Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Balmainian]

Question: would people rather Widdop (1y)/Noffa (3y) or Laurie (4y)/Mansour(2y). If I had to choose I would probably take Laurie/Mansour

Hard call. Both scenarios have upside and downside.
On Nofoaluma, I really want him to re-sign as I value loyalty but if I’m honest, as footballers I thing him and mansour are interchangeable

Certainly not sure of why, but Nofo hasn’t seemed to be showing loyalty atm?

But I do think wingers are the easiest position to change, quick blokes are coming through every day.

I’ve heard Nofoaluma is getting itchy feet about wanting to play semi final footy and also thinks his value has gone up. You could call that disloyal but you could also call it fair. I think we are heading towards finals footy but we regressed on field in 2020 and maybe he’s had enough. I hope he stays though.

One hot season and he's out to play semis? He's the only other long term player aside from Brooks that can be associated with the repeated past failures. Bit rich to have good season and then start getting bullish about wanting finals footy. If that's his attitude he can go. Stay and build something here, or do a Tedesco/Moses/Woods and parachute into an already successful outfit. Good luck.

There is a reason why this club has not played finals in 10 seasons ..Nofoaluma should sign or move on ,obviously has tickets on himself ,wIngers are a dime a dozen Bigger / faster and can tackle ! Brooks
**will be lucky to see out the full season in the top grade.**

How about instead of bashing our halfback we support him...how many dally m position awards have we got in our current squad? Exactly

In a season where basically only nofa and Luciano had a good year, Brooks seems to be the common go to man for criticism

To be fair, he is the halfback!!!!
If without Munster or Hughes I don’t think Melbourne win the grand final last year, it’s simple without a top line halfback we will struggle to put on points week in week out.
And unfortunately that comes down to brooks.

 

[The-moP]

So still three spots to fill
I would give Noffo a cut of date to sign or piss off.
Then take Laurie and Sauce off the Riff and have 2 months pre season with us.

Let's now be known as a club that no longer deals with fools.

Some big boys in pre season pictures.

I'm guessing that's why we are interested in Sauce and why we haven't jump in and taken the offer from Penriff .. we are just waiting to see what happens with Nofa .. if he leaves us the Riff deal (to get Laurie early, we have to take Sauce as well) could be on the cards

 

[Tiger5150]

***People*** want AJ at fullback with the amount of bombs he has dropped so far

He would have the worst percentage of bombs defused in the NRL from 2020

Who are these "people" you talk about?

 

[Deleted member 3518]

Saw a photo of bj Leilua on twitter today, jesus christ the dude has changed so much, highly recommend everyone go have a lookie

Post it please dude?

Fit joey


First time i have ever seen BJ look cut
Let's hope that gives him more confidence to trample over his opposition

I read in an article the exact same thing happened when he joined Canberra. His first year there he was unfit and struggled, came back the next year cut a heap of weight and got fit and was dally m centre. He’s such a damaging ball runner, hopefully fixing his weight and mobility fixes his defence too.

When do you say enough? Wouldn't it be preferable to put our long term option in the centre and stick with him?

I think he’ll be good for us next year and if he’s playing good enough he’s gotta be in the team. Hard to know if Roberts will play and Talau could play wing or centre.

Pretty much regardless of contracts and age whoever’s playing the best should be starting and I think it’ll be Joey combining well with Doueihi on that right edge

Physical fitness and pyschological makeup are the difference between an outstanding player and the weakest link. Why do WTs believe they are different to the Raiders, Newcastle or the Roosters?

Covid is not going away. While overseas arrivals continue, the risk of the infection into the community is real. We may not see our families at Christmas and I would not be surprised if a bubble is not being planned for next season. So what will change?

None of what you said made sense. Literally nothing. Like what dyu even mean here?

"Physical fitness and pyschological makeup are the difference between an outstanding player and the weakest link. Why do WTs believe they are different to the Raiders, Newcastle or the Roosters?"

Lmao

It's pretty clear and one poster has responded. Like what don't you understand?

