Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[cochise]

What makes anyone think that this bunch of soft, entitled, lazy, arrogant and comfort-zone players are going to follow Finucane's lead?
I rate Tamou.
I don't believe he was brought here to run for 200mtrs and make copious amounts of tackle-breaks, off-loads, score 10 tries and kick goals at 95%.
His leadership is about recovery, professional conduct, never lying down and adopting a winning mentality, the rest is up to guys like Mikaele, Musgrove, Luccie, Uto, Brooksy, Garner, TommyT, Joe O, Jet, Nofo, Mbye and the rest to use their God-given talents to the best of their ability.
Is he still a leader if this bunch of powder-puffs lack the mental and intestinal fortitude to follow?...
I love TPJ's X-factor, which we're missing, but giving Tamou some back-up in the mould of Finucane would be far more conducive to establishing a platform that drives the values of tenacity, pride of performance, striving to succeed, especially in the face of adversity which breed a winning culture, something we've sorely lacked for far too long.

Some of those players you named played very well last Saturday so I think what you have written is a little unfair.

The finger should be pointed at Maguire. He looked like a man without answers during that post match press conference. He's actually had that look for a significant period of time. Perhaps if the club installed a leader as coach, we may achieve better results and performances. I read many comments which describe Maguire as tough. Tough does not necessarily mean you are good, it could mean you use it to hide your lack of tactical nous or comms skills.

He doesn't have the answers but he's a loyal soldier and will be here for the remainder of his contract.

If that is true, it's confirmation WTs should be booted.

C'mon Paws...really ...'Wests Tigers' should be booted.
Are you sure you meant to say that?

Most supporters would be dismayed with the answer I responded to about Maguire.

Yeh ok Paws, but how does this post link to "WT's should be booted"?

Mediocrity. The original poster wrote Maguire doesn't have the answers but he'll see out his contract because he's a loyal soldier.

You may not have an issue with it. I do and I believe others may as well.

Hartigan is doing an outstanding job with recruitment. I wonder though whether the word is out among other players that you will not improve under Maguire?

Good players know that it's the quality of the players around you that make you better not those content to be mediocre and not put the work in. Mediocrity comes from laziness mentally and physically and that lies solely with the the players themselves.

The standard you walk past is the standard you accept - 2016 Australian of the Year.

This from a former military officer resonates.

This is the issue with we know Maguire doesn't have the answers but he is a loyal soldier who will see out his contract.

They’re contracted mate all he can do is drop them. Packer, Bj, Garner, Brooks, Talau, Kepaoa, Stef, Mbye, AD, etc etc

All been dropped at various stages.

What else can he do when it’s dudville?

It's easy to blame the players when you don't have the answers.

Yes, it easy to blame the players, they are ones that have got us in this mess.
I'm not sure how you make a player, play to expectations, without dropping him?

You can’t replace 30 players because he’s unable to coach them effectively. What happens if the next bunch can’t play either, do we replace them too and keep rolling over the roster forever? At what stage does he take some responsibility?

Avo...when you go to a party does the room light up when you walk in?
Seems to me you need a few of those gourmet pies from your local pie shop :joy_cat: .

We dont need to replace 30 players, that's just silly :confounded: .
Our **team** of Hartigan, Madge and Pascoe purchased the best players available at the time without paying overs, and I commend them for that.

Better players that are prepared to believe in Madge and give :100: effort and commitment to Wests Tigers will become available and **we will all live happily ever after ** :slightly_smiling_face: :+1:

I’m not a miserable person at all, but as a fan I am extremely frustrated and am not deluded to the point where I think we’re heading in the right direction.

I don’t know about Madge . I’m kind of with you , and kind of not . I don’t think the team is garbage at all , and I think there’s a lot of the cream of the crop from the last 5 years u18s sitting in our squad .
Guys like talau , kepoa , Blore , seyfarth , Simpkin , Simpkins , Uto , madden , Cini ,even Liddle . They were all Aus schoolboys . And then there’s guys like Brooks , AD, and Twal , who are also clearly talented and ,once again ,elite for thier age group .
Which says to me , we do have the talent .

What we lack , is a way to combine it all under one nucleus and push forward as one unit .
And for that I kind of agree there’s something wrong , with either thier development , or the coaching staff.
I honestly it’s not that Madge is a crap coach , is that he can’t relinquish the steering wheel , due to past whiteanting . So he doesn’t have the best support staff he could get. But rather guys he can trust .
Which inevitably , if he doesn’t take a risk , and delegate authority , to guys who are clearly talented coaches , then he will be just the NZ coach moving forward. Which will be a shame IMO, as the guys clearly gives a stuff , loves the club , and most importantly is a talented coach.

The thing about Australian school boys is they look really good.. against school boys.

