Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Speed2burn]

Simpkins looks bulky as, plenty of baby fat still on him.

I hope the club doesn't pressure him and tout him as the next big thing, let's just let his footy do the talking

 

[sleeve]

Dragons want to sign Israel Folau...

I don't support what he did at all. But TBH if the game tolerates women abusers, I'm not sure he can be kept out of the game.

I doubt it will happen,Saints said they got the ok from their sponsors,but sponsors change.Also V,landy is not the type to change his mind,plus the damage he did to RU was devestating.The guy is a talent,but also an idiot,keep him out .He's like the virus he will spread.

 

[Devon Head]

Simpkins looks bulky as, plenty of baby fat still on him.

I hope the club doesn't pressure him and tout him as the next big thing, let's just let his footy do the talking

Baby fat? You must seriously be looking at different pics to me. Based on those shared above he's a unit, and a ripped one at that.

 

[TheDaBoss]

Not offical in any way and would like to hear from @THE_POM or someone else with inside info, but I am hearing (from the old friend of a friend of McInnes) that we didn't even formally make an offer to McInnes - Maguire/Hartigan met and chatted but no official interest from us. Not that that matters for certain journo's etc......

That's 100% correct no formal offer was put forward to McInnes or his management, catch up was to gage exactly where he was at & his thoughts on playing position which at the time was Hooker or nothing else hence discussions didn't really eventuate further.
Seems McInnes has had a re-think on his Hooker stance.

Any more movement on the Laurie situation? Or anything else worth sharing?

Laurie situation is at a stalemate unless Panthers come to the party I don't see anything changing at the moment.
All quiet on most things elsewhere, plenty to happen in the market prior to round 1. McInnes situation will now make the Sharks look at moving someone on in an attempt to bring him early which will create a ripple in the market.
I know Hartigan/Madge want 29 players signed up prior to the end of the month with the train & trial players more likely to fill those spots.
In relation to Hastings, I know Hartigan has had a conversation with Jackson directly but nothing else, it was started by his management looking for interested parties for 2022.

Quick question

Is there any combos that madge will be trialling in the upcoming trial game? E.g. liddle and Simpkin hooler combo

There is a plan in place 2 have both of them in the top 17, both are fighting it out for the starting 9 (which personally I think Liddle will get). Bench looking like 1.Hooker/Utility forward & 3 x Prop/middle forwards.

Thanks Pom. Has the lock position been decided?

I would love to see simpkin do what harry did and go into that lock role

We looked dangerous af when that happened

 

[Deleted member 3518]

TIGERS

McInnes’ decision to join the Sharks is the latest blow to the Tigers’ often criticised recruitment and retention program.

The Tigers were desperate to fill the void left by the departure of Harry Grant at hooker when the right player became available and McInnes certainly fit the bill.

The club has missed out on signing stars like Latrell Mitchell and Josh Addo-Carr in recent years and let stars James Tedesco, Aaron Woods, Mitchell Moses and Ryan Papenhuyzen join other clubs.

The Tigers have been accused of being doormats for the rest of the competition with players both unwilling to join the club and unwilling to stay there.

The club currently has Jacob Liddle, who has had a history of long-term injuries and Billy Walters, who is returning form a knee injury as their hooker options.

Tigers and New Zealand coach Michael Maguire is keen to lure Brandon Smith from the Storm, but he is one of the most sought after signatures in the game, so it will be difficult for the club to land him.

With Moses Mbye stepping down from the captaincy McInnes would have solved the No.9 and leadership holes at the club, but now it is back to the drawing board.

The Tigers have now missed out on three hooker targets in Harry Grant, Blayke Brailey and McInnes, but they may have another crack at Brailey now that his future at Cronulla is uncertain.



Hahahaha this makes me laugh.. pathetic media bashing us

Just like a compilation of a bunch of posters on here.

Lol when did we offer Blayke Brailey? I find that highly unlikely . The only people who rate him are Cronulla supporters everyone else sees Danny Levi 2.0

 

[ElleryHanley]

Not offical in any way and would like to hear from @THE_POM or someone else with inside info, but I am hearing (from the old friend of a friend of McInnes) that we didn't even formally make an offer to McInnes - Maguire/Hartigan met and chatted but no official interest from us. Not that that matters for certain journo's etc......

