Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[JC99]

The Hodgson vs Api situation is very interesting. I am not saying this will happen I actually think it will fall through (knowing the tigers). But looking in as a fan Hodgson is definitely the better option long term if we can get rid of Liddle. Simpkin is a class hooker and has proved this in KOE and first grade. Our problem is and has been for a while is an 80 minute hooker. For me wasting a bench spot on a hooker or utility is silly especially for a team like the tigers. It needs to be 4 big men. I think Simpkin does need to be phased into 80 minutes but Hodgson is perfect for the whole team.
Hodgson is a leader and has the British connection with Hastings, Gildart and Sheens. Which you would think would tempt him to come. Only flaw for me is that he is injury prone but that is easily fixed. IE: Hastings, Simpkin and I would like to see Dockar-clay in the top 30.

In conclusion, in the long run and for the team you would think Hodgson is the wiser choice. With Simpkin at 14 to add attacking flare. But we will see how the meat head of Pascoe sorts this us.

I am baffled that people think that Simpkin is a class player that proved himself in NRL. I must have missed those moments.. Currently Liddle is an overall better rugby league player than Simpkin. In saying that though I would welcome Hodgson as he is next level.

Has anyone said that? Or are people saying he's got buckets of potential and could *potentially* be a great player who's worth developing

Liddle is 24 and yet to prove himself. Much smarter to sign Hodgson and invest in Simpkin as he could be a very good player. Don't confuse people being excited over a young talent with people thinking he's a world class player

People got told not to get excited over Stefano too remember

 

[JC99]


Why is this possibly getting deleted???

 

[Demps]


Why is this possibly getting deleted???

New rule added.
Can no longer mock the people's champ.

? ? ?

?

 

[Masterton]

The Hodgson vs Api situation is very interesting. I am not saying this will happen I actually think it will fall through (knowing the tigers). But looking in as a fan Hodgson is definitely the better option long term if we can get rid of Liddle. Simpkin is a class hooker and has proved this in KOE and first grade. Our problem is and has been for a while is an 80 minute hooker. For me wasting a bench spot on a hooker or utility is silly especially for a team like the tigers. It needs to be 4 big men. I think Simpkin does need to be phased into 80 minutes but Hodgson is perfect for the whole team.
Hodgson is a leader and has the British connection with Hastings, Gildart and Sheens. Which you would think would tempt him to come. Only flaw for me is that he is injury prone but that is easily fixed. IE: Hastings, Simpkin and I would like to see Dockar-clay in the top 30.

In conclusion, in the long run and for the team you would think Hodgson is the wiser choice. With Simpkin at 14 to add attacking flare. But we will see how the meat head of Pascoe sorts this us.

I am baffled that people think that Simpkin is a class player that proved himself in NRL. I must have missed those moments.. Currently Liddle is an overall better rugby league player than Simpkin. In saying that though I would welcome Hodgson as he is next level.

Has anyone said that? Or are people saying he's got buckets of potential and could *potentially* be a great player who's worth developing

Literally 2-3 pages ago. "Simpkin is a class hooker and has proved this in KOE and first grade. "

 

[BAGNF05]

He's not that good. Need a hard runner and a hard defender. He is neither.
Wouldn't pay a cent over $450k.
If he wants more, then @hobbo1 can punt him

I seriously don’t get it. He lives on the edge and that’s where we are at our worst. Has the odd good offload in him but that’s not worth half a million bucks. A few in the media like to pump his tyres up but that’s the same media who flog Wests Tigers for fun. Are we being played and falling for it?

 

[Masterton]

Why is this possibly getting deleted???

Couldn't tell you why is was deleted, but maybe they could create some Mod Lament thread and leave this one alone.