Thanks for that pearl of wisdom , but talent is talent . Just because they never develop the physicality , and mentality doesn’t mean you don’t target the elite juniors .
And we have them in the club . They’re here . So this garbage about not having talent is just that . Garbage . We have to figure out how to get that talent to translate .

No doubt they are talented some of these young players, you don’t make a National team at any level without talent. But to go from elite junior to professional NRL player you need a few things - great mentors, the right attitude and a lot of luck. And that might get you a debut. I’ve watched first hand as many super talented juniors failed to crack NRL. I will continue to say it, until our systems are right and we have good senior players we are going to continue to see these young guys fall short of expectations. Craig Fitzgibbon was a dud junior who played on a wing, look what good systems did for him.

That’s my point . I think are agreeing here . The issue is the pathways , and development , not lack of talent . So when people say things like “we don’t have the talent that Melbourne do” . I call bull crap !!! We do so have the talent . We just as a club arnt nurturing them in a system that is not only conducive to them maximising thier talents individually, but from a fans perspective , maximising the Ws for the club .

You reckon that problem is across most clubs? They always talk about lack of talent when expansion comes up but I think it's more lack of development.

Yea I do mate . I think too many jobs for the boys , nepotism , in fighting in junior leagues (Wests are the absolute worst for this) , and most of all , IMO , we should have Balmain and Wests , when identified , playing together from a very young age . The fact Wests hate Balmain , and get “wests” legends in. ,and the same for balmain , is just dinosaur stuff .

The junior teams should all be Wests tigers for starters .
But it will never get agreed to , because Balmain and Wests hate each other , or some garbage like that . As if it’s 1975 .

One sg ball, matts team? Would they need to abandon one junior area?

No I don’t think so . I think that’s where the academy would come in . Identify them early have them train together and grow together . The issue is , which is a minor one really , there are no longer say 60 spots available for rep honours between the 2 districts , but rather 30 now . But that’s no different to every other club anyway .
We could bus in the kids from Balmain , like the roosters and manly do , to C-town ( yes C -town) where the academy should be . There should photos of benji and Robbie , Lawry , Ellis , sheens Galea , skando , Hodgson . Plastered everywhere . And a hallway with door , that only ever opens when you get called up to the show. Or some symbolic gesture , that you have graduated to concord .

No mention at all of Balmain , Wests , other than , maybe some museum like room that commemorates our history .
And it’s taught about , but never ever dwelled upon . It has to be about Wests tigers .

it also starts will wests tigers in Canterbury Cup too

I have zero problem with reserve grade being Wests Magpies.

so it is ok for all the other pathways to be wests tigers bur reserve grade ?
we are a merged club not a Roosters using Norths as a feeder club
having wests Magpies as Canterbury Cup links in with this division some have posted it should all be wests tigers, Tim Sheens pushed for this year's ago I think he will push for it again once he is back

I don't think it makes any difference what our reserve grade is called, would be the same blokes there either way. Plenty of clubs have reserve grade teams that aren't the same club as their first grade team.

the ones that are different are not Merged clubs they are using other clubs ad reserve grade like Newtown and norths, we are using one half of a merger as the reserve grade name its not right
maybe changes on the board might fix this who knows

Why is it not right? What about our junior teams, they're magpies and Balmain should they be changed too? It doesn't make a difference at all and it's really not worth being upset over it's just a name


Agreed and they are being paid for by Wests Ashfield. I was born I Balmain and family tied deep into the Balmain tapestry, but I couldnt give a rats and understand the rationale. I do actually think Wests copped the rough end of the stick identity wise with the merger and if this helps address it I would be happy.

We know they're the Wests tigers reserve grade team and all the players know it too, it's just a name and a jersey.

I think all of these topics about Wests vs Balmain are stupid. Who cares what the reserve grade team is called.

let's call them balmain tigers then ...
We are a merged club yet even after 20 years we still have Wests Magpies and balmain tigers division


Are Balmain paying for them?

Ah I see so division exists ... who is paying for who
Up the Tiges anyway

Mate, I honestly don't believe it is causing a division. I watch them play just as much now as I would if it was a Wests Tigers branded team. Even my 8 year old gets it, she proudly states we support 2 teams, the Tigers and the Magpies because the Magpies help the Tigers when they need more players.

 

[TheDaBoss]

I thought we moved on from this stupid argument ages ago....

