@tony-soprano said in [Signing Suggestions & Rumours](/post/1394216) said:
Lee can’t help himself to name drop signings again
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theaustralian.com.au/sport/nrl/wests-tigers-chair-lee-hagipantelis-insists-there-is-light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel/news-story/2761733d75ebc7b1055eb88e7d3994af
Anyone got access?
Wests Tigers chair Lee Hagipantelis insists there is light at the end of the tunnel
Wests Tigers chair Lee Hagipantelis has described the club’s hefty loss to the Melbourne Storm as inexplicable and indefensible. Still, he insists there is light at the end of the tunnel, coach Michael Maguire is the right man to take the club forward, and revealed the Tigers have held internal discussions over the prospect of signing Tevita Pangai and Dale Finucane.
Hagipantelis, like all Tigers supporters, was gobsmacked by the clubs performance against the Storm on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast on Saturday night. All up, the Tigers conceded 12 tries in a 66-16 shellacking that left the club’s supporters wondering once again whether they were making any progress.
“Last night was bitterly disappointing,” Hagipantelis told The Australian.
But I spent a lot of time with Michael Maguire this morning — he is hurting as we all are — and we all agree there is light at the end of the tunnel.
It is a journey, it really is a journey. There are going to be speed humps and difficulties along the way. We are absolutely committed to what we are doing, we are absolutely convinced we are progressing and the roster is improving.
“We are on a path we are all committed to and we will see it through.”
The Tigers trailed by 40 points at halftime at Sunshine Coast Stadium and Maguire was so disappointed with his side’s efforts, he walked out of the dressing sheds in disgust and left the players to ruminate on their first half display.
They responded to an extent in the second half, although they were also fortunate that Melbourne took their foot off the pedal. Hagipantelis was passionate in his defence of Maguire, who at times appears to be banging his head against a brick wall with some of his players.
“His passion and commitment and dedication — he is hurting as much as anyone,” Hagipantelis said.
“The absolute belief he has in this organisation and roster is infectious, absolutely infectious. That is what you want to see.
“That is what you want to see in your NRL head coach and he has that in spades. He is the right fella. We have to make sure we give him he roster and resources he needs.
“That is what we are building towards. As an organisation we are in this together. We had a lessen taught to us last night by whom I think is the benchmark in the competition.
They are an incredibly formidable organisation. We had our butts kicked last night and there is no point in sugarcoating that.
“I think our roster this year is far better than it was last year. Our recruitment and retention has significantly improved. We want to make sure we continue down that path but as I say last night was, I would hope to thin, an unfortunate anomaly.
Then again, this is a team that put 50 on Souths two weeks ago. You had the best 17 that Queensland had to offer have 50 put on them by NSW.
“There might be more to this than just the performance of a team. The new rules for example would have to have some role to play — 40 has become the new black in this game.”
“That doesn’t excuse 60 but the fact of the matter is that some of these top teams are capable of doing this.”
Asked about the prospect of signing Finucane or Pangai — the latter has been linked with the Tigers for weeks — Hagipantelis said: “These are names that have come up in conversation. I can’t deny that.
“We are looking to add anyone of quality. There is a process to go through. There are matters that are discussed internally but we are interested din any player that will add value to the organisation.”
Well that's it, TPJ and Finucane are no chance now.
