Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[TigerWest]

That’s 100% correct no formal offer was put forward to McInnes or his management, catch up was to gage exactly where he was at & his thoughts on playing position which at the time was Hooker or nothing else hence discussions didn’t really eventuate further.
Seems McInnes has had a re-think on his Hooker stance.

**The Tigers should have been smarter.**

**The Club Should rethink the publicity associated with public meetings.**

This would avoid sensationalist stories being published and leaving the our club again looking like it took a yet another blow in the recruitment market.


Been thinking that as well. Madge is very hands on but might make sense to let Hartigan do the public meetings, he’s a lot less recognisable.

In response to a couple of the above quotes.
The club being smarter about it.

Agree. We probably need to be less and more transparent. In the case of meetings. I feel it’s fine to have meetings between players and the coach. What I would like to hear is Madge openly refruting media reports.
In the case of meeting with Cam.
Quote something like. “Cam is a solid player and would be a welcome addition to any team as the opening statement.
If pressed further, state, “cam and I have a previous history from another club and he was just after some career advise. Pressed if the tigers would sign him to play hooker or any other position.
“No, we are very satisfied with our current roster”
Not one of our front facing people. Coach, recruitment manager, CEO or Chairman should make a statement saying they are looking at signing this player.

Furthermore to that. It’s time the tigers get on the front foot with the media.
Threaten them with removing any chance of exposure.

This whole we have a preferred reporter and leaking little droplets out to those sources is crueling us.
Treat the media. All sources as an equal entity and deny them access. Only provide them information through offical club statements.
If they don’t agree. Tell them we just going to give up red herrings at every opportunity and we will not allow you access to our players.
Make a stand!

It doesn't work like that.

Tell me if you can, how it does work.
Why does the media have so much leverage over only a select few clubs?
Why do other clubs get away with silence until an official announcement is made.

If your going to tell me well because we aren’t one of the strong clubs and don’t have the relations to ensure favourable press.

We’ll explain to me how a basket case club like the bulldogs can get away with no misreporting until an offical announcement was made. Tigers have been linked to JAC the whole time then as soon as JAC said it’s not happening it was silence everywhere until an offical announcement.

The bulldogs used to have high influence with the likes of Ray Dib but he is no longer on their board.
In fact outside of the football team which is often gloated about the football club is reported as a shambles but yet media likes and players still flock to them.

We can’t get a favourable report from our very own James Hooper. Paid member and fan of the Tigers’s. Have the club shut him out so, now anything that doesn’t come his way he has a grind against?

They'll print whatever sells.

I don't understand why anyone gets pent up about media reporting. Media are generally lazy and desperate for attention / clicks. They'll trot out the same old stories if it continues to get views for their newspaper.

Tigers are easy to flog as we haven't made the finals in 10 years. It's much harder to fling mud at clubs who have had some decent success. Tigers are easy targets and with a large and wider supporter base to appeal to.

Secondary to all of this, I bet my bottom dollar that many clubs have as much negative reporting as Tigers do, but fans have selection bias towards Tigers news.

Couldn't agree more.
Just wanted to add logic, facts and reasoning usually evades their minds though so it can be amusing, if you choose to look at it that way.

I'll admit I don't like when we're baited though. I see Lee is now included in the Folau talk.

His comments? No doubt was asked a question?

https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2021-israel-folau-return-to-the-nrl-st-george-illawarra-dragons-fit-and-proper-person-test-contract-wests-tigers/news-story/63809741341910aacdc04677a68a7fd0

**Tigers wouldn’t sign Folau, but ex-Wallaby may have grounds to challenge NRL contract rule**

Wests Tigers chairman Lee Hagipentalis says there is no way his club would consider signing Israel Folau, but admitted the former Wallaby may have a good chance of legally challenging the NRL if they refuse to register his contract.
Folau was linked with a surprise return to the NRL on Tuesday with St George Illawarra on the same day it emerged the Red V’s skipper, Cameron McInnes, would join Cronulla.