Call them the claymore cows for all i care

 

[Needaname]

I have to agree with Johns on this point in referring to a no go on Finucane..
“Johns said the Tigers are better off searching for 'the next Dale Finucane' who can develop at the club as they rebuild.
"Go find the Dale Finucane who is 19, 20, 21. And they're out there," he said.“

Ok sweet we will go and find a 21 year old who has played in 6 grand finals and played state of origin and helped lead 1 of the greatest sporting clubs in the world for years. We’re buying his leadership and experience it’s going to be more about what he bring off the field then his on field contribution cheers Joey

I get both arguements. I think Joey is saying our team is a lot further away from being competitive than people think. There is too much youth and not enough experience in our side but maybe his suggesting buying the Dale Finucane is a quick fix.
It sounds like his saying we are better off getting our own player with the same qualities (not records) and building him into our system.
Now I know the knights aren’t travelling well but in the same token the Eels are and including the Eagles.
The Finucane from each of those teams are.
Barnett; played probably under a season at the Raiders before signing long term at the Knights.
Brown; played 1 game for us, one season for the Bunnies before being signed long term by the Eels.
Trbojevic; and to a lesser extent Keppie. Developed within. Probably costing the Eagles 2/3 of cap money compared to if he was head hunted by another club.

For mine Seyfarth has similar qualities to those above. Has the tenacity, has the desire, has a bit of skill, has the defensive awareness, lacks power and lacks match fitness to play long minutes but do we have our own Finucane in the making and should we just give him more time?

 

[TheDaBoss]

I have to agree with Johns on this point in referring to a no go on Finucane..
“Johns said the Tigers are better off searching for 'the next Dale Finucane' who can develop at the club as they rebuild.
"Go find the Dale Finucane who is 19, 20, 21. And they're out there," he said.“

Ok sweet we will go and find a 21 year old who has played in 6 grand finals and played state of origin and helped lead 1 of the greatest sporting clubs in the world for years. We’re buying his leadership and experience it’s going to be more about what he bring off the field then his on field contribution cheers Joey

I get both arguements. I think Joey is saying our team is a lot further away from being competitive than people think. There is too much youth and not enough experience in our side but maybe his suggesting buying the Dale Finucane is a quick fix.
It sounds like his saying we are better off getting our own player with the same qualities (not records) and building him into our system.
Now I know the knights aren’t travelling well but in the same token the Eels are and including the Eagles.
The Finucane from each of those teams are.
Barnett; played probably under a season at the Raiders before signing long term at the Knights.
Brown; played 1 game for us, one season for the Bunnies before being signed long term by the Eels.
Trbojevic; and to a lesser extent Keppie. Developed within. Probably costing the Eagles 2/3 of cap money compared to if he was head hunted by another club.

For mine Seyfarth has similar qualities to those above. Has the tenacity, has the desire, has a bit of skill, has the defensive awareness, lacks power and lacks match fitness to play long minutes but do we have our own Finucane in the making and should we just give him more time?

Seyfarth has been a shining light

I wiĺ admit i was a one who thought he was a major plodder

 

[avocadoontoast]

I thought we moved on from this stupid argument ages ago....

Call them the claymore cows for all i care

Exactly. There are enough actual issues to worry about. This isn’t an issue at all.

 

[AJ1]

I have to agree with Johns on this point in referring to a no go on Finucane..
“Johns said the Tigers are better off searching for 'the next Dale Finucane' who can develop at the club as they rebuild.
"Go find the Dale Finucane who is 19, 20, 21. And they're out there," he said.“

Ok sweet we will go and find a 21 year old who has played in 6 grand finals and played state of origin and helped lead 1 of the greatest sporting clubs in the world for years. We’re buying his leadership and experience it’s going to be more about what he bring off the field then his on field contribution cheers Joey

I get both arguements. I think Joey is saying our team is a lot further away from being competitive than people think. There is too much youth and not enough experience in our side but maybe his suggesting buying the Dale Finucane is a quick fix.
It sounds like his saying we are better off getting our own player with the same qualities (not records) and building him into our system.
Now I know the knights aren’t travelling well but in the same token the Eels are and including the Eagles.
The Finucane from each of those teams are.
Barnett; played probably under a season at the Raiders before signing long term at the Knights.
Brown; played 1 game for us, one season for the Bunnies before being signed long term by the Eels.
Trbojevic; and to a lesser extent Keppie. Developed within. Probably costing the Eagles 2/3 of cap money compared to if he was head hunted by another club.

For mine Seyfarth has similar qualities to those above. Has the tenacity, has the desire, has a bit of skill, has the defensive awareness, lacks power and lacks match fitness to play long minutes but do we have our own Finucane in the making and should we just give him more time?

Seyfarth has been a shining light

I wiĺ admit i was a one who thought he was a major plodder

Me too. Glad I was wrong. Madge made the unpopular decision to keep him over Eisenhuth, turns out it was the right call

 

[BZN]

What makes anyone think that this bunch of soft, entitled, lazy, arrogant and comfort-zone players are going to follow Finucane's lead?
I rate Tamou.
I don't believe he was brought here to run for 200mtrs and make copious amounts of tackle-breaks, off-loads, score 10 tries and kick goals at 95%.
His leadership is about recovery, professional conduct, never lying down and adopting a winning mentality, the rest is up to guys like Mikaele, Musgrove, Luccie, Uto, Brooksy, Garner, TommyT, Joe O, Jet, Nofo, Mbye and the rest to use their God-given talents to the best of their ability.
Is he still a leader if this bunch of powder-puffs lack the mental and intestinal fortitude to follow?...
I love TPJ's X-factor, which we're missing, but giving Tamou some back-up in the mould of Finucane would be far more conducive to establishing a platform that drives the values of tenacity, pride of performance, striving to succeed, especially in the face of adversity which breed a winning culture, something we've sorely lacked for far too long.

