawrence did throughout his career.

 

[BAGNF05]

https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/tigers/summer-buzz-saint-sinner-shoosh-as-wests-tigers-launch-surprise-leilua-positional-switch/news-story/a7b61a476036487adc8a90e52fad8498%3famp

A article advising of the switching of the sides, good read!

Can someone post the article?


Wests Tigers launch surprise Leilua positional switch
Luciano Leilua has confirmed Michael Maguire is looking to shake things up to end the Wests Tigers’ finals drought.
James Phelps

January 30, 2021 - 6:00PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

A positional switch at the Wests Tigers could spell double trouble for rivals, with Luciano and Joey Leilua in contention to play on the same edge.
In a move that would see the brothers team up in both defence and attack, coach Michael Maguire is considering playing Joey at left centre this year after recruiting right-hand specialist James Roberts in a major coup for the club.
Having once dreamt of becoming an NRL player like his big brother, Luciano hopes to get the chance to go shoulder to shoulder in a 220kg sibling sandwich.
“We haven’t played many games together before last year but we’ve done more on the same side this year,” Luciano said.
“It’s good for us because we know each other’s game a lot and it creates options for us when we attack.
“I’ve always been really impressed with what (Joey’s) been able to do in the game so it’s good to be with him now.
“Hopefully we can have some success together here because I think we’ve got a great side and we can do a lot to help get this team up to the top of the ladder this year.”
Luciano did admit there was a downside to being so close to arguably the NRL’s most antagonistic player.
“He’s been in my ear the whole time talking, which has been annoying,” Luciano said.
“We also know how to push each other — and we can get competitive at times — but that is good. We pushed each other a fair bit in pre-season to come back to training with not too much weight and in good shape.
“It’s definitely helped me be good this year and I think he’s the same.”

Happy to move Joey to the left but they should put Luc on the right and Garner/Blore on the left. Better balance that way

Yeah, I had assumed, seemingly wrongly, that Lucy was moving to the right. Sort of based this a bit an a comment from @cochise regarding admission of not utilising Garner properly and changing it up this year.

I apologise if I misread or misunderstood that post.

Mate, I read it the same way for the same reason lol. I know they are expecting Blore to breakout this year so maybe he is starting and Garner is heading back to the bench.

Blore doesn't have big minutes him from his limited first grade career so far. Generally came on and made 1 big hit but was missing for large chunks of his stints. So regardless of who starts id say theres plenty of game time

I see Blore / Garner sharing the position.

At this stage Blore is still in the age of development but is a hard one to handle.

Garner will be starting and coming off at the 30th minute mark and Blore coming on and starting after halftime till about the 70th minute for fresh legs of Garner.

I see our points mostly coming from these 2 this year, ball running into the holes like Chris Lawrence did throughout his career.

I don’t like to criticise too much but if we’re relying on those two - both unproven in FG - to score points we’re heading south this season.

 

[JC99]

https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/tigers/summer-buzz-saint-sinner-shoosh-as-wests-tigers-launch-surprise-leilua-positional-switch/news-story/a7b61a476036487adc8a90e52fad8498%3famp

A article advising of the switching of the sides, good read!

Can someone post the article?


Wests Tigers launch surprise Leilua positional switch
Luciano Leilua has confirmed Michael Maguire is looking to shake things up to end the Wests Tigers’ finals drought.
James Phelps

January 30, 2021 - 6:00PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

A positional switch at the Wests Tigers could spell double trouble for rivals, with Luciano and Joey Leilua in contention to play on the same edge.
In a move that would see the brothers team up in both defence and attack, coach Michael Maguire is considering playing Joey at left centre this year after recruiting right-hand specialist James Roberts in a major coup for the club.
Having once dreamt of becoming an NRL player like his big brother, Luciano hopes to get the chance to go shoulder to shoulder in a 220kg sibling sandwich.
“We haven’t played many games together before last year but we’ve done more on the same side this year,” Luciano said.
“It’s good for us because we know each other’s game a lot and it creates options for us when we attack.
“I’ve always been really impressed with what (Joey’s) been able to do in the game so it’s good to be with him now.
“Hopefully we can have some success together here because I think we’ve got a great side and we can do a lot to help get this team up to the top of the ladder this year.”
Luciano did admit there was a downside to being so close to arguably the NRL’s most antagonistic player.
“He’s been in my ear the whole time talking, which has been annoying,” Luciano said.
“We also know how to push each other — and we can get competitive at times — but that is good. We pushed each other a fair bit in pre-season to come back to training with not too much weight and in good shape.
“It’s definitely helped me be good this year and I think he’s the same.”

