Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Thaiger]

Scolari looks like a bit of a unit, I’ve not seen a picture of him before but I had it in my head he was a slight winger, there ya go.

He's certainly not big. A lot smaller than Cini, Talau, Kepaoa.
But he's much faster and his mongrel and aggression is much greater.
Very good prospect

It's interesting - unless things have changed much since 2021, Cini was 91kgs and Kepaoa 89kgs. Talau 92kgs. What can be forgotten is that these players are still young and growing into their bodies at 20 & 21. A lot depends on what they have also done since lockdown - many have kept up their strength and conditioning training.

I think you'll find some of these players are much bigger than we think including Dillon who I would have thought could use some pounds.

Like everything, will the increase in size be inversely proportional to speed? If so, this can either be a negative or on the other hand, if their defence is solid, a move to the centres or even lock (more for someone like Scolari or Talau) -something like 85kgs for Dillon without losing his speed would be optimal).

I certainly wouldn't rule this out.

 

[426Tlgerland]

I like the signing of this young prop from Newcastle , we are just tinkering away with our juniors and reserve grade players , this will make us solid over the next 3/5 years , what we really need to do now is Shut this Luke Brooks crap down one way or the other and then announce 2 or 3 First graders and get on with pre season , This club has nobody in the office to get things done at any speed that resembles normal , we are the slowest club on all fronts , Get some deals done already , if we want Hodgson get it done , Curtis Scott , get it done , or walk away and find others it’s not rocket science , I would love to see all players on board mid month ready to gel as a team and get ready

 

[BAGNF05]

The upside is we start fresh without Luke Brooks.

Really hope it happens for both parties. Brooks will improve under Joey Johns


Well then why didn’t we employ a dedicated halves coach to mentor Brooks.

Brooks will improve behind the Saifiti brothers, Klemmer , Frizell and with Ponga also creating havoc, Joey’s influence is just

Agreed. Compare that to our forward pack. Which is gotta be the worst in the NRL. Which really is our main issue. But that discussion is avoided like the plague.

WOODEN SPOON? I don't think so. Newcastle creating havoc?

I was under the impression that we beat them twice this season. To all the genuine WT fans out there, they will go ok next year. Don't listen to the doomsday mob on this forum. Most of then would not know a footballer if they fell over one. It will be a better year next year. Especially if we get a fair shake and a bit of luck during games for a change.

I hate these kinds of condescending comments.

If you’re still positive after the last decade you’re not truly following.

 

[weststigerman]

We've picked up Christian Ma'anaima, a 20-year-old Prop from Newcastle. Unsure if he's on a train-and-trial deal or Top 30.

He's apparently the real deal and was close to playing NRL in 2021.

Was contracted til the end of 2023 at Newcastle so well done to whoever's got him over.

Looking back at 2021, he only played 4 games off the bench in NSW cup and was 18th man for a couple of others. Sounds like he's a fair way from NRL.

 

[ConePuncher]

We've picked up Christian Ma'anaima, a 20-year-old Prop from Newcastle. Unsure if he's on a train-and-trial deal or Top 30.

He's apparently the real deal and was close to playing NRL in 2021.

Was contracted til the end of 2023 at Newcastle so well done to whoever's got him over.

Interesting to know why they let him go?

No rumours of trouble behind the scenes? There doesn't appear to be any real media behind him. I suspect we may have just angled really hard to buy his contract out because he could well be a smokey for FG with us.

He is behind the Saifiti brothers, Klemmer, Sue and Saulo at the Knights. They're spoilt for choice in the front row, probably moved for a better opportunity to play FG.

 

[Eyeofthetiger 0]

We've picked up Christian Ma'anaima, a 20-year-old Prop from Newcastle. Unsure if he's on a train-and-trial deal or Top 30.

He's apparently the real deal and was close to playing NRL in 2021.

Was contracted til the end of 2023 at Newcastle so well done to whoever's got him over.

Interesting to know why they let him go?

No rumours of trouble behind the scenes? There doesn't appear to be any real media behind him. I suspect we may have just angled really hard to buy his contract out because he could well be a smokey for FG with us.

