Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[happy_tiger]

We are not far behind being a very good side in 2022.Somone like Crichton at fullback and Luai at 5/8 along with Laurie would transform the backline.These type of players and a few upgrades from our lower ranks , are what we need and we have the money I,m not suggesting we would be that lucky to get those two. Just 2 quality players and a goalkicker is well within our reach.

I agree we need two high profile recruits who will bring a winning edge and flip the perception. That’s the great challenge facing WT as there arent any available and when they do become available they turn their nose at the club.

Hey BAGS, have a look at players off contract in 2022,there are plenty.And i don't believe that crap that we are less chance then others.Titans,Dogs,and others recruited well and they were not favourable locations not long ago.

I know mate, but look at Xavier Coates as an example. Storm, Titans and Brisbane are in the market, not us. And we’re no given to keep our best winger. For the really elite guys, they just brush us.

Maybe he has said Sydney isn't an option ....I just looked at the clubs you mentioned

Could be true but I don’t have time to list all the other stars that have decided against WT, you cannot deny it’s a trend.

Sorry I added to the post after you replied ...I totally agree with your sentiments

 

[twentyforty]

Just thinking back to recent history, and thinking what a mess Madge inherited.The signing of McQueen injured and hardly played,Reynolds,the same,Packer played for a short time only,then mostly injured.The loss of Teddy our most promising star,Woodsy our captain and leader,Moses ,still a very good player.Then we have Mbye who never lived up to his price tag.With little money in the cap and lacking talent,we then bought some average players.And some people think Madge could have done more!


I think the rot set in a long time before that. They were the bandaids which didn’t stick.

Somewhat agree,but Mybe $900,000,Mc Queen $500,000 ?Packer and JR, $700,000 ? each.Thats a lot of money invested with little return,thats not easy to recover from.

I think all those players were offered upgrades on their contracts with their respective clubs. That tells us how trashed the WT brand had become.

 

[BAGNF05]

We are not far behind being a very good side in 2022.Somone like Crichton at fullback and Luai at 5/8 along with Laurie would transform the backline.These type of players and a few upgrades from our lower ranks , are what we need and we have the money I,m not suggesting we would be that lucky to get those two. Just 2 quality players and a goalkicker is well within our reach.

I agree we need two high profile recruits who will bring a winning edge and flip the perception. That’s the great challenge facing WT as there arent any available and when they do become available they turn their nose at the club.

Hey BAGS, have a look at players off contract in 2022,there are plenty.And i don't believe that crap that we are less chance then others.Titans,Dogs,and others recruited well and they were not favourable locations not long ago.

I know mate, but look at Xavier Coates as an example. Storm, Titans and Brisbane are in the market, not us. And we’re no given to keep our best winger. For the really elite guys, they just brush us.

Maybe he has said Sydney isn't an option ....I just looked at the clubs you mentioned

Could be true but I don’t have time to list all the other stars that have decided against WT, you cannot deny it’s a trend.

Sorry I added to the post after you replied ...I totally agree with your sentiments

It’s just a shame because we are building ok and 2-3 top line guys would really elevate the club to where we all want it to be. It just seems we can’t quite break that cycle. Hopefully 2-3 guys on our roster take that jump this year and maybe that’s the catalyst?

 

[diedpretty]

The Dogs had the Morris twins and were awful. Spending big on a bunch of outside backs is not how you win this comp. Expect them to continue to finish 8th to 14th for the next 4 years

Dogs were actually competitive for large chunks of games last year but couldn’t score points, I’d say they are filling needs with NRL proven players or ones that look like they have upside (Burton/Hetherington). Honestly I think they’ll push for top 4 maybe miss due to a lack of a hooker.

Do you honestly think the dogs will push for top 4 in 2021?!

No chance. They won't make the 8. They may get close to the 8 in 2021 when JAC and Burton join the team.

Cotric and Allen are upgrades and Flanagan will give them direction. Their pack is NRL standard. I have them 4th-9th. If they miss it’ll be due to Marshall-King at hooker.

The best club of the last decade, moved Flanagan on, so why do you think he will shine in a bottom 2 team?

Allen was moved on, why was that?

There forwards got to an inch of the spoon only because the Bronc’s were the worst ever.

I think they will struggle. Then watch the club implode at board level blaming everyone for the debacle.