 

[PJ_]

He's not that good. Need a hard runner and a hard defender. He is neither.
Wouldn't pay a cent over $450k.
If he wants more, then @hobbo1 can punt him

I seriously don’t get it. He lives on the edge and that’s where we are at our worst. Has the odd good offload in him but that’s not worth half a million bucks. A few in the media like to pump his tyres up but that’s the same media who flog Wests Tigers for fun. Are we being played and falling for it?

If we are then the managers are doing their jobs. We need to stand our ground but we have to be careful too, we don't want him to kick stones for 3 yrs.
I'd say here's our offer, we think it's fair and if someone else outbids us, then see you later.
Plenty of players out there wanting a shot

 

[Masterton]

I seriously don’t get it. He lives on the edge and that’s where we are at our worst. Has the odd good offload in him but that’s not worth half a million bucks. A few in the media like to pump his tyres up but that’s the same media who flog Wests Tigers for fun. Are we being played and falling for it?

I'd be happy to take him at 500. I suspect there will be a little inflation with the new team, unfortunately, and would rather pay him a little over than a season of Garner.

 

[batboy]

The Hodgson vs Api situation is very interesting. I am not saying this will happen I actually think it will fall through (knowing the tigers). But looking in as a fan Hodgson is definitely the better option long term if we can get rid of Liddle. Simpkin is a class hooker and has proved this in KOE and first grade. Our problem is and has been for a while is an 80 minute hooker. For me wasting a bench spot on a hooker or utility is silly especially for a team like the tigers. It needs to be 4 big men. I think Simpkin does need to be phased into 80 minutes but Hodgson is perfect for the whole team.
Hodgson is a leader and has the British connection with Hastings, Gildart and Sheens. Which you would think would tempt him to come. Only flaw for me is that he is injury prone but that is easily fixed. IE: Hastings, Simpkin and I would like to see Dockar-clay in the top 30.

In conclusion, in the long run and for the team you would think Hodgson is the wiser choice. With Simpkin at 14 to add attacking flare. But we will see how the meat head of Pascoe sorts this us.

As it stands, Liddle is streets ahead of Simpkin…
How anyone sees it does different is beyond me.
Simpkin may have more upside in the long run, I’ll think you might find Liddle does as well.
If Liddle and Madge don’t work - that may be a separate issue…
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Liddle end up at the chooks… he has time with the ball, he’s a bit underdone - and has some work to do… but you can’t buy time…

Liddle is a Hooker who can't pass accurately and has no kicking game. He's pretty limited and one dimensional. What's worse for him is he lacks the cardiovascular capacity to play a full game

Fantastic Insight... Thanks for that.
Well, Simpkin pales in comparison as an NRL player at this point - so I'd hate to see you express your thoughts on him.
He's a kid that's played a little footy with a tonne of potential, But so Is Liddle...

The people writing Liddle off (After his first full year in Grade - coming off a few years of injurys) Are probably the same people that defended Players like Lawrence for the Majority of his career.
Yes he gets gassed, The game has sped up a tonne in the last 18-24 months and he hasn't played much footy at all...
No, I'm not his mum - But there's a Footballer there... A bloody good one.
He has time with the ball and has broken at least a couple games for us in the last little while... By my reckoning, He'd have had 1 Pre-season in the last 3 years or more. If a young, 100kg Tommy Talau doesn't clumsily throw himself at a tackle he had no chance of effecting, It might be a whole different story.

If Hodgson comes - A Hodgson / Liddle rotation at 9/13 would be Killer....
Simpkin can fill in when one is out or as required. He's young, And signed until 2024, He has plenty of time to get ready for the demands of the NRL,
As it stands - He's no where near ready OR (in reality) anywhere near as good as Liddle..

 

[PJ_]

Why is this possibly getting deleted???

Couldn't tell you why is was deleted, but maybe they could create some Mod Lament thread and leave this one alone.