He is behind the Saifiti brothers, Klemmer, Sue and Saulo at the Knights. They're spoilt for choice in the front row, probably moved for a better opportunity to play FG.

They obviously rated him as they signed him for 3 years in 2020. He was development player in 21 and moved to full time nrl contract in 22 and 23

 

[BAGNF05]

We've picked up Christian Ma'anaima, a 20-year-old Prop from Newcastle. Unsure if he's on a train-and-trial deal or Top 30.

He's apparently the real deal and was close to playing NRL in 2021.

Was contracted til the end of 2023 at Newcastle so well done to whoever's got him over.

Looking back at 2021, he only played 4 games off the bench in NSW cup and was 18th man for a couple of others. Sounds like he's a fair way from NRL.

Look out JWH

 

[tiger_scott]

He's certainly a fair size. Only 20 though. May be a couple of years before he's consistently picked in the top side. I know Stefano is already, but he's very special.

 

[paper]

**A recent article from DT, I remember a couple on here saying that we were looking to table an offer I believe:**

The Dragons have tabled a three year deal to boom rookie Jayden Sullivan but rival clubs are already circling.

Sullivan, 20, has been told St George Illawarra are keen to retain him after formally offering the long-term extension last week. But the two parties were unable to agree to a deal before the November 1 deadline, meaning he is now actively testing the open market.

We’re told there have been no shortage of clubs lining up to speak to Sullivan, who has played just six top grade games.

 

[ConePuncher]

He's mates with Laurie and Fitzgibbon, hope that means they can sway him our way.

 

[KingRobbie]

We've picked up Christian Ma'anaima, a 20-year-old Prop from Newcastle. Unsure if he's on a train-and-trial deal or Top 30.

He's apparently the real deal and was close to playing NRL in 2021.

Was contracted til the end of 2023 at Newcastle so well done to whoever's got him over.

Looking back at 2021, he only played 4 games off the bench in NSW cup and was 18th man for a couple of others. Sounds like he's a fair way from NRL.

Was moving into Newcastle’s Top 30 in 2022 though. I’d heard about him before us getting him.

Hope he goes well.

 

[Geo]

He's mates with Laurie and Fitzgibbon, hope that means they can sway him our way.

Somehow ..I don't think Fitzgibbon holds much sway..

 

[pawsandclaws1]

He's mates with Laurie and Fitzgibbon, hope that means they can sway him our way.

Somehow ..I don't think Fitzgibbon holds much sway..

You'd think Tyronne Roberts may know him from Illawarra days.

 

[Russell]

Maybe Benji can make a come back under Sheens 😬

Downvote!

 

[pawsandclaws1]

A recent article from DT, I remember a couple on here saying that we were looking to table an offer I believe:

The Dragons have tabled a three year deal to boom rookie Jayden Sullivan but rival clubs are already circling.

Sullivan, 20, has been told St George Illawarra are keen to retain him after formally offering the long-term extension last week. But the two parties were unable to agree to a deal before the November 1 deadline, meaning he is now actively testing the open market.

We’re told there have been no shortage of clubs lining up to speak to Sullivan, who has played just six top grade games.

Sullivan, Roberts, Sloan - the Illawarra certainly produce good young halves.

 

[Needaname]

We've picked up Christian Ma'anaima, a 20-year-old Prop from Newcastle. Unsure if he's on a train-and-trial deal or Top 30.

He's apparently the real deal and was close to playing NRL in 2021.

Was contracted til the end of 2023 at Newcastle so well done to whoever's got him over.

Interesting to know why they let him go?

No rumours of trouble behind the scenes? There doesn't appear to be any real media behind him. I suspect we may have just angled really hard to buy his contract out because he could well be a smokey for FG with us.

He is behind the Saifiti brothers, Klemmer, Sue and Saulo at the Knights. They're spoilt for choice in the front row, probably moved for a better opportunity to play FG.

