Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Devon Head]

I think Clifford at the right money would be a given Doueihi is going to miss a fair bit of football.

Clifford is signed at Newcastle ...isn't he ??

Clifford is 100% signed with Newie. He was signed for 2022 however was given an early release to join this season due to Cows picking up Dearden.

 

[frullens]

Given the clubs position, we need to have a strong year, if say there should be a change of approach from hartigan

- need to fill all 30 spots by late this year, no leaving empty spots for later like last year. Need to give all players time to compete for spots and make combinations and learn defensive pattern

- all new signings need to be strong defenders

- 3 or 4 out of the 5 spots need to be natural leaders who are vocal and don't give up

- need to go hard (overs) on at least one player in 2022 or 23 who is a leader and will drive culture change but also change narrative for club

- no more problem children. Need players who set good example

I don't mind leaving a spot or 2 open ...you always seem to get a few blokes who decide that their club isn't what they want or need at the time ...if we can get some upgrades mid season ...I'm all for it

I get the idea - but last year we didn't sign anyone and just moved Tuilagi up (who could play 1st grade anyway). So we essentially played dteh season with one less payers and a lower salary cap than other teams.

What happens if we use all our spots and a player who could really help us becomes available? I don't mind a player being upgraded as it rewards someone for the effort they put in over the year. I feel the upgrade for Tuilagi was very well deserved.

After the review, the start of 2022 is critical for the club - if we have a bad start and the club panicks sacks the coach - the year is wasted.

Remember next year we have AD out for the start, we have Laurie returning from injury and Hastings and Gillart coming at some point from UK.

Obviously I wouldn't fill the squad if there arent strong and suitable players. But the priority should be to have the strongest squad possible for the start if the year. If there's 5 strong signings in November- great!

And if we hit April and Harry Grant has a falling out with Craig Bellamy and is given permission to leave?

Then you need to leave 600-800k free in our salary cap just in case Harry Grant becomes available.

I think we've proven that unless we become a regular top 8 team, we aren't signing the top marquee players.

We need to focus less on the saviour and build from within. To do that we need to bring in leadership for our younger players and create competion.

But i would make sure we manage contracts to still have a war chest for 2023 or 24

 

[happy_tiger]

Maybe the big signing is copper cronk as assistant coach

🙃

Is he a federal or state copper .....

 

[GNR4LIFE]

He’s got $1.6m to bring to the party but the party is over. All trading is done. All that’s left is rejects/swap deals from other clubs and the bargain basement bin, good luck in there!

Yes, the unsigned market is dross. But surely you know there will be plenty of signings across the NRL before kickoff next year? Mostly from players who sign for 2023 and get released early.

I can’t see that happening at all. Everyone goes on about early releases but I’ll be willing to bet there are none.

None across the NRL? I'd take that bet.

Aloiai, Offa, Sualli, Clifford, baby Sirro, Sue, Momo and Laurie all happened post-season last year, and that's just off the top of my head.

Not all good, but plenty of movement. I imagine the lack of quality free agents may exacerbate that.

That’s not what I was disputing. There will be a lot movement for 2022. It’s early releases for players who sign for 2023 is what I was referring to.

So the Laurie case from this year as a prime example?

There might be one or two, but it’s not going to be a comp wide thing. And it won’t be star players either, it will be guys like Laurie who are second fiddle at their current clubs.

 

[cochise]

Given the clubs position, we need to have a strong year, if say there should be a change of approach from hartigan

- need to fill all 30 spots by late this year, no leaving empty spots for later like last year. Need to give all players time to compete for spots and make combinations and learn defensive pattern

- all new signings need to be strong defenders

- 3 or 4 out of the 5 spots need to be natural leaders who are vocal and don't give up

- need to go hard (overs) on at least one player in 2022 or 23 who is a leader and will drive culture change but also change narrative for club

- no more problem children. Need players who set good example

I don't mind leaving a spot or 2 open ...you always seem to get a few blokes who decide that their club isn't what they want or need at the time ...if we can get some upgrades mid season ...I'm all for it

I get the idea - but last year we didn't sign anyone and just moved Tuilagi up (who could play 1st grade anyway). So we essentially played dteh season with one less payers and a lower salary cap than other teams.

