Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[jirskyr]

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.

**The Tigers should have been smarter.**

**The Club Should rethink the publicity associated with public meetings.**

This would avoid sensationalist stories being published and leaving the our club again looking like it took a yet another blow in the recruitment market.


Been thinking that as well. Madge is very hands on but might make sense to let Hartigan do the public meetings, he’s a lot less recognisable.

In response to a couple of the above quotes.
The club being smarter about it.

Agree. We probably need to be less and more transparent. In the case of meetings. I feel it’s fine to have meetings between players and the coach. What I would like to hear is Madge openly refruting media reports.
In the case of meeting with Cam.
Quote something like. “Cam is a solid player and would be a welcome addition to any team as the opening statement.
If pressed further, state, “cam and I have a previous history from another club and he was just after some career advise. Pressed if the tigers would sign him to play hooker or any other position.
“No, we are very satisfied with our current roster”
Not one of our front facing people. Coach, recruitment manager, CEO or Chairman should make a statement saying they are looking at signing this player.

Furthermore to that. It’s time the tigers get on the front foot with the media.
Threaten them with removing any chance of exposure.

This whole we have a preferred reporter and leaking little droplets out to those sources is crueling us.
Treat the media. All sources as an equal entity and deny them access. Only provide them information through offical club statements.
If they don’t agree. Tell them we just going to give up red herrings at every opportunity and we will not allow you access to our players.
Make a stand!

It doesn't work like that.

Tell me if you can, how it does work.
Why does the media have so much leverage over only a select few clubs?
Why do other clubs get away with silence until an official announcement is made.

If your going to tell me well because we aren’t one of the strong clubs and don’t have the relations to ensure favourable press.

We’ll explain to me how a basket case club like the bulldogs can get away with no misreporting until an offical announcement was made. Tigers have been linked to JAC the whole time then as soon as JAC said it’s not happening it was silence everywhere until an offical announcement.

The bulldogs used to have high influence with the likes of Ray Dib but he is no longer on their board.
In fact outside of the football team which is often gloated about the football club is reported as a shambles but yet media likes and players still flock to them.

We can’t get a favourable report from our very own James Hooper. Paid member and fan of the Tigers’s. Have the club shut him out so, now anything that doesn’t come his way he has a grind against?

They'll print whatever sells.

I don't understand why anyone gets pent up about media reporting. Media are generally lazy and desperate for attention / clicks. They'll trot out the same old stories if it continues to get views for their newspaper.

Tigers are easy to flog as we haven't made the finals in 10 years. It's much harder to fling mud at clubs who have had some decent success. Tigers are easy targets and with a large and wider supporter base to appeal to.

Secondary to all of this, I bet my bottom dollar that many clubs have as much negative reporting as Tigers do, but fans have selection bias towards Tigers news.

Couldn't agree more.
Just wanted to add logic, facts and reasoning usually evades their minds though so it can be amusing, if you choose to look at it that way.

I'll admit I don't like when we're baited though. I see Lee is now included in the Folau talk.

Why oh why would Lee want to get WT involved in the Folau circus.


Completely agree we have had a good off season why spoil it by speaking to a pensioner who creates division?

Lee is a problem.

He is also our Chairman and major sponsor, he can say what he likes, we all do.

How many Chairmen put their bib in ?

I don't know, you tell me, he is allowed to comment on anything he likes, as it happens, he was on his regular SEN broadcast, when apparently asked a question, which he seems to have answered quite well.


"Tigers don't keep us appropriately informed!"

also

"Tigers make too many public comments!"

also

"Tigers should keep everything in-house and out of the media!"

also

"I wish we had an update on potential signings!"

How do they keep everything "in house" if they have to keep you informed and updated?

That's my point?

 

[TigerVinnie]

What does it mean to be a Wests Tiger in 2021?

There are not many people who will see us as a threat. I think it is a good opportunity for us to do what we have to do each day and each week and build ourselves into a good position.


and I hope this underestimating continues throughout the entire year. As we all know...when we're considered underdogs we generally put in a great performance, its when we're expected to win things go pear shaped...

 

[tiger_scott]

Just means that we all get paid when we load up on the Tigs at the TAB

💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲

 

[Tigerjoe13]

With the talk of Walsh potentially part of a swap, how do Laurie v Walsh compare and what would our spine look like in 21?

 

[avocadoontoast]

With the talk of Walsh potentially part of a swap, how do Laurie v Walsh compare and what would our spine look like in 21?

Reports are we asked for Walsh and they understandably told us to get stuffed.