That's 100% correct no formal offer was put forward to McInnes or his management, catch up was to gage exactly where he was at & his thoughts on playing position which at the time was Hooker or nothing else hence discussions didn't really eventuate further.
Seems McInnes has had a re-think on his Hooker stance.

Thanks for the update Pom.

Seems he is happy to play 13 now behind Brailey, as you infer. Disappointing as he would have made an ideal 13 for us.

Any other 'realistic' locks we can target? I don't see one on our squad. Twal is not a 13, nor is Offa.

Not under the new rules, anyway.

 

[westy81]

https://www.weststigers.com.au/siteassets/2021/month-by-month/02/210201---training/109a1188.jpg?center=0.3%2C0.5&preset=photo-enlarged

Cam McInnes Who?



Yeah, not fussed about McInnes either and I'll raise you with this shot. Sure he is still relatively unproven having battled multiple shoulder reconstructions, then sternum cracked when getting a few games again and finally a **pair** of ligaments ripped apart thanks to a team-mate in 2019

Still, and whilst not quite with the love of @Russell I am an unabashed fan of the smooth, swift and accurate ruck work Jacob does with the ball, which this photo encapsulates. Following his first injury free off-season , the guy just needs his time in the sun to shine.

.

I hope he has a breakout year
I’ll be cheering for him in the stands

 

[AdelaideTiger]

Dragons want to sign Israel Folau...

I don't support what he did at all. But TBH if the game tolerates women abusers, I'm not sure he can be kept out of the game.

Sadly beating your Mrs doesn't deter most sponsors, Folau on the other hand...
In pro sports it is;
1. Money
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
2. Fans
3. Player Welfare

 

[Speed2burn]

Simpkins looks bulky as, plenty of baby fat still on him.

I hope the club doesn't pressure him and tout him as the next big thing, let's just let his footy do the talking

Baby fat? You must seriously be looking at different pics to me. Based on those shared above he's a unit, and a ripped one at that.

Just because he has muscle, doesn't mean he is "ripped". Otherwise you would be calling those big fat Strongman dudes who deadlift 500kg ripped. I would call Alex Twal ripped, muscles bulging out and visible veins & definition.

Nothing wrong with it of course, just was an observation lol

 

[Littlebittipsy]

Not offical in any way and would like to hear from @THE_POM or someone else with inside info, but I am hearing (from the old friend of a friend of McInnes) that we didn't even formally make an offer to McInnes - Maguire/Hartigan met and chatted but no official interest from us. Not that that matters for certain journo's etc......

That's 100% correct no formal offer was put forward to McInnes or his management, catch up was to gage exactly where he was at & his thoughts on playing position which at the time was Hooker or nothing else hence discussions didn't really eventuate further.
Seems McInnes has had a re-think on his Hooker stance.

Any more movement on the Laurie situation? Or anything else worth sharing?

Laurie situation is at a stalemate unless Panthers come to the party I don't see anything changing at the moment.
All quiet on most things elsewhere, plenty to happen in the market prior to round 1. McInnes situation will now make the Sharks look at moving someone on in an attempt to bring him early which will create a ripple in the market.
I know Hartigan/Madge want 29 players signed up prior to the end of the month with the train & trial players more likely to fill those spots.
In relation to Hastings, I know Hartigan has had a conversation with Jackson directly but nothing else, it was started by his management looking for interested parties for 2022.

Is there anymore weight to Momo and the Panthers?

 

[Deleted member 3518]

Not offical in any way and would like to hear from @THE_POM or someone else with inside info, but I am hearing (from the old friend of a friend of McInnes) that we didn't even formally make an offer to McInnes - Maguire/Hartigan met and chatted but no official interest from us. Not that that matters for certain journo's etc......

That's 100% correct no formal offer was put forward to McInnes or his management, catch up was to gage exactly where he was at & his thoughts on playing position which at the time was Hooker or nothing else hence discussions didn't really eventuate further.
Seems McInnes has had a re-think on his Hooker stance.

Any more movement on the Laurie situation? Or anything else worth sharing?