What happens if we use all our spots and a player who could really help us becomes available? I don't mind a player being upgraded as it rewards someone for the effort they put in over the year. I feel the upgrade for Tuilagi was very well deserved.

After the review, the start of 2022 is critical for the club - if we have a bad start and the club panicks sacks the coach - the year is wasted.

Remember next year we have AD out for the start, we have Laurie returning from injury and Hastings and Gillart coming at some point from UK.

Obviously I wouldn't fill the squad if there arent strong and suitable players. But the priority should be to have the strongest squad possible for the start if the year. If there's 5 strong signings in November- great!

And if we hit April and Harry Grant has a falling out with Craig Bellamy and is given permission to leave?

Then you need to leave 600-800k free in our salary cap just in case Harry Grant becomes available.

I think we've proven that unless we become a regular top 8 team, we aren't signing the top marquee players.

We need to focus less on the saviour and build from within. To do that we need to bring in leadership for our younger players and create competion.

But i would make sure we manage contracts to still have a war chest for 2023 or 24

No you would need half that as it partway through the season.

 

[frullens]

Given the clubs position, we need to have a strong year, if say there should be a change of approach from hartigan

- need to fill all 30 spots by late this year, no leaving empty spots for later like last year. Need to give all players time to compete for spots and make combinations and learn defensive pattern

- all new signings need to be strong defenders

- 3 or 4 out of the 5 spots need to be natural leaders who are vocal and don't give up

- need to go hard (overs) on at least one player in 2022 or 23 who is a leader and will drive culture change but also change narrative for club

- no more problem children. Need players who set good example

I don't mind leaving a spot or 2 open ...you always seem to get a few blokes who decide that their club isn't what they want or need at the time ...if we can get some upgrades mid season ...I'm all for it

I get the idea - but last year we didn't sign anyone and just moved Tuilagi up (who could play 1st grade anyway). So we essentially played dteh season with one less payers and a lower salary cap than other teams.

What happens if we use all our spots and a player who could really help us becomes available? I don't mind a player being upgraded as it rewards someone for the effort they put in over the year. I feel the upgrade for Tuilagi was very well deserved.

After the review, the start of 2022 is critical for the club - if we have a bad start and the club panicks sacks the coach - the year is wasted.

Remember next year we have AD out for the start, we have Laurie returning from injury and Hastings and Gillart coming at some point from UK.

Obviously I wouldn't fill the squad if there arent strong and suitable players. But the priority should be to have the strongest squad possible for the start if the year. If there's 5 strong signings in November- great!

And if we hit April and Harry Grant has a falling out with Craig Bellamy and is given permission to leave?

Then you need to leave 600-800k free in our salary cap just in case Harry Grant becomes available.

I think we've proven that unless we become a regular top 8 team, we aren't signing the top marquee players.

We need to focus less on the saviour and build from within. To do that we need to bring in leadership for our younger players and create competion.

But i would make sure we manage contracts to still have a war chest for 2023 or 24

No you would need half that as it partway through the season.

We don't control the time when Bellamy has his falling out with Grant- could be round 5. ? but even halfway for a club changing signing you'd need to set aside 400-500k

My point being - midway of next season is a very long way for WT this year.

 

[pawsandclaws1]

@THE_POM any potential signing news? Ash Taylor rumours getting louder and news that we are close to a forward that will go straight into our starting side

I doubt you’d get a response. I feel this will be kept very tight in terms of who it is. You might get some more hints or assurances but for now these are quotes from the other poster.

‘We are hunting down existing first grade players.’
Expect another massive mobile forward as a starter.’
Another potential Lucy type.’
‘We seem to be getting a decent forward’
‘Before we resume for the pre season, at least one new proper forward and another.’
‘No retiree or ex WT merkin coming “home”.’
‘Game ready, battle hardened players.’
‘Old mate is not a useless merkin, still young and fit and will pretty much go straight into the side.’

Franklin Pele?

