Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[balmain boy]

Anyone think if Walters goes we promote Tannous to a dev contract as cover? He covers the halves and played hooker in Balmain's most recent trial. If Docker Clay signs on with the Magpies he may be able to play NRL in any case without taking a spot in the top 30.

The problem with releasing Walters is he's spent the past 15 months training under Madge, has built an understanding with team mates, the systems, defensive structures etc. ZDC coming in would have to learn everything from scratch.

 

[TigerWest]

Anyone think if Walters goes we promote Tannous to a dev contract as cover? He covers the halves and played hooker in Balmain's most recent trial. If Docker Clay signs on with the Magpies he may be able to play NRL in any case without taking a spot in the top 30.

The problem with releasing Walters is he's spent the past 15 months training under Madge, has built an understanding with team mates, the systems, defensive structures etc. ZDC coming in would have to learn everything from scratch.

The trouble is, (as I see it), he wont be available for a good part of the season, he will probably be keen to go home to the Bronc's, so why not let him go, if we have others who can take his place?

May the best player be signed.

 

[TigerVinnie]

Gavin Badger's new role at Wests Tigers

https://www.weststigers.com.au/news/2021/02/05/gavin-badgers-new-role-at-wests-tigers/


Wests Tigers have picked up a new addition to the team – someone with over 400 games of NRL experience.

It’s not a veteran player at the end of their career, nor is it an experienced coach or trainer — it’s former referee and fan favourite, Gavin Badger!

With 18 years of NRL experience under his belt — 354 games as a referee and 57 as a touch judge — Badger is no longer on the other side of the whistle as he's joined forces with the club for season 2021.


But what exactly would a former referee do as part of an NRL coaching team?

“I’m generally here for field sessions when the boys have their opposed sessions — I jump in and officiate those and it gives the boys more of a game experience,” Badger said.

“This way the boys don’t yell at the coaching staff — they yell at me and they can keep their relationship there.

“It also gives me the opportunity to chat to the guys after that and tell them what could make an impact in the game.

“I also help out with a little bit of education with the mindset of officials in certain situations and in certain games, and how we can better our relationships there.”

#ShowYourStripes by showing your scarf#ShowYourStripes by showing your scarf
#ShowYourStripes by showing your scarf

When Badger was told he wasn’t going to officiate NRL games in 2021 after 18 seasons in the top grade, he didn’t know what was next — but after bumping into coach Michael Maguire before a game, things became clearer.

“It was not long after it was announced that I wouldn’t be refereeing in 2021 and it just happened to be that I was at Brookvale Oval about to run the touchlines for Tigers-Manly game. I was just having a chat with ‘Madge’ [Maguire] in the tunnel and he was asking me what I was going to do next season and I wasn’t too sure,” he said.

“He threw up the possibility of doing something here [at Wests Tigers] — maybe a small role or however we could fit it in. I kind of forgot about it until I was contacted by Madge and [General Manager - Football] Adam Hartigan at the end of the season.


“I had a meeting with the guys and they agreed with what I thought I could do and what role I could play here and it went from there.

“I’m a rugby league tragic and I love the game but this is the last place I thought I’d end up.”

As a proud Indigenous man, Badger has also joined the club to make a difference off the field.

"The club has been big on building anIndigenous academy and making the club a really safe place for Indigenous players to come. Madge is really keen on that, so hopefully I can have a bit of an impact there," he said.


Having refereed the players on countless occasions over the years, Badger didn’t know how he’d be taken in by the players when he first joined the club.

No longer an outside, the former referee was blown away with the response of everyone at the club.

“It’s been really great seeing things from the other side. I’ve been used to being on the other side – a bit of an enemy to these guys,” Badger laughed.

“I didn’t have a personal relationship with these guys – I had a professional relationship on the field – so I wasn’t sure how they were going to take me.

“I stood in front of the boys to do a little presentation and I wasn’t sure how I was going to be accepted – I’m an outsider coming in.

"But at the end of it, they had some really good questions, and from that moment I felt I have a role here and I have an impact on this club being successful.”


Not only is Badger going to help Wests Tigers this season, he’s also here to learn off the best to further his professional career.

“It’s a self-improvement role for me too. I’m here to learn off Madge – one of the best coaches in the league – to help my personal development as a coach” he said

“I also coach young referees, I am still involved in that space … it’s going to make me a better coach and give me a better understanding of rugby league.”


