Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[pawsandclaws1]

Comments suggesting it doesn't matter as they're only reserve graders are missing the point. These players were identified by us and we made them offers. They turned us down. There is no point having a youth strategy if we're unable to sign them.

The vast majority of NRL players will resign with their current clubs. This is not an issue unique to Wests Tigers. Do you think the Wests Tigers were the only club that identified either of these guys?

They are not the only two players we've gone after. We've gone after many other players that have signed with rival clubs.

So what? We are a club that isn’t very attractive because we have spent so much time near the bottom. That won’t change overnight.

You conveniently ignore all the junior talent we have signed because we missed out on 2.

We've missed out on a lot more than two unless of course we didn't really make them an offer at all -

TPJ
JAC
LM
AJ Brimson
Lomax
Jai Arrow
HSS
Egan

Ah so now you’re changing the argument to make the list longer, sorry I didn’t realise players in their mid 20,s were classed as junior talent.

Not changing the argument at all. Egan and HSS were no doubt being recruited for our NRL side, not to sit in KOE. These are players we were linked to and have signed zero. Our miss rate is shocking.

Do you believe bringing Sheens back is an admission a cog is amiss in our recruitment wheel (note I believe Hartigan is doing a fine job)?

Hartigan is also a big piece of the recruitment team, not just Madge.

If our recruitment purportedly sucks, the blame lays with the entire team. You don't get to pick and choose who to single out.

I think whoever is identifying the talent (I imagine a mix of Hartigan and Madge) is doing a good job. They just can't close a deal. That's the issue

Yeah and you will not get an argument from me about that either. We are flush with cash so it's not about that. It's either we are refusing to pay overs to attract the talent as it appears we have had a bit of a moneyball approach of late, or they don't want to be here.

But my reply to Paws was moreso about his willingness to apportion blame toward Madge in it's entirety and absolve absolutely everyone else in the process. Never anyone else's fault but Maguire's.

It's not an unreasonable expectation the NRL coach is the No 1 cog in recruiting NRL players to a club.

Is it also unreasonable to expect your halfback to be the number 1 cog in your team?

That's the halfback who is the most marked man in the team because he poses the biggest threat to opposing teams?

You answered a question with a question and still didn’t answer my question. My point is you seem to hold the whole organisation to this amazingly high standard which you then don’t have for the halfback of our team which is the “No 1 cog” in our team.

Brooks is one of our best together with Twal. That you cannot see this is your issue.

Trent Barrett can attract JAC, Burton, TPJ, Vaughan and the Bronco's lock is now on his acquisition list. It is not an unreasonable expectation Maguire do the same for WTs. Why are you so sensitive about this? Maguire should rightly be held to account for the lack of signings to improve our roster. He is the NRL coach.

I’m happy to hold madge to account and you can see from my multiple posts I have done that. Ten years as our halfback, 3 coaches and still no finals for our number 1 cog. I admire your devotion but it is definitely clouding your judgement. Our best players are all young players that madge recruited ( Stefano, Laurie, douhei, Blore, tuilagi, mumalo)..etc…

So you hold Brooks to account for the collective failings of the club? Your argument is flawed.

That’s my point lol. You want to hold madge to account for the collective failings of the club.

He is the halfback of the team , the main man, the guy who manages the team, the game manager, the number one cog as you like to put it. So of course it’s on him. Name one other club that has persisted with a halfback that hasn’t played finals in ten years?

Our only wins this year have been against undermanned teams and potential wooden spooners. This year has been a disaster and the best argument that can be mustered for Maguire's retention is fear of who is replacement may be, not that his performance warrants retention.

On the day Maguire signed with the WTs, I was told by a former Souths' man and posted it on this forum. He had no ill feeling towards Maguire. When I asked about him, his answer was Maguire was not the coach for WTs' style of football. He was spot on with that comment.

When you are comparing Brooks with other halves, take a look at the quality of players who have left WTs- Tedesco, Moses, Woods, Simona and JAC. Look at the quality of the players who replaced them. Being at the Storm, Chooks, Panthers, Broncos etc the quality of replacement is always available. It isn't a level playing field. And before you attempt to use that as a defence for Maguire (being a Maguire apologist as you are), signed up well knowing the roster.


