Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Needaname]

Can't believe people want Morris for Madge....

Also can't believe people giving up on Talau so soon, no doubt he needs a spell in ressies - but there is potential there and I'm confident it can be unlocked in time.

He's a naturally gifted kid.


Im not a fan of Talau and IMO he has had more than enough time to prove himself.

I am a fan however of anyone who can go back to reggies and tear it up and force their way back.

You think 27 games is more than enough time for a 21 year old to prove himself? He’s scored 14 try’s in those games.

Simpkin got 5 games, Cini 2, Madge has favourites, and it creates a bad environment

Madge does this a lot I've noticed, gives the rookies a couple games then continues to let them develop in reserve grade for a while after that

Works only if you have suitable competition which we do. Last year it was Eisenhuth and Seyfarth. I’d say it’s benefited Seyfarth a great deal to have a bit more time to develop. Can make the same case for Tamou and Musgrove / Stefano this year. I’d expect those guys to trade positions more frequently next year. Simpkin and Liddle is a bit dif though. Liddle is still relatively young and has just been resigned 2 more years. Good competition and will probably remain that way for the next couple of years, potentially both could be used in the game day 17 in the future. I’d say MBye not Liddle is keeping Simpkin out of the side.

 

[Deleted member 3518]

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.

I never used to , as I liked the fact there was some history there, but I now just think it undermines the whole initiative . It gives fuel , to a divided club narrative . And , this is going to make some enemies here , but it finally puts the “joint venture “ out to pasture . It’s been 21 years . We arnt a joint venture anymore we are the Wests tigers .
And that includes singing kumbiyah to Balmain and Wests . The sooner the only place you can access anything Balmain and Wests related is the museum, the sooner the whole organisation can truely move as one .

 

[Deleted member 3518]

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 .


Why?

Surely in a discussion regarding "lack of talent" or "lack of development", having twice as many players in our development pool and pathways must surely be an advantage? How would sacking half of our kids improve development?

You’re not sacking anyone . You’re picking the elite of both teams . Or you keep the second 30 for development . It’s been 21 years , has that model really worked ? I don’t believe more is more . I also don’t believe less is more .
Ok just to appease you , what about a 3rd team ? That being Wests tigers . And balmain and Wests funnel thier best into that team , and basically run development squads . Would they get pumped , I dunno maybe , or more importantly would they argue over who they released to Wests tigers . Which is my whole point for doing it in the first place . Soo much self interest and garbage from both junior districts .

 

[Cairnstigers]

Anyone got a link or info on this
What is he actually demanding
Or is it hearsay

 

[the_third]

Anyone got a link or info on this
What is he actually demanding
Or is it hearsay

triplem.com.au

 

[tony soprano]

Anyone got a link or info on this
What is he actually demanding
Or is it hearsay

Same thing they’ve said a few times but Kent seemed to be saying he could be too old now bringing up packer.

I don’t know why people are so age obsessed look at his footy he peaking but I guess long term contract could be risky and if he ready for the step down playing for us

 

[JC99]

Can't believe people want Morris for Madge....

Also can't believe people giving up on Talau so soon, no doubt he needs a spell in ressies - but there is potential there and I'm confident it can be unlocked in time.

He's a naturally gifted kid.


Im not a fan of Talau and IMO he has had more than enough time to prove himself.

I am a fan however of anyone who can go back to reggies and tear it up and force their way back.

You think 27 games is more than enough time for a 21 year old to prove himself? He’s scored 14 try’s in those games.

Simpkin got 5 games, Cini 2, Madge has favourites, and it creates a bad environment

Madge does this a lot I've noticed, gives the rookies a couple games then continues to let them develop in reserve grade for a while after that

Yes, I assume it’s to give them a taste and let them and the club know what they need to work on, I thought it was a good initiative?

Yeah I don't mind it at all

 

[JC99]

Can't believe people want Morris for Madge....