Great young player. He would fit well with Utoikamanu, Mikaele plus Twal.

Has anyone heard a rumour about Olam?

 

[Tiger-ferret]

We need to sign Scott.
Yes, not for overs and not in a bidding war.
The guy is only 23. Won a comp at 19.
If his head is right he will be QUALITY.
And we are beyond desperate for centres

Just my opinion - would not touch with a barge pole.

Some clubs, maybe could take a risk.

We are not in a position to take any more risks. We are still at least a year away of being competitive, depending on what they do with AD (5/8 for mine), we will have for next year, Talau, Gildardt, Kepaoa, Kei, Pauga, Hoffman and possibly Roberts.

Would not say we are beyond desperate, in need of, maybe. Could be worth a crack at Braidon Burns and if the talk on here has any legs that Zac Lomax is a chance, then that is about it for 2022. Look into possibilities for 2023 if we still need a centre, as there will be a few more available. Better than having to try for a halfwit (don't care how good or bad he is or how much he cost).

We are one of the clubs that MUST continue to take risks. Albeit considered and clever risks.

You are entitled to your opinion of course....

We take risks, we could end up with the equivalent of Mbye, Packer, Reynolds or a McQueen and that could just about finish the club permanently.

Worst thing we could do is panic and buy halfwits who will bury us.

Wait for the right people and trust in the youngsters I say.

You could argue the reason we missed out on TPJ and Finucane was probably because we had less $ and/or time in our offers that the players were expecting to come to a struggling club.

I’m confident we won’t end up in the same pickle as we did for the above 4 players.

 

[Tiger5150]

Scouring the other forum on League Unlimited there is some news that we should be expecting two solid forwards from start of preseason training.
He is sworn to secrecy as to not impact the validity of the deal but he has been open with who it isn’t (scratch off all the current off contract players).
It is defined as a Lucy type deal and it seems the player is still contracted to their current club.
If this comes to fruition, it sounds like we’ll have some good news to discuss soon.

Not shooting the messenger ,but firstly The Silverdale Phantom does not have any track record of inside knowledge or even regularly being right about anything. I strongly suspect he is either Alien or King Tigerman.

Secondly, to the extent it matters, pretty sure he is talking about Elliot. I hope its not true.

 

[Roar_Power]

@THE_POM any potential signing news? Ash Taylor rumours getting louder and news that we are close to a forward that will go straight into our starting side

I doubt you’d get a response. I feel this will be kept very tight in terms of who it is. You might get some more hints or assurances but for now these are quotes from the other poster.

‘We are hunting down existing first grade players.’
Expect another massive mobile forward as a starter.’
Another potential Lucy type.’
‘We seem to be getting a decent forward’
‘Before we resume for the pre season, at least one new proper forward and another.’
‘No retiree or ex WT merkin coming “home”.’
‘Game ready, battle hardened players.’
‘Old mate is not a useless merkin, still young and fit and will pretty much go straight into the side.’

Franklin Pele?

Great young player. He would fit well with Utoikamanu, Mikaele plus Twal.

Has anyone heard a rumour about Olam?

Olam? Whats the rumour?

 

[Elderslie_Tiger]

Given the clubs position, we need to have a strong year, if say there should be a change of approach from hartigan

- need to fill all 30 spots by late this year, no leaving empty spots for later like last year. Need to give all players time to compete for spots and make combinations and learn defensive pattern

- all new signings need to be strong defenders

- 3 or 4 out of the 5 spots need to be natural leaders who are vocal and don't give up

- need to go hard (overs) on at least one player in 2022 or 23 who is a leader and will drive culture change but also change narrative for club

- no more problem children. Need players who set good example

I don't mind leaving a spot or 2 open ...you always seem to get a few blokes who decide that their club isn't what they want or need at the time ...if we can get some upgrades mid season ...I'm all for it

I get the idea - but last year we didn't sign anyone and just moved Tuilagi up (who could play 1st grade anyway). So we essentially played dteh season with one less payers and a lower salary cap than other teams.

