Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Vicious]

Our lack of depth has been highlighted this year. We can whinge all we like, but until we can get genuine competition for spots, we will struggle.

We have signed Latu. Sezer is unconfirmed.

Laurie and Brooks gone.

Doueihi is out, but still he is not a 7.

We are short 3 halves as it stands. Get ready for more of the same unless we fill the gaps.

Add hooker to that list of poor depth. Simpkin is not what he was cracked up to be. Da Silva is still learning.

If Api makes origin or gets injured, the team falls apart. We need another experienced hooker to cover for injuries and ease Da Silva in.

Fullback is another issue. If Bula goes down, who replaces him?

The pack could do with one more high profile signing, but it’s a lower priority than the issues we have in the backs.

So we have Latu Fainu signed and presumably Aidan Sezer will be next.
After last nights game, it would make sense to hopefully extend Daine Laurie as a genuine NRL halves contender.
Then I agree we need 2 more halves for added competition.
I keep coming back to Adam Clune as a player who could help us out for a couple of years as he’s a traditional on the ball game managing type of halfback that I can confidently say is miles ahead of what we currently have as a 7.
He has never been able to cement a regular NRL starting spot, but has a few NRL man of the match efforts to his credit and if you watch the highlights of him playing for the Knights NSW Cup team this season, he looks in career best form.
I believe if he was in direct competition with Aidan Sezer for our NRL 7 spot, he would convince the coaches and win hands down.
As the 5th halves option Blake Taafe would be extremely valuable to us with his high energy approach and versatility.

 

[pawsandclaws1]

Going into a game with a makeshift halves pairing will usually end in one outcome. The Dragons had a good team on the park.

 

[twentyforty]

This is why Manly are in for a WORLD OF HURT.

Tommy Talau is managed by Issac Moses.
Issac Moses manages 19/30 signed players at Manly. Oh and Brooks, Talau and other guys under Issac Moses.

Brisbane actually got rid of a stack of Issac Moses signed players when they got rid of Siebold.

Now we have huge issues. We should have smashed St George. To loose 18/14 against the other wooden spooner side shows we have huge issues. But at least things are looking up

Moses’ players at Manly are gathering momentum 😲
A couple of days ago there were only 5 with that number expected to be 7 with Brooks and Talau joining next year. What is this guy doing to attract so many players? 😲

 

[weststigerman]

We need some positive news around here.

Zane Musgrove is being shopped around by the Dragons already. I am so glad he is not on our books.

 

[Fallen Angel]

We need some positive news around here.

Zane Musgrove is being shopped around by the Dragons already. I am so glad he is not on our books.

Can you believe Madge signed him for 4 years. I’m not a Madge hater, but God damn.

 

[The Chad]

I’ll pay that one…

Someone here said earlier this week that we signed Metcalf from the Warriors… have been waiting to see if someone like the Mole took the bait…

Now that would be a signing I could get behind 👍…

That was me- my guy seemed pretty adamant, however nothing since. I DID suggest a pinch or two of salt. The 'word' was a Warriors half. He later named Metcalf. It could turn out to be Volkman and that wouldn't surprise me either.

 

[Vicious]

That was me- my guy seemed pretty adamant, however nothing since. I DID suggest a pinch or two of salt. The 'word' was a Warriors half. He later named Metcalf. It could turn out to be Volkman and that wouldn't surprise me either.

Please not Volkman, he’s about on par with Wakeham.

 

[The Chad]

Halves next year:

Confirmed- Doueihi & Fainu, Galvin in Top 30

Off Contract- Wakeham, Smith & Laurie

Rumoured- Sezar

If we realistically kept Wakeham & Laurie & signed Sezar...that's 6 halves players in the Top 30. That's it. I don't think you carry more than 6.

I'm pretty confident Sezar is happening. Laurie I would like, but is potentially off to the Panthers. Smith really doesn't add much outside of a train & trial.

I'd be amazed if Wakeham isn't re-signed.

Other than adding Sezar, we are 1 option short, assuming Laurie moves back home.

I believe the club won't be looking for more young players to slow the progression of Fainu/Galvin, so more likely an older player or utility. Blake Austin was in the news again yesterday about coming back to Australia, and even was quoted as saying the Tigers should talk to him.