Also can't believe people giving up on Talau so soon, no doubt he needs a spell in ressies - but there is potential there and I'm confident it can be unlocked in time.

He's a naturally gifted kid.


Im not a fan of Talau and IMO he has had more than enough time to prove himself.

I am a fan however of anyone who can go back to reggies and tear it up and force their way back.

You think 27 games is more than enough time for a 21 year old to prove himself? He’s scored 14 try’s in those games.

Simpkin got 5 games, Cini 2, Madge has favourites, and it creates a bad environment

Madge does this a lot I've noticed, gives the rookies a couple games then continues to let them develop in reserve grade for a while after that

So why didn't he do it with Talau, he is a favourite, should have been dropped a long time ago

He was when he first played first grade. I reckon he would've gotten a rest last game but Doueihi being concussed kept him in the team. I'd still rather Talau than Joey

 

[GNR4LIFE]

Can't believe people want Morris for Madge....

Also can't believe people giving up on Talau so soon, no doubt he needs a spell in ressies - but there is potential there and I'm confident it can be unlocked in time.

He's a naturally gifted kid.


Im not a fan of Talau and IMO he has had more than enough time to prove himself.

I am a fan however of anyone who can go back to reggies and tear it up and force their way back.

You think 27 games is more than enough time for a 21 year old to prove himself? He’s scored 14 try’s in those games.

Simpkin got 5 games, Cini 2, Madge has favourites, and it creates a bad environment

Bit different imo. Simpkin plays in a key position and has competition. Besides, the club re-signed him for 3 years. He’s clearly in the clubs plans. As for Cini, Talau has never played as bad as Cini did in his second game.

Talau has played as bad as Cini, what games have you watched

All of them ?

 

[sleeve]

Mulitalo ruled out of Maroons side due to ineligibility.

After the Tony Carrol fiasco, the Inglis fiasco , and of course the greatest con the Grasshoper as a referee fiasco, they have finally been made to follow the rules.

That sux for mulitalo though . For me if he’s represented them at young age , that should the end of it .
What so now he can only represent NZ ? What if he identifies as an Aussie ? He’s already worn the maroon . It’s the same with Luke Keary . He should have always been a maroon , because that’s who he wanted to play for . Because he’s competitive, he will do a job for us in the future , but why make him ?

The issue with Inglis , Folau , etc . Is that they were told NSW were a bunch of racists who will never look after the boys . We can thank Tony Mundine for that nugget of wisdom. So they all jumped ship . Lattrell was taking about it a week ago , that it wasn’t cool for the young boys to wear nsw blue. And he wanted to change that . In the end , we need guys who wear the jersey with pride , and vise versa . If that means a 14 year old kid , as apprised to a 13 year old kid , I don’t see the difference . It’s a bloody technicality. Seems a bit crass to enforce it to me .

Let's be serious, rules are rules, Origin is for NSW and QLD players, and a stepping stone for the Australian jumper.
Not for Kiwis, islanders or others. Kiwis are loyal to NZ not to Australia, I'm surrounded by them, and they will only buy Watties baked beans and always wear black. Ifeel sorry for the kid, but even if he played i doubt he would get another QLD jumper, and that would mean he can't play for NZ in the future. That is not good for the NZ rugby league.
If people don't think qld selectors were not aware of this you are naive.

I don’t know how you can say that with a straight face mate . Most of the nrl are players of some kind of background , whether it be islander , NZ , middle eastern or whatever . The kids formative years were in Queensland , he wore the jerseys at a youth level , and now he’s taking the natural steps to Queensland . It’s not his fault no one picked it up earlier , and like you said he may never get the chance to wear the maroon jersey . We are talking 10 months . Not a gun 17 year old from another country . Which by the way , in sports like soccer and Union , basketball that’s exactly what they do. Half the Socceroos are kids who grew up in other countries , but mum was an Aussie.
It’s not up to you or I to decide whether a kid is to represent his country of birth , or the country he grew up representing , or chooses . If he ruins his chances at NZ , then he will regret that later in life .
The kids absolutely devastated. And how’s that a good thing ? In the interest of fairness? Since when is origin fair ?