Happy to move Joey to the left but they should put Luc on the right and Garner/Blore on the left. Better balance that way

Yeah, I had assumed, seemingly wrongly, that Lucy was moving to the right. Sort of based this a bit an a comment from @cochise regarding admission of not utilising Garner properly and changing it up this year.

I apologise if I misread or misunderstood that post.

No need to apologise for anything was just throwing my opinion out there ??

 

[Tim Sheens]

https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/tigers/summer-buzz-saint-sinner-shoosh-as-wests-tigers-launch-surprise-leilua-positional-switch/news-story/a7b61a476036487adc8a90e52fad8498%3famp

A article advising of the switching of the sides, good read!

Can someone post the article?


Wests Tigers launch surprise Leilua positional switch
Luciano Leilua has confirmed Michael Maguire is looking to shake things up to end the Wests Tigers’ finals drought.
James Phelps

January 30, 2021 - 6:00PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

A positional switch at the Wests Tigers could spell double trouble for rivals, with Luciano and Joey Leilua in contention to play on the same edge.
In a move that would see the brothers team up in both defence and attack, coach Michael Maguire is considering playing Joey at left centre this year after recruiting right-hand specialist James Roberts in a major coup for the club.
Having once dreamt of becoming an NRL player like his big brother, Luciano hopes to get the chance to go shoulder to shoulder in a 220kg sibling sandwich.
“We haven’t played many games together before last year but we’ve done more on the same side this year,” Luciano said.
“It’s good for us because we know each other’s game a lot and it creates options for us when we attack.
“I’ve always been really impressed with what (Joey’s) been able to do in the game so it’s good to be with him now.
“Hopefully we can have some success together here because I think we’ve got a great side and we can do a lot to help get this team up to the top of the ladder this year.”
Luciano did admit there was a downside to being so close to arguably the NRL’s most antagonistic player.
“He’s been in my ear the whole time talking, which has been annoying,” Luciano said.
“We also know how to push each other — and we can get competitive at times — but that is good. We pushed each other a fair bit in pre-season to come back to training with not too much weight and in good shape.
“It’s definitely helped me be good this year and I think he’s the same.”

Happy to move Joey to the left but they should put Luc on the right and Garner/Blore on the left. Better balance that way

Yeah, I had assumed, seemingly wrongly, that Lucy was moving to the right. Sort of based this a bit an a comment from @cochise regarding admission of not utilising Garner properly and changing it up this year.

I apologise if I misread or misunderstood that post.

No need to apologise for anything was just throwing my opinion out there ??

No drama as I'm opinionated as well, though I was referring to misrepresentation of the @cochise post regarding Garner that I read a month or two back.

 

[diedpretty]

Shawn Blore. Stefano Utoikamanu and Tommy Talau have all made the Emerging Blues 29 man squad ??

Good acknowledgment for these guys but does anyone know if there are any classifications to who is eligible for the emerging blues? Moses Leota is 25 years old and played 81 NRL games. He might want to fully emerge soon if he’s going to get many origin years in before he retires.



You make a very good point about eligibility for the Emerging Blues Squad, but as far as I can tell there are no set guidelines or restrictions on who may qualify for the squad other than them being possible future selections and giving them a little bit of exposure to the highest level of the NRL.

Having a look at the list theres no slouches taking up space on it. Highly rated and promising players the lot of them, should give us a lot of confidence and pride 3 of our squad managed to make it in.

I agree and congratulations to all 3 of our boys who have been terrific signings for us, but unless I am mistaken, none of the 3 are actually our local juniors, which reinforces my concern about abandoning growth/junior areas.

Does it really matter about the development of "local juniors" if you can sign up good juniors from anywhere in Australia?

There's a real discussion to be had about the benefit of focusing on a specific geographical area or simply casting your net as wide as possible.

For example, of all the historical association Wests have had with Macarthur since 1987, how many actual first-class juniors has the region yielded for Magpies or WT? Would the answer be, honestly, more than 20 or 30 players in the past ~35 years?

The best junior Macarthur has arguably ever produced plays for Bondi now, as simple as new teeth and some brown paper bags.