Would not be surprised.

Ideally though- I'd really like Te Mare Martin.

 

[Tom Shines]

We need some positive news around here.

Zane Musgrove is being shopped around by the Dragons already. I am so glad he is not on our books.

Geez… we have signed some duds over the years… Thanks Drags for taking him and Mbye off our hands

 

[The Chad]

Leeds Rhinos star Blake Austin says he would be open to an NRL return with his future still yet to be confirmed in Super League.

Austin, 32, has previously stated his desire of remaining at Headingley Stadium beyond the current campaign, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season.

However, speaking on the JBK podcast, the Australian playmaker revealed that he would be open to an NRL return, eyeing up a specific position in which he think he could help improve clubs.

Powell unmoved for 15 minutes after...

Burrow takeover | Standing ovation for...

Leeds to host MND Awareness game |...

Rob Burrow Family Takeover for MND...

Watson: I'd be lying if I said it...

Tomkins: Warrington desperately missing...

Powell: We're fractions away from...

Peet: A big win against a good team

Wardle: We had to go back to basics

McNamara: We had to overcome adversity

Wellens: I'm really proud | We went...

Tomkins: Our biggest win of the year
<
>

“I’m off contract at Leeds and whatever will be will be,” Austin said.

“I’ve never been afraid to do things a little bit differently, that’s why coming over [to England] at 27 wasn’t an issue for me.

“If an opportunity came up to go home, that’s something I’d certainly look at.

“I know my kids would push me into it and force me to look at something like that. But I’m really confident with where I’m at.

“I’m a pretty confident guy. I still believe I could go back and be the best 14 in the comp and really add to a team that have are doing really well.

“Personally, I really think I could do a really good job as a 14. I don’t think clubs will look at me much at a starting half, but I could certainly come back and add to a squad and do what I do best.”

Blake Austin still has desire to win Super League​

Austin made the initial switch to England with Warrington Wolves ahead of the 2019 campaign from Canberra Raiders, having also featured for Penrith Panthers and Wests Tigers in the NRL.

And several NRL clubs are looking to bolster their squad for the 2024 campaign. The Tigers will lose Luke Brooks to Manly Sea Eagles at the end of the season, while Ben Hunt is looking for an exit at the St George Illawarra Dragons.


Tim Sheens is also expected to offload several big name players at Wests Tigers, including playmakers Brandon Wakeham and the current injured Adam Doueihi.

“They can give me a call if they want,” Austin said on Wests Tigers, who are also said to be interested in Salford’s Brodie Croft and Leeds half-back Aidan Sezer.

Austin however did reveal that he still has aspirations of winning a Super League title, having reached the Grand Final under Rohan Smith last year, falling to a 24-12 defeat to St Helens at Old Trafford.

“I’m really comfortable where I’m at. I’d love to win a title over here and I’d love to win a Challenge Cup,” he added.

 

[Tom Shines]

Halves next year:

Confirmed- Doueihi & Fainu, Galvin in Top 30

Off Contract- Wakeham, Smith & Laurie

Rumoured- Sezar

If we realistically kept Wakeham & Laurie & signed Sezar...that's 6 halves players in the Top 30. That's it. I don't think you carry more than 6.

I'm pretty confident Sezar is happening. Laurie I would like, but is potentially off to the Panthers. Smith really doesn't add much outside of a train & trial.

I'd be amazed if Wakeham isn't re-signed.

Other than adding Sezar, we are 1 option short, assuming Laurie moves back home.

I believe the club won't be looking for more young players to slow the progression of Fainu/Galvin, so more likely an older player or utility. Blake Austin was in the news again yesterday about coming back to Australia, and even was quoted as saying the Tigers should talk to him.

Would not be surprised.

Ideally though- I'd really like Te Mare Martin.

I don’t agree that we should extend Wakeham to a Top 30 deal… there must be a better option,,,it’s not a high bar to exceed

 

[Betterdays22]

Halves next year:

Confirmed- Doueihi & Fainu, Galvin in Top 30

Off Contract- Wakeham, Smith & Laurie

Rumoured- Sezar

If we realistically kept Wakeham & Laurie & signed Sezar...that's 6 halves players in the Top 30. That's it. I don't think you carry more than 6.