The bottom line is Qld did what they have done for years. and that is playing the card off the bottom of the deck. Blame QLD RL nobody else. They tried another con trick and it failed.

 

[dazza65]

Mulitalo ruled out of Maroons side due to ineligibility.

After the Tony Carrol fiasco, the Inglis fiasco , and of course the greatest con the Grasshoper as a referee fiasco, they have finally been made to follow the rules.

That sux for mulitalo though . For me if he’s represented them at young age , that should the end of it .
What so now he can only represent NZ ? What if he identifies as an Aussie ? He’s already worn the maroon . It’s the same with Luke Keary . He should have always been a maroon , because that’s who he wanted to play for . Because he’s competitive, he will do a job for us in the future , but why make him ?

The issue with Inglis , Folau , etc . Is that they were told NSW were a bunch of racists who will never look after the boys . We can thank Tony Mundine for that nugget of wisdom. So they all jumped ship . Lattrell was taking about it a week ago , that it wasn’t cool for the young boys to wear nsw blue. And he wanted to change that . In the end , we need guys who wear the jersey with pride , and vise versa . If that means a 14 year old kid , as apprised to a 13 year old kid , I don’t see the difference . It’s a bloody technicality. Seems a bit crass to enforce it to me .

Let's be serious, rules are rules, Origin is for NSW and QLD players, and a stepping stone for the Australian jumper.
Not for Kiwis, islanders or others. Kiwis are loyal to NZ not to Australia, I'm surrounded by them, and they will only buy Watties baked beans and always wear black. Ifeel sorry for the kid, but even if he played i doubt he would get another QLD jumper, and that would mean he can't play for NZ in the future. That is not good for the NZ rugby league.
If people don't think qld selectors were not aware of this you are naive.

I don’t know how you can say that with a straight face mate . Most of the nrl are players of some kind of background , whether it be islander , NZ , middle eastern or whatever . The kids formative years were in Queensland , he wore the jerseys at a youth level , and now he’s taking the natural steps to Queensland . It’s not his fault no one picked it up earlier , and like you said he may never get the chance to wear the maroon jersey . We are talking 10 months . Not a gun 17 year old from another country . Which by the way , in sports like soccer and Union , basketball that’s exactly what they do. Half the Socceroos are kids who grew up in other countries , but mum was an Aussie.
It’s not up to you or I to decide whether a kid is to represent his country of birth , or the country he grew up representing , or chooses . If he ruins his chances at NZ , then he will regret that later in life .
The kids absolutely devastated. And how’s that a good thing ? In the interest of fairness? Since when is origin fair ?

The bottom line is Qld did what they have done for years. and that is playing the card off the bottom of the deck. Blame QLD RL nobody else. They tried another con trick and it failed.

Karma, nothing more, nothing less.

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

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

The only person causing division at the moment is you - majority of people couldn't care less what the team name for our reserve grade is. If it was called Balmain I would care just as little

easy to say when it isn't called that I guess
they are still the TIGERS in nrl so shouldn't worry to much really

Balmain pay nothing, Wests payed their debt and could have kicked them to the curb but didn't, yet you want them to also call the reserves team Balmain, you are dreaming and delusional mate

no I wanted them called wests tigers

 

[clontarfkid]

Weve gotta be ONE club...not Balmain this or Magpies that
Gotta let go of division and move forward with the intent of 21 years ago!

 

[cochise]

Weve gotta be ONE club...not Balmain this or Magpies that
Gotta let go of division and move forward with the intent of 21 years ago!

I think it is time this thread stops being derailed by this topic.

 

[watersider]

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.