**Former Souths CEO Shane Richardson urges Wests Tigers not to sack Michael Maguire**
By WWOS staff
Apr 27th, 2021

Richardson was the last man to sack Maguire three years after he delivered the club a 2014 grand final victory for the Rabbitohs. The Tigers coach is under scrutiny from parts of the Wests board who want to remove him as head coach after their dismal start to the year.

Following through on the plan would be crazy according to Richardson.

**"Madge is a great coach, I think he's outstanding**. To me its absolutely ludicrous that they are thinking about letting Madge go in the short-term," he told Nine News.

"If they are going to make a decision, it should be made at the end of the season. Not now, where I think he'll take them to another level."

**Richardson believes Maguire needs time to rebuild the club and he's not afraid of making unpopular decisions.**

"He doesn't make them lightly. He doesn't make them to suit himself, he makes them because he believes they're right. They're not always right you've got to get 7/10, once you get 6 out of 10 you're in trouble. But Madge is a 7/10 plus decision maker."

The Tigers denied they were looking at a coaching change after their 40-6 hammering to Manly on Sunday, releasing a statement declaring they were united in the face of adversity.

Michael Maguire talking with Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe (left). (Getty)
"Contrary to media reports, Wests Tigers can vehemently deny there are crisis meetings being held at the club," a statement read.

"Whilst disappointed with recent results, all at Wests Tigers remain firmly united and committed to producing a strong and competitive season together, and ready to get back to work tomorrow in preparation for Round 8."

Maguire recently signed a two-year extension until the end of 2023. He reportedly has a clause in his contract that allows the club to cut him from the job without having to pay out the rest of his contract.

So a guy who sacked Madge is advising us not to sack Madge if we wanted to? Yeah ok bud.

Or wait until the end of the year before you make the decision cough cough.

 

[BAGNF05]

This thread feels more and more like it was merged with the lament thread.

Let’s get it back on track.

I think we need a middle, 2 centres, a winger with pace and a good 2nd rower. Thompson and Lomax would be great signings for next year.

Luke Thompson, a dynamic second rower who can tackle , and a world class centre. Then these young guys just need to keep improving and we’re pushing the likes of Souths and Parra.

 

[BalmainJnr]

This thread feels more and more like it was merged with the lament thread.

Let’s get it back on track.

I think we need a middle, 2 centres, a winger with pace and a good 2nd rower. Thompson and Lomax would be great signings for next year.

There’s not a lot of players off contract that excite me but as we know players tend to shake loose in the offseason. Hopefully a couple land with us.
Lomax would be fabulous.

 

[Demps]

I am just pondering this side and I am not entirely sure how badly we need signings. The following players are 22 or under that have played significant first grade and are building combinations with the halves (Brooks/Douehi) and each other, learning on the fly and are about to all have an off season together.

Daine Laurie
Asu Kepaoa
Tommy Talau
Stefano Utoikamanu
Jake Simpkin
Tuikimihia Simpkins
Kelma Tuilagi
Shawn Blore
Alex Seyfarth

Each of these have shown quick development, some greater than others.

Our Jersey Flegg side was leading the comp when it ended and boasts some great talent, especially in the forwards.

I'm excited.

Totally agree, but I just think we are a hard butt forward and back away from achieving nirvana?

I remember the Storm and Parra games, where they just ran over us, we looked like kids playing against men, but the future is certainly looking bright.

Lucky for you...
We got Olly G and #13 Jacko boy coming.

Premiership threat in the making!

Are you thinking we need more Lebanese players?

Are there any left?

Alex Seyfarth just re-signed ??

Didn't like what I saw from Mansour last night ❌

 

[avocadoontoast]

This thread feels more and more like it was merged with the lament thread.

Let’s get it back on track.

I think we need a middle, 2 centres, a winger with pace and a good 2nd rower. Thompson and Lomax would be great signings for next year.

Luke Thompson, a dynamic second rower who can tackle , and a world class centre. Then these young guys just need to keep improving and we’re pushing the likes of Souths and Parra.

I think we’re still short a couple of top line players, but it’s probably an unrealistic expectation until we start winning games.

 

[JC99]

This thread feels more and more like it was merged with the lament thread.

Let’s get it back on track.

I think we need a middle, 2 centres, a winger with pace and a good 2nd rower. Thompson and Lomax would be great signings for next year.