I'm pretty confident Sezar is happening. Laurie I would like, but is potentially off to the Panthers. Smith really doesn't add much outside of a train & trial.

I'd be amazed if Wakeham isn't re-signed.

Other than adding Sezar, we are 1 option short, assuming Laurie moves back home.

I believe the club won't be looking for more young players to slow the progression of Fainu/Galvin, so more likely an older player or utility. Blake Austin was in the news again yesterday about coming back to Australia, and even was quoted as saying the Tigers should talk to him.

Would not be surprised.

Ideally though- I'd really like Te Mare Martin.

I appreciate your well thought out posts The Chad, while not always agreeing with some of your suggestions.

We are beginning to run out of squad numbers, assuming many of our juniors will be getting upgrades next year as some posters have mentioned. I really don't like the idea of Austin.

We need a utility who can back up in the halves and fullback next year. Law of probabilities tells you there will probably be an injury to one of your halves and/or fullback at some stage during the year. Laurie still would be ideal I think, I like the idea of Te Mare Martin and Blake Taafe too. All these players I believe are about on par, its who you can sell it to.

 

[balmain boy]

lomax is on 800k not worth 800k

But he's not even on 800k, that's another fabrication just like the Fainus are on 4million.
As Teddy pointed out earlier he's on a 5 year 3 million deal. He took the long contract at a young age rather than a shorter one on bigger bucks.
He'd be our best centre by a country mile and is a decent bloke too. Anyone is dreaming if they think he wouldn't instantly improve our team

 

[balmain boy]

What about Isaiah Tass?

Tass will not join us. End of story.

We won't be signing good players from good clubs.

We'd have to offer him 600-700k to have a chance of getting him, and that's not happening....

 

[twentyforty]

Can you believe Madge signed him for 4 years. I’m not a Madge hater, but God damn.

Yeh, the way Madge spoke about him made me think he was a world beater. I liked the way he used to wind up from half a metre off the back fence. Would have done well under Sheens, with the 200 passes daily 😂

 

[Tom Shines]

But he's not even on 800k, that's another fabrication just like the Fainus are on 4million.
As Teddy pointed out earlier he's on a 5 year 3 million deal. He took the long contract at a young age rather than a shorter one on bigger bucks.
He'd be our best centre by a country mile and is a decent bloke too. Anyone is dreaming if they think he wouldn't instantly improve our team

Its all fabrications .. but people here supposedly know how much these guys get paid…

Ask the Dragons fans about Lomax… the club is looking to move him out the door for a reason

 

[tony soprano]

Leeds Rhinos star Blake Austin says he would be open to an NRL return with his future still yet to be confirmed in Super League.

Austin, 32, has previously stated his desire of remaining at Headingley Stadium beyond the current campaign, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season.

However, speaking on the JBK podcast, the Australian playmaker revealed that he would be open to an NRL return, eyeing up a specific position in which he think he could help improve clubs.

Powell unmoved for 15 minutes after...

Burrow takeover | Standing ovation for...

Leeds to host MND Awareness game |...

Rob Burrow Family Takeover for MND...

Watson: I'd be lying if I said it...

Tomkins: Warrington desperately missing...

Powell: We're fractions away from...

Peet: A big win against a good team

Wardle: We had to go back to basics

McNamara: We had to overcome adversity

Wellens: I'm really proud | We went...

Tomkins: Our biggest win of the year
<
>

“I’m off contract at Leeds and whatever will be will be,” Austin said.

“I’ve never been afraid to do things a little bit differently, that’s why coming over [to England] at 27 wasn’t an issue for me.

“If an opportunity came up to go home, that’s something I’d certainly look at.

“I know my kids would push me into it and force me to look at something like that. But I’m really confident with where I’m at.

“I’m a pretty confident guy. I still believe I could go back and be the best 14 in the comp and really add to a team that have are doing really well.

“Personally, I really think I could do a really good job as a 14. I don’t think clubs will look at me much at a starting half, but I could certainly come back and add to a squad and do what I do best.”