What happens if we use all our spots and a player who could really help us becomes available? I don't mind a player being upgraded as it rewards someone for the effort they put in over the year. I feel the upgrade for Tuilagi was very well deserved.

After the review, the start of 2022 is critical for the club - if we have a bad start and the club panicks sacks the coach - the year is wasted.

Remember next year we have AD out for the start, we have Laurie returning from injury and Hastings and Gillart coming at some point from UK.

Obviously I wouldn't fill the squad if there arent strong and suitable players. But the priority should be to have the strongest squad possible for the start if the year. If there's 5 strong signings in November- great!

And if we hit April and Harry Grant has a falling out with Craig Bellamy and is given permission to leave?

Then you need to leave 600-800k free in our salary cap just in case Harry Grant becomes available.

I think we've proven that unless we become a regular top 8 team, we aren't signing the top marquee players.

We need to focus less on the saviour and build from within. To do that we need to bring in leadership for our younger players and create competion.

But i would make sure we manage contracts to still have a war chest for 2023 or 24

No you would need half that as it partway through the season.

With what's transpired this week I think we can forget about Grant. He'll stay with Storm as long as he wants to then probably head home to Queensland.I would say Smith was the golden child until this week he's an out there character but what happened this week clash with the Storm culture which has been hyped as the best in the NRL.Munster has let it it be known he wants to play in Brisbane and has fallen out of favour with the Storm.I would say that Storm will be a vastly different team next year and will probably looking at the dreaded rebuild.

 

[happy_tiger]

@THE_POM any potential signing news? Ash Taylor rumours getting louder and news that we are close to a forward that will go straight into our starting side

I doubt you’d get a response. I feel this will be kept very tight in terms of who it is. You might get some more hints or assurances but for now these are quotes from the other poster.

‘We are hunting down existing first grade players.’
Expect another massive mobile forward as a starter.’
Another potential Lucy type.’
‘We seem to be getting a decent forward’
‘Before we resume for the pre season, at least one new proper forward and another.’
‘No retiree or ex WT merkin coming “home”.’
‘Game ready, battle hardened players.’
‘Old mate is not a useless merkin, still young and fit and will pretty much go straight into the side.’

Franklin Pele?

Great young player. He would fit well with Utoikamanu, Mikaele plus Twal.

Has anyone heard a rumour about Olam?

No ...wish i had ...handy player

 

[Tiger5150]

@THE_POM any potential signing news? Ash Taylor rumours getting louder and news that we are close to a forward that will go straight into our starting side

I doubt you’d get a response. I feel this will be kept very tight in terms of who it is. You might get some more hints or assurances but for now these are quotes from the other poster.

‘We are hunting down existing first grade players.’
Expect another massive mobile forward as a starter.’
Another potential Lucy type.’
‘We seem to be getting a decent forward’
‘Before we resume for the pre season, at least one new proper forward and another.’
‘No retiree or ex WT merkin coming “home”.’
‘Game ready, battle hardened players.’
‘Old mate is not a useless merkin, still young and fit and will pretty much go straight into the side.’

Elliot. Hope not true

 

[Tiger-ferret]

@THE_POM any potential signing news? Ash Taylor rumours getting louder and news that we are close to a forward that will go straight into our starting side

I doubt you’d get a response. I feel this will be kept very tight in terms of who it is. You might get some more hints or assurances but for now these are quotes from the other poster.

‘We are hunting down existing first grade players.’
Expect another massive mobile forward as a starter.’
Another potential Lucy type.’
‘We seem to be getting a decent forward’
‘Before we resume for the pre season, at least one new proper forward and another.’
‘No retiree or ex WT merkin coming “home”.’
‘Game ready, battle hardened players.’
‘Old mate is not a useless merkin, still young and fit and will pretty much go straight into the side.’

Franklin Pele?

Great young player. He would fit well with Utoikamanu, Mikaele plus Twal.

Has anyone heard a rumour about Olam?

Not yet. Can you start one for us? ☺️

 

[pawsandclaws1]

@THE_POM any potential signing news? Ash Taylor rumours getting louder and news that we are close to a forward that will go straight into our starting side

I doubt you’d get a response. I feel this will be kept very tight in terms of who it is. You might get some more hints or assurances but for now these are quotes from the other poster.