Luke Thompson, a dynamic second rower who can tackle , and a world class centre. Then these young guys just need to keep improving and we’re pushing the likes of Souths and Parra.

I think we’re still short a couple of top line players, but it’s probably an unrealistic expectation until we start winning games.

Gonna be hard to win without some top line players... that's the circle of Wests tigers failure ? at least we could develop stars, much better strategy than how Ivan did it. Laurie and Stefano are already class players

 

[BAGNF05]

This thread feels more and more like it was merged with the lament thread.

Let’s get it back on track.

I think we need a middle, 2 centres, a winger with pace and a good 2nd rower. Thompson and Lomax would be great signings for next year.

Luke Thompson, a dynamic second rower who can tackle , and a world class centre. Then these young guys just need to keep improving and we’re pushing the likes of Souths and Parra.

I think we’re still short a couple of top line players, but it’s probably an unrealistic expectation until we start winning games.

AD and Stef could become rep caliber. Brooks with better players around him is starting to play well. I really think we’re only about 3 short in the spots I mentioned. One of these hookers also needs to find consistency.

 

[voice_of_reason]

There’s not a lot of players off contract that excite me but as we know players tend to shake lose in the offseason. Hopefully a couple land with us.
Lomax would be fabulous.

With so few games remaining it seems unlikely players would be looking to move right now. Just wait the season out and see where the chips fall. It avoids all the media hype, facing your old team mates, starting at a new club mid campaign etc.

Lomax would be a good acquisition but I'm not sure how likely it is. Who knows, maybe he (or someone else) is waiting for the last game to end before making anything public. We can only hope.

 

[BAGNF05]

I am just pondering this side and I am not entirely sure how badly we need signings. The following players are 22 or under that have played significant first grade and are building combinations with the halves (Brooks/Douehi) and each other, learning on the fly and are about to all have an off season together.

Daine Laurie
Asu Kepaoa
Tommy Talau
Stefano Utoikamanu
Jake Simpkin
Tuikimihia Simpkins
Kelma Tuilagi
Shawn Blore
Alex Seyfarth

Each of these have shown quick development, some greater than others.

Our Jersey Flegg side was leading the comp when it ended and boasts some great talent, especially in the forwards.

I'm excited.

Totally agree, but I just think we are a hard butt forward and back away from achieving nirvana?

I remember the Storm and Parra games, where they just ran over us, we looked like kids playing against men, but the future is certainly looking bright.

Lucky for you...
We got Olly G and #13 Jacko boy coming.

Premiership threat in the making!

Are you thinking we need more Lebanese players?

Are there any left?

Alex Seyfarth just re-signed ??

Didn't like what I saw from Mansour last night ❌

Glad we held off on the sauce and waited for big Ken

 

[avocadoontoast]

This thread feels more and more like it was merged with the lament thread.

Let’s get it back on track.

I think we need a middle, 2 centres, a winger with pace and a good 2nd rower. Thompson and Lomax would be great signings for next year.

Luke Thompson, a dynamic second rower who can tackle , and a world class centre. Then these young guys just need to keep improving and we’re pushing the likes of Souths and Parra.

I think we’re still short a couple of top line players, but it’s probably an unrealistic expectation until we start winning games.

AD and Stef could become rep caliber. Brooks with better players around him is starting to play well. I really think we’re only about 3 short in the spots I mentioned. One of these hookers also needs to find consistency.

I think those two and Blore and Laurie could all be top players in the future. I think they need a couple of top line players around them though.

 

[BAGNF05]

This thread feels more and more like it was merged with the lament thread.

Let’s get it back on track.

I think we need a middle, 2 centres, a winger with pace and a good 2nd rower. Thompson and Lomax would be great signings for next year.

Luke Thompson, a dynamic second rower who can tackle , and a world class centre. Then these young guys just need to keep improving and we’re pushing the likes of Souths and Parra.

I think we’re still short a couple of top line players, but it’s probably an unrealistic expectation until we start winning games.

AD and Stef could become rep caliber. Brooks with better players around him is starting to play well. I really think we’re only about 3 short in the spots I mentioned. One of these hookers also needs to find consistency.

I think those two and Blore and Laurie could all be top players in the future. I think they need a couple of top line players around them though.

Both coming along ok. Laurie had a good season but realistically I don’t think his ceiling will get him into the top echelon of fullbacks. They’re just so good.

