Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Elderslie_Tiger]

I know it’s not signing related but I just noticed how big all the tigers players are now, is this the same at all clubs or are the tigers players just really smashing the gym like never before!! Even blokes like Jacob liddle has arms like legs now?

I was thinking the same thing all the players look bigger and stronger this year just hope we don't get to many muscle injuries

 

[bathursttiger1]

Dale Finucane ?

Throw the kitchen sink at him.

Haha I only just noticed he is off contract this year as well. Yep id take him in a heartbeat.

Solve our lock problem instantly.

In my opinion either him or Jake Turbo are the missing piece that would make us top 8 maybe top 4. Leadership, defence, mental toughness, will to win. All boxes ticked. ✅

Jake Trjobevic is a step up on Finucane ...he can ball play at or before the line ...that is a massive advantage


The only way he or his brother will ever leave Manly is if they get 2-3 years of the spoon.It is not a money thing with either of them

Yeah realize that ..was just putting it in perspective ....Jake is the best 13 in the comp along with Taumalolo

And we will probably never get within cooee of signing either


Ehhh you reckon? I'd take Murray or Radley over either of those two, and we are no chance of signing them aswell

Nah Jake has a huge set of kahunas ...he'd kill his entire family just to jump on a loose ball ....the other two are pretty boys

Mate radley plays 10kg above his weight. I've seen him drop Tapau front on and Tapau would have 15-20kgs on him easily

Agree on Jurbo but he looks lost without his bro...had a quiet season by his standards imo

Jake T definitely had a down year. Was ball playing too much which often didn't lead to much and his running game seemed less effective. Don't get me wrong he's a good player but there's quite a few better locks in the Nrl I reckon

He came off a serious injury and then lost his brother who compliments him very well

I thought the problem was he got really worked over defensively and his attack got blunted ..which when you take Tommy away as well didn't help .....throw in the fact we had a stop start season didn't help him

The main reason he struggled was because they lost there hooker api koroisau he is unbelievable at keeping the ruck guessing just look what he did for penrith

An uncommon opinion, but saw the ruck as WT attacking weakness this past season as well.

yeah that Harry Grant is pretty ordinary ....

Geez, that's a bit harsh on a guy that works like a cattle dog.

I think that there was a bit of sarcasm in reply to FG's previous comment.

 

[Guest]

@THE_POM is Ky Rodwell still training with us? Some good raps on him. Really not a fan of Docker_Clay. Was very ordinary in the SL and seems more like Pita Godinet signing which was terrible. Surely there is a better back up half 5/8 option out there?

Maybe that’s what the isaako signing is about . Mbye becomes the backup , with Laurie and madden . And Isaako serves as a backup for fullback and wing . Or starter on the wing . I don’t know . Seems like better roster balance if they are looking at it that way . Instead of guy who failed at CC cup and SL. Not saying he sux , as I’ve said before , anybody in a NRL or even SL squad is probably the best junior you ever saw in your age group growing up . But like you said . Surely there’s something better out there .

Maybe this is why Mbye has stood down as captain
This could make the possibility of him moving to Brisbane much smoother
Just a guess on my behalf
But if frees up a spot in the back line for Isaako and gives us another option for a kicker
Still leaves us room for a lock and or back rower

Mbye didn't stand down, he was told he wouldn't be Captain.

 

[weststigers]

Isaako showed plenty of promise in his debut year but has been ok since without being spectacular. Say his drop in form was from his fathers sickness and eventual death, combined with Sieboldgate I’m confident he can get back to that.

Upside - GK, FG (something we probably lack too), good finisher, wouldn’t be hugely priced off a couple average seasons.

Downside - potentially blocks AJ and Talau who by all reports are meant to be something special and unless we plan on cutting either one or both or JTJ/BJ loose from their club options we could lose one or both of them to rivals.

Think Talau and AJ both looked up to it without shining too bright. Potentially Madge wants a bit more.

Goal kicking is an issue in our team - I know Doueihi nailed a few bangers in one game, but the next week he went right back down to his usual <70% average.

If it's between Isaako or Talau/Kepaoa, I'm picking Isaako.

 

[Mighty_Tiger]

Find it strange anyone saying we are ok for outside backs. We have no depth. Our backline is full of rookies / out of form/haven’t played for a while backs & have a few injury prone backs as well.

Issako for Walters is a big team upgrade for us. He is also a specialist winger & can play fullback. We don’t have specialist winger depth. He also goal kicks over 75-80% which straight up wins us games. He makes us stronger squad. Only issue in mind would be salary. Thought Broncos signed for heaps.

 

[Tiger5150]

Find it strange anyone saying we are ok for outside backs. We have no depth. Our backline is full of rookies / out of form/haven’t played for a while backs & have a few injury prone backs as well.

Issako for Walters is a big team upgrade for us. He is also a specialist winger & can play fullback. We don’t have specialist winger depth. He also goal kicks over 75-80% which straight up wins us games. He makes us stronger squad. Only issue in mind would be salary. Thought Broncos signed for heaps.

