Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Russell]

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

It is only you on this site who is worried about it.

Incorrect Cochise - I'm worried about it as well.

You all go on about a one ground club - same thing, how about a one name club.

That would be "Wests Tigers" wouldn't it?

So you'd be happy with no Leichhardt?

Don't turn it around Gal - we are talking about a ONE name club.


How far down do you want to go? Flegg? Matthews? Ball?

Don't worry - obviously not important to anyone else.

 

[pawsandclaws1]

So apparently it’s not what Finucane does on the field it’s his behaviour off it, and the way he warms up? The way he prepares for a game? That’s where his real value is apparently, because he hasn’t played a full season for a while, and he’s had 12 tough years as a bulldogs/Storm forward so his game preparation has to be spot on? His value is in his character apparently, not so much in the way he plays the game?
Gosh, does anyone else see something familiar with this deal?
Let’s not shuffle this fact under the carpet? In about 10 weeks his birthday cake will have 30 candles to blow out.
I understand that it would be great for our youngsters to watch him prepare for games but 4 years?
We need players who can get on the park and get the job done and if they have good manners then that’s a bonus.

It's on the field as well. He's been on the field for most games in the last 2 years and had almost Cam Smith style injury run before that.

Another interesting stat I noticed, he's NEVER had a season with less then 52% win ratio. This includes 3 seasons with the Bulldogs. The guy is a winner. Off the field he brings the preparation experience that we lost with Chris Lawrence, Elijah Taylor and dare I say it Benji.

Big question is will he continue to be as durable. No one knows, but IMO he's different person to the likes of Packer, Tamou etc. I don't see this guy coming here to collect a paycheck, unfortunately that's why I don't think we'll get him.

People are scarred by previous signings. Even Tamou the only issue is that he can't play big minutes, when he's on the field he does fine. Finucane would get through a lot more work on the field

Seyfarth gets through a lot of work on the field. He is younger, won't cost a fortune and will grow with the team as per Sheens' team in 2005.

 

[JC99]

So apparently it’s not what Finucane does on the field it’s his behaviour off it, and the way he warms up? The way he prepares for a game? That’s where his real value is apparently, because he hasn’t played a full season for a while, and he’s had 12 tough years as a bulldogs/Storm forward so his game preparation has to be spot on? His value is in his character apparently, not so much in the way he plays the game?
Gosh, does anyone else see something familiar with this deal?
Let’s not shuffle this fact under the carpet? In about 10 weeks his birthday cake will have 30 candles to blow out.
I understand that it would be great for our youngsters to watch him prepare for games but 4 years?
We need players who can get on the park and get the job done and if they have good manners then that’s a bonus.

It's on the field as well. He's been on the field for most games in the last 2 years and had almost Cam Smith style injury run before that.

Another interesting stat I noticed, he's NEVER had a season with less then 52% win ratio. This includes 3 seasons with the Bulldogs. The guy is a winner. Off the field he brings the preparation experience that we lost with Chris Lawrence, Elijah Taylor and dare I say it Benji.

Big question is will he continue to be as durable. No one knows, but IMO he's different person to the likes of Packer, Tamou etc. I don't see this guy coming here to collect a paycheck, unfortunately that's why I don't think we'll get him.

People are scarred by previous signings. Even Tamou the only issue is that he can't play big minutes, when he's on the field he does fine. Finucane would get through a lot more work on the field

I think Tamou has been pretty disappointing on field. I'm not talking about his leadership or the other intangibles he brings, which i'm sure are very valuable, but as a player I think he's quite a bit off the pace. 82m from a starting front rower isn't good enough imo. He's also been pretty suspect in defence.

It's 82 metres in limited minutes though, Madge keeps him off the field for over half the game normally. His output for the time he's out there is fine

 

[JC99]

So apparently it’s not what Finucane does on the field it’s his behaviour off it, and the way he warms up? The way he prepares for a game? That’s where his real value is apparently, because he hasn’t played a full season for a while, and he’s had 12 tough years as a bulldogs/Storm forward so his game preparation has to be spot on? His value is in his character apparently, not so much in the way he plays the game?
Gosh, does anyone else see something familiar with this deal?
Let’s not shuffle this fact under the carpet? In about 10 weeks his birthday cake will have 30 candles to blow out.
I understand that it would be great for our youngsters to watch him prepare for games but 4 years?
We need players who can get on the park and get the job done and if they have good manners then that’s a bonus.