Same. Balmain fan who used to love watching them in lower grades after the merger but completely understand the Magpies lower grade situation and I like seeing the magpie Jersey. Sheens wanted and fought for one lower grade team, rather than two, I don't think he cared about the colours.

 

[Tigermars]

**Debate erupts over signing that could ‘transform’ Tigers; Raiders ‘keen’ on half: Transfer Whispers**

The Wests Tigers are in the mix to sign Melbourne Storm forward Dale Finucane but there are doubts over one of the terms his manager is after.
Finucane is off-contract at the end of the season and while Melbourne is keen to keep him, the reality is he may be squeezed out.
Fox League’s James Hooper reported on Friday that the Tigers are preparing to go all-in on Finucane.
Speaking on Triple M on Sunday, Hooper added that Finucane’s manager is currently looking for four years for his client - causing a debate on whether he was worth the Tigers pursuing on that kind of deal.
“For where they are as a club and what they require, he is the type of circuit-breaker signing that could completely transform the joint,” Hooper said.
Gorden Tallis though was not convinced a long-term deal was the right move.
“I don’t think there is much left in the orange,” he said.
“That’s because he’s played every week and that’s why you want him. But Melbourne wouldn’t be letting him go. Their roster management is unbelievable. They probably know he has 12 months of good footy and then he is on the other side.
“When you squeeze the orange and play how he does, there is a moment it all slows down.”
Hooper saw merit in that argument but went further to explain that the Tigers have little choice at the moment.
“I agree but for the Wests Tigers and where they are at, they need something different,” he said.
“I’m not saying sign him. I know he’s closer to the end than the beginning but you don’t sign him for what he can do on the field, you sign him for everything he brings to the organisation from the professionalism, the habits, the one-percent areas he teaches the rest of the dressing room.
“They’re in... they’re going to have a crack. They’re not going to go crazy and bend their salary cap out of proportion. The Tigers should be prepared to go further than other clubs will. They’re going to have to pay overs.”
Fox League’s Paul Kent though warned the Tigers have to “go in with caution”, adding “there is no silver bullet” that will immediately solve all their problems.

 

[watersider]

Can't believe people want Morris for Madge....

Also can't believe people giving up on Talau so soon, no doubt he needs a spell in ressies - but there is potential there and I'm confident it can be unlocked in time.

He's a naturally gifted kid.


Im not a fan of Talau and IMO he has had more than enough time to prove himself.

I am a fan however of anyone who can go back to reggies and tear it up and force their way back.

You think 27 games is more than enough time for a 21 year old to prove himself? He’s scored 14 try’s in those games.

Simpkin got 5 games, Cini 2, Madge has favourites, and it creates a bad environment

Bit different imo. Simpkin plays in a key position and has competition. Besides, the club re-signed him for 3 years. He’s clearly in the clubs plans. As for Cini, Talau has never played as bad as Cini did in his second game.

Talau has played as bad as Cini, what games have you watched

Nope, Cini was absolutely unplayable. It was as bad a game as Glen Air. Lipina Kaufusi played better and got dropped, and he was bad. I like Cini and think he could still get another chance but it would be a huge gamble to give him another game and I completely understand him being dropped.

 

[avocadoontoast]