I'd say we have depth in every backline position. For every backline position there is a solid first grader who can step in. I would like Isaako but it starts to get to the point where we will have very good first graders (by Tigers standards) stranded outside the 17 and I worry about their development.

 

[Newtown]

Isaako showed plenty of promise in his debut year but has been ok since without being spectacular. Say his drop in form was from his fathers sickness and eventual death, combined with Sieboldgate I’m confident he can get back to that.

Upside - GK, FG (something we probably lack too), good finisher, wouldn’t be hugely priced off a couple average seasons.

Downside - potentially blocks AJ and Talau who by all reports are meant to be something special and unless we plan on cutting either one or both or JTJ/BJ loose from their club options we could lose one or both of them to rivals.

Think Talau and AJ both looked up to it without shining too bright. Potentially Madge wants a bit more.

Goal kicking is an issue in our team - I know Doueihi nailed a few bangers in one game, but the next week he went right back down to his usual <70% average.

If it's between Isaako or Talau/Kepaoa, I'm picking Isaako.

Goal kicking will be the difference between the team making the 8 or missing the 8 in 2021.

 

[Spud_Murphy]

https://twitter.com/nrlinside/status/1359086971373506565?s=21

goal kicker

Outside back & Goal Kicker ticks Hartigans boxes.

Do you think it’s a realistic chance of happening?

Are they trying to make it happen, yes !
Do I think it will happen, no.

We want a back in return with Brisbane not too keen on releasing anyone (that we want anyway). Kevie desperate enough to get his son on board, the next day or 2 will be telling.

The Isaako talk has been going on for a fair while ... I mean like over 12 months .....true ??

Yes he’s been spoken about internally before, Madge is a big fan after working with him in the NZ Camp, thinks he could be something very special & Issako is a fan of Madge.

I’m with Madge in that one! He had a bad season last year along with the entire Broncos team, but he had shown enough previously to convince me that he is something special

https://twitter.com/nrlinside/status/1359086971373506565?s=21

goal kicker

Outside back & Goal Kicker ticks Hartigans boxes.

Do you think it’s a realistic chance of happening?

Are they trying to make it happen, yes !
Do I think it will happen, no.

We want a back in return with Brisbane not too keen on releasing anyone (that we want anyway). Kevie desperate enough to get his son on board, the next day or 2 will be telling.

The Isaako talk has been going on for a fair while ... I mean like over 12 months .....true ??

Yes he’s been spoken about internally before, Madge is a big fan after working with him in the NZ Camp, thinks he could be something very special & Issako is a fan of Madge.

I’m with Madge on that one! He had a bad season last year as did the entire Broncos team, but he has shown enough previously to convince me that he is something special!

Imagine both Isaako and Roberts back to their best form running around in our backline ?

 

[sleeve]

I wonder if the POM or others have information on which players have been tutored in goalkicking and if improvement is to be expected ?

 

[AJ1]

Issako for Walters is a big team upgrade for us.

Agree. To release Walters and Momo for Laurie and Issako is great roster management

 

[Spartan117]

Maybe this is why Mbye has stood down as captain
This could make the possibility of him moving to Brisbane much smoother

Mbye would be brill for the Broncos.

 

[yeahcaz]

Anyone got further info on Allan Fitzgibbon ? Has me intrigued as I know it’s an odd thing to notice but he seems to be featured in a ton of the pre season photos

 

[Geo]

Isaako showed plenty of promise in his debut year but has been ok since without being spectacular. Say his drop in form was from his fathers sickness and eventual death, combined with Sieboldgate I’m confident he can get back to that.

Upside - GK, FG (something we probably lack too), good finisher, wouldn’t be hugely priced off a couple average seasons.

Downside - potentially blocks AJ and Talau who by all reports are meant to be something special and unless we plan on cutting either one or both or JTJ/BJ loose from their club options we could lose one or both of them to rivals.

Think Talau and AJ both looked up to it without shining too bright. Potentially Madge wants a bit more.

Goal kicking is an issue in our team - I know Doueihi nailed a few bangers in one game, but the next week he went right back down to his usual <70% average.

If it's between Isaako or Talau/Kepaoa, I'm picking Isaako.

Goal kicking will be the difference between the team making the 8 or missing the 8 in 2021.

No ..defence will be..

 

[Tim Sheens]

Dale Finucane ?

Throw the kitchen sink at him.

Haha I only just noticed he is off contract this year as well. Yep id take him in a heartbeat.

Solve our lock problem instantly.