It's on the field as well. He's been on the field for most games in the last 2 years and had almost Cam Smith style injury run before that.

Another interesting stat I noticed, he's NEVER had a season with less then 52% win ratio. This includes 3 seasons with the Bulldogs. The guy is a winner. Off the field he brings the preparation experience that we lost with Chris Lawrence, Elijah Taylor and dare I say it Benji.

Big question is will he continue to be as durable. No one knows, but IMO he's different person to the likes of Packer, Tamou etc. I don't see this guy coming here to collect a paycheck, unfortunately that's why I don't think we'll get him.

People are scarred by previous signings. Even Tamou the only issue is that he can't play big minutes, when he's on the field he does fine. Finucane would get through a lot more work on the field

Seyfarth gets through a lot of work on the field. He is younger, won't cost a fortune and will grow with the team as per Sheens' team in 2005.

I'm a big fan of Seyfarth but he's still got plenty to learn as well. Keep giving him good minutes off the bench

 

[Cairnstigers]

People say Finucane would be a classic tigers failed signing but honestly I see TPJ being a much higher risk of failing... inconsistent, lazy defender, goes missing when it gets tough. Sounds like a lot of the boys we have already!

Obviously if he turns it around he could be world class but impossible to know if that'll happen.. one thing for sure is I know Finucane won't let us down. Just give him 3 years at reasonable money and it's fine imo. If we've got the money try sign both of them!

Hass showed the need for a big mobile fast forward in the Origin, TPJ is the closest thing to him in the game.
Yes to TPJ and a no to Finnucane for me, - to many miles on the clock.

Nothing wrong with a GTHO Phase3
Hard, strong, tuff and still going strong
Some things are built to last

Yes I would be careful but I would try everything to get him here
I don't think Finucane would allow himself to let us down
Barring injury of course
He is the ultimate footballer
I don't think he will want to tarnish his game
$600'000 for years 0ne and two
$500'000 for year three
$500'000 for year four but as a club option
And yes I would go hard for TPJ as well

Expect the Bulldogs to go hard for both as well
They are in desperate need of forwards

Mikaele not re signed yet and wouldn't be surprised if he ends up at the dogs

 

[tony soprano]

So apparently it’s not what Finucane does on the field it’s his behaviour off it, and the way he warms up? The way he prepares for a game? That’s where his real value is apparently, because he hasn’t played a full season for a while, and he’s had 12 tough years as a bulldogs/Storm forward so his game preparation has to be spot on? His value is in his character apparently, not so much in the way he plays the game?
Gosh, does anyone else see something familiar with this deal?
Let’s not shuffle this fact under the carpet? In about 10 weeks his birthday cake will have 30 candles to blow out.
I understand that it would be great for our youngsters to watch him prepare for games but 4 years?
We need players who can get on the park and get the job done and if they have good manners then that’s a bonus.

It's on the field as well. He's been on the field for most games in the last 2 years and had almost Cam Smith style injury run before that.

Another interesting stat I noticed, he's NEVER had a season with less then 52% win ratio. This includes 3 seasons with the Bulldogs. The guy is a winner. Off the field he brings the preparation experience that we lost with Chris Lawrence, Elijah Taylor and dare I say it Benji.

Big question is will he continue to be as durable. No one knows, but IMO he's different person to the likes of Packer, Tamou etc. I don't see this guy coming here to collect a paycheck, unfortunately that's why I don't think we'll get him.