It was in this thread that's why I asked

 

[HowDugWT]

The Hodgson vs Api situation is very interesting. I am not saying this will happen I actually think it will fall through (knowing the tigers). But looking in as a fan Hodgson is definitely the better option long term if we can get rid of Liddle. Simpkin is a class hooker and has proved this in KOE and first grade. Our problem is and has been for a while is an 80 minute hooker. For me wasting a bench spot on a hooker or utility is silly especially for a team like the tigers. It needs to be 4 big men. I think Simpkin does need to be phased into 80 minutes but Hodgson is perfect for the whole team.
Hodgson is a leader and has the British connection with Hastings, Gildart and Sheens. Which you would think would tempt him to come. Only flaw for me is that he is injury prone but that is easily fixed. IE: Hastings, Simpkin and I would like to see Dockar-clay in the top 30.

In conclusion, in the long run and for the team you would think Hodgson is the wiser choice. With Simpkin at 14 to add attacking flare. But we will see how the meat head of Pascoe sorts this us.

I am baffled that people think that Simpkin is a class player that proved himself in NRL. I must have missed those moments.. Currently Liddle is an overall better rugby league player than Simpkin. In saying that though I would welcome Hodgson as he is next level.

True but Simpkin is 20 so if you have an international top 7 hooker in the NRL with him it will help him a lot. We sign hodgson two years once Hodgsons gone Simpkin is 22 and ready to play 80 minutes.

 

[Love_the_WestsTigers]

we seem to be a club where players come to bump up their value. This is where incentive based contracts should come in. Meet the KPIs and you get a Bonus, otherwise shup, train hard and play harder

 

[Devon Head]

The Hodgson vs Api situation is very interesting. I am not saying this will happen I actually think it will fall through (knowing the tigers). But looking in as a fan Hodgson is definitely the better option long term if we can get rid of Liddle. Simpkin is a class hooker and has proved this in KOE and first grade. Our problem is and has been for a while is an 80 minute hooker. For me wasting a bench spot on a hooker or utility is silly especially for a team like the tigers. It needs to be 4 big men. I think Simpkin does need to be phased into 80 minutes but Hodgson is perfect for the whole team.
Hodgson is a leader and has the British connection with Hastings, Gildart and Sheens. Which you would think would tempt him to come. Only flaw for me is that he is injury prone but that is easily fixed. IE: Hastings, Simpkin and I would like to see Dockar-clay in the top 30.

In conclusion, in the long run and for the team you would think Hodgson is the wiser choice. With Simpkin at 14 to add attacking flare. But we will see how the meat head of Pascoe sorts this us.

As it stands, Liddle is streets ahead of Simpkin…
How anyone sees it does different is beyond me.
Simpkin may have more upside in the long run, I’ll think you might find Liddle does as well.
If Liddle and Madge don’t work - that may be a separate issue…
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Liddle end up at the chooks… he has time with the ball, he’s a bit underdone - and has some work to do… but you can’t buy time…

Liddle is a Hooker who can't pass accurately and has no kicking game. He's pretty limited and one dimensional. What's worse for him is he lacks the cardiovascular capacity to play a full game

Can't believe there were 3 ppl who downvoted this. I feel you've stated complete truth.

 

[Demps]

The Hodgson vs Api situation is very interesting. I am not saying this will happen I actually think it will fall through (knowing the tigers). But looking in as a fan Hodgson is definitely the better option long term if we can get rid of Liddle. Simpkin is a class hooker and has proved this in KOE and first grade. Our problem is and has been for a while is an 80 minute hooker. For me wasting a bench spot on a hooker or utility is silly especially for a team like the tigers. It needs to be 4 big men. I think Simpkin does need to be phased into 80 minutes but Hodgson is perfect for the whole team.
Hodgson is a leader and has the British connection with Hastings, Gildart and Sheens. Which you would think would tempt him to come. Only flaw for me is that he is injury prone but that is easily fixed. IE: Hastings, Simpkin and I would like to see Dockar-clay in the top 30.