They obviously rated him as they signed him for 3 years in 2020. He was development player in 21 and moved to full time nrl contract in 22 and 23

No wonder they moved him on then.
What’s the point of having a 20 year old prop taking up 3 years of cap space and positions if you don’t intend on playing him?
Was he injured last year?
They resigned another prop that did a horrible leg injury in the early rounds of NSW cup last year and made his NRL debut later in the season.

 

[batboy]

Is it the same process that has us with one of the worst rosters in the game?

Is it the same process that has us with one of the worst rosters in the game?


The roster really isnt that bad. Its incomplete but i trust we are working hard to complete it.

Ill repeat again.

Patience!

Are you for real, Even the teams that finished below us all have at least 1 superstar player.... (Except the dogs - Until next year)
Not us though.

Where's our Valentine Homes, Katoni Staggs, Payne Haas, Taumalolo..

Not only do we not have one, We don't look likely of getting one.
We have Madden and Hastings in the halves I guess..... :face_with_rolling_eyes: :face_with_rolling_eyes:


We are building a solid core of good young players. Dont believe the media and as ive said judge us once the squad is complete.

Don't disagree mate, You used the word Solid - My word was superstar....
There's plenty of Solid Players, No stand outs....
And no senior leadership.

I'm trying to be optimistic.... But it's very, very difficult.

 

[BAGNF05]

A recent article from DT, I remember a couple on here saying that we were looking to table an offer I believe:

The Dragons have tabled a three year deal to boom rookie Jayden Sullivan but rival clubs are already circling.

Sullivan, 20, has been told St George Illawarra are keen to retain him after formally offering the long-term extension last week. But the two parties were unable to agree to a deal before the November 1 deadline, meaning he is now actively testing the open market.

We’re told there have been no shortage of clubs lining up to speak to Sullivan, who has played just six top grade games.

Sullivan, Roberts, Sloan - the Illawarra certainly produce good young halves.

Don’t get too carried away with a few glimpses. It takes a lot more than that to become a 150 gamer and get bashed by your own fan base every week.

 

[Russell]

The upside is we start fresh without Luke Brooks.

Really hope it happens for both parties. Brooks will improve under Joey Johns


Well then why didn’t we employ a dedicated halves coach to mentor Brooks.

Brooks will improve behind the Saifiti brothers, Klemmer , Frizell and with Ponga also creating havoc, Joey’s influence is just

Agreed. Compare that to our forward pack. Which is gotta be the worst in the NRL. Which really is our main issue. But that discussion is avoided like the plague.

WOODEN SPOON? I don't think so. Newcastle creating havoc?

I was under the impression that we beat them twice this season. To all the genuine WT fans out there, they will go ok next year. Don't listen to the doomsday mob on this forum. Most of then would not know a footballer if they fell over one. It will be a better year next year. Especially if we get a fair shake and a bit of luck during games for a change.

I don’t think we will get the spoon but here’s a question. If you were the Dolphins and had 30 spots to fill which Tigers players would you consider picking up?

Bennett wouldn't have taken any. He favors the draft.

Been sitting in the doorway for two weeks now and the window was open, got a chill and is now in bed.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

Is it the same process that has us with one of the worst rosters in the game?

Is it the same process that has us with one of the worst rosters in the game?


The roster really isnt that bad. Its incomplete but i trust we are working hard to complete it.

Ill repeat again.

Patience!

Are you for real, Even the teams that finished below us all have at least 1 superstar player.... (Except the dogs - Until next year)
Not us though.

Where's our Valentine Homes, Katoni Staggs, Payne Haas, Taumalolo..

Not only do we not have one, We don't look likely of getting one.
We have Madden and Hastings in the halves I guess..... :face_with_rolling_eyes: :face_with_rolling_eyes:


We are building a solid core of good young players. Dont believe the media and as ive said judge us once the squad is complete.

Don't disagree mate, You used the word Solid - My word was superstar....
There's plenty of Solid Players, No stand outs....
And no senior leadership.

I'm trying to be optimistic.... But it's very, very difficult.

That’s it. Outside of Stefano, there are no out and out guns. Our young players are solid at best. Nothing like the 05 crop.