‘We are hunting down existing first grade players.’
Expect another massive mobile forward as a starter.’
Another potential Lucy type.’
‘We seem to be getting a decent forward’
‘Before we resume for the pre season, at least one new proper forward and another.’
‘No retiree or ex WT merkin coming “home”.’
‘Game ready, battle hardened players.’
‘Old mate is not a useless merkin, still young and fit and will pretty much go straight into the side.’

Franklin Pele?

Great young player. He would fit well with Utoikamanu, Mikaele plus Twal.

Has anyone heard a rumour about Olam?

Olam? Whats the rumour?

Deep within the Shire some Sharks' fans believe he may be released. I don't believe it but he would be nice.

 

[cochise]

Given the clubs position, we need to have a strong year, if say there should be a change of approach from hartigan

- need to fill all 30 spots by late this year, no leaving empty spots for later like last year. Need to give all players time to compete for spots and make combinations and learn defensive pattern

- all new signings need to be strong defenders

- 3 or 4 out of the 5 spots need to be natural leaders who are vocal and don't give up

- need to go hard (overs) on at least one player in 2022 or 23 who is a leader and will drive culture change but also change narrative for club

- no more problem children. Need players who set good example

I don't mind leaving a spot or 2 open ...you always seem to get a few blokes who decide that their club isn't what they want or need at the time ...if we can get some upgrades mid season ...I'm all for it

I get the idea - but last year we didn't sign anyone and just moved Tuilagi up (who could play 1st grade anyway). So we essentially played dteh season with one less payers and a lower salary cap than other teams.

What happens if we use all our spots and a player who could really help us becomes available? I don't mind a player being upgraded as it rewards someone for the effort they put in over the year. I feel the upgrade for Tuilagi was very well deserved.

After the review, the start of 2022 is critical for the club - if we have a bad start and the club panicks sacks the coach - the year is wasted.

Remember next year we have AD out for the start, we have Laurie returning from injury and Hastings and Gillart coming at some point from UK.

Obviously I wouldn't fill the squad if there arent strong and suitable players. But the priority should be to have the strongest squad possible for the start if the year. If there's 5 strong signings in November- great!

And if we hit April and Harry Grant has a falling out with Craig Bellamy and is given permission to leave?

Then you need to leave 600-800k free in our salary cap just in case Harry Grant becomes available.

I think we've proven that unless we become a regular top 8 team, we aren't signing the top marquee players.

We need to focus less on the saviour and build from within. To do that we need to bring in leadership for our younger players and create competion.

But i would make sure we manage contracts to still have a war chest for 2023 or 24

No you would need half that as it partway through the season.

We don't control the time when Bellamy has his falling out with Grant- could be round 5. ? but even halfway for a club changing signing you'd need to set aside 400-500k

My point being - midway of next season is a very long way for WT this year.

Round 5 would be halfway thru his year though, contracts run Nov 1 to Oct 31

 

[cochise]

Given the clubs position, we need to have a strong year, if say there should be a change of approach from hartigan

- need to fill all 30 spots by late this year, no leaving empty spots for later like last year. Need to give all players time to compete for spots and make combinations and learn defensive pattern

- all new signings need to be strong defenders

- 3 or 4 out of the 5 spots need to be natural leaders who are vocal and don't give up

- need to go hard (overs) on at least one player in 2022 or 23 who is a leader and will drive culture change but also change narrative for club

- no more problem children. Need players who set good example

I don't mind leaving a spot or 2 open ...you always seem to get a few blokes who decide that their club isn't what they want or need at the time ...if we can get some upgrades mid season ...I'm all for it

I get the idea - but last year we didn't sign anyone and just moved Tuilagi up (who could play 1st grade anyway). So we essentially played dteh season with one less payers and a lower salary cap than other teams.

What happens if we use all our spots and a player who could really help us becomes available? I don't mind a player being upgraded as it rewards someone for the effort they put in over the year. I feel the upgrade for Tuilagi was very well deserved.

