Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Tiger5150]

This makes bleak reading. Like everyone who loves Wests Tigers I was hoping we would be able to make one marquee signing now Russel Packer and Josh Reynolds contracts will be off the books for 2022. If you listen to the media that’s roughly 1.4 million. I think we are in a dark hole and there isn’t much light at the end of the tunnel. Time to blood some youth, at least bring back Jake Simpkin to the bench and get some game time in tandem with Liddle and Tualagi deserves a crack in the back row. I love big Luciano but he looks gassed during games. Blood some youth for 2022!!!!!

I agree, but we have to spend the money, we can't just leave it because no one wants to come here

We should be front loading Daine Laurie, Stefano, Twal, Brooks, anyone who is having a dig, so we can go chips in for genuine stars when they come up.

Brooks doesn't need anymore cash he's one of our highest paid players ? give it to the young fellas

You don’t pay him more u just give him more now and less later so you have more cap room later.

Not sure you could give him less later

Of course you can, the whole point of front loading and enables us to pay "overs" for the next retiree available.

 

[gregjm87]

This makes bleak reading. Like everyone who loves Wests Tigers I was hoping we would be able to make one marquee signing now Russel Packer and Josh Reynolds contracts will be off the books for 2022. If you listen to the media that’s roughly 1.4 million. I think we are in a dark hole and there isn’t much light at the end of the tunnel. Time to blood some youth, at least bring back Jake Simpkin to the bench and get some game time in tandem with Liddle and Tualagi deserves a crack in the back row. I love big Luciano but he looks gassed during games. Blood some youth for 2022!!!!!

I agree, but we have to spend the money, we can't just leave it because no one wants to come here

We should be front loading Daine Laurie, Stefano, Twal, Brooks, anyone who is having a dig, so we can go chips in for genuine stars when they come up.

Brooks doesn't need anymore cash he's one of our highest paid players ? give it to the young fellas

You don’t pay him more u just give him more now and less later so you have more cap room later.

Not sure you could give him less later

I think you can, if we still owe him 2mil over 3 years you give him 1mill/600/400 or something similar

the only issue is come the 3rd year their manager will be over at para saying hes only gonna be on 400 next year, he is prepared to go if you can beat that.

Would rather front load the guys we dont care about keeping. May not make much sense financially But it will get their final years contract value down to where it should be and they would no longer be a cap burden moving forward

 

[BAGNF05]

This makes bleak reading. Like everyone who loves Wests Tigers I was hoping we would be able to make one marquee signing now Russel Packer and Josh Reynolds contracts will be off the books for 2022. If you listen to the media that’s roughly 1.4 million. I think we are in a dark hole and there isn’t much light at the end of the tunnel. Time to blood some youth, at least bring back Jake Simpkin to the bench and get some game time in tandem with Liddle and Tualagi deserves a crack in the back row. I love big Luciano but he looks gassed during games. Blood some youth for 2022!!!!!

I agree, but we have to spend the money, we can't just leave it because no one wants to come here

We should be front loading Daine Laurie, Stefano, Twal, Brooks, anyone who is having a dig, so we can go chips in for genuine stars when they come up.

Brooks doesn't need anymore cash he's one of our highest paid players ? give it to the young fellas

You don’t pay him more u just give him more now and less later so you have more cap room later.

Not sure you could give him less later

I think you can, if we still owe him 2mil over 3 years you give him 1mill/600/400 or something similar

the only issue is come the 3rd year their manager will be over at para saying hes only gonna be on 400 next year, he is prepared to go if you can beat that.

Would rather front load the guys we dont care about keeping. May not make much sense financially But it will get their final years contract value down to where it should be and they would no longer be a cap burden moving forward

My proposal assumes you find a way to move on from the dud contracts too. No more nuffies.

 

[Nelson]

Sheens might be able to assist in identifying and bringing in some quality forwards from Super League. Ben Currie and Mike McMeeken would go well here (I think) and have plenty of good years ahead of them. Liam Farrell is getting on but would add plenty of experience and grit. James Bentley would help make up for the loss of prime Elijah Taylor as a defensive workhorse. Manu Ma'u is probably a little long in the tooth to bother trying to bring back... I hope we're considering raids on other markets because we haven't been particularly competitive in recruiting from other NRL teams.