Paws, I rate you cos you seem very sure of yourself. But read the last few posts. The translations getting lost a bit.
Something I noticed about you, your hell bent on hating players immediately. Nofa, Bj, Luciano.

Also look at the rating on your last few posts, cos they are in the negatives mate, "specially the post in question"

regardless lets banter, I'll always be down.

I can't recall ever writing a negative post about Luciano.

Leilua J has been an extremely poor buy, so against the youth approach we have adopted.

My view on Nofoaluma is clear so I don't need to repeat it.

As for recruitment, I like to read Sir Alex Fergusons approach and note the synergies between him having little money and investing what he did have in youth and the WTs' approach.

https://www.opustalentsolutions.com/blog-news-and-social/sir-alex-fergusons-talent-strategy-how-to-build-a-successful-team

Usually , I am fairly positive towards the Club but this is a forum so views will differ. As for negative reps, who cares.

He was obviously a great man manager re..."Fergie would reserve the 'hairdryer' for players he knew could take it, treating others differently, perhaps offering a few quiet words of encouragement"
I would love to be a fly on the wall at Madge's team meetings to see how he handles various players in Our Team.

.

Magpies,

This is a great article about Sir Alex's use of psychology interestingly directed towards referees, other managers and players. His capacity to change gameplans to target the psychological weaknesses of an individual player opposing MU is outstanding.

I never fail to be fascinated by his attention to detail and understanding that some of his stars never received the 'hair dryer' treatment if they didn't perform. He knew they would perform when needed.

A friend in the US advised many of the professional sports make prospective recruits undergo psychological assessment to ensure they are suitable for recruitment. I know one question asked by at least one baseball team to rcruits is 'Do you want to play for us?' If the answer isno then the process ends.

Thanks for your feedback.

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11667/11980422/fergies-mind-games-dont-let-vieira-ref-the-match

That would have to be a scaled question wouldn’t it ? What about traded players ? Which equates for the vast majority of MLB ball clubs . Eg . Traded as filler , traded for a star , picked up in the rule 5 draft. Also how do you give a 200 million dollar player , who’s got 10 ball clubs chasing him , a survey ? And trust he’s going to be diligent and honest ? I’m genuinely interested , as it seems the only place that survey could even be useful is the amateur draft , and low end free agency .

I will ask more questions. I was interested when told. When you review the worth of these clubs and profit pa, you can understand an incorrect recruitment decision can have very serious consequencs.

Yea totally . I was just thinking how you apply that in the real world , and get good consistent results . Especially with such a trade happy sport like baseball . Cause you’re not just trading the main roster of Like 40 guys , it’s the 5 minor league affiliates , that have 25 plus guys on each team as well .
I know the GM of the team I support , the Mariners , can trade anywhere between 20-50 guys a season . Be hard to ask a question like “do you want to play here” to someone else’s player, or , also coming across as a massive douchebag

 

[Speed2burn]

Question: would people rather Widdop (1y)/Noffa (3y) or Laurie (4y)/Mansour(2y). If I had to choose I would probably take Laurie/Mansour

Hard call. Both scenarios have upside and downside.
On Nofoaluma, I really want him to re-sign as I value loyalty but if I’m honest, as footballers I thing him and mansour are interchangeable

Certainly not sure of why, but Nofo hasn’t seemed to be showing loyalty atm?

But I do think wingers are the easiest position to change, quick blokes are coming through every day.

I’ve heard Nofoaluma is getting itchy feet about wanting to play semi final footy and also thinks his value has gone up. You could call that disloyal but you could also call it fair. I think we are heading towards finals footy but we regressed on field in 2020 and maybe he’s had enough. I hope he stays though.

One hot season and he's out to play semis? He's the only other long term player aside from Brooks that can be associated with the repeated past failures. Bit rich to have good season and then start getting bullish about wanting finals footy. If that's his attitude he can go. Stay and build something here, or do a Tedesco/Moses/Woods and parachute into an already successful outfit. Good luck.