In conclusion, in the long run and for the team you would think Hodgson is the wiser choice. With Simpkin at 14 to add attacking flare. But we will see how the meat head of Pascoe sorts this us.

As it stands, Liddle is streets ahead of Simpkin…
How anyone sees it does different is beyond me.
Simpkin may have more upside in the long run, I’ll think you might find Liddle does as well.
If Liddle and Madge don’t work - that may be a separate issue…
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Liddle end up at the chooks… he has time with the ball, he’s a bit underdone - and has some work to do… but you can’t buy time…

Liddle is a Hooker who can't pass accurately and has no kicking game. He's pretty limited and one dimensional. What's worse for him is he lacks the cardiovascular capacity to play a full game

Can't believe there were 3 ppl who downvoted this. I feel you've stated complete truth.

Liddle is developing a fan base much like Brooks... except Brooks fans bailed, I believe.

 

[WswWt]

Don’t mind losing LL.. especially if he grabs a big contract somewhere else. He will turn into a Matterson 2.0.

 

[JC99]

The Hodgson vs Api situation is very interesting. I am not saying this will happen I actually think it will fall through (knowing the tigers). But looking in as a fan Hodgson is definitely the better option long term if we can get rid of Liddle. Simpkin is a class hooker and has proved this in KOE and first grade. Our problem is and has been for a while is an 80 minute hooker. For me wasting a bench spot on a hooker or utility is silly especially for a team like the tigers. It needs to be 4 big men. I think Simpkin does need to be phased into 80 minutes but Hodgson is perfect for the whole team.
Hodgson is a leader and has the British connection with Hastings, Gildart and Sheens. Which you would think would tempt him to come. Only flaw for me is that he is injury prone but that is easily fixed. IE: Hastings, Simpkin and I would like to see Dockar-clay in the top 30.

In conclusion, in the long run and for the team you would think Hodgson is the wiser choice. With Simpkin at 14 to add attacking flare. But we will see how the meat head of Pascoe sorts this us.

As it stands, Liddle is streets ahead of Simpkin…
How anyone sees it does different is beyond me.
Simpkin may have more upside in the long run, I’ll think you might find Liddle does as well.
If Liddle and Madge don’t work - that may be a separate issue…
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Liddle end up at the chooks… he has time with the ball, he’s a bit underdone - and has some work to do… but you can’t buy time…

Liddle is a Hooker who can't pass accurately and has no kicking game. He's pretty limited and one dimensional. What's worse for him is he lacks the cardiovascular capacity to play a full game

Can't believe there were 3 ppl who downvoted this. I feel you've stated complete truth.

Liddle is developing a fan base much like Brooks... except Brooks fans bailed, I believe.

People are even starting to make rubbish excuses for Liddle.... "oh he fatigues that's why he struggles" for a start he's a professional player that's played over 50 games, he shouldn't be getting tired after 20 mins as a dummy half. Different if he's a prop

Secondly he can't pass! No matter what time of the game he manages to throw a pass at Brooks ankles or over Doueihis head.

Not saying he's completely rubbish and should be punted but it's pretty clear we need a lot more direction at hooker and if you're choosing one of Liddle or Simpkin to put time into and develop, you always choose Simpkin.

There's no harm in keeping both our current hookers AND signing Hodgson either

 

[Demps]

The Hodgson vs Api situation is very interesting. I am not saying this will happen I actually think it will fall through (knowing the tigers). But looking in as a fan Hodgson is definitely the better option long term if we can get rid of Liddle. Simpkin is a class hooker and has proved this in KOE and first grade. Our problem is and has been for a while is an 80 minute hooker. For me wasting a bench spot on a hooker or utility is silly especially for a team like the tigers. It needs to be 4 big men. I think Simpkin does need to be phased into 80 minutes but Hodgson is perfect for the whole team.
Hodgson is a leader and has the British connection with Hastings, Gildart and Sheens. Which you would think would tempt him to come. Only flaw for me is that he is injury prone but that is easily fixed. IE: Hastings, Simpkin and I would like to see Dockar-clay in the top 30.