His time at the club has all been smooth sailing so far, except for when he was thrown an oversized training kit.

"I turned up for my first training sessions and they threw me some gear, and the first gear they gave me was large and I thought ‘I don’t think they realise the size difference between players and referees, who are a lot smaller’," he laughed.

"When I put on my new gear at home when I was getting ready to come to my second session, and my wife Casey had a second take and said ‘it suits you’."

"It’s a thrill to be part of this club and wear this gear. This club has so much history and the fans have so much passion – I’ve seen that from the other side of the fence ... to be part of over 100 years of history is quite humbling."

 

[PJ_]

Gavin Badger's new role at Wests Tigers

https://www.weststigers.com.au/news/2021/02/05/gavin-badgers-new-role-at-wests-tigers/


Wests Tigers have picked up a new addition to the team – someone with over 400 games of NRL experience.

It’s not a veteran player at the end of their career, nor is it an experienced coach or trainer — it’s former referee and fan favourite, Gavin Badger!

With 18 years of NRL experience under his belt — 354 games as a referee and 57 as a touch judge — Badger is no longer on the other side of the whistle as he's joined forces with the club for season 2021.


But what exactly would a former referee do as part of an NRL coaching team?

“I’m generally here for field sessions when the boys have their opposed sessions — I jump in and officiate those and it gives the boys more of a game experience,” Badger said.

“This way the boys don’t yell at the coaching staff — they yell at me and they can keep their relationship there.

“It also gives me the opportunity to chat to the guys after that and tell them what could make an impact in the game.

“I also help out with a little bit of education with the mindset of officials in certain situations and in certain games, and how we can better our relationships there.”

#ShowYourStripes by showing your scarf#ShowYourStripes by showing your scarf
#ShowYourStripes by showing your scarf

When Badger was told he wasn’t going to officiate NRL games in 2021 after 18 seasons in the top grade, he didn’t know what was next — but after bumping into coach Michael Maguire before a game, things became clearer.

“It was not long after it was announced that I wouldn’t be refereeing in 2021 and it just happened to be that I was at Brookvale Oval about to run the touchlines for Tigers-Manly game. I was just having a chat with ‘Madge’ [Maguire] in the tunnel and he was asking me what I was going to do next season and I wasn’t too sure,” he said.

“He threw up the possibility of doing something here [at Wests Tigers] — maybe a small role or however we could fit it in. I kind of forgot about it until I was contacted by Madge and [General Manager - Football] Adam Hartigan at the end of the season.


“I had a meeting with the guys and they agreed with what I thought I could do and what role I could play here and it went from there.

“I’m a rugby league tragic and I love the game but this is the last place I thought I’d end up.”

As a proud Indigenous man, Badger has also joined the club to make a difference off the field.

"The club has been big on building anIndigenous academy and making the club a really safe place for Indigenous players to come. Madge is really keen on that, so hopefully I can have a bit of an impact there," he said.


Having refereed the players on countless occasions over the years, Badger didn’t know how he’d be taken in by the players when he first joined the club.

No longer an outside, the former referee was blown away with the response of everyone at the club.

“It’s been really great seeing things from the other side. I’ve been used to being on the other side – a bit of an enemy to these guys,” Badger laughed.

“I didn’t have a personal relationship with these guys – I had a professional relationship on the field – so I wasn’t sure how they were going to take me.

“I stood in front of the boys to do a little presentation and I wasn’t sure how I was going to be accepted – I’m an outsider coming in.

"But at the end of it, they had some really good questions, and from that moment I felt I have a role here and I have an impact on this club being successful.”


Not only is Badger going to help Wests Tigers this season, he’s also here to learn off the best to further his professional career.

“It’s a self-improvement role for me too. I’m here to learn off Madge – one of the best coaches in the league – to help my personal development as a coach” he said

“I also coach young referees, I am still involved in that space … it’s going to make me a better coach and give me a better understanding of rugby league.”


His time at the club has all been smooth sailing so far, except for when he was thrown an oversized training kit.

"I turned up for my first training sessions and they threw me some gear, and the first gear they gave me was large and I thought ‘I don’t think they realise the size difference between players and referees, who are a lot smaller’," he laughed.

