Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Russell]

This forum cares way too much about players personalities... as long as they work hard at training and work hard on the field let's take them. We can't afford to run background checks on players and only sign charity workers.... McGuire is a grub but he would be a solid pickup and footy is what matters

I'm very proud of the fact our club hasn't ever been seen as purveyers of grubby play.
To the point that even the "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Finger" or Tim Simona stuff never left a stigma upon our great clubs name in the same way Storm cheated the cap or Easts Rorters continually seem so flushed for choice or Sharks being found over the cap every year either side of their premiership.
Our integrity is intact.
We are proud.
We signed bone-heads before, the most recent having been dropped last week.
Was it last year McGuire got done for eye-gouging?
Let us not even entertain the thought of having someone of so little repute at our club.
If we limp... we limp like men!


Other big teams (especially forwards) dont respect us
we play nice
we don't play finals

Im sick of limping out of finals contention

I think most teams do respect us, we are quite known for producing the unexpected

Havn't been in contention for a while sure but we make most teams sweat regardless

Incorrect. No one respects us at all. We're generally considered a laughing stock to most clubs and players.

You know this for sure, right? You know what most clubs and players generally think about Tigers, you've taken a survey?


have you? It's not an emotional thing here.

Everyone rests players against us, we play teams back into form, we had prayer circles, our forward struggle to make 100m a game, we cant score points and now have a record for more than 26 points scored against us in consecutive weeks.

Seriously its been a mess over the years, slowly getting better though. Potentially we may be underestimated soon, but not yet.

No I haven't done a survey, but I am not making claims to know what players think. It's just a stupid and pointless claim that "most clubs and players" think or do anything.

You claim resting players, playing teams back into form... there's no data for that, just sweeping generalisations.

The one legitimate thing you've said is the bad defensive record >26 points in consecutive weeks. No debating that, and I believe that is the primary difference between where we are now and finals football. All the rest of it - the wingers, Brooks' performance, Doueihi as a long-term 5/8th option, our hookers... I think they are all very secondary to a complete inability to defend under pressure.

But, again, not making any stupid and pointless claims about what other teams "think".


Lol it's what they say and do - on record. On radio. On the net. In the papers. Before and after games. It's their words and actions, not mine. It's the coaches, players, recruits. Latrell said he didn't want to be the big player at a club or something like that. Coaches regularly down play our efforts. Look at Moses rolling over the sideline. No respect. That hurts.

Im not hiding behind a false accusation that a survey is necessary, I just read. A lot.

But whatever put those rose coloured glasses on and believe we are a powerhouse, feared and respected by all for missing the finals, sacking club legends, front office disasters, salary cap management etc.... 9th place is a good result right?

It's the coaches fault, the halfbacks fault, we don't have wingers, our 5/8 is bad, no one would buy our hooker, we cant defend, cant make a last tackle play, cant buy a repeat set. Crumble under pressure etc.

But wait, why would you respect a team like that? Even some on the forum don't seem to at times.

Problem is most people are losing patience at history repeating. Again and again and again.

As I said, it's changing, just slowly. But, it is changing. More deadwood gone at the end of this year - another step forward. One step towards respect. Finals this year would be another. Might even jag a win.

If we get it right a lack or respect turns to underestimation. hopefully in September.

I'll just take my sweeping generalisations and brush them under the rug. Seems too be better if we just think its all ok.

Personally, Im sick of it. Hopefully the players are as well. Because according to Kent if you cant make it as the Tigers, who would buy you?

Kent has as much respect as we seem to have - why would anyone listen to that dope.

 

[Russell]

Just imagine Reynolds playing for us instead of Souffs.

No Walker (hurts me to even mention that grubs name) to guide the team around, very poor defender, he has no running game with Souffs let alone with us. People say he has no back problems, I'm sure you would find out pretty quick if he was playing with us and no bodyguards around him. Crunch!!!!

The guy has a pretty good kicking game - he also has players around him that take advantage of that....do we?

Would not be half the player with us - personally think he is pretty ordinary player with a good kicking game.

It would be a Big NO from me.

 

[avocadoontoast]

Just imagine Reynolds playing for us instead of Souffs.