 

[gregjm87]

Sheens might be able to assist in identifying and bringing in some quality forwards from Super League. Ben Currie and Mike McMeeken would go well here (I think) and have plenty of good years ahead of them. Liam Farrell is getting on but would add plenty of experience and grit. James Bentley would help make up for the loss of prime Elijah Taylor as a defensive workhorse. Manu Ma'u is probably a little long in the tooth to bother trying to bring back... I hope we're considering raids on other markets because we haven't been particularly competitive in recruiting from other NRL teams.

id hope were looking at young blokes in NZs super rugby franchises that have played a bit of league before (e.g. at high school). Sell them that playing well at Tigers is a rails run to test football as you will be playing for the NZ coach.

 

[yeahcaz]

We need to think about players looking to leave thier club and for mine thier will be a few on contract who will be looking for a mutual exit

Joe Tapine (27, 131 FG games)- No doubt in my mind that he will be looking out of the Raiders and id say they will oblige. Plus Madge loves him from their time with NZ

David Klemmer (27, 169 FG games) - Is a 1st tackle prop making 150m every week and 95% tackle efficiency. He is playing off the bench at the Knights and wouldnt be happy and they need to upgrade the Saifiti twins next year.

Shaun Lane (26, 111 games) / Marata Niukore (24, 69 FG games)- Playing off the bench for the Eels with Brown, Matterson, Papalili starting and they still have Cartwright, Hipgrave and Stone in their squad. Can't see both of them staying and either would be great additions

Connor Watson (25, 95 Fg Games) - Great utility value and off contract would be a great number 14 and gives you back up at halves, hooker, fullback and has even played some lock this year. Rumoured to be going to Sharks is the only issue to join Fitzy but would be a great and cheaper replacement for what Mbye is meant to be.

While the first 4 are all on contract they are also players who could be looking for one reason or another for a starting spot and all in the prime mid 20s but not 30 like Finucane

I’m sure Madge loves all his NZ players, they obviously don’t share the same feelings 😂

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

This makes bleak reading. Like everyone who loves Wests Tigers I was hoping we would be able to make one marquee signing now Russel Packer and Josh Reynolds contracts will be off the books for 2022. If you listen to the media that’s roughly 1.4 million. I think we are in a dark hole and there isn’t much light at the end of the tunnel. Time to blood some youth, at least bring back Jake Simpkin to the bench and get some game time in tandem with Liddle and Tualagi deserves a crack in the back row. I love big Luciano but he looks gassed during games. Blood some youth for 2022!!!!!

I agree, but we have to spend the money, we can't just leave it because no one wants to come here

We should be front loading Daine Laurie, Stefano, Twal, Brooks, anyone who is having a dig, so we can go chips in for genuine stars when they come up.

Brooks doesn't need anymore cash he's one of our highest paid players ? give it to the young fellas

You don’t pay him more u just give him more now and less later so you have more cap room later.

Not sure you could give him less later

I think you can, if we still owe him 2mil over 3 years you give him 1mill/600/400 or something similar

the only issue is come the 3rd year their manager will be over at para saying hes only gonna be on 400 next year, he is prepared to go if you can beat that.

Would rather front load the guys we dont care about keeping. May not make much sense financially But it will get their final years contract value down to where it should be and they would no longer be a cap burden moving forward

can we front load Nofo so he disappears to another club final year or even better 2 years in

 

[jirskyr]

Anyone know Vaughn player manager?

Why? Do you really think the NRL would register a new contract for Vaughn?

Yep he just has to serve his 8 game ban

He won’t get a new contract registered until at least his current, now torn up, contract is complete. At that time he’ll have to serve his 8 match ban. Even then I think his time in the NRL is done.

he can sign a contract for next year?

You can imagine the outcry from the public if he did. His best bet is to go OS.