**Debate erupts over signing that could ‘transform’ Tigers; Raiders ‘keen’ on half: Transfer Whispers**

The Wests Tigers are in the mix to sign Melbourne Storm forward Dale Finucane but there are doubts over one of the terms his manager is after.
Finucane is off-contract at the end of the season and while Melbourne is keen to keep him, the reality is he may be squeezed out.
Fox League’s James Hooper reported on Friday that the Tigers are preparing to go all-in on Finucane.
Speaking on Triple M on Sunday, Hooper added that Finucane’s manager is currently looking for four years for his client - causing a debate on whether he was worth the Tigers pursuing on that kind of deal.
“For where they are as a club and what they require, he is the type of circuit-breaker signing that could completely transform the joint,” Hooper said.
Gorden Tallis though was not convinced a long-term deal was the right move.
“I don’t think there is much left in the orange,” he said.
“That’s because he’s played every week and that’s why you want him. But Melbourne wouldn’t be letting him go. Their roster management is unbelievable. They probably know he has 12 months of good footy and then he is on the other side.
“When you squeeze the orange and play how he does, there is a moment it all slows down.”
Hooper saw merit in that argument but went further to explain that the Tigers have little choice at the moment.
“I agree but for the Wests Tigers and where they are at, they need something different,” he said.
“I’m not saying sign him. I know he’s closer to the end than the beginning but you don’t sign him for what he can do on the field, you sign him for everything he brings to the organisation from the professionalism, the habits, the one-percent areas he teaches the rest of the dressing room.
“They’re in... they’re going to have a crack. They’re not going to go crazy and bend their salary cap out of proportion. The Tigers should be prepared to go further than other clubs will. They’re going to have to pay overs.”
Fox League’s Paul Kent though warned the Tigers have to “go in with caution”, adding “there is no silver bullet” that will immediately solve all their problems.

4 years? No chance.

 

[the_third]

Mulitalo ruled out of Maroons side due to ineligibility.

After the Tony Carrol fiasco, the Inglis fiasco , and of course the greatest con the Grasshoper as a referee fiasco, they have finally been made to follow the rules.

That sux for mulitalo though . For me if he’s represented them at young age , that should the end of it .
What so now he can only represent NZ ? What if he identifies as an Aussie ? He’s already worn the maroon . It’s the same with Luke Keary . He should have always been a maroon , because that’s who he wanted to play for . Because he’s competitive, he will do a job for us in the future , but why make him ?

The issue with Inglis , Folau , etc . Is that they were told NSW were a bunch of racists who will never look after the boys . We can thank Tony Mundine for that nugget of wisdom. So they all jumped ship . Lattrell was taking about it a week ago , that it wasn’t cool for the young boys to wear nsw blue. And he wanted to change that . In the end , we need guys who wear the jersey with pride , and vise versa . If that means a 14 year old kid , as apprised to a 13 year old kid , I don’t see the difference . It’s a bloody technicality. Seems a bit crass to enforce it to me .

Let's be serious, rules are rules, Origin is for NSW and QLD players, and a stepping stone for the Australian jumper.
Not for Kiwis, islanders or others. Kiwis are loyal to NZ not to Australia, I'm surrounded by them, and they will only buy Watties baked beans and always wear black. Ifeel sorry for the kid, but even if he played i doubt he would get another QLD jumper, and that would mean he can't play for NZ in the future. That is not good for the NZ rugby league.
If people don't think qld selectors were not aware of this you are naive.

I don’t know how you can say that with a straight face mate . Most of the nrl are players of some kind of background , whether it be islander , NZ , middle eastern or whatever . The kids formative years were in Queensland , he wore the jerseys at a youth level , and now he’s taking the natural steps to Queensland . It’s not his fault no one picked it up earlier , and like you said he may never get the chance to wear the maroon jersey . We are talking 10 months . Not a gun 17 year old from another country . Which by the way , in sports like soccer and Union , basketball that’s exactly what they do. Half the Socceroos are kids who grew up in other countries , but mum was an Aussie.
It’s not up to you or I to decide whether a kid is to represent his country of birth , or the country he grew up representing , or chooses . If he ruins his chances at NZ , then he will regret that later in life .
The kids absolutely devastated. And how’s that a good thing ? In the interest of fairness? Since when is origin fair ?

The bottom line is Qld did what they have done for years. and that is playing the card off the bottom of the deck. Blame QLD RL nobody else. They tried another con trick and it failed.

should have tried it with a better player

 

[TigerWest]

Anyone got a link or info on this
What is he actually demanding
Or is it hearsay


triplem.com.au

Does anyone really care what they say?