The former dual-code international has spent the last year playing in Super League with Catalans Dragons after he was sacked by Rugby Australia over homophobic social media posts.

Hagipentalis, a qualified lawyer, appeared on SEN where he made it clear, in his view, the Tigers would have no interest in signing Folau.

“Should he be allowed back in the NRL? It’s a judgment call,” Hagipentalis said.

“I would have great difficulty in signing him for the Wests Tigers. I disagree vehemently with a lot of his public comments, they concern me generally. I think that would be the consensus among our fans and members.

“He’s a great player, but there’s a significant and potential downside and risk to engage someone who has the potential to be very vocal and divides and that’s not something that would be suitable to the culture we’ve built at the Wests Tigers.”

While the Tigers are not interested in adding Folau, the Dragons certainly are.

The problem, though, is Folau’s contract would need to be registered.

ARL commission chairman Peter V’landys has previously said there is no place for Folau’s views in the NRL.

However, Hagipentalis, said that Folau, who took Rugby Australia through a lengthy and expensive legal battle over his sacking, could have grounds to have his registration approved.

“The test is whether he is a fit and proper person, that’s a decision to be made by the NRL,” he added.

“That’s obviously subject to the NRL. If the NRL in its infinite wisdom that he was not a fit and proper person and then refused registration, you’d expect that would be subject to a challenge.

“Fit and proper person is not a test unique to the NRL. To become a lawyer in NSW you need to be a fit and proper person. And I can tell you there are a few people have been admitted as solicitors who some people might raise an eyebrow to.

“Israel Folau, to my knowledge, has not committed any criminal offence, charged with any criminal offence. He’s made very public statement which are proven to be very divisive and contrary to what I think is the broader community view.

“Is that sufficient to deny him an opportunity to ply his trade? That remains to be seen.”

Sorry mate just ignore my comments please?
(Lee has a particular Brydens Lawyers segment on the show and I therefore had my wires crossed).
I'm also probably feeling a tad overexcited right now - with the new season being just around the corner.
It's the calm before the storm!! 

I'm not joking about my anticipation levels though. I find It's getting pretty hard to contain.. the closer we get.

Also, thanks @davey_farrell. You're a true gentleman and a good sport ?

All good, but know what you mean, can’t wait for season to start myself, to see what we are made of.

 

[AdelaideTiger]

NRL news Walters going to Broncos next week.

Hope were getting something in return... where was the rumour posted?


who even from Brisbane is worth pursuing apart from Haas and Staggs? which i have more chance of getting struck by lightning than us signing either of them two

Dearden?

Carrigan or Jordan riki

 

[BAGNF05]

If Walters leaves the squad is at 26 and trials are approaching. Question has to be asked, did we release too many players?

 

[Speed2burn]

If Walters leaves the squad is at 26 and trials are approaching. Question has to be asked, did we release too many players?

I'd say likely we upgrade Allan Fitz and or / Tyrone Roberts aswell. I remember POM mentioning we were going to reserve 1 spot on the slight chance we get Laurie

 

[Speed2burn]

NRL news Walters going to Broncos next week.

Hope were getting something in return... where was the rumour posted?


who even from Brisbane is worth pursuing apart from Haas and Staggs? which i have more chance of getting struck by lightning than us signing either of them two

Dearden?

Carrigan or Jordan riki

Forgot about carrigan, seemed like the only one to really give a stuff last year for the donkeys

 

[weststigerman]

I’m sure the club has a plan to replace Walters. We’ve done alright getting replacements this off season.

IMO we need a 3rd choice dummy half more than we need a backup half.

 

[Spud_Murphy]

7 saying Walters gone unclear if this year. Perhaps clears up Hastings?

A 3 team swap would be sensational. Walters >broncos lodgepanthers Laurie Tigers

Where has that come from?