 

[TheDaBoss]

With the talk of Walsh potentially part of a swap, how do Laurie v Walsh compare and what would our spine look like in 21?

Reports are we asked for Walsh and they understandably told us to get stuffed.

Tell them we will throw in 1 russell packer for 2022

 

[jadtiger]

With the talk of Walsh potentially part of a swap, how do Laurie v Walsh compare and what would our spine look like in 21?

Reports are we asked for Walsh and they understandably told us to get stuffed.

Tell them we will throw in 1 russell packer for 2022

It would be a good result for the donkeys because the way Payne in the Haas is going he may not be playing for much longer.Sooner or later he will roll the dice and get snake eyes

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

Fox Sports

----
Israel Folau’s potential return to the NRL appears to be dead in the water after St George Illawarra withdrew interest in signing the controversial star.

The Dragons made the decision at an extraordinary general meeting on Wednesday afternoon.

“While the Dragons did enquire about signing Folau, the club can confirm that such discussions have now ceased,” a club statement confirmed.

----

https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2021-israel-folau-dragons-signing-news-contract-homophobic-posts-salary/news-story/583e05b8b36d82ebff1661e4fcc3a302

This bit of bile from Andrew Webster SMH;

After the story about the Dragons’ interest in Folau broke, Manly and the Wests Tigers predictably came knocking.

There were rumours a while ago on here that madge wanted to sign him but our board said no

Andrew has agendas with this signing

 

[Spartan117]

Payne in the Haas is going he may not be playing for much longer

I would Take Haas,

 

[Tigerlily]

Payne in the Haas is going he may not be playing for much longer

I would Take Haas,

Wouldn’t go near the guy with 10 foot pole, the derogatory comments he made towards the police which he has just been to court for just shows the guy has no respect for authority figures also proves he has a massive chip on his shoulder. He personifies trouble this guy and no doubt you’ll see him again doing something stupid in the future.

 

[Speed2burn]

Payne in the Haas is going he may not be playing for much longer

I would Take Haas,

Threatened a police woman didn't he? he should honestly be de-registered

 

[jadtiger]

Payne in the Haas is going he may not be playing for much longer

I would Take Haas,

Will you go and visit him in jail when he gets there?At the moment it is only a matter of time

 

[Devon Head]

Payne in the Haas is going he may not be playing for much longer

I would Take Haas,

Threatened a police woman didn't he? he should honestly be de-registered

Sure did, some of the stuff said to her was absolutely appalling. Unfortunately can't share the dialog here without using bad language or abbreviations of it.

 

[Speed2burn]

Payne in the Haas is going he may not be playing for much longer

I would Take Haas,

Threatened a police woman didn't he? he should honestly be de-registered

Sure did, some of the stuff said to her was absolutely appalling. Unfortunately can't share the dialog here without using bad language or abbreviations of it.

Yeah i've seen it now, disgusting. Matt lodge has taught him well

 

[AdelaideTiger]

Apparently we are releasing Walters so we can announce the signing of Hastings for next year.

It's been said that there was also an offer for a Walters and Walsh trade. I haven't heard of him tbh, but apparently Broncos said no on that.

Reece Walsh is a Fullback, his style of play reminds me of AJ Brimson, he is still young but has some big wraps on him. Donkeys fans would be none too impressed if that swap eventuated.

we're clearly playing hardball in the hope that Kevvy makes a silly decision based on the emotion to coach his son. Walsh would be a cracking swap.

But, but hasn't Walsh only recently been given a new contract from Broncos. Also the very most recent I read about Hastings was wanting to stay in UK during 2020 for more Super League. I can't guarantee believe all this information is correct but I would be very happy to be corrected.

Yeah, I think they re-signed Walsh after we inquired about him. Agreed, Hastings for '22 does not make much sense unless it is on a cut-price deal, I think he is a handy back-up for this year though, again only for the right price and with a short leash for his off-field behaviour.

Only heard about our approach this morning. Like I said, I don't know of him - so it was surprising. There was no mention of his re-signing though, so thanks for that info.
The trade talk probably stemmed from the recent news on Billy then.

It's good to see the mighty Wests Tgers make Staffroom gossip...in a positive light.

Yeah the approach of Walsh was linked to Billy W going back to the Broncs and I think it was mentioned on here a few weeks back. Since then it was reported that Walsh has signed with the Broncos, no idea what contract (i.e. Flegg or development or otherwise) or how long, but I assume the Broncs have learnt their lesson after we took Reece Hoffman and Jake Simpkin from their junior feeders, so they signed him up, but seems WTs are holding firm on releasing billy so that we can leverage Kevs desire to coach his boy. Smart business really, but kind of cynical now that I think about it.

