Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[claws1]

Why do people keep using Ponga as a recruitment example? I believe he is a poor example. This guy is a rocks and diamonds player. If he was playing for the Weststigers? People would be complaining we’re not getting value for money, which would be a fair call. He is no Slater, Teddy or Turbo. However, receiving excellent money for his age & experience. Credit for him playing NRL though. Go Weststigers!

 

[twentyforty]

If we want a fullback than I would enter the race to get Suaalii’s signature.
This kid is special talent. You just need to look what benefit Knights got from identifying Kalyn Ponga early.


He is a Souths kid....

And the Wallabies...and Roosters want him...

The hottest prospect in either code....

Honestly, we would be zero chance of his manager even taking a call. Don't want to sound negative....but there is no way. We could offer double and still not get a meeting.

Preposterous. Money talks and he'd be a mug not to engage all legitimate parties.

What a stupid stupid comment you've made at the end there. Sorry, just stupid comments that players wouldn't engage Tigers at any cost.

Sadly, the evidence points to this being fact. We aren’t in the frame when a marquee comes along. Until we land one, you’ll have to convince me otherwise.

Which ones have we missed out on?

Plenty, I don’t want to cover old ground cos it’s sad. Teddy, Brimson and Frizell will all play origin this year and have knocked us back.

Have we missed JAC?

Hope not but history suggests when Roosters or Souths enter the race you may as well go to plan B.

I just don't see the point of all the negativity about JAC when nothing has happened yet.

Fair enough. Over 30 odd years this club has taught me a lot about pessimism.

40 years in here and I am still optimistic, things will turn and even if we only catch lightning in a bottle a couple of times during my life, I will enjoy those years more than any Rooster supporter that takes their success for granted. It is the lows that make the highs more enjoyable.

Well stated Cochise!!!
People should not let historical facts cast shadows over optimism and hope.
One day WT will be able to say ‘Teddy, sign with us and you’ll be mentored by a golden boot fullback and get huge third party deals. Did I mention play GFs?”
“JAC, play with us and become the leading try scorer, play rep, and get massive third party deals. Play finals every year.”
Players want career development more than an extra 10% in their contract, because they know it’s true value. The fan’s view is a reflection of their impatience.

 

[OzLuke]

If we want a fullback than I would enter the race to get Suaalii’s signature.
This kid is special talent. You just need to look what benefit Knights got from identifying Kalyn Ponga early.


He is a Souths kid....

And the Wallabies...and Roosters want him...

The hottest prospect in either code....

Honestly, we would be zero chance of his manager even taking a call. Don't want to sound negative....but there is no way. We could offer double and still not get a meeting.

Preposterous. Money talks and he'd be a mug not to engage all legitimate parties.

What a stupid stupid comment you've made at the end there. Sorry, just stupid comments that players wouldn't engage Tigers at any cost.


We have signed NO current NSW or Kangaroo players ever in their prime. None. When was the last time any of us read "Current Kangaroo joins Wests Tigers".

Why? If money talks, we would have landed someone by now. Reality is most see us a bad option. When we land two current Kangaroos you can raise my comments again...I hope it is soon.

Not being negative...I just don't think players see us like they see other clubs. Even Canterbury, no matter how low, have always been able to sign rep players.

We did sign Blair in his absolute prime....from a good system

 

[twentyforty]

If we want a fullback than I would enter the race to get Suaalii’s signature.
This kid is special talent. You just need to look what benefit Knights got from identifying Kalyn Ponga early.


He is a Souths kid....

And the Wallabies...and Roosters want him...

The hottest prospect in either code....

Honestly, we would be zero chance of his manager even taking a call. Don't want to sound negative....but there is no way. We could offer double and still not get a meeting.

Preposterous. Money talks and he'd be a mug not to engage all legitimate parties.

What a stupid stupid comment you've made at the end there. Sorry, just stupid comments that players wouldn't engage Tigers at any cost.


We have signed NO current NSW or Kangaroo players ever in their prime. None. When was the last time any of us read "Current Kangaroo joins Wests Tigers".

Why? If money talks, we would have landed someone by now. Reality is most see us a bad option. When we land two current Kangaroos you can raise my comments again...I hope it is soon.