In conclusion, in the long run and for the team you would think Hodgson is the wiser choice. With Simpkin at 14 to add attacking flare. But we will see how the meat head of Pascoe sorts this us.

As it stands, Liddle is streets ahead of Simpkin…
How anyone sees it does different is beyond me.
Simpkin may have more upside in the long run, I’ll think you might find Liddle does as well.
If Liddle and Madge don’t work - that may be a separate issue…
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Liddle end up at the chooks… he has time with the ball, he’s a bit underdone - and has some work to do… but you can’t buy time…

Liddle is a Hooker who can't pass accurately and has no kicking game. He's pretty limited and one dimensional. What's worse for him is he lacks the cardiovascular capacity to play a full game

Can't believe there were 3 ppl who downvoted this. I feel you've stated complete truth.

Liddle is developing a fan base much like Brooks... except Brooks fans bailed, I believe.

People are even starting to make rubbish excuses for Liddle.... "oh he fatigues that's why he struggles" for a start he's a professional player that's played over 50 games, he shouldn't be getting tired after 20 mins as a dummy half. Different if he's a prop

Secondly he can't pass! No matter what time of the game he manages to throw a pass at Brooks ankles or over Doueihis head.

Not saying he's completely rubbish and should be punted but it's pretty clear we need a lot more direction at hooker and if you're choosing one of Liddle or Simpkin to put time into and develop, you always choose Simpkin.

There's no harm in keeping both our current hookers AND signing Hodgson either

Liddle seems like a good person.

His strength is definitely his running game.
Passing, kicking, game management all pretty non existent.

Yes his career has been hampered with injuries but what's the lack of cardio reasoning ?

He told Robbie he wants to be an 80 minute hooker but hasn't shown he can handle it at any time.

Lots to work on.

 

[JC99]

The Hodgson vs Api situation is very interesting. I am not saying this will happen I actually think it will fall through (knowing the tigers). But looking in as a fan Hodgson is definitely the better option long term if we can get rid of Liddle. Simpkin is a class hooker and has proved this in KOE and first grade. Our problem is and has been for a while is an 80 minute hooker. For me wasting a bench spot on a hooker or utility is silly especially for a team like the tigers. It needs to be 4 big men. I think Simpkin does need to be phased into 80 minutes but Hodgson is perfect for the whole team.
Hodgson is a leader and has the British connection with Hastings, Gildart and Sheens. Which you would think would tempt him to come. Only flaw for me is that he is injury prone but that is easily fixed. IE: Hastings, Simpkin and I would like to see Dockar-clay in the top 30.

In conclusion, in the long run and for the team you would think Hodgson is the wiser choice. With Simpkin at 14 to add attacking flare. But we will see how the meat head of Pascoe sorts this us.

As it stands, Liddle is streets ahead of Simpkin…
How anyone sees it does different is beyond me.
Simpkin may have more upside in the long run, I’ll think you might find Liddle does as well.
If Liddle and Madge don’t work - that may be a separate issue…
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Liddle end up at the chooks… he has time with the ball, he’s a bit underdone - and has some work to do… but you can’t buy time…

Liddle is a Hooker who can't pass accurately and has no kicking game. He's pretty limited and one dimensional. What's worse for him is he lacks the cardiovascular capacity to play a full game

Can't believe there were 3 ppl who downvoted this. I feel you've stated complete truth.

Liddle is developing a fan base much like Brooks... except Brooks fans bailed, I believe.

People are even starting to make rubbish excuses for Liddle.... "oh he fatigues that's why he struggles" for a start he's a professional player that's played over 50 games, he shouldn't be getting tired after 20 mins as a dummy half. Different if he's a prop

Secondly he can't pass! No matter what time of the game he manages to throw a pass at Brooks ankles or over Doueihis head.