There is a reason why this club has not played finals in 10 seasons ..Nofoaluma should sign or move on ,obviously has tickets on himself ,wIngers are a dime a dozen Bigger / faster and can tackle ! Brooks
**will be lucky to see out the full season in the top grade.**

How about instead of bashing our halfback we support him...how many dally m position awards have we got in our current squad? Exactly

In a season where basically only nofa and Luciano had a good year, Brooks seems to be the common go to man for criticism

To be fair, he is the halfback!!!!
If without Munster or Hughes I don’t think Melbourne win the grand final last year, it’s simple without a top line halfback we will struggle to put on points week in week out.
And unfortunately that comes down to brooks.

The halfback who has played with a new coach every two years, a reserve grade pack for most of his career and about a dozen different halves combinations yet still has got multiple club player of the year awards, and Dally M half of the year

 

[voice_of_reason]

@Cultured_Bogan said in [Signing Suggestions & Rumours](/post/1284541):
>Bit rich to have good season and then start getting bullish about wanting finals footy. If that's his attitude he can go.

I disagree - I want every single player in the squad to be bullish about playing finals - this is EXACTLY the attitude we should aspire to. We need to set goals, develop the plan and cultivate the mindset to win.

I want the players to hate losing.

 

[Cultured_Bogan]

>Bit rich to have good season and then start getting bullish about wanting finals footy. If that's his attitude he can go.

I disagree - I want every single player in the squad to be bullish about playing finals - this is EXACTLY the attitude we should aspire to. We need to set goals, develop the plan and cultivate the mindset to win.

I want the players to hate losing.

So do I, but to have one good season and then start talking about wanting to the big coin contract, play finals and going elsewhere to achieve it if you have to when you've been a constant in the underwhelming performances really stinks for mine.

 

[Newtown]

>Bit rich to have good season and then start getting bullish about wanting finals footy. If that's his attitude he can go.

I disagree - I want every single player in the squad to be bullish about playing finals - this is EXACTLY the attitude we should aspire to. We need to set goals, develop the plan and cultivate the mindset to win.

I want the players to hate losing.

Just like the supporters.

 

[Furious1]

NRL 2021: Wests Tigers’ rebuilt pack to break ‘ninth place’ curse

Shawn Blore has read all the stories already writing off his club’s 2021 chances. But the rising Tigers forward says the club’s rebuilt pack can shut the naysayers up.Wests Tigers young gun Shawn Blore shudders at the memory of the pain that comes with tackling former Parramatta behemoth Stefano Utoikamanu.

It’s one of the reasons Blore is relieved Utoikamanu is now a teammate at Concord.

Penrith product Blore played against Utoikamanu all through the junior grades and has experienced the devastation of the prop’s power first hand.

“I grew up playing with Stefano and I hated tackling him,” Blore said.

“Every time I slipped on an opposition jersey against him I hated it because I knew he’d be running at me and he’s that hard to tackle.

“Bro, he’s massive and weighs like 116kg and is already the second-fittest forward in the team. He’s a freak.

“Wait until he finds his feet in the NRL — he is going to be something special.”


Blore believes the acquisition of Utoikamanu, Brisbane’s Joe Ofahengaue and former Penrith skipper and teammate James Tamou will transform the Tigers’ forward pack into one of the NRL’s most formidable in season 2021.

The kind of forward pack that can end the Tigers’ finals exile and end the “ninth place” taunts that Blore, 20, has had enough of reading on social media. The Concord club has finished 9th on the NRL ladder three times since last making a finals appearance in 2011.

“Once he (Utoikamanu) finds his feet in the NRL our forward pack is going to be pretty tough to stop,” Blore said.


“I know a lot of people on socials are saying ‘oh the Tigers and the ninth spot’ and stuff like that but I truly believe that we are on the rise.

“With Stefano and Joffa (Ofahengaue) and the guys we already have, we are going to have a great forward pack once we get some time in together.

“Reading that stuff about being written off is going to be good for us, we can really prove a point in 2021 because we have a lot of talent here.

“That talk motivates me and I hope it motivates the other boys.”


Blore, 20, made a memorable NRL debut back in round 11 against the Eels earlier this year.