Thats a good point - however that junior you mention did play for WT - it was poor on field performances and bad management plus the paper bags and new teeth that ended up with him leaving. So maybe its more a retention problem. I suppose the real question is how many of the juniors from Macarthur or Balmain go on to NRL level without going through the WT system.

 

[Go_You_Good_Things]

Man we have been copping it in facebook and most social media since the benji signing. Dunno how I feel about it, he’s my childhood favourite but I’m a huge supporter of the club. This sucks.

I read a comment on Facebook this morning on one of those tigers pages ... it read along the lines of "I can't believe Benji wasn't offered a coaching / ambassador role. Madge is a disgrace." It had 10+ likes on it...can't believe how clueless some people are

Facebook comment section regarding us is usually quite toxic, it would turn you nearly insane reading them all lol

Swear I've been black listed from all those pages I can't find any of them anymore ?


Lol that WTTID one is the worst . If you don't share the same opinion as the admins that run the page they don't like you and end up booting you

Lolol. Sounds like a Biden convention.

 

[nrlsurvivor]

Have a listen to bloke in a bars recent podcast with Hastings seems like he has really matured and is ready for another crack in the nrl



Heard an interview with Rugby League Guru podcast on Spotify. Got the same vibe.
Matty Johns spoke highly of him on one of his episodes too and I remember hearing that as many Manly players who trash-talked him, an equal number thought the opposite.
I think to myself, is he a similar bloke to Munster? A larrikin, a diamond in the rough that doesn't always rub people the right way, but is totally confident in his abilities and backs himself 100% to win a game on his own?...
Wish, no, HOPE Brooksy gets some of that in him this year.

He spent a year with a psychologist. Indicated he will still stuff up sometimes but much more mature now

 

[jirskyr]

also forgot about 3 of the greatest to pull on our jersey in Hodgo, Skando and Chris Lawrence. point is the Campbelltown area needs to be properly nutured and we will reap the rewards from it.

Jarrod Hayne, The Paea brothers, Hodkinson, Lafai, the Pritchard brothers

I asked how many top-flight footballers have been generated for Wests by the Macarthur region, not a list of every footballer who has ever lived in the greater South West.

Izzy Folau, for example in first response, moved to Brisbane, is a Queenslander for rep footy and was scouted by Melbourne. Nothing whatsoever to do with Magpies pathways.

Nevertheless the combined thought power still yielding some 20 regular first graders for any club at all, from the region.

 

[frullens]

Have a listen to bloke in a bars recent podcast with Hastings seems like he has really matured and is ready for another crack in the nrl



Heard an interview with Rugby League Guru podcast on Spotify. Got the same vibe.
Matty Johns spoke highly of him on one of his episodes too and I remember hearing that as many Manly players who trash-talked him, an equal number thought the opposite.
I think to myself, is he a similar bloke to Munster? A larrikin, a diamond in the rough that doesn't always rub people the right way, but is totally confident in his abilities and backs himself 100% to win a game on his own?...
Wish, no, HOPE Brooksy gets some of that in him this year.

He spent a year with a psychologist. Indicated he will still stuff up sometimes but much more mature now

I've followed his time in the UK and he's been great with can engagement, going out of his way particularly for young kids from underprivileged backgrounds.
Lead his team to a grand final.
Fan favourite.
Seems at least publicly to matured.
I think his time in the UK would of really helped him.
I think more clubs should look at the Super League as a pathway for their younger players. Gives them a chance to mature and learn without the pressures here in Aus

 

[tony soprano]

also forgot about 3 of the greatest to pull on our jersey in Hodgo, Skando and Chris Lawrence. point is the Campbelltown area needs to be properly nutured and we will reap the rewards from it.

Jarrod Hayne, The Paea brothers, Hodkinson, Lafai, the Pritchard brothers

I asked how many top-flight footballers have been generated for Wests by the Macarthur region, not a list of every footballer who has ever lived in the greater South West.

Izzy Folau, for example in first response, moved to Brisbane, is a Queenslander for rep footy and was scouted by Melbourne. Nothing whatsoever to do with Magpies pathways.

Nevertheless the combined thought power still yielding some 20 regular first graders for any club at all, from the region.

Westfields sports or what Eva it’s called is the main nursery south west where a lot of clubs are taking players. Manly probably doing it the most at present

 

[balmain boy]

also forgot about 3 of the greatest to pull on our jersey in Hodgo, Skando and Chris Lawrence. point is the Campbelltown area needs to be properly nutured and we will reap the rewards from it.