Not saying he's completely rubbish and should be punted but it's pretty clear we need a lot more direction at hooker and if you're choosing one of Liddle or Simpkin to put time into and develop, you always choose Simpkin.

There's no harm in keeping both our current hookers AND signing Hodgson either

Liddle seems like a good person.

His strength is definitely his running game.
Passing, kicking, game management all pretty non existent.

Yes his career has been hampered with injuries but what's the lack of cardio reasoning ?

He told Robbie he wants to be an 80 minute hooker but hasn't shown he can handle it at any time.

Lots to work on.

Bloke can run that's for sure, but I'd prefer a hooker with classy service and control over a hooker who likes to run. Danny Levi can run but he's still average

Also I miss Harry Grant

 

[Devon Head]

@JC99 The issue in keeping both and also having Hodgo is the amount of roster spots taken up. As it stands if Hodgo joins and no one is moved on it would take the roster numbers to about 28 or 29. With only a top 30 you can't really afford to carry 3 hookers who all see themselves as starters.

 

[batboy]

The Hodgson vs Api situation is very interesting. I am not saying this will happen I actually think it will fall through (knowing the tigers). But looking in as a fan Hodgson is definitely the better option long term if we can get rid of Liddle. Simpkin is a class hooker and has proved this in KOE and first grade. Our problem is and has been for a while is an 80 minute hooker. For me wasting a bench spot on a hooker or utility is silly especially for a team like the tigers. It needs to be 4 big men. I think Simpkin does need to be phased into 80 minutes but Hodgson is perfect for the whole team.
Hodgson is a leader and has the British connection with Hastings, Gildart and Sheens. Which you would think would tempt him to come. Only flaw for me is that he is injury prone but that is easily fixed. IE: Hastings, Simpkin and I would like to see Dockar-clay in the top 30.

In conclusion, in the long run and for the team you would think Hodgson is the wiser choice. With Simpkin at 14 to add attacking flare. But we will see how the meat head of Pascoe sorts this us.

As it stands, Liddle is streets ahead of Simpkin…
How anyone sees it does different is beyond me.
Simpkin may have more upside in the long run, I’ll think you might find Liddle does as well.
If Liddle and Madge don’t work - that may be a separate issue…
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Liddle end up at the chooks… he has time with the ball, he’s a bit underdone - and has some work to do… but you can’t buy time…

Liddle is a Hooker who can't pass accurately and has no kicking game. He's pretty limited and one dimensional. What's worse for him is he lacks the cardiovascular capacity to play a full game

Can't believe there were 3 ppl who downvoted this. I feel you've stated complete truth.

Liddle is developing a fan base much like Brooks... except Brooks fans bailed, I believe.

People are even starting to make rubbish excuses for Liddle.... "oh he fatigues that's why he struggles" for a start he's a professional player that's played over 50 games, he shouldn't be getting tired after 20 mins as a dummy half. Different if he's a prop

Secondly he can't pass! No matter what time of the game he manages to throw a pass at Brooks ankles or over Doueihis head.

Not saying he's completely rubbish and should be punted but it's pretty clear we need a lot more direction at hooker and if you're choosing one of Liddle or Simpkin to put time into and develop, you always choose Simpkin.

There's no harm in keeping both our current hookers AND signing Hodgson either

Liddle seems like a good person.

His strength is definitely his running game.
Passing, kicking, game management all pretty non existent.

Yes his career has been hampered with injuries but what's the lack of cardio reasoning ?

He told Robbie he wants to be an 80 minute hooker but hasn't shown he can handle it at any time.

Lots to work on.

Yep - He does mate...
He's certainly not on his own.
I'm either way - Liddle certainly our worst player, Or the worst hooker in the game.
Parra (Top 4 team) Have just signed Mitch Rein!! He's young - Has plenty of upside and potential, I'd like to see him fill that out here under a couple tough old Rakes like Farah and Hodgson