Faced with the task of taking on Parramatta enforcer Nathan Brown, Blore refused to be intimidated by the more seasoned campaigner and delivered a rousing display of aggression and tenacity.

With five NRL games now under his belt, all off the bench, Blore has set himself a lofty goal of snaring a starting edge spot.

Luciano Leilua is expected to again start on the left edge and the inside word from Concord is that Blore, a Junior Kangaroo, is on course to snaring the second-row spot on the right spot as he continues to impress during the pre-season.



“In our annual coach’s meeting I spoke to Madge (Maguire) about what I want to do next year and about goals for myself. I want to put good consistent footy together because I know I have a lot more in the tank.

“This pre-season is about getting fit and nailing a starting spot.

“I’ll play wherever Madge wants me but I do love playing in the back row. I grew up playing there.”

Blore is really impressive, love his attitude towards the club. I just pray the inevitable doesn’t happen where he becomes one of the elite back rowers in the comp and signs elsewhere

Simple Shawn ...walk the walk mate ....earn the spot and it's yours ...and then keep on improving and learning

I agree. Sick and tired of hearing over the years what the team is "gonna" do. Talking is not doing.

 

[PabloX]

NRL 2021: Wests Tigers’ rebuilt pack to break ‘ninth place’ curse

Shawn Blore has read all the stories already writing off his club’s 2021 chances. But the rising Tigers forward says the club’s rebuilt pack can shut the naysayers up.Wests Tigers young gun Shawn Blore shudders at the memory of the pain that comes with tackling former Parramatta behemoth Stefano Utoikamanu.

It’s one of the reasons Blore is relieved Utoikamanu is now a teammate at Concord.

Penrith product Blore played against Utoikamanu all through the junior grades and has experienced the devastation of the prop’s power first hand.

“I grew up playing with Stefano and I hated tackling him,” Blore said.

“Every time I slipped on an opposition jersey against him I hated it because I knew he’d be running at me and he’s that hard to tackle.

“Bro, he’s massive and weighs like 116kg and is already the second-fittest forward in the team. He’s a freak.

“Wait until he finds his feet in the NRL — he is going to be something special.”


Blore believes the acquisition of Utoikamanu, Brisbane’s Joe Ofahengaue and former Penrith skipper and teammate James Tamou will transform the Tigers’ forward pack into one of the NRL’s most formidable in season 2021.

The kind of forward pack that can end the Tigers’ finals exile and end the “ninth place” taunts that Blore, 20, has had enough of reading on social media. The Concord club has finished 9th on the NRL ladder three times since last making a finals appearance in 2011.

“Once he (Utoikamanu) finds his feet in the NRL our forward pack is going to be pretty tough to stop,” Blore said.


“I know a lot of people on socials are saying ‘oh the Tigers and the ninth spot’ and stuff like that but I truly believe that we are on the rise.

“With Stefano and Joffa (Ofahengaue) and the guys we already have, we are going to have a great forward pack once we get some time in together.

“Reading that stuff about being written off is going to be good for us, we can really prove a point in 2021 because we have a lot of talent here.

“That talk motivates me and I hope it motivates the other boys.”


Blore, 20, made a memorable NRL debut back in round 11 against the Eels earlier this year.

Faced with the task of taking on Parramatta enforcer Nathan Brown, Blore refused to be intimidated by the more seasoned campaigner and delivered a rousing display of aggression and tenacity.

With five NRL games now under his belt, all off the bench, Blore has set himself a lofty goal of snaring a starting edge spot.

Luciano Leilua is expected to again start on the left edge and the inside word from Concord is that Blore, a Junior Kangaroo, is on course to snaring the second-row spot on the right spot as he continues to impress during the pre-season.



“In our annual coach’s meeting I spoke to Madge (Maguire) about what I want to do next year and about goals for myself. I want to put good consistent footy together because I know I have a lot more in the tank.

“This pre-season is about getting fit and nailing a starting spot.

“I’ll play wherever Madge wants me but I do love playing in the back row. I grew up playing there.”