I don't think there will be much of an outcry, he will earn much less than he was going to.

https://twitter.com/Martin_Lang11/status/1412346310464708608?s=19
Paul Vaughan’s behaviour is unacceptable..yes.
But, to suggest his NRL career is finished and clubs are now “put off”, is absurd.
Front-row talent is in my opinion, scarce at present. There will be more than one club CEO highly aroused over his sudden availability for 2022.

Did he have to use the word "aroused"?

 

[Needaname]


I reckon we’ll see this muppet back in our colours .

Bring him home

I've always loved woodsy gonna be honest. I still cheer when he scores a try or does something good

Not cheering often then.

 

[Needaname]

Issac Liu official to Titans

Suua to Saints done

TPJ to Dogs imminent...

Unless a club releases a big name player to us, 2022 is looking barren as there are no players left who are much better than we have.

Except Finucane...so it seems all or nothing with him now.

Well in saying that. He has 2 choices. Us or Melbourne and maybe a loss of about 600k over 3 years.
Maybe they will help him decide?
I reckon the club would be willing to sign him for 600k for 3 years, no more. Melbourne I reckon would be hard pressed being able to fit him in for 450k no less. Of course there’s always the Knights, Sharks or Cowboys so he may still get the deal he is after.


Im coming around to Finucane and hope we get him. I agree that I'd offer $600K over 3 which is probably one year too many but I think he is the kind of guy to take that risk. Unlike Tamou (who I was happy with), Finucane is still smashing it right now.

Surely if Dragons sign Sua and Dogs sell the farm to get TPJ, we would have to be in the box seat if he leaves Storms.

We're not getting Finucane - he wants more money and a longer deal than WT are willing to pay. My source on this is solid.

Whilst I get what your saying. I understand the stance. I’m saying if he gets priced out of other teams than maybe we might get him at better value.
You info basically confirms that we are interested but only for the right deal.
If we miss out with all that in mind I’m ok with that. Fingers crossed he does fall in our lap though.

 

[Needaname]

Issac Liu official to Titans

Suua to Saints done

TPJ to Dogs imminent...

Unless a club releases a big name player to us, 2022 is looking barren as there are no players left who are much better than we have.

Except Finucane...so it seems all or nothing with him now.

Well in saying that. He has 2 choices. Us or Melbourne and maybe a loss of about 600k over 3 years.
Maybe they will help him decide?
I reckon the club would be willing to sign him for 600k for 3 years, no more. Melbourne I reckon would be hard pressed being able to fit him in for 450k no less. Of course there’s always the Knights, Sharks or Cowboys so he may still get the deal he is after.


Im coming around to Finucane and hope we get him. I agree that I'd offer $600K over 3 which is probably one year too many but I think he is the kind of guy to take that risk. Unlike Tamou (who I was happy with), Finucane is still smashing it right now.

Surely if Dragons sign Sua and Dogs sell the farm to get TPJ, we would have to be in the box seat if he leaves Storms.

We're not getting Finucane - he wants more money and a longer deal than WT are willing to pay. My source on this is solid.

Any other news from your source

TPJ won't come here for less than 950k, which WT laughed at. My source feels the frustration of the fans but this is simply a slow process as there's not a huge amount of A-grade talent on the market this year. The long term plan involves an increased focus on developing and retaining local juniors. Some of these Flegg boys will hopefully step up in a couple of years time - there's one or two like Ogden and Mavoni who could end up in FG next season.

Not sure WT have a few more years left in them. I still dont trust the league powers not to undertake a rationalisation of the Sydney clubs using the argument that player strength just cant got that far along with trying to expand elsewhere. It is the very problem we are exposing, suffering from, with no real solution except to wait and hope to grow and use your locally developed players- except for the huge problem of having the best and most promising plucked from them beforehand. Tell me, if you are offered the chance to finish your development in a NRL competitive club versus remaining at WT and seeing how it goes- where would you go as a young-un?

Edit- we have to try to get some better players now.