Blake Austin still has desire to win Super League​

Austin made the initial switch to England with Warrington Wolves ahead of the 2019 campaign from Canberra Raiders, having also featured for Penrith Panthers and Wests Tigers in the NRL.

And several NRL clubs are looking to bolster their squad for the 2024 campaign. The Tigers will lose Luke Brooks to Manly Sea Eagles at the end of the season, while Ben Hunt is looking for an exit at the St George Illawarra Dragons.


Tim Sheens is also expected to offload several big name players at Wests Tigers, including playmakers Brandon Wakeham and the current injured Adam Doueihi.

“They can give me a call if they want,” Austin said on Wests Tigers, who are also said to be interested in Salford’s Brodie Croft and Leeds half-back Aidan Sezer.

Austin however did reveal that he still has aspirations of winning a Super League title, having reached the Grand Final under Rohan Smith last year, falling to a 24-12 defeat to St Helens at Old Trafford.

“I’m really comfortable where I’m at. I’d love to win a title over here and I’d love to win a Challenge Cup,” he added.

I don't hate it

 

[WesternSuburbsBoy]

The Dragons had a good team on the park.

Our team was better but we are a poorly coached side.

 

[Fallen Angel]

Our team was better but we are a poorly coached side.

This

 

[Needaname]

Leeds Rhinos star Blake Austin says he would be open to an NRL return with his future still yet to be confirmed in Super League.

Austin, 32, has previously stated his desire of remaining at Headingley Stadium beyond the current campaign, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season.

However, speaking on the JBK podcast, the Australian playmaker revealed that he would be open to an NRL return, eyeing up a specific position in which he think he could help improve clubs.

Powell unmoved for 15 minutes after...

Burrow takeover | Standing ovation for...

Leeds to host MND Awareness game |...

Rob Burrow Family Takeover for MND...

Watson: I'd be lying if I said it...

Tomkins: Warrington desperately missing...

Powell: We're fractions away from...

Peet: A big win against a good team

Wardle: We had to go back to basics

McNamara: We had to overcome adversity

Wellens: I'm really proud | We went...

Tomkins: Our biggest win of the year
<
>

“I’m off contract at Leeds and whatever will be will be,” Austin said.

“I’ve never been afraid to do things a little bit differently, that’s why coming over [to England] at 27 wasn’t an issue for me.

“If an opportunity came up to go home, that’s something I’d certainly look at.

“I know my kids would push me into it and force me to look at something like that. But I’m really confident with where I’m at.

“I’m a pretty confident guy. I still believe I could go back and be the best 14 in the comp and really add to a team that have are doing really well.

“Personally, I really think I could do a really good job as a 14. I don’t think clubs will look at me much at a starting half, but I could certainly come back and add to a squad and do what I do best.”

Blake Austin still has desire to win Super League​

Austin made the initial switch to England with Warrington Wolves ahead of the 2019 campaign from Canberra Raiders, having also featured for Penrith Panthers and Wests Tigers in the NRL.

And several NRL clubs are looking to bolster their squad for the 2024 campaign. The Tigers will lose Luke Brooks to Manly Sea Eagles at the end of the season, while Ben Hunt is looking for an exit at the St George Illawarra Dragons.


Tim Sheens is also expected to offload several big name players at Wests Tigers, including playmakers Brandon Wakeham and the current injured Adam Doueihi.

“They can give me a call if they want,” Austin said on Wests Tigers, who are also said to be interested in Salford’s Brodie Croft and Leeds half-back Aidan Sezer.

Austin however did reveal that he still has aspirations of winning a Super League title, having reached the Grand Final under Rohan Smith last year, falling to a 24-12 defeat to St Helens at Old Trafford.

“I’m really comfortable where I’m at. I’d love to win a title over here and I’d love to win a Challenge Cup,” he added.

Could we do worse with a Sezer, Austin halves combo next year?
Could be just the right experience we’d need to assist our young halves and know how to make the most of our forward pack.
Still next signing I’d like to see is a centre we are playing Talau out of desperation no other coach would pick him outside of the backrow at his current size.