Blore is really impressive, love his attitude towards the club. I just pray the inevitable doesn’t happen where he becomes one of the elite back rowers in the comp and signs elsewhere

Simple Shawn ...walk the walk mate ....earn the spot and it's yours ...and then keep on improving and learning

And if he does that, the club needs to upgrade and extend his contract before other clubs come knocking

 

[cochise]

Got this off zerotackle.com this morning .. I noticed Momo's on our losses list .. ?? Here's hoping this is a just a typo error .. ??

2021 LOSSES
Josh Aloiai (Manly Sea Eagles), Oliver Clark (released), Matthew Eisenhuth (Penrith Panthers), Harry Grant (Melbourne Storm), Robert Jennings (Penrith Panthers), Chris Lawrence (Retired), Benji Marshall (released), Sam McIntyre (Gold Coast Titans), Chris McQueen, Paul Momirovski, Josh Reynolds (Hull FC), Dylan Smith (released), Elijah Taylor (released)

He filmed a promo for the club last Monday

 

[Speed2burn]

NRL 2021: Wests Tigers’ rebuilt pack to break ‘ninth place’ curse

Shawn Blore has read all the stories already writing off his club’s 2021 chances. But the rising Tigers forward says the club’s rebuilt pack can shut the naysayers up.Wests Tigers young gun Shawn Blore shudders at the memory of the pain that comes with tackling former Parramatta behemoth Stefano Utoikamanu.

It’s one of the reasons Blore is relieved Utoikamanu is now a teammate at Concord.

Penrith product Blore played against Utoikamanu all through the junior grades and has experienced the devastation of the prop’s power first hand.

“I grew up playing with Stefano and I hated tackling him,” Blore said.

“Every time I slipped on an opposition jersey against him I hated it because I knew he’d be running at me and he’s that hard to tackle.

“Bro, he’s massive and weighs like 116kg and is already the second-fittest forward in the team. He’s a freak.

“Wait until he finds his feet in the NRL — he is going to be something special.”


Blore believes the acquisition of Utoikamanu, Brisbane’s Joe Ofahengaue and former Penrith skipper and teammate James Tamou will transform the Tigers’ forward pack into one of the NRL’s most formidable in season 2021.

The kind of forward pack that can end the Tigers’ finals exile and end the “ninth place” taunts that Blore, 20, has had enough of reading on social media. The Concord club has finished 9th on the NRL ladder three times since last making a finals appearance in 2011.

“Once he (Utoikamanu) finds his feet in the NRL our forward pack is going to be pretty tough to stop,” Blore said.


“I know a lot of people on socials are saying ‘oh the Tigers and the ninth spot’ and stuff like that but I truly believe that we are on the rise.

“With Stefano and Joffa (Ofahengaue) and the guys we already have, we are going to have a great forward pack once we get some time in together.

“Reading that stuff about being written off is going to be good for us, we can really prove a point in 2021 because we have a lot of talent here.

“That talk motivates me and I hope it motivates the other boys.”


Blore, 20, made a memorable NRL debut back in round 11 against the Eels earlier this year.

Faced with the task of taking on Parramatta enforcer Nathan Brown, Blore refused to be intimidated by the more seasoned campaigner and delivered a rousing display of aggression and tenacity.

With five NRL games now under his belt, all off the bench, Blore has set himself a lofty goal of snaring a starting edge spot.

Luciano Leilua is expected to again start on the left edge and the inside word from Concord is that Blore, a Junior Kangaroo, is on course to snaring the second-row spot on the right spot as he continues to impress during the pre-season.



“In our annual coach’s meeting I spoke to Madge (Maguire) about what I want to do next year and about goals for myself. I want to put good consistent footy together because I know I have a lot more in the tank.

“This pre-season is about getting fit and nailing a starting spot.

“I’ll play wherever Madge wants me but I do love playing in the back row. I grew up playing there.”

Blore is really impressive, love his attitude towards the club. I just pray the inevitable doesn’t happen where he becomes one of the elite back rowers in the comp and signs elsewhere

Simple Shawn ...walk the walk mate ....earn the spot and it's yours ...and then keep on improving and learning

I agree. Sick and tired of hearing over the years what the team is "gonna" do. Talking is not doing.