People are scarred by previous signings. Even Tamou the only issue is that he can't play big minutes, when he's on the field he does fine. Finucane would get through a lot more work on the field

Look at our 2005 side most sides need their right mix of seasoned players. Dale at 3 years would be ok

 

[avocadoontoast]

So apparently it’s not what Finucane does on the field it’s his behaviour off it, and the way he warms up? The way he prepares for a game? That’s where his real value is apparently, because he hasn’t played a full season for a while, and he’s had 12 tough years as a bulldogs/Storm forward so his game preparation has to be spot on? His value is in his character apparently, not so much in the way he plays the game?
Gosh, does anyone else see something familiar with this deal?
Let’s not shuffle this fact under the carpet? In about 10 weeks his birthday cake will have 30 candles to blow out.
I understand that it would be great for our youngsters to watch him prepare for games but 4 years?
We need players who can get on the park and get the job done and if they have good manners then that’s a bonus.

It's on the field as well. He's been on the field for most games in the last 2 years and had almost Cam Smith style injury run before that.

Another interesting stat I noticed, he's NEVER had a season with less then 52% win ratio. This includes 3 seasons with the Bulldogs. The guy is a winner. Off the field he brings the preparation experience that we lost with Chris Lawrence, Elijah Taylor and dare I say it Benji.

Big question is will he continue to be as durable. No one knows, but IMO he's different person to the likes of Packer, Tamou etc. I don't see this guy coming here to collect a paycheck, unfortunately that's why I don't think we'll get him.

People are scarred by previous signings. Even Tamou the only issue is that he can't play big minutes, when he's on the field he does fine. Finucane would get through a lot more work on the field

I think Tamou has been pretty disappointing on field. I'm not talking about his leadership or the other intangibles he brings, which i'm sure are very valuable, but as a player I think he's quite a bit off the pace. 82m from a starting front rower isn't good enough imo. He's also been pretty suspect in defence.

It's 82 metres in limited minutes though, Madge keeps him off the field for over half the game normally. His output for the time he's out there is fine

I think that's because he's a bit off the pace. I've noticed he gets gassed really quickly.

 

[jadtiger]

No one knows, but IMO he’s different person to the likes of Packer, Tamou etc. I don’t see this guy coming here to collect a paycheck, unfortunately that’s why I don’t think we’ll get him.

I see him exactly like Tamou in that he will try but his body will not be able to do what he wants it to do because we are not as strong as the storm and he will lack support.I agree in that he is nothing like that useless bludger Packer

 

[jadtiger]

So apparently it’s not what Finucane does on the field it’s his behaviour off it, and the way he warms up? The way he prepares for a game? That’s where his real value is apparently, because he hasn’t played a full season for a while, and he’s had 12 tough years as a bulldogs/Storm forward so his game preparation has to be spot on? His value is in his character apparently, not so much in the way he plays the game?
Gosh, does anyone else see something familiar with this deal?
Let’s not shuffle this fact under the carpet? In about 10 weeks his birthday cake will have 30 candles to blow out.
I understand that it would be great for our youngsters to watch him prepare for games but 4 years?
We need players who can get on the park and get the job done and if they have good manners then that’s a bonus.

It's on the field as well. He's been on the field for most games in the last 2 years and had almost Cam Smith style injury run before that.

Another interesting stat I noticed, he's NEVER had a season with less then 52% win ratio. This includes 3 seasons with the Bulldogs. The guy is a winner. Off the field he brings the preparation experience that we lost with Chris Lawrence, Elijah Taylor and dare I say it Benji.

Big question is will he continue to be as durable. No one knows, but IMO he's different person to the likes of Packer, Tamou etc. I don't see this guy coming here to collect a paycheck, unfortunately that's why I don't think we'll get him.

People are scarred by previous signings. Even Tamou the only issue is that he can't play big minutes, when he's on the field he does fine. Finucane would get through a lot more work on the field

Seyfarth gets through a lot of work on the field. He is younger, won't cost a fortune and will grow with the team as per Sheens' team in 2005.