No Walker (hurts me to even mention that grubs name) to guide the team around, very poor defender, he has no running game with Souffs let alone with us. People say he has no back problems, I'm sure you would find out pretty quick if he was playing with us and no bodyguards around him. Crunch!!!!

The guy has a pretty good kicking game - he also has players around him that take advantage of that....do we?

Would not be half the player with us - personally think he is pretty ordinary player with a good kicking game.

It would be a Big NO from me.

What half would you like to see us target then Russ?

 

[pawsandclaws1]

Just imagine Reynolds playing for us instead of Souffs.

No Walker (hurts me to even mention that grubs name) to guide the team around, very poor defender, he has no running game with Souffs let alone with us. People say he has no back problems, I'm sure you would find out pretty quick if he was playing with us and no bodyguards around him. Crunch!!!!

The guy has a pretty good kicking game - he also has players around him that take advantage of that....do we?

Would not be half the player with us - personally think he is pretty ordinary player with a good kicking game.

It would be a Big NO from me.

What half would you like to see us target then Russ?

Why do we need to target a half? I and a few others don't have the effigies/pitch forks/tar/feathers for Brooks. I think he is very good and our best player.

 

[avocadoontoast]

Just imagine Reynolds playing for us instead of Souffs.

No Walker (hurts me to even mention that grubs name) to guide the team around, very poor defender, he has no running game with Souffs let alone with us. People say he has no back problems, I'm sure you would find out pretty quick if he was playing with us and no bodyguards around him. Crunch!!!!

The guy has a pretty good kicking game - he also has players around him that take advantage of that....do we?

Would not be half the player with us - personally think he is pretty ordinary player with a good kicking game.

It would be a Big NO from me.

What half would you like to see us target then Russ?

Why do we need to target a half? I and a few others don't have the effigies/pitch forks/tar/feathers for Brooks. I think he is very good and our best player.

And you're entitled to your opinion Paws. I personally don't think Brooks has what it takes to build a team around. After 150 games a halfback should be out there screaming and directing the team, but he seems to me to be one of the least vocal. He's incredibly passive. I also think a non negotiable for a halfback is to have a decent kicking game and his is completely ineffective both long and short.

 

[tony soprano]

Wonder if we having a look at Folau lee just spoke about his situation and didn’t shut it down

 

[sleeve]

Just imagine Reynolds playing for us instead of Souffs.

No Walker (hurts me to even mention that grubs name) to guide the team around, very poor defender, he has no running game with Souffs let alone with us. People say he has no back problems, I'm sure you would find out pretty quick if he was playing with us and no bodyguards around him. Crunch!!!!

The guy has a pretty good kicking game - he also has players around him that take advantage of that....do we?

Would not be half the player with us - personally think he is pretty ordinary player with a good kicking game.

It would be a Big NO from me.

What half would you like to see us target then Russ?

Why do we need to target a half? I and a few others don't have the effigies/pitch forks/tar/feathers for Brooks. I think he is very good and our best player.

Agree, what player in the side has contributed more. ? He's been as good as Doeihie, still more valuable then Laurie, better then our slow and talentless centres and wingers, and with a better forward pack his game is picking up.
This is a side that has yet to jell, and has come up against 3 of the best sides in the comp, he and Doeihie will get better as will the whole side gets its combinations working, but the simple thing is we have a lousy backline for the halves to work with.

 

[weststigers]

Anyone that thinks Corey Oates will have better hands than Kepaoa needs to watch a few Broncos replays...

I'm keen on Folau...would make a big difference to our side on the wing or in the centres.

 

[isaaktigers]

Stick with Brook, Douhie, Laurie and Liddle/Simpkins.

Give them time to work with the mojo.

I’d be spending big money on one of the positions of 8, 10, 11 or 13.

Yes, we have people there, but I’m thinking a marquee type forward.

 

[jrtiger]

Stick with Brook, Douhie, Laurie and Liddle/Simpkins.

Give them time to work with the mojo.

I’d be spending big money on one of the positions of 8, 10, 11 or 13.

Yes, we have people there, but I’m thinking a marquee type forward.