People do understand that by releasing Dane Laurie the Panthers do not get either salary cap relief or an additional squad spot. He is a development player on their roster, not in the 30.
**This is going to play out the same way it did with Parra and Stefano.**

Yep people need to stop waiting for Laurie to magically emerge in our colours this season, it ain’t gonna happen!

 

[BAGNF05]

If Walters leaves the squad is at 26 and trials are approaching. Question has to be asked, did we release too many players?


I'd say likely we upgrade Allan Fitz and or / Tyrone Roberts aswell. I remember POM mentioning we were going to reserve 1 spot on the slight chance we get Laurie

Same hymn book every year. Leave spots open in case talent becomes available, sign Nevilles on the eve of the Comp.

 

[TigerWest]

If Walters leaves the squad is at 26 and trials are approaching. Question has to be asked, did we release too many players?


I'd say likely we upgrade Allan Fitz and or / Tyrone Roberts aswell. I remember POM mentioning we were going to reserve 1 spot on the slight chance we get Laurie

Yep, Zach Dockar-Clay (DH/half) for Walters is what’s being rumoured, plus these 2, Fitzgibbon looks a beast and apparently quick. I think the forwards are OK for now, then with 1 spot left, we have the cash and the space for a good player whatever position that may be.

 

[TigerWest]

If Walters leaves the squad is at 26 and trials are approaching. Question has to be asked, did we release too many players?


I'd say likely we upgrade Allan Fitz and or / Tyrone Roberts aswell. I remember POM mentioning we were going to reserve 1 spot on the slight chance we get Laurie

Same hymn book every year. Leave spots open in case talent becomes available, sign Nevilles on the eave of the Comp.

Whose to say the “Nevilles” don’t become the talent, we have some pretty smart people looking at this, I will trust there judgment.

 

[BAGNF05]

If Walters leaves the squad is at 26 and trials are approaching. Question has to be asked, did we release too many players?


I'd say likely we upgrade Allan Fitz and or / Tyrone Roberts aswell. I remember POM mentioning we were going to reserve 1 spot on the slight chance we get Laurie

Same hymn book every year. Leave spots open in case talent becomes available, sign Nevilles on the eave of the Comp.

Whose to say the “Nevilles” don’t become the talent, we have some pretty smart people looking at this, I will trust there judgment.

Bit like me waiting for a $101 pop to get up on a Saturday afternoon mate

 

[Speed2burn]

If Walters leaves the squad is at 26 and trials are approaching. Question has to be asked, did we release too many players?


I'd say likely we upgrade Allan Fitz and or / Tyrone Roberts aswell. I remember POM mentioning we were going to reserve 1 spot on the slight chance we get Laurie

Same hymn book every year. Leave spots open in case talent becomes available, sign Nevilles on the eve of the Comp.

Who's to say that's not our current approach right now. Origin players don't just come into the market every week

 

[Speed2burn]

If Walters leaves the squad is at 26 and trials are approaching. Question has to be asked, did we release too many players?


I'd say likely we upgrade Allan Fitz and or / Tyrone Roberts aswell. I remember POM mentioning we were going to reserve 1 spot on the slight chance we get Laurie

Same hymn book every year. Leave spots open in case talent becomes available, sign Nevilles on the eave of the Comp.

Whose to say the “Nevilles” don’t become the talent, we have some pretty smart people looking at this, I will trust there judgment.

Bit like me waiting for a $101 pop to get up on a Saturday afternoon mate

ONe day I'll get one....even if it's a random sunday sha tin meeting in the am?

 

[Needaname]

If Walters leaves the squad is at 26 and trials are approaching. Question has to be asked, did we release too many players?


I'd say likely we upgrade Allan Fitz and or / Tyrone Roberts aswell. I remember POM mentioning we were going to reserve 1 spot on the slight chance we get Laurie

Yep, Zach Dockar-Clay (DH/half) for Walters is what’s being rumoured, plus these 2, Fitzgibbon looks a beast and apparently quick. I think the forwards are OK for now, then with 1 spot left, we have the cash and the space for a good player whatever position that may be.