Seyfarth could well end up being the player we need at 13.He is young and a junior that hopefully will show loyalty to the club if we do the right thing by him.Yes i know it is potential but sometimes you have to stick with it rather than let it go to another club(storm etc)

 

[avocadoontoast]

So apparently it’s not what Finucane does on the field it’s his behaviour off it, and the way he warms up? The way he prepares for a game? That’s where his real value is apparently, because he hasn’t played a full season for a while, and he’s had 12 tough years as a bulldogs/Storm forward so his game preparation has to be spot on? His value is in his character apparently, not so much in the way he plays the game?
Gosh, does anyone else see something familiar with this deal?
Let’s not shuffle this fact under the carpet? In about 10 weeks his birthday cake will have 30 candles to blow out.
I understand that it would be great for our youngsters to watch him prepare for games but 4 years?
We need players who can get on the park and get the job done and if they have good manners then that’s a bonus.

It's on the field as well. He's been on the field for most games in the last 2 years and had almost Cam Smith style injury run before that.

Another interesting stat I noticed, he's NEVER had a season with less then 52% win ratio. This includes 3 seasons with the Bulldogs. The guy is a winner. Off the field he brings the preparation experience that we lost with Chris Lawrence, Elijah Taylor and dare I say it Benji.

Big question is will he continue to be as durable. No one knows, but IMO he's different person to the likes of Packer, Tamou etc. I don't see this guy coming here to collect a paycheck, unfortunately that's why I don't think we'll get him.

People are scarred by previous signings. Even Tamou the only issue is that he can't play big minutes, when he's on the field he does fine. Finucane would get through a lot more work on the field

Seyfarth gets through a lot of work on the field. He is younger, won't cost a fortune and will grow with the team as per Sheens' team in 2005.


Seyfarth could well end up being the player we need at 13.He is young and a junior that hopefully will show loyalty to the club if we do the right thing by him.Yes i know it is potential but sometimes you have to stick with it rather than let it go to another club(storm etc)

I was a Seyfarth doubter but he's been one of the real bright spots in an otherwise horrid season. There's no reason why he can't make the 13 jersey his own.

 

[Telltails]

So apparently it’s not what Finucane does on the field it’s his behaviour off it, and the way he warms up? The way he prepares for a game? That’s where his real value is apparently, because he hasn’t played a full season for a while, and he’s had 12 tough years as a bulldogs/Storm forward so his game preparation has to be spot on? His value is in his character apparently, not so much in the way he plays the game?
Gosh, does anyone else see something familiar with this deal?
Let’s not shuffle this fact under the carpet? In about 10 weeks his birthday cake will have 30 candles to blow out.
I understand that it would be great for our youngsters to watch him prepare for games but 4 years?
We need players who can get on the park and get the job done and if they have good manners then that’s a bonus.

It's on the field as well. He's been on the field for most games in the last 2 years and had almost Cam Smith style injury run before that.

Another interesting stat I noticed, he's NEVER had a season with less then 52% win ratio. This includes 3 seasons with the Bulldogs. The guy is a winner. Off the field he brings the preparation experience that we lost with Chris Lawrence, Elijah Taylor and dare I say it Benji.

Big question is will he continue to be as durable. No one knows, but IMO he's different person to the likes of Packer, Tamou etc. I don't see this guy coming here to collect a paycheck, unfortunately that's why I don't think we'll get him.

People are scarred by previous signings. Even Tamou the only issue is that he can't play big minutes, when he's on the field he does fine. Finucane would get through a lot more work on the field

I think Tamou has been pretty disappointing on field. I'm not talking about his leadership or the other intangibles he brings, which i'm sure are very valuable, but as a player I think he's quite a bit off the pace. 82m from a starting front rower isn't good enough imo. He's also been pretty suspect in defence.

It's 82 metres in limited minutes though, Madge keeps him off the field for over half the game normally. His output for the time he's out there is fine

He gets gased he can't keep up with the pace of the game.

 

[supercoach]

Still say we are going nowhere to we get at least one quality backrower and probably two. Angus Crichton last night showed the workload you need from your backrow. Lucy and Garner go missing when it hard. You could maybe carry one on your bench but certainly not two

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

Finucane outside of the Melbourne system at his age no thanks not for 4 years on that money. He looks good surrounded by good players at the Storm
TPJ stands out in a crap team worth the gamble at the age, we buy him for some xfactor

The info is he leads the standards of those players around him, maybe they look good because of the standards he sets.

he has very good players around him, not the case here
bad Signing over 4 years, 2 years ok not 4

 

[Moh]

Still no news on TPJ?