Some of those players you named played very well last Saturday so I think what you have written is a little unfair.

The finger should be pointed at Maguire. He looked like a man without answers during that post match press conference. He's actually had that look for a significant period of time. Perhaps if the club installed a leader as coach, we may achieve better results and performances. I read many comments which describe Maguire as tough. Tough does not necessarily mean you are good, it could mean you use it to hide your lack of tactical nous or comms skills.

He doesn't have the answers but he's a loyal soldier and will be here for the remainder of his contract.

If that is true, it's confirmation WTs should be booted.

C'mon Paws...really ...'Wests Tigers' should be booted.
Are you sure you meant to say that?

Most supporters would be dismayed with the answer I responded to about Maguire.

Yeh ok Paws, but how does this post link to "WT's should be booted"?

Mediocrity. The original poster wrote Maguire doesn't have the answers but he'll see out his contract because he's a loyal soldier.

You may not have an issue with it. I do and I believe others may as well.

Hartigan is doing an outstanding job with recruitment. I wonder though whether the word is out among other players that you will not improve under Maguire?

Good players know that it's the quality of the players around you that make you better not those content to be mediocre and not put the work in. Mediocrity comes from laziness mentally and physically and that lies solely with the the players themselves.

The standard you walk past is the standard you accept - 2016 Australian of the Year.

This from a former military officer resonates.

This is the issue with we know Maguire doesn't have the answers but he is a loyal soldier who will see out his contract.

They’re contracted mate all he can do is drop them. Packer, Bj, Garner, Brooks, Talau, Kepaoa, Stef, Mbye, AD, etc etc

All been dropped at various stages.

What else can he do when it’s dudville?

It's easy to blame the players when you don't have the answers.

Yes, it easy to blame the players, they are ones that have got us in this mess.
I'm not sure how you make a player, play to expectations, without dropping him?

You can’t replace 30 players because he’s unable to coach them effectively. What happens if the next bunch can’t play either, **do we replace them too and keep rolling over the roster forever?** At what stage does he take some responsibility?

If the players were putting in, we wouldn't be in the mess we are now?
In answer to your question though, YES, we do keep replacing them (like every other club) until we get the balance and commitment right?

At what stage does Madge take responsibility for on field performances?

How do you suggest he do that ? I suppose he could acknowledge that the team's performance is his fault as a coach. But what if doesn't believe that is true ?

In any event, what would it achieve ? I don't think it would achieve anything except shift the blame for some pathetic performances away for the players, which is where it belongs.

Or, he could resign and admit that he can do nothing with the team. That would be a disaster for the club. For a premiership winning coach to walk away would say that our club is beyond redemption.

He should resign or get sacked. I’d be happy with either.

And what message does that send to the players?

I don’t particularly care, I just want to win games.

I hope you dont say "I dont particularly care" :astonished: when you have a blue with your Mrs.

Luke Lewis just said on ABC radio "Wests Tigers need players with a winning mentality".

Wests Tigers need supporters with a genuine winning mentality... not a "I dont care mentality".

I hardly think you’re in any position to tell me what sort of supporter I am.

Are you in a qualified position to say definitively Madge is a bad coach, or is it only your personal opinion?

I’m as qualified to say he’s a bad coach as you are to say he’s a good one.

I’m not sure if you’re aware, but this is a forum to provide opinions and discuss things. I disagree with pretty much everything you’ve ever said on here, but I’ve not told you to stop posting have I?

If you’re looking for only positive news just stick to the Wests Tigers website.

Dont talk down to me by saying something childish like " I'm not sure if you are aware".
You have every rite to "disagree with pretty much everything you've [I have] ever said on here".
After all "this is a forum to provide opinions and discuss things".
But after this post it seems like you can't handle anyone who has a different opinion to 'yours', so you get very defensive and stroppy.
Grow UP.

 

[the_third]

So Andrew Johns has warned TPJ not to sign with us and now warns us not to sign Dale Finucane either - seems to not want us to get anyone. Must have really miffed him when we beat the Knights twice this year.
"Andrew Johns has warned the Wests Tigers against recruiting veteran NRL star Dale Finucane, advising the club to look for a younger version of the Origin lock instead.