Also Burton had big wraps,but what has he done?Some said he will end up in the forwards.

On the one hand, people are saying our young talent strategy is great, then bag the Bulldogs Burton signing - Who will definitely be a long term NRL talent - so which is it?

I swear there’s a few jealous fans on here, we’d be over the moon if we get Cotric, JAC and Burton. And hetherington.

I'd say its closer to 50/50 on here of those praising the abilities of the younger brigade we have signed. I'd place Burton in the same category as most of the young players with potential we have signed. Both he and Laurie look the goods and have shown glimpses at NRL level but who knows how they will go over a full season.

 

[TrueTiger]

I will have one input to this thread atm....everyone wetting their pants over JAC,should really understand the game and how different systems and coaching work at this level..

1...JAC has done really well in the Melb system and coaching from Bellamy...
2...The whole team works as a unit and therefore they have won numerous premierships with the core team..
3...JAC finishes well, AFTER the forwards and backs put him in the position to score and they have done their work,his speed is needed to finish off the movement...
4...He is a winger,thats all he has played...huge punt paying him big money to play FB ...unknown commodity....even as a winger $650k is outrageous especially in a team like the Dogs who are rebuilding with a non proven NRL coach....

Just my opinion...because I dont let emotions get in the way of reality,either does Hartigan...

Maybe we should give you a job.

Yeah that would be great,but I dont play favourites just skilled ,hardworking players,very similar to Madge,admin could be the place for me....I have excellent people skills and business acumen...you never know really...


TT, apologies butting in on your job interview mate, but didn’t dogs sign fox to play wing? Isn’t Allen their new FB?
I’ll just close the door on my way out. ?

Yeah,who knows what will eventuate in 2021...I still think that JACs ability to play FB is limited because of being a specialist winger,I was saying that the money he wanted from us was to high to play a position he isnt a specialist in...

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

Just heard that Souths have made Noffa an offer, was on Sunrise this morning.


Doesn’t make sense? They didn’t go after Fox because they were top heavy with outside backs, but they make an offer for a slower, older player?

Corey Allan has gone to the dogs...


Allan was a winger who they played at FB because he was considered too short to be a flanker. He’s 4cm taller than Nofa. It’s a bogus offer imo.

if Nofo goes anywhere it would be Parra and that would probably only happen if we get Mansour and Laurie comes to us early for 2021

 

[Spud_Murphy]

The Dogs had the Morris twins and were awful. Spending big on a bunch of outside backs is not how you win this comp. Expect them to continue to finish 8th to 14th for the next 4 years

Dogs were actually competitive for large chunks of games last year but couldn’t score points, I’d say they are filling needs with NRL proven players or ones that look like they have upside (Burton/Hetherington). Honestly I think they’ll push for top 4 maybe miss due to a lack of a hooker.

Do you honestly think the dogs will push for top 4 in 2021?!

No chance. They won't make the 8. They may get close to the 8 in 2021 when JAC and Burton join the team.

Cotric and Allen are upgrades and Flanagan will give them direction. Their pack is NRL standard. I have them 4th-9th. If they miss it’ll be due to Marshall-King at hooker.

The best club of the last decade, moved Flanagan on, so why do you think he will shine in a bottom 2 team?

Allen was moved on, why was that?

There forwards got to an inch of the spoon only because the Bronc’s were the worst ever.

I think they will struggle. Then watch the club implode at board level blaming everyone for the debacle.

Also Burton had big wraps,but what has he done?Some said he will end up in the forwards.

On the one hand, people are saying our young talent strategy is great, then bag the Bulldogs Burton signing - Who will definitely be a long term NRL talent - so which is it?

**I swear there’s a few jealous fans on here, we’d be over the moon if we get Cotric, JAC and Burton. And hetherington.**

Without a doubt.

 

[tiger_scott]

In my opinion, Noffa wants to stay. If we get close to his highest offer, even under it slightly, I think he will. I'm sure he can see that we are building to something and would want to be part of it. If management has set an upper limit and someone offers more, then good luck to him for looking after himself and his family. I want him to stay, but we need to continue on this path of fiscal responsibility that we have adopted.

 

[twentyforty]

I will have one input to this thread atm....everyone wetting their pants over JAC,should really understand the game and how different systems and coaching work at this level..