13 is the big one. potentially front row as well but 13 has to be the priority.

 

[InBenjiWeTrust]

Stick with Brook, Douhie, Laurie and Liddle/Simpkins.

Give them time to work with the mojo.

I’d be spending big money on one of the positions of 8, 10, 11 or 13.

Yes, we have people there, but I’m thinking a marquee type forward.

13 is the big one. potentially front row as well but 13 has to be the priority.

Taumalolo!😛ray:

 

[avocadoontoast]

Stick with Brook, Douhie, Laurie and Liddle/Simpkins.

Give them time to work with the mojo.

I’d be spending big money on one of the positions of 8, 10, 11 or 13.

Yes, we have people there, but I’m thinking a marquee type forward.

13 is the big one. potentially front row as well but 13 has to be the priority.

Taumalolo!😛ray:

Not entirely sure the new rule changes suit his style of play at lock. I look at him more of a big minutes front rower tbh. I think the Cameron Murray/Victor Radley type player will be the style of locks moving forward.

 

[jirskyr]

This forum cares way too much about players personalities... as long as they work hard at training and work hard on the field let's take them. We can't afford to run background checks on players and only sign charity workers.... McGuire is a grub but he would be a solid pickup and footy is what matters

I'm very proud of the fact our club hasn't ever been seen as purveyers of grubby play.
To the point that even the "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Finger" or Tim Simona stuff never left a stigma upon our great clubs name in the same way Storm cheated the cap or Easts Rorters continually seem so flushed for choice or Sharks being found over the cap every year either side of their premiership.
Our integrity is intact.
We are proud.
We signed bone-heads before, the most recent having been dropped last week.
Was it last year McGuire got done for eye-gouging?
Let us not even entertain the thought of having someone of so little repute at our club.
If we limp... we limp like men!


Other big teams (especially forwards) dont respect us
we play nice
we don't play finals

Im sick of limping out of finals contention

I think most teams do respect us, we are quite known for producing the unexpected

Havn't been in contention for a while sure but we make most teams sweat regardless

Incorrect. No one respects us at all. We're generally considered a laughing stock to most clubs and players.

You know this for sure, right? You know what most clubs and players generally think about Tigers, you've taken a survey?


have you? It's not an emotional thing here.

Everyone rests players against us, we play teams back into form, we had prayer circles, our forward struggle to make 100m a game, we cant score points and now have a record for more than 26 points scored against us in consecutive weeks.

Seriously its been a mess over the years, slowly getting better though. Potentially we may be underestimated soon, but not yet.

No I haven't done a survey, but I am not making claims to know what players think. It's just a stupid and pointless claim that "most clubs and players" think or do anything.

You claim resting players, playing teams back into form... there's no data for that, just sweeping generalisations.

The one legitimate thing you've said is the bad defensive record >26 points in consecutive weeks. No debating that, and I believe that is the primary difference between where we are now and finals football. All the rest of it - the wingers, Brooks' performance, Doueihi as a long-term 5/8th option, our hookers... I think they are all very secondary to a complete inability to defend under pressure.

But, again, not making any stupid and pointless claims about what other teams "think".


Lol it's what they say and do - on record. On radio. On the net. In the papers. Before and after games. It's their words and actions, not mine. It's the coaches, players, recruits. Latrell said he didn't want to be the big player at a club or something like that. Coaches regularly down play our efforts. Look at Moses rolling over the sideline. No respect. That hurts.

Im not hiding behind a false accusation that a survey is necessary, I just read. A lot.

But whatever put those rose coloured glasses on and believe we are a powerhouse, feared and respected by all for missing the finals, sacking club legends, front office disasters, salary cap management etc.... 9th place is a good result right?

It's the coaches fault, the halfbacks fault, we don't have wingers, our 5/8 is bad, no one would buy our hooker, we cant defend, cant make a last tackle play, cant buy a repeat set. Crumble under pressure etc.

But wait, why would you respect a team like that? Even some on the forum don't seem to at times.

Problem is most people are losing patience at history repeating. Again and again and again.