Well he’d be a decent add for cover. Been around the traps for quite a few years now. Never quite cracking it with any one side. How old is he. Hasn’t he gone from Parra, Penrith, to Warriors and now us?

 

[TigerWest]

**'The standard is a lot higher': Eisenhuth back where it all started**

https://www.nrl.com/news/2021/02/04/the-standard-is-a-lot-higher-eisenhuth-back-where-it-all-started/

I guess he is not planning on coming back?

 

[TigerWest]

If Walters leaves the squad is at 26 and trials are approaching. Question has to be asked, did we release too many players?


I'd say likely we upgrade Allan Fitz and or / Tyrone Roberts aswell. I remember POM mentioning we were going to reserve 1 spot on the slight chance we get Laurie

Yep, Zach Dockar-Clay (DH/half) for Walters is what’s being rumoured, plus these 2, Fitzgibbon looks a beast and apparently quick. I think the forwards are OK for now, then with 1 spot left, we have the cash and the space for a good player whatever position that may be.

Well he’d be a decent add for cover. Been around the traps for quite a few years now. Never quite cracking it with any one side. How old is he. Hasn’t he gone from Parra, Penrith, to Warriors and now us?

Don't know anything about him, but sounds similar to Walters?

 

[TigerWest]

If Walters leaves the squad is at 26 and trials are approaching. Question has to be asked, did we release too many players?


I'd say likely we upgrade Allan Fitz and or / Tyrone Roberts aswell. I remember POM mentioning we were going to reserve 1 spot on the slight chance we get Laurie

Same hymn book every year. Leave spots open in case talent becomes available, sign Nevilles on the eave of the Comp.

Whose to say the “Nevilles” don’t become the talent, we have some pretty smart people looking at this, I will trust there judgment.

Bit like me waiting for a $101 pop to get up on a Saturday afternoon mate

Well, you wont win if you don't play.

 

[TigerVinnie]

**'The standard is a lot higher': Eisenhuth back where it all started**

https://www.nrl.com/news/2021/02/04/the-standard-is-a-lot-higher-eisenhuth-back-where-it-all-started/

I guess he is not planning on coming back?

What happened to the unspoken rule of not bagging your old club?

The one that employed you? paid you 100s of thousands of dollars a year to play footy? the ones that carried you despite being a no name?

Players set the standards. They were the ones that constantly lost year after year...cant stand it when they somehow deserve an ego and feel the need to throw dirt on their previous club.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

**'The standard is a lot higher': Eisenhuth back where it all started**

https://www.nrl.com/news/2021/02/04/the-standard-is-a-lot-higher-eisenhuth-back-where-it-all-started/

I guess he is not planning on coming back?

What happened to the unspoken rule of not bagging your old club?

The one that employed you? paid you 100s of thousands of dollars a year to play footy? the ones that carried you despite being a no name?

Players set the standards. They were the ones that constantly lost year after year...cant stand it when they somehow deserve an ego and feel the need to throw dirt on their previous club.

He was not offered a contract, and has found himself at last years grand finalists. What do you expect him to say?

 

[TigerVinnie]

**'The standard is a lot higher': Eisenhuth back where it all started**

https://www.nrl.com/news/2021/02/04/the-standard-is-a-lot-higher-eisenhuth-back-where-it-all-started/

I guess he is not planning on coming back?

What happened to the unspoken rule of not bagging your old club?

The one that employed you? paid you 100s of thousands of dollars a year to play footy? the ones that carried you despite being a no name?

Players set the standards. They were the ones that constantly lost year after year...cant stand it when they somehow deserve an ego and feel the need to throw dirt on their previous club.

He was not offered a contract, and has found himself at last years grand finalists. What do you expect him to say?

That warrants a jab at our clubs standards? Can't be grateful for his previous club and ready to do a job at his new club?