Well it’s not like the players personally ring up the media and ask them to write a story. The media rock up, stick microphones in their face right after they’ve been flogged at training

 

[sleeve]

Why would we take Sauce,we now have a stack of talented kids we can sign for peanuts.In 2022 especially we need space in our cap to hold them.

 

[happy_tiger]

***People*** want AJ at fullback with the amount of bombs he has dropped so far

He would have the worst percentage of bombs defused in the NRL from 2020

Who are these "people" you talk about?

About 10 pages back 5150 .....

 

[Furious1]

NRL 2021: Wests Tigers’ rebuilt pack to break ‘ninth place’ curse

Shawn Blore has read all the stories already writing off his club’s 2021 chances. But the rising Tigers forward says the club’s rebuilt pack can shut the naysayers up.Wests Tigers young gun Shawn Blore shudders at the memory of the pain that comes with tackling former Parramatta behemoth Stefano Utoikamanu.

It’s one of the reasons Blore is relieved Utoikamanu is now a teammate at Concord.

Penrith product Blore played against Utoikamanu all through the junior grades and has experienced the devastation of the prop’s power first hand.

“I grew up playing with Stefano and I hated tackling him,” Blore said.

“Every time I slipped on an opposition jersey against him I hated it because I knew he’d be running at me and he’s that hard to tackle.

“Bro, he’s massive and weighs like 116kg and is already the second-fittest forward in the team. He’s a freak.

“Wait until he finds his feet in the NRL — he is going to be something special.”


Blore believes the acquisition of Utoikamanu, Brisbane’s Joe Ofahengaue and former Penrith skipper and teammate James Tamou will transform the Tigers’ forward pack into one of the NRL’s most formidable in season 2021.

The kind of forward pack that can end the Tigers’ finals exile and end the “ninth place” taunts that Blore, 20, has had enough of reading on social media. The Concord club has finished 9th on the NRL ladder three times since last making a finals appearance in 2011.

“Once he (Utoikamanu) finds his feet in the NRL our forward pack is going to be pretty tough to stop,” Blore said.


“I know a lot of people on socials are saying ‘oh the Tigers and the ninth spot’ and stuff like that but I truly believe that we are on the rise.

“With Stefano and Joffa (Ofahengaue) and the guys we already have, we are going to have a great forward pack once we get some time in together.

“Reading that stuff about being written off is going to be good for us, we can really prove a point in 2021 because we have a lot of talent here.

“That talk motivates me and I hope it motivates the other boys.”


Blore, 20, made a memorable NRL debut back in round 11 against the Eels earlier this year.

Faced with the task of taking on Parramatta enforcer Nathan Brown, Blore refused to be intimidated by the more seasoned campaigner and delivered a rousing display of aggression and tenacity.

With five NRL games now under his belt, all off the bench, Blore has set himself a lofty goal of snaring a starting edge spot.

Luciano Leilua is expected to again start on the left edge and the inside word from Concord is that Blore, a Junior Kangaroo, is on course to snaring the second-row spot on the right spot as he continues to impress during the pre-season.



“In our annual coach’s meeting I spoke to Madge (Maguire) about what I want to do next year and about goals for myself. I want to put good consistent footy together because I know I have a lot more in the tank.

“This pre-season is about getting fit and nailing a starting spot.

“I’ll play wherever Madge wants me but I do love playing in the back row. I grew up playing there.”

Blore is really impressive, love his attitude towards the club. I just pray the inevitable doesn’t happen where he becomes one of the elite back rowers in the comp and signs elsewhere

Simple Shawn ...walk the walk mate ....earn the spot and it's yours ...and then keep on improving and learning

I agree. Sick and tired of hearing over the years what the team is "gonna" do. Talking is not doing.