Laurie situation is at a stalemate unless Panthers come to the party I don't see anything changing at the moment.
All quiet on most things elsewhere, plenty to happen in the market prior to round 1. McInnes situation will now make the Sharks look at moving someone on in an attempt to bring him early which will create a ripple in the market.
I know Hartigan/Madge want 29 players signed up prior to the end of the month with the train & trial players more likely to fill those spots.
In relation to Hastings, I know Hartigan has had a conversation with Jackson directly but nothing else, it was started by his management looking for interested parties for 2022.

Quick question

Is there any combos that madge will be trialling in the upcoming trial game? E.g. liddle and Simpkin hooler combo

There is a plan in place 2 have both of them in the top 17, both are fighting it out for the starting 9 (which personally I think Liddle will get). ***Bench looking like 1.Hooker/Utility forward & 3 x Prop/middle forwards.***

That is interesting given our apparent lack of depth in second row. So something like Garner/Blore starting and presumably playing 80mins.

You could run a Blore type as a backup middle / move him to the edge , if we are winning well for game time . Also he can play edge if we get an injury to the backs , move Garner to centre,
If we lose our half , move luci to 6 , As a running 6 , Blore to edge, Simpkins to middle etc .
Just a thought , I’m not the premiership winning coach though

 

[Needaname]

TIGERS

McInnes’ decision to join the Sharks is the latest blow to the Tigers’ often criticised recruitment and retention program.

The Tigers were desperate to fill the void left by the departure of Harry Grant at hooker when the right player became available and McInnes certainly fit the bill.

The club has missed out on signing stars like Latrell Mitchell and Josh Addo-Carr in recent years and let stars James Tedesco, Aaron Woods, Mitchell Moses and Ryan Papenhuyzen join other clubs.

The Tigers have been accused of being doormats for the rest of the competition with players both unwilling to join the club and unwilling to stay there.

The club currently has Jacob Liddle, who has had a history of long-term injuries and Billy Walters, who is returning form a knee injury as their hooker options.

Tigers and New Zealand coach Michael Maguire is keen to lure Brandon Smith from the Storm, but he is one of the most sought after signatures in the game, so it will be difficult for the club to land him.

With Moses Mbye stepping down from the captaincy McInnes would have solved the No.9 and leadership holes at the club, but now it is back to the drawing board.

The Tigers have now missed out on three hooker targets in Harry Grant, Blayke Brailey and McInnes, but they may have another crack at Brailey now that his future at Cronulla is uncertain.



Hahahaha this makes me laugh.. pathetic media bashing us

Source of the Article?
I’m stoked they didn’t mention Simpkins. Please keep him more of an unknown!

 

[Tiger5150]

Not offical in any way and would like to hear from @THE_POM or someone else with inside info, but I am hearing (from the old friend of a friend of McInnes) that we didn't even formally make an offer to McInnes - Maguire/Hartigan met and chatted but no official interest from us. Not that that matters for certain journo's etc......

That's 100% correct no formal offer was put forward to McInnes or his management, catch up was to gage exactly where he was at & his thoughts on playing position which at the time was Hooker or nothing else hence discussions didn't really eventuate further.
Seems McInnes has had a re-think on his Hooker stance.

Any more movement on the Laurie situation? Or anything else worth sharing?

Laurie situation is at a stalemate unless Panthers come to the party I don't see anything changing at the moment.
All quiet on most things elsewhere, plenty to happen in the market prior to round 1. McInnes situation will now make the Sharks look at moving someone on in an attempt to bring him early which will create a ripple in the market.
I know Hartigan/Madge want 29 players signed up prior to the end of the month with the train & trial players more likely to fill those spots.
In relation to Hastings, I know Hartigan has had a conversation with Jackson directly but nothing else, it was started by his management looking for interested parties for 2022.

Quick question

Is there any combos that madge will be trialling in the upcoming trial game? E.g. liddle and Simpkin hooler combo

There is a plan in place 2 have both of them in the top 17, both are fighting it out for the starting 9 (which personally I think Liddle will get). ***Bench looking like 1.Hooker/Utility forward & 3 x Prop/middle forwards.***

That is interesting given our apparent lack of depth in second row. So something like Garner/Blore starting and presumably playing 80mins.