Not being negative...I just don't think players see us like they see other clubs. Even Canterbury, no matter how low, have always been able to sign rep players.

We did sign Blair in his absolute prime....from a good system

Did we improve Blair’s game?

 

[member850]

Tbh Staines has alot of Jennings about him. Score a lot of tries on the end of so.e good halves and some good back line moves.

They are not similar at all mate...

Stains is young, fast, and is a specialist fullback. He is also 20 and has untapped potential.

Jennings was sluggish, been let go by two clubs, and fairly well established as a plodder before we signed him. Neither Penrith or Souths wanted to keep him.

Staines is gone, he has re-signed with Penrith

 

[OzLuke]

If we want a fullback than I would enter the race to get Suaalii’s signature.
This kid is special talent. You just need to look what benefit Knights got from identifying Kalyn Ponga early.


He is a Souths kid....

And the Wallabies...and Roosters want him...

The hottest prospect in either code....

Honestly, we would be zero chance of his manager even taking a call. Don't want to sound negative....but there is no way. We could offer double and still not get a meeting.

Preposterous. Money talks and he'd be a mug not to engage all legitimate parties.

What a stupid stupid comment you've made at the end there. Sorry, just stupid comments that players wouldn't engage Tigers at any cost.


We have signed NO current NSW or Kangaroo players ever in their prime. None. When was the last time any of us read "Current Kangaroo joins Wests Tigers".

Why? If money talks, we would have landed someone by now. Reality is most see us a bad option. When we land two current Kangaroos you can raise my comments again...I hope it is soon.

Not being negative...I just don't think players see us like they see other clubs. Even Canterbury, no matter how low, have always been able to sign rep players.

We did sign Blair in his absolute prime....from a good system


Did we improve Blair’s game?

I think that was a resounding no.....

 

[fibrodreaming]

Not being negative…I just don’t think players see us like they see other clubs. Even Canterbury, no matter how low, have always been able to sign rep players.

You'r probably right. Even Newy and Titans appear a more attractive destination than us.

It wasn't long ago people were saying the same thing about the Raiders. I don't recall them signing a marquee player, but they have assembled a very competitive squad nevertheless. They have done so by focusing on their own juniors; poaching quality juniors from other teams; and, raiding the ESL.

Stuart has proved that you don't need to pay overs for marquee players. I believe we are heading in the same direction.

 

[851]

If we want a fullback than I would enter the race to get Suaalii’s signature.
This kid is special talent. You just need to look what benefit Knights got from identifying Kalyn Ponga early.


He is a Souths kid....

And the Wallabies...and Roosters want him...

The hottest prospect in either code....

Honestly, we would be zero chance of his manager even taking a call. Don't want to sound negative....but there is no way. We could offer double and still not get a meeting.

Preposterous. Money talks and he'd be a mug not to engage all legitimate parties.

What a stupid stupid comment you've made at the end there. Sorry, just stupid comments that players wouldn't engage Tigers at any cost.

Sadly, the evidence points to this being fact. We aren’t in the frame when a marquee comes along. Until we land one, you’ll have to convince me otherwise.

Which ones have we missed out on?

WE can't even land the level below, in the last 12 months we have missed out on signing Latrell, Arrow, Lomax, Brimson, Frizell, we need the JAC signing

 

[Roar_Power]

This thread has become ultra depressing...

 

[momo_amp_medo]

Not being negative…I just don’t think players see us like they see other clubs. Even Canterbury, no matter how low, have always been able to sign rep players.

You'r probably right. Even Newy and Titans appear a more attractive destination than us.

It wasn't long ago people were saying the same thing about the Raiders. I don't recall them signing a marquee player, but they have assembled a very competitive squad nevertheless. They have done so by focusing on their own juniors; poaching quality juniors from other teams; and, raiding the ESL.

Stuart has proved that you don't need to pay overs for marquee players. I believe we are heading in the same direction.

It just takes couple of winning seasons. The worm will turn if people have confidence in what is currently being built. It’s work in progress but .....
Well get there.

 

[Goanna57]

Would Pap be as good as he is if he never left Tigers? I do wonder.

This inferiority mindset is a concern, Where does it come from?

Not making finals for nine years and our inability to sign top quality players just might have something to do with it.
As always missed it by that much

 

[InBenjiWeTrust]

Not being negative…I just don’t think players see us like they see other clubs. Even Canterbury, no matter how low, have always been able to sign rep players.