 

[getagrip]

I am just pondering this side and I am not entirely sure how badly we need signings. The following players are 22 or under that have played significant first grade and are building combinations with the halves (Brooks/Douehi) and each other, learning on the fly and are about to all have an off season together.

Daine Laurie
Asu Kepaoa
Tommy Talau
Stefano Utoikamanu
Jake Simpkin
Tuikimihia Simpkins
Kelma Tuilagi
Shawn Blore
Alex Seyfarth

Each of these have shown quick development, some greater than others.

Our Jersey Flegg side was leading the comp when it ended and boasts some great talent, especially in the forwards.

I'm excited.

Totally agree, but I just think we are a hard butt forward and back away from achieving nirvana?

I remember the Storm and Parra games, where they just ran over us, we looked like kids playing against men, but the future is certainly looking bright.

Lucky for you...
We got Olly G and #13 Jacko boy coming.

Premiership threat in the making!

Are you thinking we need more Lebanese players?

Are there any left?

Never have enough

Why is that?

 

[avocadoontoast]

This thread feels more and more like it was merged with the lament thread.

Let’s get it back on track.

I think we need a middle, 2 centres, a winger with pace and a good 2nd rower. Thompson and Lomax would be great signings for next year.

Luke Thompson, a dynamic second rower who can tackle , and a world class centre. Then these young guys just need to keep improving and we’re pushing the likes of Souths and Parra.

I think we’re still short a couple of top line players, but it’s probably an unrealistic expectation until we start winning games.

AD and Stef could become rep caliber. Brooks with better players around him is starting to play well. I really think we’re only about 3 short in the spots I mentioned. One of these hookers also needs to find consistency.

I think those two and Blore and Laurie could all be top players in the future. I think they need a couple of top line players around them though.

Both coming along ok. Laurie had a good season but realistically I don’t think his ceiling will get him into the top echelon of fullbacks. They’re just so good.

I think Laurie will go to another level when his combinations with our halves get more time. He’d also benefit from an improved backline

 

[BAGNF05]

This thread feels more and more like it was merged with the lament thread.

Let’s get it back on track.

I think we need a middle, 2 centres, a winger with pace and a good 2nd rower. Thompson and Lomax would be great signings for next year.

Luke Thompson, a dynamic second rower who can tackle , and a world class centre. Then these young guys just need to keep improving and we’re pushing the likes of Souths and Parra.

I think we’re still short a couple of top line players, but it’s probably an unrealistic expectation until we start winning games.

AD and Stef could become rep caliber. Brooks with better players around him is starting to play well. I really think we’re only about 3 short in the spots I mentioned. One of these hookers also needs to find consistency.

I think those two and Blore and Laurie could all be top players in the future. I think they need a couple of top line players around them though.

Both coming along ok. Laurie had a good season but realistically I don’t think his ceiling will get him into the top echelon of fullbacks. They’re just so good.

I think Laurie will go to another level when his combinations with our halves get more time. He’d also benefit from an improved backline

Just not sure he’s got the physical attributes of Teddy/Turbo, or the brilliance of Ponga/Paps.

If he could land in that next group of FB’s will do us.

 

[avocadoontoast]

This thread feels more and more like it was merged with the lament thread.

Let’s get it back on track.

I think we need a middle, 2 centres, a winger with pace and a good 2nd rower. Thompson and Lomax would be great signings for next year.

Luke Thompson, a dynamic second rower who can tackle , and a world class centre. Then these young guys just need to keep improving and we’re pushing the likes of Souths and Parra.

I think we’re still short a couple of top line players, but it’s probably an unrealistic expectation until we start winning games.

AD and Stef could become rep caliber. Brooks with better players around him is starting to play well. I really think we’re only about 3 short in the spots I mentioned. One of these hookers also needs to find consistency.

I think those two and Blore and Laurie could all be top players in the future. I think they need a couple of top line players around them though.

Both coming along ok. Laurie had a good season but realistically I don’t think his ceiling will get him into the top echelon of fullbacks. They’re just so good.

I think Laurie will go to another level when his combinations with our halves get more time. He’d also benefit from an improved backline

Just not sure he’s got the physical attributes of Teddy/Turbo, or the brilliance of Ponga/Paps.

If he could land in that next group of FB’s will do us.