Good news is, if we become the Brisbane Tigers it will help with the roster turn over. The soft ones will jump ship and we will have a junior base made of Queensland juniors.

 

[Needaname]

There’s a lot of hype around new signings (go back and read how excited everyone was about Packer, Matulino, Reynolds and Mbye) but it doesn’t usually work as a strategy to make a good, competitive team.

These guys were sold to us as value buys at the time. Until some truths came through with what they actually costed us.
I believe the initial signing of Matolino was said to be 450k. Packer 600k Reynolds 650k and MBye an average of 600k for the contracted seasons.
The word was that we managed to sign both Props for less than what we would of retained Woods and Ava Seua for 800k, 400k.
Turns out we were jooped.

 

[jirskyr]

jooped.

Duped?

 

[Needaname]

We need to think about players looking to leave thier club and for mine thier will be a few on contract who will be looking for a mutual exit

Joe Tapine (27, 131 FG games)- No doubt in my mind that he will be looking out of the Raiders and id say they will oblige. Plus Madge loves him from their time with NZ

David Klemmer (27, 169 FG games) - Is a 1st tackle prop making 150m every week and 95% tackle efficiency. He is playing off the bench at the Knights and wouldnt be happy and they need to upgrade the Saifiti twins next year.

Shaun Lane (26, 111 games) / Marata Niukore (24, 69 FG games)- Playing off the bench for the Eels with Brown, Matterson, Papalili starting and they still have Cartwright, Hipgrave and Stone in their squad. Can't see both of them staying and either would be great additions

Connor Watson (25, 95 Fg Games) - Great utility value and off contract would be a great number 14 and gives you back up at halves, hooker, fullback and has even played some lock this year. Rumoured to be going to Sharks is the only issue to join Fitzy but would be a great and cheaper replacement for what Mbye is meant to be.

While the first 4 are all on contract they are also players who could be looking for one reason or another for a starting spot and all in the prime mid 20s but not 30 like Finucane

Shaun Lane is interesting. Contracted 3 more years. Maybe a decision will be made depending on whether Matterson elects his PO.

Another player that isn’t spoken about at all is Kodi Nikorima. Desperate to stay in Australia next year. In really good form and is definitely a contributor to the Warriors winning form this year. Johnson was signed to replace him next year.

 

[tony soprano]

Anyone know Vaughn player manager?

Why? Do you really think the NRL would register a new contract for Vaughn?

Yep he just has to serve his 8 game ban

He won’t get a new contract registered until at least his current, now torn up, contract is complete. At that time he’ll have to serve his 8 match ban. Even then I think his time in the NRL is done.

he can sign a contract for next year?

You can imagine the outcry from the public if he did. His best bet is to go OS.

I don't think there will be much of an outcry, he will earn much less than he was going to.

https://twitter.com/Martin_Lang11/status/1412346310464708608?s=19
Paul Vaughan’s behaviour is unacceptable..yes.
But, to suggest his NRL career is finished and clubs are now “put off”, is absurd.
Front-row talent is in my opinion, scarce at present. There will be more than one club CEO highly aroused over his sudden availability for 2022.

Did he have to use the word "aroused"?

Hahah

 

[WT2K]

Found our next signing. Number 10. https://twitter.com/CaliforniaRL/status/1412779909848584194?s=19

 

[Demps]

Found our next signing. Number 10. https://twitter.com/CaliforniaRL/status/1412779909848584194?s=19

😂

Maybe we can do some scouting in Dagestan too?

 

[TheDaBoss]

U cant say we havent improved this year...if the words goal kicker and fullback dont appear regularly in this thread lol

 

[happy_tiger]


I'm waiting for the headline tomorrow on Fox and DT so say that Jaydn Su'a rejected us and chose the Dragons... I don't even think we offered him anything but we will get a mention.

Last night on NRL 360 they were talking about Sua , George Burgess and Brown signing mini contracts to play for St George over the 3-4 weeks ......

 

[Spartan117]

Good news is, if we become the Brisbane Tigers

If we become the Anything other than Wests Tigers...

I am outta here. That's final.