You'r probably right. Even Newy and Titans appear a more attractive destination than us.

It wasn't long ago people were saying the same thing about the Raiders. I don't recall them signing a marquee player, but they have assembled a very competitive squad nevertheless. They have done so by focusing on their own juniors; poaching quality juniors from other teams; and, raiding the ESL.

Stuart has proved that you don't need to pay overs for marquee players. I believe we are heading in the same direction.

It just takes couple of winning seasons. The worm will turn if people have confidence in what is currently being built. It’s work in progress but .....
Well get there.

attaboy!:tiger: :muscle:

 

[Russell]

If we want a fullback than I would enter the race to get Suaalii’s signature.
This kid is special talent. You just need to look what benefit Knights got from identifying Kalyn Ponga early.


He is a Souths kid....

And the Wallabies...and Roosters want him...

The hottest prospect in either code....

Honestly, we would be zero chance of his manager even taking a call. Don't want to sound negative....but there is no way. We could offer double and still not get a meeting.

Preposterous. Money talks and he'd be a mug not to engage all legitimate parties.

What a stupid stupid comment you've made at the end there. Sorry, just stupid comments that players wouldn't engage Tigers at any cost.

Sadly, the evidence points to this being fact. We aren’t in the frame when a marquee comes along. Until we land one, you’ll have to convince me otherwise.

Which ones have we missed out on?

Plenty, I don’t want to cover old ground cos it’s sad. Teddy, Brimson and Frizell will all play origin this year and have knocked us back.

Have we missed JAC?

Hope not but history suggests when Roosters or Souths enter the race you may as well go to plan B.

I just don't see the point of all the negativity about JAC when nothing has happened yet.

Fair enough. Over 30 odd years this club has taught me a lot about pessimism.

Exactly why the club is not playing finals - that is why Madge is trying to change the culture of the club.

Sounds like he should be trying to change the culture of many here on the Forum as well, starting with
your good self.

 

[twentyforty]

If we want a fullback than I would enter the race to get Suaalii’s signature.
This kid is special talent. You just need to look what benefit Knights got from identifying Kalyn Ponga early.


He is a Souths kid....

And the Wallabies...and Roosters want him...

The hottest prospect in either code....

Honestly, we would be zero chance of his manager even taking a call. Don't want to sound negative....but there is no way. We could offer double and still not get a meeting.

Preposterous. Money talks and he'd be a mug not to engage all legitimate parties.

What a stupid stupid comment you've made at the end there. Sorry, just stupid comments that players wouldn't engage Tigers at any cost.


We have signed NO current NSW or Kangaroo players ever in their prime. None. When was the last time any of us read "Current Kangaroo joins Wests Tigers".

Why? If money talks, we would have landed someone by now. Reality is most see us a bad option. When we land two current Kangaroos you can raise my comments again...I hope it is soon.

Not being negative...I just don't think players see us like they see other clubs. Even Canterbury, no matter how low, have always been able to sign rep players.

We did sign Blair in his absolute prime....from a good system


Did we improve Blair’s game?

I think that was a resounding no.....

Unless we address that issue then we are destined for failure. We need to be seen as a club which improves the reputations of its players and in so doing improves its chances of recruitment and retention.
If we became known as the club which improves reputations then this thread would have a much different content. Reputations are hard and painstakingly slow to build but quick and easily destroyed.
If we are starting on this journey now, and I think we are, and considering the average career of a player is say 8 years, then we can expect to have more desirable outcomes, negotiating contracts, consistent on field results etc in say 8-12 years.

 

[Aceshigh]

Is Jack Hetherington still on the market ,or is he committed elsewhere ?

 

[TrueTiger]

I still dont think we will get JAC...why?..because he loved the WTs and had to go elsewhere to forge his career,if he needs to get back to Sydney to be with family and he STILL loves the WTs he would have got his manager to start talks even though he is in a team playing finals.I reckon the brotherhood out Redfern way are calling some of the shots..
I could be wrong,but dont be dissapointed if we dont get him..