As I said, it's changing, just slowly. But, it is changing. More deadwood gone at the end of this year - another step forward. One step towards respect. Finals this year would be another. Might even jag a win.

If we get it right a lack or respect turns to underestimation. hopefully in September.

I'll just take my sweeping generalisations and brush them under the rug. Seems too be better if we just think its all ok.

Personally, Im sick of it. Hopefully the players are as well. Because according to Kent if you cant make it as the Tigers, who would buy you?

I appreciate your passion, I really do, but yes they are sweeping generalisations. I am sure you read a lot, so do I. Actually, yes, data is required to make such large claims.

The initial comment that I responded to was
>no one respects us at all, we are generally considered a laughing stock to most clubs and players".

To make such a statement is to assume to know what clubs and players "generally" think, which is of course nonsense. At best, one could say "I have an impression that other clubs don't respect us". Still lacking in data but at the very least nobody can argue that you have developed an "impression" of something without claiming it to be factual.

Your latest comments "What THEY say and do", "words and actions" - that's just a generalised impression. How many players actually on record as disrespecting Tigers, thinking Tigers are a joke? Of all the players, how many? How many teams actually put in less effort in the weeks they play Tigers, or assume it is a "W" no matter what? How many teams skip video sessions, skip training sessions, rest players, "think about next week" when it's a Tigers match? How many teams are traveling so well in 2021 as to not be particularly bothered with the lower-ranked sides?

Tigers should defeat Cowboys this week and yet there are Tigers fans worried about a "danger game". Why is it that Tigers have danger games but other clubs apparently don't? Why do Tigers need to respect all other sides but other clubs don't apparently need to respect Tigers? Surely, at the very least, clubs like Newcastle, Bulldogs, Cowboys, Broncos, Manly, Warriors (that's 40% of the clubs) take Tigers seriously. I am also sure I hear, with mundane regularity, talk from very many players and coaches about "respecting every side every week" and "never being complacent".

I'm sure as hell Parramatta players and fans took Tigers VERY seriously when we scored back-to-back tries on Monday and got within 2 points. I can only speak to the Parra supporters around me who suddenly became very nervous with their teams inability to put the Tigers away, but I am going to assume it rippled around the stadium.

I don't want people to misunderstand me either; I'm not rose-coloured glasses, I'm not claiming that Tigers are going fine or the club hasn't had a horrendous run of non-success. I'm not satisfied as a supporter. But also, I recognise how complicated and slow progress can be (that's not to say nobody else recognises this, it's just how I approach being a fan). I can only be patient, that's one of three options available to me: be patient, be/go mad, or quit. I get it, some fans choose to quit and I can understand that. Some fans choose to withdraw funds from the club - that part I can't understand; voting with your wallet does nothing to promote success. Some fans don't quit but spend the time feeling mad, and I get it.

But I've said it before, I used to support Balmain and in my 35 years of watching rugby league, the Tigers have only ever made the finals 7 times, 3 Grand Finals, 1 premiership. My Dad is 67 this year, he's only ever seen two Tigers premierships his whole life. I accepted a long time ago that I support a club that hasn't gone anywhere near a dynasty, so the best I can do is just hope for the best.

@BAGNF05 made some daft comment down this thread about being a "realist", but let's all be serious, there's arguably nothing more realistic than acknowledging that Wests Tigers are not a successful club and not getting bogged down in external noise from other clubs or players.

On a separate note, I also find it psychologically interesting that some fans fixate on what other clubs think. It really shouldn't matter. Not only can you not easily measure what "other people think", it really shouldn't matter to the output of a football team. Wins matter. Scores matter. Opinions don't really matter. I don't care about Paul Kent or Cooper Cronk or RCG or Brad Arthur. They can't win football games for Wests Tigers.

In fact, I think it can be well argued that being overly concerned with outside opinions is a key risk for failure. If you believe an opponent doesn't respect you, do you fire up and perform better, or do you capitulate too easily under the pre-conceived idea that your opponents think you are a joke? Is that itself just a form of projection? Is the truth actually that you think you are a joke, and you project that belief onto your opponents? Are Tigers players actually wracked with a lack of self-belief?