No I agree, I’m not suggesting he’ll necessarily reach those heights but I think there is significant upside to him.

 

[BAGNF05]

This thread feels more and more like it was merged with the lament thread.

Let’s get it back on track.

I think we need a middle, 2 centres, a winger with pace and a good 2nd rower. Thompson and Lomax would be great signings for next year.

Luke Thompson, a dynamic second rower who can tackle , and a world class centre. Then these young guys just need to keep improving and we’re pushing the likes of Souths and Parra.

I think we’re still short a couple of top line players, but it’s probably an unrealistic expectation until we start winning games.

AD and Stef could become rep caliber. Brooks with better players around him is starting to play well. I really think we’re only about 3 short in the spots I mentioned. One of these hookers also needs to find consistency.

I think those two and Blore and Laurie could all be top players in the future. I think they need a couple of top line players around them though.

Both coming along ok. Laurie had a good season but realistically I don’t think his ceiling will get him into the top echelon of fullbacks. They’re just so good.

I think Laurie will go to another level when his combinations with our halves get more time. He’d also benefit from an improved backline

Just not sure he’s got the physical attributes of Teddy/Turbo, or the brilliance of Ponga/Paps.

If he could land in that next group of FB’s will do us.

No I agree, I’m not suggesting he’ll necessarily reach those heights but I think there is significant upside to him.

Yeah, had a really good season for a guy who seems to lack a bit of confidence, was really solid which is about all you need to win games, definitely some room to get better too.

 

[PabloX]

I think Wayne Lambkin needs to tap into his Manly connection. There squad is ridiculously good, with a plethora of quality juniors coming through as well.

I'd throw plenty at Haumole Olaka’atu... there's no way manly will be able to hold onto them all, and I rate him highly.

 

[PabloX]

I think Wayne Lambkin needs to tap into his Manly connection. There squad is ridiculously good, with a plethora of quality juniors coming through as well.

I'd throw plenty at Haumole Olaka’atu... there's no way manly will be able to hold onto them all, and I rate him highly.

And no, I don't want siro

 

[Krammy]

I am just pondering this side and I am not entirely sure how badly we need signings. The following players are 22 or under that have played significant first grade and are building combinations with the halves (Brooks/Douehi) and each other, learning on the fly and are about to all have an off season together.

Daine Laurie
Asu Kepaoa
Tommy Talau
Stefano Utoikamanu
Jake Simpkin
Tuikimihia Simpkins
Kelma Tuilagi
Shawn Blore
Alex Seyfarth

Each of these have shown quick development, some greater than others.

Our Jersey Flegg side was leading the comp when it ended and boasts some great talent, especially in the forwards.

I'm excited.

Totally agree, but I just think we are a hard butt forward and back away from achieving nirvana?

I remember the Storm and Parra games, where they just ran over us, we looked like kids playing against men, but the future is certainly looking bright.

Lucky for you...
We got Olly G and #13 Jacko boy coming.

Premiership threat in the making!

Are you thinking we need more Lebanese players?

Are there any left?

When you look at our Lebanese heritage boys, Twal and Douihie and throw in Robbie Farah for that matter, you know you are going to get effort and passion.

 

[Demps]

I am just pondering this side and I am not entirely sure how badly we need signings. The following players are 22 or under that have played significant first grade and are building combinations with the halves (Brooks/Douehi) and each other, learning on the fly and are about to all have an off season together.

Daine Laurie
Asu Kepaoa
Tommy Talau
Stefano Utoikamanu
Jake Simpkin
Tuikimihia Simpkins
Kelma Tuilagi
Shawn Blore
Alex Seyfarth

Each of these have shown quick development, some greater than others.

Our Jersey Flegg side was leading the comp when it ended and boasts some great talent, especially in the forwards.

I'm excited.

Totally agree, but I just think we are a hard butt forward and back away from achieving nirvana?

I remember the Storm and Parra games, where they just ran over us, we looked like kids playing against men, but the future is certainly looking bright.

Lucky for you...
We got Olly G and #13 Jacko boy coming.

Premiership threat in the making!

Are you thinking we need more Lebanese players?

Are there any left?

Alex Seyfarth just re-signed ??

Didn't like what I saw from Mansour last night ❌

Glad we held off on the sauce and waited for big Ken

I was thinking the same.
??