1...JAC has done really well in the Melb system and coaching from Bellamy...
2...The whole team works as a unit and therefore they have won numerous premierships with the core team..
3...JAC finishes well, AFTER the forwards and backs put him in the position to score and they have done their work,his speed is needed to finish off the movement...
4...He is a winger,thats all he has played...huge punt paying him big money to play FB ...unknown commodity....even as a winger $650k is outrageous especially in a team like the Dogs who are rebuilding with a non proven NRL coach....

Just my opinion...because I dont let emotions get in the way of reality,either does Hartigan...

Maybe we should give you a job.

Yeah that would be great,but I dont play favourites just skilled ,hardworking players,very similar to Madge,admin could be the place for me....I have excellent people skills and business acumen...you never know really...


TT, apologies butting in on your job interview mate, but didn’t dogs sign fox to play wing? Isn’t Allen their new FB?
I’ll just close the door on my way out. ?

Yeah,who knows what will eventuate in 2021...I still think that JACs ability to play FB is limited because of being a specialist winger,I was saying that the money he wanted from us was to high to play a position he isnt a specialist in...

Somehow I think he got the leverage from us he was looking for. My understanding was we offered $500k as a full time winger with increases if playing FB with a minimum of 12 games and maximum $675k. He took the $65Ok on offer at the dogs with no strings, which came in after our offer. I would love to see him back but not at $650k. I think Brett Morris is a better winger than both Fox and Nofa and he’s on about $350k.

 

[bigsiro]

The Dogs had the Morris twins and were awful. Spending big on a bunch of outside backs is not how you win this comp. Expect them to continue to finish 8th to 14th for the next 4 years

Dogs were actually competitive for large chunks of games last year but couldn’t score points, I’d say they are filling needs with NRL proven players or ones that look like they have upside (Burton/Hetherington). Honestly I think they’ll push for top 4 maybe miss due to a lack of a hooker.

Do you honestly think the dogs will push for top 4 in 2021?!

No chance. They won't make the 8. They may get close to the 8 in 2021 when JAC and Burton join the team.

Cotric and Allen are upgrades and Flanagan will give them direction. Their pack is NRL standard. I have them 4th-9th. If they miss it’ll be due to Marshall-King at hooker.

The best club of the last decade, moved Flanagan on, so why do you think he will shine in a bottom 2 team?

Allen was moved on, why was that?

There forwards got to an inch of the spoon only because the Bronc’s were the worst ever.

I think they will struggle. Then watch the club implode at board level blaming everyone for the debacle.

Also Burton had big wraps,but what has he done?Some said he will end up in the forwards.

On the one hand, people are saying our young talent strategy is great, then bag the Bulldogs Burton signing - Who will definitely be a long term NRL talent - so which is it?

**I swear there’s a few jealous fans on here, we’d be over the moon if we get Cotric, JAC and Burton. And hetherington.**

Without a doubt.

100%

 

[twentyforty]

Just heard that Souths have made Noffa an offer, was on Sunrise this morning.


Doesn’t make sense? They didn’t go after Fox because they were top heavy with outside backs, but they make an offer for a slower, older player?

Corey Allan has gone to the dogs...


Allan was a winger who they played at FB because he was considered too short to be a flanker. He’s 4cm taller than Nofa. It’s a bogus offer imo.

if Nofo goes anywhere it would be Parra and that would probably only happen if we get Mansour and Laurie comes to us early for 2021

It’s looking like Mansour could be going back to Bunnies?

 

[TigerWest]

In my opinion, Noffa wants to stay. If we get close to his highest offer, even under it slightly, I think he will. I'm sure he can see that we are building to something and would want to be part of it. If management has set an upper limit and someone offers more, then good luck to him for looking after himself and his family. I want him to stay, but we need to continue on this path of fiscal responsibility that we have adopted.

I hope he stays but only at our price otherwise he can move on, there are plenty of good wingers around

 

[sleeve]

I don't agree with all the negative comments posted here regarding inability to sign top players.You are all panicking and its become infectious on this forum.Its early days in contract negotiations,and the club will get the best result that suits our roster Many of us fancy certain players on the market,and get pissed when we don't pursue them(though nobody really knows)we are too biased to make quality deciscions.Leave it to the recruitment staff who know all the facts We will get top players be patient

 

[Elderslie_Tiger]

Just thinking back to recent history, and thinking what a mess Madge inherited.The signing of McQueen injured and hardly played,Reynolds,the same,Packer played for a short time only,then mostly injured.The loss of Teddy our most promising star,Woodsy our captain and leader,Moses ,still a very good player.Then we have Mbye who never lived up to his price tag.With little money in the cap and lacking talent,we then bought some average players.And some people think Madge could have done more!