 

[AdelaideTiger]

Payne in the Haas is going he may not be playing for much longer

I would Take Haas,

Threatened a police woman didn't he? he should honestly be de-registered

NRL & Police relations are at an all time low.

 

[JC99]

NRL 2021: Q&A with Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire
Wests Tigers have invested heavily in a rebuild for 2021, coach Michael Maguire reveals the players he believes will take his team to a new level.

James Phelps
4 min read
February 4, 2021 - 6:00AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

It’s been a busy off-season for Wests Tigers as they look to get back to the NRL finals for the first time since 2011.

Coach Michael Maguire has brought in the likes of James Roberts, James Tamou and Joe Ofahengaue and has also made a number of key positional switches that he hopes will bring the best out of misfiring players.

James Roberts is an exciting signing. What will he bring and how will you get the best from him?

James has been a real professional since arriving at the club. He understands what he needs to do to get himself ready for the season and that is get his body right. That has been his focus at the moment. The other thing that he is really strong at is helping the guys around him. His experience is helping others and that is something he has brought to the club.

You have a number of new recruits. You have spoken about James Tamou in the past and mentioned he could become your captain. Who else has impressed you?

I’d like to mention Joe Ofahengaue. He has been a real presence here since arriving. I have been really impressed with him. He has played at every level of the game and has brought a lot of experience to the group. The boys themselves have fed off his hunger and he has showed them how to bring that hunger every day.

There has been a lot of talk about Adam Doueihi making a full-time switch to the halves. Is that going to happen following the departure of Josh Reynolds?

I think that was always going to be a part of Adam’s pre-season. I spoke to Adam some time ago about the No.6 position and ultimately it will come down to performance. He has been very strong over the pre-season and trained at No.6 so that is where I am expecting him to start the season. I am looking forward to seeing him play.

Does that mean Moses Mbye will move back to No.1?

Yes.

Is it a make or break year for Moses and is fullback his best position?

The thing about Moses is that he is in really good condition. He has had a real hunger about getting his body right and he has trained really well. I think he is really looking forward to getting around in that No.1 position.

Who will partner Adam in the halves?

I think Adam and Luke Brooks. We also have young Jock Madden that is coming through and we also have the ability to put Moses (Mbye) in and around those positions.

Hooker is another position that could be up for grabs following the departure of Harry Grant. Who is in contention?

We have Jacob Liddle and Jake Simpkin. Both those boys are in the mix and it will come down to the performance they put in both on the training paddock and on the field when they get their chance. Liddle has already shown what he can do at the first grade level and he has had a full pre-season for the first time. I am looking forward to seeing how he uses that (his injury-free pre-season) when we move into the games. Simpkin hasn’t been able to play a whole heap of games because of the COVID restrictions, but he has a lot of potential. I think he will be able to handle the first grade role when the time is right.

Who else can we expect a breakout season from?

We have a number of exciting prospects including Shawn Blore, Tommy Talau, and Tuikimihia Simkins. We also gave a number of guys first-grade experience last year and I am expecting they will be better for it. There are a number of players that I am looking forward to seeing and a number that will push for first grade positions. I am also expecting Zane Musgrove to have a big year. He has got his body in the best condition I have seen. I am looking forward to seeing his hard work pay-off.

Will the Leilua brothers team up on the same edge?

There is a chance. We have swapped them around at training so we will see.
What has been your focus over the pre-season?

We have been working really hard at all facets of the game. We have to be strong in every facet of our game to be a successful team in the NRL. We have also been focused on improving each individual.

You recently signed a contract extension. Is it reassuring to have the stability of a long deal?

To be honest, I don’t even think about it. I am in the here and now and that is my focus. I want to have a successful team now. We are extremely hungry to have success and I am making sure we do that at training so it then transfers to the game.

What does it mean to be a Wests Tiger in 2021?

There are not many people who will see us as a threat. I think it is a good opportunity for us to do what we have to do each day and each week and build ourselves into a good position.

Good to hear Madge talk highly of Joffa. If his attitude is right and he's motivated he's a dangerous player

 

[AdelaideTiger]

Apparently George Burgess has retired. Not sure if medical or otherwise. Souths Pack looking very slim...

 

[avocadoontoast]

Apparently George Burgess has retired. Not sure if medical or otherwise. Souths Pack looking very slim...

I don't think it will affect them too badly considering he was playing for Wigan.

 

[Needaname]

Apparently George Burgess has retired. Not sure if medical or otherwise. Souths Pack looking very slim...

Ahh. George is on the otherwise.

Tom is still fit and firing.