You could run a Blore type as a backup middle / move him to the edge , if we are winning well for game time . Also he can play edge if we get an injury to the backs , move Garner to centre,
If we lose our half , move luci to 6 , As a running 6 , Blore to edge, Simpkins to middle etc .
Just a thought , I’m not the premiership winning coach though

All of those things work, but they are all based on Blore being not only capable of 80mins (wasnt anywhere near it last year) but being effective for 80mins.

For mine its more likely that he gets benched and one of the middles gets moved out for a spell

 

[PabloX]

Not offical in any way and would like to hear from @THE_POM or someone else with inside info, but I am hearing (from the old friend of a friend of McInnes) that we didn't even formally make an offer to McInnes - Maguire/Hartigan met and chatted but no official interest from us. Not that that matters for certain journo's etc......

That's 100% correct no formal offer was put forward to McInnes or his management, catch up was to gage exactly where he was at & his thoughts on playing position which at the time was Hooker or nothing else hence discussions didn't really eventuate further.
Seems McInnes has had a re-think on his Hooker stance.

Any more movement on the Laurie situation? Or anything else worth sharing?

Laurie situation is at a stalemate unless Panthers come to the party I don't see anything changing at the moment.
All quiet on most things elsewhere, plenty to happen in the market prior to round 1. McInnes situation will now make the Sharks look at moving someone on in an attempt to bring him early which will create a ripple in the market.
I know Hartigan/Madge want 29 players signed up prior to the end of the month with the train & trial players more likely to fill those spots.
In relation to Hastings, I know Hartigan has had a conversation with Jackson directly but nothing else, it was started by his management looking for interested parties for 2022.

Quick question

Is there any combos that madge will be trialling in the upcoming trial game? E.g. liddle and Simpkin hooler combo

There is a plan in place 2 have both of them in the top 17, both are fighting it out for the starting 9 (which personally I think Liddle will get). Bench looking like 1.Hooker/Utility forward & 3 x Prop/middle forwards.

Thanks Pom. Has the lock position been decided?

I would love to see simpkin do what harry did and go into that lock role

We looked dangerous af when that happened

I was thinking the same thing. Here's hoping

 

[Deleted member 3518]

Simpkins looks bulky as, plenty of baby fat still on him.

I hope the club doesn't pressure him and tout him as the next big thing, let's just let his footy do the talking

Baby fat? You must seriously be looking at different pics to me. Based on those shared above he's a unit, and a ripped one at that.

Just because he has muscle, doesn't mean he is "ripped". Otherwise you would be calling those big fat Strongman dudes who deadlift 500kg ripped. I would call Alex Twal ripped, muscles bulging out and visible veins & definition.

Nothing wrong with it of course, just was an observation lol

Id say those tree trunks look pretty ripped to me mate . He’s definitely not skipped leg day that’s for sure .

 

[Deleted member 3518]

Not offical in any way and would like to hear from @THE_POM or someone else with inside info, but I am hearing (from the old friend of a friend of McInnes) that we didn't even formally make an offer to McInnes - Maguire/Hartigan met and chatted but no official interest from us. Not that that matters for certain journo's etc......

That's 100% correct no formal offer was put forward to McInnes or his management, catch up was to gage exactly where he was at & his thoughts on playing position which at the time was Hooker or nothing else hence discussions didn't really eventuate further.
Seems McInnes has had a re-think on his Hooker stance.

Any more movement on the Laurie situation? Or anything else worth sharing?

Laurie situation is at a stalemate unless Panthers come to the party I don't see anything changing at the moment.
All quiet on most things elsewhere, plenty to happen in the market prior to round 1. McInnes situation will now make the Sharks look at moving someone on in an attempt to bring him early which will create a ripple in the market.
I know Hartigan/Madge want 29 players signed up prior to the end of the month with the train & trial players more likely to fill those spots.
In relation to Hastings, I know Hartigan has had a conversation with Jackson directly but nothing else, it was started by his management looking for interested parties for 2022.

Quick question

Is there any combos that madge will be trialling in the upcoming trial game? E.g. liddle and Simpkin hooler combo

There is a plan in place 2 have both of them in the top 17, both are fighting it out for the starting 9 (which personally I think Liddle will get). ***Bench looking like 1.Hooker/Utility forward & 3 x Prop/middle forwards.***

That is interesting given our apparent lack of depth in second row. So something like Garner/Blore starting and presumably playing 80mins.