"When I put on my new gear at home when I was getting ready to come to my second session, and my wife Casey had a second take and said ‘it suits you’."

"It’s a thrill to be part of this club and wear this gear. This club has so much history and the fans have so much passion – I’ve seen that from the other side of the fence ... to be part of over 100 years of history is quite humbling."

Wow. Well done management.
What a massive improvement it has been in the last few off-season.
Amazing, this is what a professional club looks like🙌

 

[dazza65]

“I’m a rugby league tragic and I love the game but this is the last place I thought I’d end up.”

I love this line......
“I’m a rugby league tragic and I love the game but **this is the last place** I thought I’d end up.”

Did he mean a club or more specifically WT's..... lol:joy:

 

[Shooter Mcgavin]

Good to see the club has been striving off the field for the last few years - Madge, Badger, Hartigan, Matty Johns, Andrew Gray, Tahu with the Indigenous pathways.

The trajectory of the club seems to be in a real upswing when compared to a dragons/cowboys for example. I have little doubt that once we clear Packer/Mbye and our young crop come through that we will be in decent shape to match it with the best.

 

[Nelson]

“I’m a rugby league tragic and I love the game but this is the last place I thought I’d end up.”


I love this line......
“I’m a rugby league tragic and I love the game but **this is the last place** I thought I’d end up.”

Did he mean a club or more specifically WT's..... lol:joy:

WT's - the club he used to enjoy shafting!

 

[Elderslie_Tiger]

Gavin Badger's new role at Wests Tigers

https://www.weststigers.com.au/news/2021/02/05/gavin-badgers-new-role-at-wests-tigers/


Wests Tigers have picked up a new addition to the team – someone with over 400 games of NRL experience.

It’s not a veteran player at the end of their career, nor is it an experienced coach or trainer — it’s former referee and fan favourite, Gavin Badger!

With 18 years of NRL experience under his belt — 354 games as a referee and 57 as a touch judge — Badger is no longer on the other side of the whistle as he's joined forces with the club for season 2021.


But what exactly would a former referee do as part of an NRL coaching team?

“I’m generally here for field sessions when the boys have their opposed sessions — I jump in and officiate those and it gives the boys more of a game experience,” Badger said.

“This way the boys don’t yell at the coaching staff — they yell at me and they can keep their relationship there.

“It also gives me the opportunity to chat to the guys after that and tell them what could make an impact in the game.

“I also help out with a little bit of education with the mindset of officials in certain situations and in certain games, and how we can better our relationships there.”

#ShowYourStripes by showing your scarf#ShowYourStripes by showing your scarf
#ShowYourStripes by showing your scarf

When Badger was told he wasn’t going to officiate NRL games in 2021 after 18 seasons in the top grade, he didn’t know what was next — but after bumping into coach Michael Maguire before a game, things became clearer.

“It was not long after it was announced that I wouldn’t be refereeing in 2021 and it just happened to be that I was at Brookvale Oval about to run the touchlines for Tigers-Manly game. I was just having a chat with ‘Madge’ [Maguire] in the tunnel and he was asking me what I was going to do next season and I wasn’t too sure,” he said.

“He threw up the possibility of doing something here [at Wests Tigers] — maybe a small role or however we could fit it in. I kind of forgot about it until I was contacted by Madge and [General Manager - Football] Adam Hartigan at the end of the season.


“I had a meeting with the guys and they agreed with what I thought I could do and what role I could play here and it went from there.

“I’m a rugby league tragic and I love the game but this is the last place I thought I’d end up.”

As a proud Indigenous man, Badger has also joined the club to make a difference off the field.

"The club has been big on building anIndigenous academy and making the club a really safe place for Indigenous players to come. Madge is really keen on that, so hopefully I can have a bit of an impact there," he said.


Having refereed the players on countless occasions over the years, Badger didn’t know how he’d be taken in by the players when he first joined the club.

No longer an outside, the former referee was blown away with the response of everyone at the club.

“It’s been really great seeing things from the other side. I’ve been used to being on the other side – a bit of an enemy to these guys,” Badger laughed.

“I didn’t have a personal relationship with these guys – I had a professional relationship on the field – so I wasn’t sure how they were going to take me.

“I stood in front of the boys to do a little presentation and I wasn’t sure how I was going to be accepted – I’m an outsider coming in.