Well it’s not like the players personally ring up the media and ask them to write a story. The media rock up, stick microphones in their face right after they’ve been flogged at training

I'm aware of that and agree with it. However, every year we get the same fluff articles from players about what we are going to do and frankly i don't want to read or hear about it anymore, i just want to see it delivered upon. If your going to say stuff in the media ( which i know they are obliged to do) then you need to back it up on the field. Actions are the only thing that matters, not the talk.

 

[bathursttiger1]

Got this off zerotackle.com this morning .. I noticed Momo's on our losses list .. ?? Here's hoping this is a just a typo error .. ??

2021 LOSSES
Josh Aloiai (Manly Sea Eagles), Oliver Clark (released), Matthew Eisenhuth (Penrith Panthers), Harry Grant (Melbourne Storm), Robert Jennings (Penrith Panthers), Chris Lawrence (Retired), Benji Marshall (released), Sam McIntyre (Gold Coast Titans), Chris McQueen, Paul Momirovski, Josh Reynolds (Hull FC), Dylan Smith (released), Elijah Taylor (released)

Well if it’s on Zero Tackle it must be gospel.

 

[compensate]

I can tell you something about Kepaoa, the first few games he played with us and in particular the Melbourne one the kid was playing with eye vision problems. The recovery was evident with his cracking match vs the Eels

 

[tigerap]

NRL 2021: Wests Tigers’ rebuilt pack to break ‘ninth place’ curse

Shawn Blore has read all the stories already writing off his club’s 2021 chances. But the rising Tigers forward says the club’s rebuilt pack can shut the naysayers up.Wests Tigers young gun Shawn Blore shudders at the memory of the pain that comes with tackling former Parramatta behemoth Stefano Utoikamanu.

It’s one of the reasons Blore is relieved Utoikamanu is now a teammate at Concord.

Penrith product Blore played against Utoikamanu all through the junior grades and has experienced the devastation of the prop’s power first hand.

“I grew up playing with Stefano and I hated tackling him,” Blore said.

“Every time I slipped on an opposition jersey against him I hated it because I knew he’d be running at me and he’s that hard to tackle.

“Bro, he’s massive and weighs like 116kg and is already the second-fittest forward in the team. He’s a freak.

“Wait until he finds his feet in the NRL — he is going to be something special.”


Blore believes the acquisition of Utoikamanu, Brisbane’s Joe Ofahengaue and former Penrith skipper and teammate James Tamou will transform the Tigers’ forward pack into one of the NRL’s most formidable in season 2021.

The kind of forward pack that can end the Tigers’ finals exile and end the “ninth place” taunts that Blore, 20, has had enough of reading on social media. The Concord club has finished 9th on the NRL ladder three times since last making a finals appearance in 2011.

“Once he (Utoikamanu) finds his feet in the NRL our forward pack is going to be pretty tough to stop,” Blore said.


“I know a lot of people on socials are saying ‘oh the Tigers and the ninth spot’ and stuff like that but I truly believe that we are on the rise.

“With Stefano and Joffa (Ofahengaue) and the guys we already have, we are going to have a great forward pack once we get some time in together.

“Reading that stuff about being written off is going to be good for us, we can really prove a point in 2021 because we have a lot of talent here.

“That talk motivates me and I hope it motivates the other boys.”


Blore, 20, made a memorable NRL debut back in round 11 against the Eels earlier this year.

Faced with the task of taking on Parramatta enforcer Nathan Brown, Blore refused to be intimidated by the more seasoned campaigner and delivered a rousing display of aggression and tenacity.

With five NRL games now under his belt, all off the bench, Blore has set himself a lofty goal of snaring a starting edge spot.

Luciano Leilua is expected to again start on the left edge and the inside word from Concord is that Blore, a Junior Kangaroo, is on course to snaring the second-row spot on the right spot as he continues to impress during the pre-season.



“In our annual coach’s meeting I spoke to Madge (Maguire) about what I want to do next year and about goals for myself. I want to put good consistent footy together because I know I have a lot more in the tank.

“This pre-season is about getting fit and nailing a starting spot.

“I’ll play wherever Madge wants me but I do love playing in the back row. I grew up playing there.”