The Tigers have been linked to unwanted Brisbane Broncos star Tevita Pangai Jr, as well as Finucane, who is on Brad Fittler's extended bench for the Blues. The Bulldogs, Dragons and Sharks have also been reported to have interest in Finucane, but re-signing with the Melbourne Storm is still on the table for the 29-year-old.
However Johns said time is not on Finucane's side to make a significant impact for the club, despite his the value he brings beyond the footy field.
"There's clubs climbing over each other to get him," Johns said on Wide World of Sports' Immortal Behaviour.
And it's not necessarily what he does on the field, it's the way he prepares. I saw the way he prepares at Origin a couple of years ago, it is just so methodical the way he does it, so professional and it rubs off on other players.

"But Dale has played a lot of tough footy. I don't know how much footy he's got left."

Johns said the Tigers are better off searching for 'the next Dale Finucane' who can develop at the club as they rebuild.
Go find the Dale Finucane who is 19, 20, 21. And they're out there," he said.

The question though, is whether the Tigers have the comprehensive talent scouting that the Melbourne Storm do.

"The Storm don't recruit talent, they recruit character," Johns said.

"There's no one better [at recruitment]. They lose [Greg] Inglis, [Israel] Folau, [Cooper] Cronk, Billy Slater, Cameron Smith - we're talking about five champions, once in a generation players, and they're still on top of the table."


we literally have the same person doing the numbers (talent identification) as the storm. Joey must have been on a bender again

I don't think he is at the Storm any longer.

Even better

Yeah he left the Storm when he joined the Tigers, he is our Recruitment and List Analyst.

Is that assigning money to playing position. You spend x amount on halves, x amount on props etc?
Does he specifically identify 'talent'

he identifies talent based off what he is told we need through analysing stats. he doesn't assign money

 

[Needaname]

I have to agree with Johns on this point in referring to a no go on Finucane..
“Johns said the Tigers are better off searching for 'the next Dale Finucane' who can develop at the club as they rebuild.
"Go find the Dale Finucane who is 19, 20, 21. And they're out there," he said.“

Ok sweet we will go and find a 21 year old who has played in 6 grand finals and played state of origin and helped lead 1 of the greatest sporting clubs in the world for years. We’re buying his leadership and experience it’s going to be more about what he bring off the field then his on field contribution cheers Joey

I get both arguements. I think Joey is saying our team is a lot further away from being competitive than people think. There is too much youth and not enough experience in our side but maybe his suggesting buying the Dale Finucane is a quick fix.
It sounds like his saying we are better off getting our own player with the same qualities (not records) and building him into our system.
Now I know the knights aren’t travelling well but in the same token the Eels are and including the Eagles.
The Finucane from each of those teams are.
Barnett; played probably under a season at the Raiders before signing long term at the Knights.
Brown; played 1 game for us, one season for the Bunnies before being signed long term by the Eels.
Trbojevic; and to a lesser extent Keppie. Developed within. Probably costing the Eagles 2/3 of cap money compared to if he was head hunted by another club.

For mine Seyfarth has similar qualities to those above. Has the tenacity, has the desire, has a bit of skill, has the defensive awareness, lacks power and lacks match fitness to play long minutes but do we have our own Finucane in the making and should we just give him more time?

Seyfarth has been a shining light

I wiĺ admit i was a one who thought he was a major plodder

Me too. Glad I was wrong. Madge made the unpopular decision to keep him over Eisenhuth, turns out it was the right call

And McIntrye.

 

[Guest]

What makes anyone think that this bunch of soft, entitled, lazy, arrogant and comfort-zone players are going to follow Finucane's lead?
I rate Tamou.
I don't believe he was brought here to run for 200mtrs and make copious amounts of tackle-breaks, off-loads, score 10 tries and kick goals at 95%.
His leadership is about recovery, professional conduct, never lying down and adopting a winning mentality, the rest is up to guys like Mikaele, Musgrove, Luccie, Uto, Brooksy, Garner, TommyT, Joe O, Jet, Nofo, Mbye and the rest to use their God-given talents to the best of their ability.
Is he still a leader if this bunch of powder-puffs lack the mental and intestinal fortitude to follow?...
I love TPJ's X-factor, which we're missing, but giving Tamou some back-up in the mould of Finucane would be far more conducive to establishing a platform that drives the values of tenacity, pride of performance, striving to succeed, especially in the face of adversity which breed a winning culture, something we've sorely lacked for far too long.

Some of those players you named played very well last Saturday so I think what you have written is a little unfair.

The finger should be pointed at Maguire. He looked like a man without answers during that post match press conference. He's actually had that look for a significant period of time. Perhaps if the club installed a leader as coach, we may achieve better results and performances. I read many comments which describe Maguire as tough. Tough does not necessarily mean you are good, it could mean you use it to hide your lack of tactical nous or comms skills.

He doesn't have the answers but he's a loyal soldier and will be here for the remainder of his contract.

If that is true, it's confirmation WTs should be booted.

C'mon Paws...really ...'Wests Tigers' should be booted.
Are you sure you meant to say that?