 

[jirskyr]

There are plenty of realists on here mate, ignore the ones who buy the jerseys and Pom poms and just keep cheering regardless.

Where can you buy pom poms?

 

[Blake]

Melbourne has not had a halfback since Cronk left. The job of controlling the point of attack was done by Cameron Smith and I am sure the plan was for Harry Grant to continue with that structure.

There are several jobs that need to get done; running the ball, backing up in the middle, calling the plays, choosing the point of attack, attacking kicks, long kicks, kicking goals, captain. They used to all be done by the halfback but the game has changed and these jobs are now being shared across a few players.

The team can work well with Brooks at half, but it is a team game and he is not the type of player that can do it all himself. We need a spine that is balanced and I think we finally have the right pieces in place there.

More time together, more effort from everyone, more line speed, more controlled agro from the forwards and we have a top 6 team.

 

[tigerballs]

Just imagine Reynolds playing for us instead of Souffs.

No Walker (hurts me to even mention that grubs name) to guide the team around, very poor defender, he has no running game with Souffs let alone with us. People say he has no back problems, I'm sure you would find out pretty quick if he was playing with us and no bodyguards around him. Crunch!!!!

The guy has a pretty good kicking game - he also has players around him that take advantage of that....do we?

Would not be half the player with us - personally think he is pretty ordinary player with a good kicking game.

It would be a Big NO from me.

He won a comp without Walker,( in fact the average age of that backline was 21 and he was only 22 ) ran 80 metres to score a try just last week and is an excellent defender. The players around him have always looked good, possibly because he's a very good half back and creates the opportunities for them. His running game is the equal of Cronk's. Anyway, you had better get used to him because he'll be signing with either us or the Titans very soon.

 

[jrtiger]

Just imagine Reynolds playing for us instead of Souffs.

No Walker (hurts me to even mention that grubs name) to guide the team around, very poor defender, he has no running game with Souffs let alone with us. People say he has no back problems, I'm sure you would find out pretty quick if he was playing with us and no bodyguards around him. Crunch!!!!

The guy has a pretty good kicking game - he also has players around him that take advantage of that....do we?

Would not be half the player with us - personally think he is pretty ordinary player with a good kicking game.

It would be a Big NO from me.

He won a comp without Walker,( in fact the average age of that backline was 21 and he was only 22 ) ran 80 metres to score a try just last week and is an excellent defender. The players around him have always looked good, possibly because he's a very good half back and creates the opportunities for them. His running game is the equal of Cronk's. Anyway, you had better get used to him because he'll be signing with either us or the Titans very soon.

you heard anything in terms of who we're after for 2022 or mid season this year mate?

 

[TIGERPOWER]

Wonder if we having a look at Folau lee just spoke about his situation and didn’t shut it down

I would take Folau in a heartbeat. Make it happen tigers.

 

[tigerballs]

Just imagine Reynolds playing for us instead of Souffs.

No Walker (hurts me to even mention that grubs name) to guide the team around, very poor defender, he has no running game with Souffs let alone with us. People say he has no back problems, I'm sure you would find out pretty quick if he was playing with us and no bodyguards around him. Crunch!!!!

The guy has a pretty good kicking game - he also has players around him that take advantage of that....do we?

Would not be half the player with us - personally think he is pretty ordinary player with a good kicking game.

It would be a Big NO from me.

He won a comp without Walker,( in fact the average age of that backline was 21 and he was only 22 ) ran 80 metres to score a try just last week and is an excellent defender. The players around him have always looked good, possibly because he's a very good half back and creates the opportunities for them. His running game is the equal of Cronk's. Anyway, you had better get used to him because he'll be signing with either us or the Titans very soon.

you heard anything in terms of who we're after for 2022 or mid season this year mate?

Nothing definite, ask me in a few weeks and I might have a bit more solid info. I do know Reynolds is a massive chance for us next season. As of last night it was us or the Titans.

 

[JC99]

Wonder if we having a look at Folau lee just spoke about his situation and didn’t shut it down

I would take Folau in a heartbeat. Make it happen tigers.

I'm sure someone on here said Madge was after Folau at one point but the board turned it down.