While Im at it I think Madge has a plan in place now that Benji wont be in the team next year and he favours young dynamic juniors with huge talent that he can mould and develop his way...dont forget he is a coach who builds gameplans on defense,hence he bought Tamou to guide them on the field and to adhere to the plan worked out on the training paddock...just my opinion...

 

[Telltails]

If we want a fullback than I would enter the race to get Suaalii’s signature.
This kid is special talent. You just need to look what benefit Knights got from identifying Kalyn Ponga early.


He is a Souths kid....

And the Wallabies...and Roosters want him...

The hottest prospect in either code....

Honestly, we would be zero chance of his manager even taking a call. Don't want to sound negative....but there is no way. We could offer double and still not get a meeting.

Preposterous. Money talks and he'd be a mug not to engage all legitimate parties.

What a stupid stupid comment you've made at the end there. Sorry, just stupid comments that players wouldn't engage Tigers at any cost.


We have signed NO current NSW or Kangaroo players ever in their prime. None. When was the last time any of us read "Current Kangaroo joins Wests Tigers".

Why? If money talks, we would have landed someone by now. Reality is most see us a bad option. When we land two current Kangaroos you can raise my comments again...I hope it is soon.

Not being negative...I just don't think players see us like they see other clubs. Even Canterbury, no matter how low, have always been able to sign rep players.

We did sign Blair in his absolute prime....from a good system


Did we improve Blair’s game?

I think that was a resounding no.....


Unless we address that issue then we are destined for failure. We need to be seen as a club which improves the reputations of its players and in so doing improves its chances of recruitment and retention.
If we became known as the club which improves reputations then this thread would have a much different content. Reputations are hard and painstakingly slow to build but quick and easily destroyed.
If we are starting on this journey now, and I think we are, and considering the average career of a player is say 8 years, then we can expect to have more desirable outcomes, negotiating contracts, consistent on field results etc in say 8-12 years.

We did alright with Matterson. Got himself another better contract and selected in the SOO squad after one year with our club. Harry Grant didnt do too badly by having to suffer a year with us. Players will be successful if they are good enough and have the right attitude no matter where they play. There are a lot of players over valued who don't perform because they were not worth what the club paid for them in the first place not because they deserved it based on talent and or ability. Having a group of good players around you will always make you look better and until we can build that team of players prepared to work for it we will tread water.

 

[supercoach]

If we want a fullback than I would enter the race to get Suaalii’s signature.
This kid is special talent. You just need to look what benefit Knights got from identifying Kalyn Ponga early.


He is a Souths kid....

And the Wallabies...and Roosters want him...

The hottest prospect in either code....

Honestly, we would be zero chance of his manager even taking a call. Don't want to sound negative....but there is no way. We could offer double and still not get a meeting.

Preposterous. Money talks and he'd be a mug not to engage all legitimate parties.

What a stupid stupid comment you've made at the end there. Sorry, just stupid comments that players wouldn't engage Tigers at any cost.

Sadly, the evidence points to this being fact. We aren’t in the frame when a marquee comes along. Until we land one, you’ll have to convince me otherwise.

Which ones have we missed out on?

WE can't even land the level below, in the last 12 months we have missed out on signing Latrell, Arrow, Lomax, Brimson, Frizell, we need the JAC signing

Big Lucy and AD are probably our best signings we have been able to attract and in the broad scheme of things they are basically just potential signings. We are still to attract a quality player at the top of their game that could walk into a top 13 place at the majority of clubs. Sadly it seems nothing is going to change soon

 

[happy_tiger]

This thread has become ultra depressing...

9 years of no semis will do that to a person

 

[JC99]

I still dont think we will get JAC...why?..because he loved the WTs and had to go elsewhere to forge his career,if he needs to get back to Sydney to be with family and he STILL loves the WTs he would have got his manager to start talks even though he is in a team playing finals.I reckon the brotherhood out Redfern way are calling some of the shots..
I could be wrong,but dont be dissapointed if we dont get him..

While Im at it I think Madge has a plan in place now that Benji wont be in the team next year and he favours young dynamic juniors with huge talent that he can mould and develop his way...dont forget he is a coach who builds gameplans on defense,hence he bought Tamou to guide them on the field and to adhere to the plan worked out on the training paddock...just my opinion...

Madge said he has been talking to JAC so there is some talks happening. We offered him a contract as well apparently