"But at the end of it, they had some really good questions, and from that moment I felt I have a role here and I have an impact on this club being successful.”


Not only is Badger going to help Wests Tigers this season, he’s also here to learn off the best to further his professional career.

“It’s a self-improvement role for me too. I’m here to learn off Madge – one of the best coaches in the league – to help my personal development as a coach” he said

“I also coach young referees, I am still involved in that space … it’s going to make me a better coach and give me a better understanding of rugby league.”


His time at the club has all been smooth sailing so far, except for when he was thrown an oversized training kit.

"I turned up for my first training sessions and they threw me some gear, and the first gear they gave me was large and I thought ‘I don’t think they realise the size difference between players and referees, who are a lot smaller’," he laughed.

"When I put on my new gear at home when I was getting ready to come to my second session, and my wife Casey had a second take and said ‘it suits you’."

"It’s a thrill to be part of this club and wear this gear. This club has so much history and the fans have so much passion – I’ve seen that from the other side of the fence ... to be part of over 100 years of history is quite humbling."

Wow. Well done management.
What a massive improvement it has been in the last few off-season.
Amazing, this is what a professional club looks like?

Badge will do a good job

 

[trentrunciman]

Definitely thinking outside the box. Now i feel bad for all the times the crowd gave it to him when he was the reserve ref @ Leichhardt

 

[Elderslie_Tiger]

Definitely thinking outside the box. Now i feel bad for all the times the crowd gave it to him when he was the reserve ref @ Leichhardt

They thrive on that stuff

 

[trentrunciman]

Definitely thinking outside the box. Now i feel bad for all the times the crowd gave it to him when he was the reserve ref @ Leichhardt

They thrive on that stuff

haha

 

[TheDaBoss]

It suits him lol

 

[Geo]

Anyone think if Walters goes we promote Tannous to a dev contract as cover? He covers the halves and played hooker in Balmain's most recent trial. If Docker Clay signs on with the Magpies he may be able to play NRL in any case without taking a spot in the top 30.

The problem with releasing Walters is he's spent the past 15 months training under Madge, has built an understanding with team mates, the systems, defensive structures etc. ZDC coming in would have to learn everything from scratch.

I would hope the entire NRL squad would be learning defensive structures from scratch..

 

[PJ_]

Is there a pic of the badge in tigers gear?

 

[mike]

Is there a pic of the badge in tigers gear?


 

[JC99]

I know nothing about Kei , but a dude I work with who watched him as junior told me he was a standout.

Looked at some clips,and he is a beast,fast,solid and can beat a man one on one.Thats rare in a Tigers backline.

You do realise that video was from when he was 16?

He's built like Fonua. Is he faster, better in the air than Mahe was? Let's hope so. Not playing all year last year means he's far less likely to play this season

He's not built like Fonua at all from what I've seen. Doesn't seem especially tall, not short either but he's a lot leaner than Mahe with a good athletic build.

 

[PJ_]

Is there a pic of the badge in tigers gear?


Cheers

 

[Deleted member 3518]

Good to see the club has been striving off the field for the last few years - Madge, Badger, Hartigan, Matty Johns, Andrew Gray, Tahu with the Indigenous pathways.

The trajectory of the club seems to be in a real upswing when compared to a dragons/cowboys for example. I have little doubt that once we clear Packer/Mbye and our young crop come through that we will be in decent shape to match it with the best.

We don’t need to clear Mbye . We just need him to take a pay cut , next time round . He’s a very good footballer being paid elite money . We just need him to be paid a very good salary .

 

[Tim Sheens]

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

Yeah, always happy to hear good vibes on a new arrival and even more so with further repeated praise for Musgrove, who seems to be catching the eyes of both the coaching and playing groups.

 

[Shooter Mcgavin]

Good to see the club has been striving off the field for the last few years - Madge, Badger, Hartigan, Matty Johns, Andrew Gray, Tahu with the Indigenous pathways.

The trajectory of the club seems to be in a real upswing when compared to a dragons/cowboys for example. I have little doubt that once we clear Packer/Mbye and our young crop come through that we will be in decent shape to match it with the best.

We don’t need to clear Mbye . We just need him to take a pay cut , next time round . He’s a very good footballer being paid elite money . We just need him to be paid a very good salary .

Agreed. My wording a little misleading perhaps. Would love to keep him around, provided at the right price of course