Most supporters would be dismayed with the answer I responded to about Maguire.

Yeh ok Paws, but how does this post link to "WT's should be booted"?

Mediocrity. The original poster wrote Maguire doesn't have the answers but he'll see out his contract because he's a loyal soldier.

You may not have an issue with it. I do and I believe others may as well.

Hartigan is doing an outstanding job with recruitment. I wonder though whether the word is out among other players that you will not improve under Maguire?

Good players know that it's the quality of the players around you that make you better not those content to be mediocre and not put the work in. Mediocrity comes from laziness mentally and physically and that lies solely with the the players themselves.

The standard you walk past is the standard you accept - 2016 Australian of the Year.

This from a former military officer resonates.

This is the issue with we know Maguire doesn't have the answers but he is a loyal soldier who will see out his contract.

They’re contracted mate all he can do is drop them. Packer, Bj, Garner, Brooks, Talau, Kepaoa, Stef, Mbye, AD, etc etc

All been dropped at various stages.

What else can he do when it’s dudville?

It's easy to blame the players when you don't have the answers.

Yes, it easy to blame the players, they are ones that have got us in this mess.
I'm not sure how you make a player, play to expectations, without dropping him?

You can’t replace 30 players because he’s unable to coach them effectively. What happens if the next bunch can’t play either, do we replace them too and keep rolling over the roster forever? At what stage does he take some responsibility?

Avo...when you go to a party does the room light up when you walk in?
Seems to me you need a few of those gourmet pies from your local pie shop :joy_cat: .

We dont need to replace 30 players, that's just silly :confounded: .
Our **team** of Hartigan, Madge and Pascoe purchased the best players available at the time without paying overs, and I commend them for that.

Better players that are prepared to believe in Madge and give :100: effort and commitment to Wests Tigers will become available and **we will all live happily ever after ** :slightly_smiling_face: :+1:

I’m not a miserable person at all, but as a fan I am extremely frustrated and am not deluded to the point where I think we’re heading in the right direction.

I don’t know about Madge . I’m kind of with you , and kind of not . I don’t think the team is garbage at all , and I think there’s a lot of the cream of the crop from the last 5 years u18s sitting in our squad .
Guys like talau , kepoa , Blore , seyfarth , Simpkin , Simpkins , Uto , madden , Cini ,even Liddle . They were all Aus schoolboys . And then there’s guys like Brooks , AD, and Twal , who are also clearly talented and ,once again ,elite for thier age group .
Which says to me , we do have the talent .

What we lack , is a way to combine it all under one nucleus and push forward as one unit .
And for that I kind of agree there’s something wrong , with either thier development , or the coaching staff.
I honestly it’s not that Madge is a crap coach , is that he can’t relinquish the steering wheel , due to past whiteanting . So he doesn’t have the best support staff he could get. But rather guys he can trust .
Which inevitably , if he doesn’t take a risk , and delegate authority , to guys who are clearly talented coaches , then he will be just the NZ coach moving forward. Which will be a shame IMO, as the guys clearly gives a stuff , loves the club , and most importantly is a talented coach.

The thing about Australian school boys is they look really good.. against school boys.

Thanks for that pearl of wisdom , but talent is talent . Just because they never develop the physicality , and mentality doesn’t mean you don’t target the elite juniors .
And we have them in the club . They’re here . So this garbage about not having talent is just that . Garbage . We have to figure out how to get that talent to translate .

No doubt they are talented some of these young players, you don’t make a National team at any level without talent. But to go from elite junior to professional NRL player you need a few things - great mentors, the right attitude and a lot of luck. And that might get you a debut. I’ve watched first hand as many super talented juniors failed to crack NRL. I will continue to say it, until our systems are right and we have good senior players we are going to continue to see these young guys fall short of expectations. Craig Fitzgibbon was a dud junior who played on a wing, look what good systems did for him.

That’s my point . I think are agreeing here . The issue is the pathways , and development , not lack of talent . So when people say things like “we don’t have the talent that Melbourne do” . I call bull crap !!! We do so have the talent . We just as a club arnt nurturing them in a system that is not only conducive to them maximising thier talents individually, but from a fans perspective , maximising the Ws for the club .

You reckon that problem is across most clubs? They always talk about lack of talent when expansion comes up but I think it's more lack of development.

Yea I do mate . I think too many jobs for the boys , nepotism , in fighting in junior leagues (Wests are the absolute worst for this) , and most of all , IMO , we should have Balmain and Wests , when identified , playing together from a very young age . The fact Wests hate Balmain , and get “wests” legends in. ,and the same for balmain , is just dinosaur stuff .

The junior teams should all be Wests tigers for starters .
But it will never get agreed to , because Balmain and Wests hate each other , or some garbage like that . As if it’s 1975 .

One sg ball, matts team? Would they need to abandon one junior area?