Jarrod Hayne, The Paea brothers, Hodkinson, Lafai, the Pritchard brothers

I asked how many top-flight footballers have been generated for Wests by the Macarthur region, not a list of every footballer who has ever lived in the greater South West.

Izzy Folau, for example in first response, moved to Brisbane, is a Queenslander for rep footy and was scouted by Melbourne. Nothing whatsoever to do with Magpies pathways.

Nevertheless the combined thought power still yielding some 20 regular first graders for any club at all, from the region.

Three issues are linked and you can't simply focus on those that came through WT pathways. The biggest issue in the South West isn't ac lack of talent, it's the magpies absolutely atrocious job of identifying talent. The magpies are the last choice of all the top juniors and will only play for them if no one else gives them a run.

And think about Folau, why didn't Wests identify him as a top prospect and start nurturing him when they had the opportunity? How is it that Melbourne could spot him but they couldn't?

 

[Deleted member 3518]

Shawn Blore. Stefano Utoikamanu and Tommy Talau have all made the Emerging Blues 29 man squad ??

Good acknowledgment for these guys but does anyone know if there are any classifications to who is eligible for the emerging blues? Moses Leota is 25 years old and played 81 NRL games. He might want to fully emerge soon if he’s going to get many origin years in before he retires.



You make a very good point about eligibility for the Emerging Blues Squad, but as far as I can tell there are no set guidelines or restrictions on who may qualify for the squad other than them being possible future selections and giving them a little bit of exposure to the highest level of the NRL.

Having a look at the list theres no slouches taking up space on it. Highly rated and promising players the lot of them, should give us a lot of confidence and pride 3 of our squad managed to make it in.

I agree and congratulations to all 3 of our boys who have been terrific signings for us, but unless I am mistaken, none of the 3 are actually our local juniors, which reinforces my concern about abandoning growth/junior areas.

Does it really matter about the development of "local juniors" if you can sign up good juniors from anywhere in Australia?

There's a real discussion to be had about the benefit of focusing on a specific geographical area or simply casting your net as wide as possible.

For example, of all the historical association Wests have had with Macarthur since 1987, how many actual first-class juniors has the region yielded for Magpies or WT? Would the answer be, honestly, more than 20 or 30 players in the past ~35 years?

The best junior Macarthur has arguably ever produced plays for Bondi now, as simple as new teeth and some brown paper bags.


Thats a good point - however that junior you mention did play for WT - it was poor on field performances and bad management plus the paper bags and new teeth that ended up with him leaving. So maybe its more a retention problem. I suppose the real question is how many of the juniors from Macarthur or Balmain go on to NRL level without going through the WT system.

Wasn’t that junior a mad roosters supporter ? And Minnicello was his idol ? I think there’s some extenuating circumstances there as much as how bad we mismanaged it .

 

[JC99]

also forgot about 3 of the greatest to pull on our jersey in Hodgo, Skando and Chris Lawrence. point is the Campbelltown area needs to be properly nutured and we will reap the rewards from it.

Jarrod Hayne, The Paea brothers, Hodkinson, Lafai, the Pritchard brothers

I asked how many top-flight footballers have been generated for Wests by the Macarthur region, not a list of every footballer who has ever lived in the greater South West.

Izzy Folau, for example in first response, moved to Brisbane, is a Queenslander for rep footy and was scouted by Melbourne. Nothing whatsoever to do with Magpies pathways.

Nevertheless the combined thought power still yielding some 20 regular first graders for any club at all, from the region.

Three issues are linked and you can't simply focus on those that came through WT pathways. The biggest issue in the South West isn't ac lack of talent, it's the magpies absolutely atrocious job of identifying talent. The magpies are the last choice of all the top juniors and will only play for them if no one else gives them a run.

And think about Folau, why didn't Wests identify him as a top prospect and start nurturing him when they had the opportunity? How is it that Melbourne could spot him but they couldn't?

Most of the best players in the junior leagues in group 6 aren't ending up at Wests. Has a reputation for being poorly ran and kids go to other teams instead. I am happy though that Tigers have managed to hold onto young Luke Rouland in our jersey Flegg, he was the standout in group 6 in the 18's and played first grade for narellan at 17 and carved up there too. One to keep an eye on.

Hopefully it's a sign of the junior scouting improving (although he was at manly previously) but hartigan is big on improving juniors and we've done a deal with St Greg's so hopefully keeps getting better