You could run a Blore type as a backup middle / move him to the edge , if we are winning well for game time . Also he can play edge if we get an injury to the backs , move Garner to centre,
If we lose our half , move luci to 6 , As a running 6 , Blore to edge, Simpkins to middle etc .
Just a thought , I’m not the premiership winning coach though


All of those things work, but they are all based on Blore being not only capable of 80mins (wasnt anywhere near it last year) but being effective for 80mins.

For mine its more likely that he gets benched and one of the middles gets moved out for a spell

Nah I meant off the bench mate . You run him at 15 . It was in response to the 3 middles comment , and Simpkins I think POM said . You could run him as the 3rd middle .

 

[Needaname]

https://www.weststigers.com.au/siteassets/2021/month-by-month/02/210201---training/109a1188.jpg?center=0.3%2C0.5&preset=photo-enlarged

Cam McInnes Who?



Yeah, not fussed about McInnes either and I'll raise you with this shot. Sure he is still relatively unproven having battled multiple shoulder reconstructions, then sternum cracked when getting a few games again and finally a **pair** of ligaments ripped apart thanks to a team-mate in 2019

Still, and whilst not quite with the love of @Russell I am an unabashed fan of the smooth, s***wift and accurate ruck work Jacob does with the ball***, which this photo encapsulates. Following his first injury free off-season , the guy just needs his time in the sun to shine.

.

This x 1000. Whilst it would be great to have a running hooker the likes of Robbie, Cook, Grant, IMO what this team has been screaming out for is a good hooker with a great passing/organisational game to hit players where they need it consistently and accurately. THAT is what builds momentum, forwards with confidence running into position.

There is a long way to go. But. And I know it was watching him in 20s however Liddle is not your typical hooker.
He is probably quicker than your Grants, Farahs maybe close to cook but he doesn’t play that way.
His a think first, run next player.
His a schemer and will only run when there is an opportunity.
Contrast to Grant and at a pinch, I would say the Simpkin style. They run to create the opportunity.
The first prototype of hooker (far from the Farah mold) created possibly the greatest player in the game. If only he could add a long field left foot kicking game. Long way but he plays with similar composure. I hope he has a long career with us.

 

[happy_tiger]

TIGERS KEEPING TABS ON HASTINGS
by the Mole 7 hours ago

There has been a strong rumour doing the rounds for the past week that talented halfback Jackson Hastings is poised to join the Wests Tigers.

Hastings has been the star No.7 in England over the past couple of seasons and has been back in Oz during the holiday period.

Throw in that the Tigers have lost two veteran playmakers in Benji Marshall and Josh Reynolds - and question marks remaining over Luke Brooks - and it seems a perfect fit.

But I've done some digging and it seems that Hastings is set to see out the second year of his contract with Super League club Wigan.

After that, however, the classy halfback is likely to be ready to come home - and don't be surprised if the Tigers are first in line for his services.

Slightly off track ...but how do NRL stars get guaranteed flights in and out of England when many others have had numerous flights bumped and can't .....

 

[Speed2burn]

Simpkins looks bulky as, plenty of baby fat still on him.

I hope the club doesn't pressure him and tout him as the next big thing, let's just let his footy do the talking

Baby fat? You must seriously be looking at different pics to me. Based on those shared above he's a unit, and a ripped one at that.

Just because he has muscle, doesn't mean he is "ripped". Otherwise you would be calling those big fat Strongman dudes who deadlift 500kg ripped. I would call Alex Twal ripped, muscles bulging out and visible veins & definition.

Nothing wrong with it of course, just was an observation lol

Id say those tree trunks look pretty ripped to me mate . He’s definitely not skipped leg day that’s for sure .

the term "ripped" gets thrown around pretty loosely these days I guess

I go to the gym regularly and can squat 160kg so my quads are bigger than the average i'd assume. I wouldn't say i am ripped at all though. That's where my diet lets me down lol

 

[Balmain]

The single best signing this year will be our signing of stephen crichton for 2022 ,, The reported offer by Penrith is totally wrong.
As at todays date West TIgers has the best offer for his services.
While this is taking a long time to finally happen i remain very confident he is going to WT...