Blore is really impressive, love his attitude towards the club. I just pray the inevitable doesn’t happen where he becomes one of the elite back rowers in the comp and signs elsewhere

Simple Shawn ...walk the walk mate ....earn the spot and it's yours ...and then keep on improving and learning

I agree. Sick and tired of hearing over the years what the team is "gonna" do. Talking is not doing.

It’s the same at every team this time of the year....can’t knock them for being aspirational

 

[sleeve]

NRL 2021: Wests Tigers’ rebuilt pack to break ‘ninth place’ curse

Shawn Blore has read all the stories already writing off his club’s 2021 chances. But the rising Tigers forward says the club’s rebuilt pack can shut the naysayers up.Wests Tigers young gun Shawn Blore shudders at the memory of the pain that comes with tackling former Parramatta behemoth Stefano Utoikamanu.

It’s one of the reasons Blore is relieved Utoikamanu is now a teammate at Concord.

Penrith product Blore played against Utoikamanu all through the junior grades and has experienced the devastation of the prop’s power first hand.

“I grew up playing with Stefano and I hated tackling him,” Blore said.

“Every time I slipped on an opposition jersey against him I hated it because I knew he’d be running at me and he’s that hard to tackle.

“Bro, he’s massive and weighs like 116kg and is already the second-fittest forward in the team. He’s a freak.

“Wait until he finds his feet in the NRL — he is going to be something special.”


Blore believes the acquisition of Utoikamanu, Brisbane’s Joe Ofahengaue and former Penrith skipper and teammate James Tamou will transform the Tigers’ forward pack into one of the NRL’s most formidable in season 2021.

The kind of forward pack that can end the Tigers’ finals exile and end the “ninth place” taunts that Blore, 20, has had enough of reading on social media. The Concord club has finished 9th on the NRL ladder three times since last making a finals appearance in 2011.

“Once he (Utoikamanu) finds his feet in the NRL our forward pack is going to be pretty tough to stop,” Blore said.


“I know a lot of people on socials are saying ‘oh the Tigers and the ninth spot’ and stuff like that but I truly believe that we are on the rise.

“With Stefano and Joffa (Ofahengaue) and the guys we already have, we are going to have a great forward pack once we get some time in together.

“Reading that stuff about being written off is going to be good for us, we can really prove a point in 2021 because we have a lot of talent here.

“That talk motivates me and I hope it motivates the other boys.”


Blore, 20, made a memorable NRL debut back in round 11 against the Eels earlier this year.

Faced with the task of taking on Parramatta enforcer Nathan Brown, Blore refused to be intimidated by the more seasoned campaigner and delivered a rousing display of aggression and tenacity.

With five NRL games now under his belt, all off the bench, Blore has set himself a lofty goal of snaring a starting edge spot.

Luciano Leilua is expected to again start on the left edge and the inside word from Concord is that Blore, a Junior Kangaroo, is on course to snaring the second-row spot on the right spot as he continues to impress during the pre-season.



“In our annual coach’s meeting I spoke to Madge (Maguire) about what I want to do next year and about goals for myself. I want to put good consistent footy together because I know I have a lot more in the tank.

“This pre-season is about getting fit and nailing a starting spot.

“I’ll play wherever Madge wants me but I do love playing in the back row. I grew up playing there.”

Blore is really impressive, love his attitude towards the club. I just pray the inevitable doesn’t happen where he becomes one of the elite back rowers in the comp and signs elsewhere

Simple Shawn ...walk the walk mate ....earn the spot and it's yours ...and then keep on improving and learning

I agree. Sick and tired of hearing over the years what the team is "gonna" do. Talking is not doing.

Well it’s not like the players personally ring up the media and ask them to write a story. The media rock up, stick microphones in their face right after they’ve been flogged at training

Maybe we can go back to the Charlie Chaplain days before talkies.

 

[Mighty_Tiger]

The doubt on AJ’s hands is justified but if his vision issues had been as bad as mentioned which have been fixed this kid could be a real find for us. His body shape, speed, agility and confidence are primed & ready.