In my opinion either him or Jake Turbo are the missing piece that would make us top 8 maybe top 4. Leadership, defence, mental toughness, will to win. All boxes ticked. ✅

Jake Trjobevic is a step up on Finucane ...he can ball play at or before the line ...that is a massive advantage


The only way he or his brother will ever leave Manly is if they get 2-3 years of the spoon.It is not a money thing with either of them

Yeah realize that ..was just putting it in perspective ....Jake is the best 13 in the comp along with Taumalolo

And we will probably never get within cooee of signing either


Ehhh you reckon? I'd take Murray or Radley over either of those two, and we are no chance of signing them aswell

Nah Jake has a huge set of kahunas ...he'd kill his entire family just to jump on a loose ball ....the other two are pretty boys

Mate radley plays 10kg above his weight. I've seen him drop Tapau front on and Tapau would have 15-20kgs on him easily

Agree on Jurbo but he looks lost without his bro...had a quiet season by his standards imo

Jake T definitely had a down year. Was ball playing too much which often didn't lead to much and his running game seemed less effective. Don't get me wrong he's a good player but there's quite a few better locks in the Nrl I reckon

He came off a serious injury and then lost his brother who compliments him very well

I thought the problem was he got really worked over defensively and his attack got blunted ..which when you take Tommy away as well didn't help .....throw in the fact we had a stop start season didn't help him

The main reason he struggled was because they lost there hooker api koroisau he is unbelievable at keeping the ruck guessing just look what he did for penrith

An uncommon opinion, but saw the ruck as WT attacking weakness this past season as well.

yeah that Harry Grant is pretty ordinary ....

Geez, that's a bit harsh on a guy that works like a cattle dog.

I think that there was a bit of sarcasm in reply to FG's previous comment.

Yeah, yet your detector missed the excess of the same dripping from that which you quoted.

Again, so as there is no misconception, I liked Harry, particularly his willingness, tenacity and pass to the right, which as a strength I feel is likely a big reason it went that way so often. That said I have long stated and maintain that along with the defensive issues, WT biggest problem was service at the ruck in getting our forwards rolling and lack of left side play.

Quite happy to revisit these matters during the upcoming season as evidence may arrive showing one way or the other. In the meantime, let us all hope that it improves.

 

[Spartan117]

Really proud of the NEW attitude in the Clubs recruitment


* Not willing to pay spectacular Overs
* Recruiting attitude and size
* Demanding a favourable outcome in player Trades (Walters -Issako is ballsy)
* Looking to secure players a year in advance
* Not letting Heart take precedence in personnel decisions (Benji)
* Inserting a Club Option in certain players contracts as Insurance



Well Done Madge, Hartigan and Pascoe

The club is setting good foundations

 

[Leichardt61]

I wonder if the POM or others have information on which players have been tutored in goalkicking and if improvement is to be expected ?

Doueihi, Brooks, Mbye and I'm fairly certain Madden were the guys tutored this pre-season. Basically a coin toss on whether or not the teams conversion rate improves as we seem the have the worst luck.

 

[pawsandclaws1]

Anyone got further info on Allan Fitzgibbon ? Has me intrigued as I know it’s an odd thing to notice but he seems to be featured in a ton of the pre season photos

You probably noticed him because the Marketing team also noticed him and liked the cut of his jib.

 

[Shooter Mcgavin]

Anyone got further info on Allan Fitzgibbon ? Has me intrigued as I know it’s an odd thing to notice but he seems to be featured in a ton of the pre season photos

Think @THE_POM mentioned he was a good chance to get elevated to development or top30 before the season rolls around.

I have been thinking the same thing, was headlining in Tamworth video and had all the boys mucking around behind him which as a side note thought was good to see the boys having a laugh together.

Never really seen him play but him and JTJ could be a speedy edge from all reports

 

[TigerVinnie]

Anyone got further info on Allan Fitzgibbon ? Has me intrigued as I know it’s an odd thing to notice but he seems to be featured in a ton of the pre season photos

Think @THE_POM mentioned he was a good chance to get elevated to development or top30 before the season rolls around.

I have been thinking the same thing, was headlining in Tamworth video and had all the boys mucking around behind him which as a side note thought was good to see the boys having a laugh together.

Never really seen him play but him and JTJ could be a speedy edge from all reports

If you watch his reggies highlights the kid is insanely fast. Brook's also mentioned months ago in a TV interview he can apparently jump really high too - definitely has JAC vibes about him.

His biggest test (and I believe POM mentioned this a while back) is his attitude to make it as a professional. I have been following his stories on instagram daily and he definitely gives off big ego vibes, so hopefully he can keep his head screwed on and work hard for the wing spot as he could be a massive strike weapon with JTJ on his inside.

 

[TigerWest]

Anyone got further info on Allan Fitzgibbon ? Has me intrigued as I know it’s an odd thing to notice but he seems to be featured in a ton of the pre season photos

Think @THE_POM mentioned he was a good chance to get elevated to development or top30 before the season rolls around.

I have been thinking the same thing, was headlining in Tamworth video and had all the boys mucking around behind him which as a side note thought was good to see the boys having a laugh together.

Never really seen him play but him and JTJ could be a speedy edge from all reports

If you watch his reggies highlights the kid is insanely fast. Brook's also mentioned months ago in a TV interview he can apparently jump really high too - definitely has JAC vibes about him.

His biggest test (and I believe POM mentioned this a while back) is his attitude to make it as a professional. I have been following his stories on instagram daily and he definitely gives off big ego vibes, so hopefully he can keep his head screwed on and work hard for the wing spot as he could be a massive strike weapon with JTJ on his inside.

Just has a look about him, that he will succeed.