No I don’t think so . I think that’s where the academy would come in . Identify them early have them train together and grow together . The issue is , which is a minor one really , there are no longer say 60 spots available for rep honours between the 2 districts , but rather 30 now . But that’s no different to every other club anyway .
We could bus in the kids from Balmain , like the roosters and manly do , to C-town ( yes C -town) where the academy should be . There should photos of benji and Robbie , Lawry , Ellis , sheens Galea , skando , Hodgson . Plastered everywhere . And a hallway with door , that only ever opens when you get called up to the show. Or some symbolic gesture , that you have graduated to concord .

No mention at all of Balmain , Wests , other than , maybe some museum like room that commemorates our history .
And it’s taught about , but never ever dwelled upon . It has to be about Wests tigers .

it also starts will wests tigers in Canterbury Cup too

I have zero problem with reserve grade being Wests Magpies.


People in the forum get hung up on the most superficial things as if changing the magpie to a Tiger in reggies will somehow magically transform us into a successful force. Even actually illogical suggestions like halving our development talent but putting them all in the same jersey will somehow make us better. Makes zero sense.

let's call them balmain tigers then, I bet the magpie element of fans would not be happy if that was the case
Hope Sheens and the pathways fix this issue for next year

Stop derailing the thread with this nonsense.

 

[AJ1]

I have to agree with Johns on this point in referring to a no go on Finucane..
“Johns said the Tigers are better off searching for 'the next Dale Finucane' who can develop at the club as they rebuild.
"Go find the Dale Finucane who is 19, 20, 21. And they're out there," he said.“

Ok sweet we will go and find a 21 year old who has played in 6 grand finals and played state of origin and helped lead 1 of the greatest sporting clubs in the world for years. We’re buying his leadership and experience it’s going to be more about what he bring off the field then his on field contribution cheers Joey

I get both arguements. I think Joey is saying our team is a lot further away from being competitive than people think. There is too much youth and not enough experience in our side but maybe his suggesting buying the Dale Finucane is a quick fix.
It sounds like his saying we are better off getting our own player with the same qualities (not records) and building him into our system.
Now I know the knights aren’t travelling well but in the same token the Eels are and including the Eagles.
The Finucane from each of those teams are.
Barnett; played probably under a season at the Raiders before signing long term at the Knights.
Brown; played 1 game for us, one season for the Bunnies before being signed long term by the Eels.
Trbojevic; and to a lesser extent Keppie. Developed within. Probably costing the Eagles 2/3 of cap money compared to if he was head hunted by another club.

For mine Seyfarth has similar qualities to those above. Has the tenacity, has the desire, has a bit of skill, has the defensive awareness, lacks power and lacks match fitness to play long minutes but do we have our own Finucane in the making and should we just give him more time?

Seyfarth has been a shining light

I wiĺ admit i was a one who thought he was a major plodder

Me too. Glad I was wrong. Madge made the unpopular decision to keep him over Eisenhuth, turns out it was the right call

And McIntrye.

Not sure about that, seems like it was more a re-signing bungle than a decision however he had a much better 2020 under us than a 2021 for Titans......so far

 

[TigerTownSFS]

I’m a ex Balmain fan but I quite like the dual badging of West’s Tigers in 1st grade and Wests Magpies in 2nd grade. It has symmetry. What in most angry about is Magpies still produce great merchandise that I wish I could get for the old Tigers equivalent. Lift your game Balmain.

 

[haberfield_tiger]

Hooper saying on triple m tigers should sign finucane asap on 4 year deal. The guy is busted. TPJ is what we need. Dale at 30 will be a disaster for us on a 4 yr deal. Why are melb letting him go. No doubt we need someone tough and a leader but let's be patient. We need to let go of some dead wood 1st. Like mbye. Brooks. Packer etc.

https://twitter.com/TripleM_NRL/status/1409003560726056962?s=19

 

[tigger19]

It would be good to somehow either front load Tamou and see if he would be willing to go into a forwards coaching role next year.He is struggling with providing the punch the club needs at starting forward, and he isn’t an ideal bench player.To get him off the cap next year could be good option for both parties? I would like to see Luciano given the chance to start at lock , has good hands and passing ability , and a change might be what he needs. Seyfarth to remain as a bench impact which suits him perfectly atm until fitness improves

 

[pawsandclaws1]

I have to agree with Johns on this point in referring to a no go on Finucane..
“Johns said the Tigers are better off searching for 'the next Dale Finucane' who can develop at the club as they rebuild.
"Go find the Dale Finucane who is 19, 20, 21. And they're out there," he said.“

Ok sweet we will go and find a 21 year old who has played in 6 grand finals and played state of origin and helped lead 1 of the greatest sporting clubs in the world for years. We’re buying his leadership and experience it’s going to be more about what he bring off the field then his on field contribution cheers Joey

I get both arguements. I think Joey is saying our team is a lot further away from being competitive than people think. There is too much youth and not enough experience in our side but maybe his suggesting buying the Dale Finucane is a quick fix.
It sounds like his saying we are better off getting our own player with the same qualities (not records) and building him into our system.
Now I know the knights aren’t travelling well but in the same token the Eels are and including the Eagles.
The Finucane from each of those teams are.
Barnett; played probably under a season at the Raiders before signing long term at the Knights.
Brown; played 1 game for us, one season for the Bunnies before being signed long term by the Eels.
Trbojevic; and to a lesser extent Keppie. Developed within. Probably costing the Eagles 2/3 of cap money compared to if he was head hunted by another club.