Can't believe I let myself get excited at the thought.

 

[jrtiger]

Still no news on TPJ?

Can't believe I let myself get excited at the thought.

the longer it goes on the less chance we have of getting him if I'm honest. means he's weighing up his options when we were the first to offer him a contract, meaning he wants to see what other, more attractive, options are on the table, which always ends with us losing out.

 

[momo_amp_medo]

Still say we are going nowhere to we get at least one quality backrower and probably two. Angus Crichton last night showed the workload you need from your backrow. Lucy and Garner go missing when it hard. You could maybe carry one on your bench but certainly not two

Yep …. Been on that case for quite some time.

 

[Coastie_Tiger]

Here's how this will happen in the eyes of the media, if we sign Finucane it'll be he's too old payed overs contract too long. If we dont sign Finucane it'll be another one who they cant seal the deal for he would have transformed the club ect ect ect

 

[getagrip]

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

It is only you on this site who is worried about it.

Incorrect Cochise - I'm worried about it as well.

You all go on about a one ground club - same thing, how about a one name club.

That would be "Wests Tigers" wouldn't it?

So you'd be happy with no Leichhardt?

Incidentally, is the reason KOE games are not being played at Leichhardt Oval because the name of the team has changed? Serious question. I thought KOE home games were, where logistically possible, to be played prior to NRL home games.

 

[TigerWest]

Still no news on TPJ?

Can't believe I let myself get excited at the thought.

the longer it goes on the less chance we have of getting him if I'm honest. means he's weighing up his options when we were the first to offer him a contract, meaning he wants to see what other, more attractive, options are on the table, which always ends with us losing out.

Could also mean, no one will sign him (or say they have) while he is on suspension?

 

[weststigerman]

So apparently it’s not what Finucane does on the field it’s his behaviour off it, and the way he warms up? The way he prepares for a game? That’s where his real value is apparently, because he hasn’t played a full season for a while, and he’s had 12 tough years as a bulldogs/Storm forward so his game preparation has to be spot on? His value is in his character apparently, not so much in the way he plays the game?
Gosh, does anyone else see something familiar with this deal?
Let’s not shuffle this fact under the carpet? In about 10 weeks his birthday cake will have 30 candles to blow out.
I understand that it would be great for our youngsters to watch him prepare for games but 4 years?
We need players who can get on the park and get the job done and if they have good manners then that’s a bonus.

It's on the field as well. He's been on the field for most games in the last 2 years and had almost Cam Smith style injury run before that.

Another interesting stat I noticed, he's NEVER had a season with less then 52% win ratio. This includes 3 seasons with the Bulldogs. The guy is a winner. Off the field he brings the preparation experience that we lost with Chris Lawrence, Elijah Taylor and dare I say it Benji.

Big question is will he continue to be as durable. No one knows, but IMO he's different person to the likes of Packer, Tamou etc. I don't see this guy coming here to collect a paycheck, unfortunately that's why I don't think we'll get him.

People are scarred by previous signings. Even Tamou the only issue is that he can't play big minutes, when he's on the field he does fine. Finucane would get through a lot more work on the field

Seyfarth gets through a lot of work on the field. He is younger, won't cost a fortune and will grow with the team as per Sheens' team in 2005.


Seyfarth could well end up being the player we need at 13.He is young and a junior that hopefully will show loyalty to the club if we do the right thing by him.Yes i know it is potential but sometimes you have to stick with it rather than let it go to another club(storm etc)

I was a Seyfarth doubter but he's been one of the real bright spots in an otherwise horrid season. There's no reason why he can't make the 13 jersey his own.

We have to re-sign him first.

At the moment we only have Joffa and Twal as lock options on the books for next year. It seemed like McIntyre was a formality to re-sign last year, so I’ll be happy when a deal is done.