Unfortunately Madge had to mark time and work with what he had.
It’s now his time to shine and with what he has done in the last 4 months is incredible still probably hasn't got the team he wants but with the new recruits on board may bring the disappointing player up.

 

[balmain boy]

We are not far behind being a very good side in 2022.Somone like Crichton at fullback and Luai at 5/8 along with Laurie would transform the backline.These type of players and a few upgrades from our lower ranks , are what we need and we have the money I,m not suggesting we would be that lucky to get those two. Just 2 quality players and a goalkicker is well within our reach.

I agree we need two high profile recruits who will bring a winning edge and flip the perception. That’s the great challenge facing WT as there arent any available and when they do become available they turn their nose at the club.

Hey BAGS, have a look at players off contract in 2022,there are plenty.And i don't believe that crap that we are less chance then others.Titans,Dogs,and others recruited well and they were not favourable locations not long ago.

I know mate, but look at Xavier Coates as an example. Storm, Titans and Brisbane are in the market, not us. And we’re no given to keep our best winger. For the really elite guys, they just brush us.

How on earth do you know we're not in the market?

I'm positive we are. I'm sure there's a dozen NRL clubs that have spoken to his manager about signing him.

Does his price tag and attitude fit in with how clubs rate his abilities? That's another matter.

 

[earl]

But I agree with your post …when you continually miss the top talent questions need to be asked and answered …especially if we miss the finals again

Melbourne always miss top talent. I don't see the issue. I'd rather miss out on top talent than overpay for top talent.

 

[bigsiro]

But I agree with your post …when you continually miss the top talent questions need to be asked and answered …especially if we miss the finals again

Melbourne always miss top talent. I don't see the issue. I'd rather miss out on top talent than overpay for top talent.

I don’t get these comments re not wishing to spend big on top talent as it might be too much.

Why? Are you so confident that we will be in a better position by not spending the money?

We have to pay more than other clubs because our proposition is nowhere near as attractive.

I get not wanting to be suckers, but I’d rather be a sucker who got the top talent, than the alternative. At least we had a go.

 

[earl]

But I agree with your post …when you continually miss the top talent questions need to be asked and answered …especially if we miss the finals again

Melbourne always miss top talent. I don't see the issue. I'd rather miss out on top talent than overpay for top talent.

I don’t get these comments re not wishing to spend big on top talent as it might be too much.

Why? Are you so confident that we will be in a better position by not spending the money?

We have to pay more than other clubs because our proposition is nowhere near as attractive.

I get not wanting to be suckers, but I’d rather be a sucker who got the top talent, than the alternative. At least we had a go.

The point is that there are multiple ways to develop a good team. You only get so many shots at paying overs and then your salary cap starts to become a problem.

I disagree that our club isn't an attractive proposition. I reckon it comes down to money most of the time.

We have overpaid our juniors and our top recruits for a number of years and I think that is a big reason why we've under performed. The way we let Marsters go for instance shows how to manage a successful club. The way we recruited AD and Luc are to me good examples of using your cap dollars wisely. Reynolds, Packer and Mbye were not dud players at one point but we've paid them for their absolute best form which they didn't produce with us. To me that is not the way to develop a top team. It's too risky.

Sure you gotta have a go and take a risk sometimes but you only get so many shots at that.

 

[sleeve]

For all of buy the best player on the market thinkers.Say we have $1.5mil for next year, for a start we have Laurie coming,how much cap?$400,000.Simkin plays like Harry and has to be upgraded ,how much?Many others including development players to be upgraded,how much ? Who do we keep?who do we release? A lot will depend on the performance of players in both grades.The money we have is not infinite and many hrs of planning must go into these decisions.

 

[happy_tiger]

But I agree with your post …when you continually miss the top talent questions need to be asked and answered …especially if we miss the finals again

Melbourne always miss top talent. I don't see the issue. I'd rather miss out on top talent than overpay for top talent.

No they just always grab the most talented junior and get it right virtually every time .......and then keep them 90% of the time