For mine Seyfarth has similar qualities to those above. Has the tenacity, has the desire, has a bit of skill, has the defensive awareness, lacks power and lacks match fitness to play long minutes but do we have our own Finucane in the making and should we just give him more time?

Seyfarth has been a shining light

I wiĺ admit i was a one who thought he was a major plodder

Me too. Glad I was wrong. Madge made the unpopular decision to keep him over Eisenhuth, turns out it was the right call

And McIntrye.

Not sure about that, seems like it was more a re-signing bungle than a decision however he had a much better 2020 under us than a 2021 for Titans......so far

And Seyfarth stood out in juniors with his size, mobility work rate, spirit and willingness to engage in hard contact.

 

[JC99]

Hooper saying on triple m tigers should sign finucane asap on 4 year deal. The guy is busted. TPJ is what we need. Dale at 30 will be a disaster for us on a 4 yr deal. Why are melb letting him go. No doubt we need someone tough and a leader but let's be patient. We need to let go of some dead wood 1st. Like mbye. Brooks. Packer etc.

https://twitter.com/TripleM_NRL/status/1409003560726056962?s=19

4 years definitely too long. Make it 3 years max with the final year a club or mutual option

 

[Guest]

Hooper saying on triple m tigers should sign finucane asap on 4 year deal. The guy is busted. TPJ is what we need. Dale at 30 will be a disaster for us on a 4 yr deal. Why are melb letting him go. No doubt we need someone tough and a leader but let's be patient. We need to let go of some dead wood 1st. Like mbye. Brooks. Packer etc.

https://twitter.com/TripleM_NRL/status/1409003560726056962?s=19

4 years definitely too long. Make it 3 years max with the final year a club or mutual option

See this is the problem with Hooper - he has no idea and can't see beyond today.

 

[Tiger Tarl]

Have we signed TPJ yet?

Ben Ikin starts at the Donkeys tomorrow. Could that put the kibosh on the whole thing...?

 

[AJ1]

I have to agree with Johns on this point in referring to a no go on Finucane..
“Johns said the Tigers are better off searching for 'the next Dale Finucane' who can develop at the club as they rebuild.
"Go find the Dale Finucane who is 19, 20, 21. And they're out there," he said.“

Ok sweet we will go and find a 21 year old who has played in 6 grand finals and played state of origin and helped lead 1 of the greatest sporting clubs in the world for years. We’re buying his leadership and experience it’s going to be more about what he bring off the field then his on field contribution cheers Joey

I get both arguements. I think Joey is saying our team is a lot further away from being competitive than people think. There is too much youth and not enough experience in our side but maybe his suggesting buying the Dale Finucane is a quick fix.
It sounds like his saying we are better off getting our own player with the same qualities (not records) and building him into our system.
Now I know the knights aren’t travelling well but in the same token the Eels are and including the Eagles.
The Finucane from each of those teams are.
Barnett; played probably under a season at the Raiders before signing long term at the Knights.
Brown; played 1 game for us, one season for the Bunnies before being signed long term by the Eels.
Trbojevic; and to a lesser extent Keppie. Developed within. Probably costing the Eagles 2/3 of cap money compared to if he was head hunted by another club.

For mine Seyfarth has similar qualities to those above. Has the tenacity, has the desire, has a bit of skill, has the defensive awareness, lacks power and lacks match fitness to play long minutes but do we have our own Finucane in the making and should we just give him more time?

Seyfarth has been a shining light

I wiĺ admit i was a one who thought he was a major plodder

Me too. Glad I was wrong. Madge made the unpopular decision to keep him over Eisenhuth, turns out it was the right call

And McIntrye.

Not sure about that, seems like it was more a re-signing bungle than a decision however he had a much better 2020 under us than a 2021 for Titans......so far

And Seyfarth stood out in juniors with his size, mobility work rate, spirit and willingness to engage in hard contact.

Seyfarth was re-signed over Eiso not McIntyre.
McIntyre was meant to be re-signed however we didn't show him enough love and he took up a better offer.

 

[Demps]

https://www.zerotackle.com/titans-target-roosters-forward-updated-106065/

Titans keen on Roosters Liu