After the review, the start of 2022 is critical for the club - if we have a bad start and the club panicks sacks the coach - the year is wasted.

Remember next year we have AD out for the start, we have Laurie returning from injury and Hastings and Gillart coming at some point from UK.

Obviously I wouldn't fill the squad if there arent strong and suitable players. But the priority should be to have the strongest squad possible for the start if the year. If there's 5 strong signings in November- great!

And if we hit April and Harry Grant has a falling out with Craig Bellamy and is given permission to leave?

Then you need to leave 600-800k free in our salary cap just in case Harry Grant becomes available.

I think we've proven that unless we become a regular top 8 team, we aren't signing the top marquee players.

We need to focus less on the saviour and build from within. To do that we need to bring in leadership for our younger players and create competion.

But i would make sure we manage contracts to still have a war chest for 2023 or 24

No you would need half that as it partway through the season.

With what's transpired this week I think we can forget about Grant. He'll stay with Storm as long as he wants to then probably head home to Queensland.I would say Smith was the golden child until this week he's an out there character but what happened this week clash with the Storm culture which has been hyped as the best in the NRL.Munster has let it it be known he wants to play in Brisbane and has fallen out of favour with the Storm.I would say that Storm will be a vastly different team next year and will probably looking at the dreaded rebuild.

Yeah, I agree, just used his name as a good example.

 

[yeahcaz]

@THE_POM any potential signing news? Ash Taylor rumours getting louder and news that we are close to a forward that will go straight into our starting side

I doubt you’d get a response. I feel this will be kept very tight in terms of who it is. You might get some more hints or assurances but for now these are quotes from the other poster.

‘We are hunting down existing first grade players.’
Expect another massive mobile forward as a starter.’
Another potential Lucy type.’
‘We seem to be getting a decent forward’
‘Before we resume for the pre season, at least one new proper forward and another.’
‘No retiree or ex WT merkin coming “home”.’
‘Game ready, battle hardened players.’
‘Old mate is not a useless merkin, still young and fit and will pretty much go straight into the side.’

Franklin Pele?

Great young player. He would fit well with Utoikamanu, Mikaele plus Twal.

Has anyone heard a rumour about Olam?

Olam? Whats the rumour?

Deep within the Shire some Sharks' fans believe he may be released. I don't believe it but he would be nice.

Wtf ? we should start a rumour in leichardt that Taumalolo wants to leave

 

[pawsandclaws1]

@THE_POM any potential signing news? Ash Taylor rumours getting louder and news that we are close to a forward that will go straight into our starting side

I doubt you’d get a response. I feel this will be kept very tight in terms of who it is. You might get some more hints or assurances but for now these are quotes from the other poster.

‘We are hunting down existing first grade players.’
Expect another massive mobile forward as a starter.’
Another potential Lucy type.’
‘We seem to be getting a decent forward’
‘Before we resume for the pre season, at least one new proper forward and another.’
‘No retiree or ex WT merkin coming “home”.’
‘Game ready, battle hardened players.’
‘Old mate is not a useless merkin, still young and fit and will pretty much go straight into the side.’

Franklin Pele?

Great young player. He would fit well with Utoikamanu, Mikaele plus Twal.

Has anyone heard a rumour about Olam?

Olam? Whats the rumour?

Deep within the Shire some Sharks' fans believe he may be released. I don't believe it but he would be nice.

Wtf ? we should start a rumour in leichardt that Taumalolo wants to leave

I would like to hear the rumour that Jack Howarth wants to be a WTs really badly.

 

[yeahcaz]

@THE_POM any potential signing news? Ash Taylor rumours getting louder and news that we are close to a forward that will go straight into our starting side

I doubt you’d get a response. I feel this will be kept very tight in terms of who it is. You might get some more hints or assurances but for now these are quotes from the other poster.

‘We are hunting down existing first grade players.’
Expect another massive mobile forward as a starter.’
Another potential Lucy type.’
‘We seem to be getting a decent forward’
‘Before we resume for the pre season, at least one new proper forward and another.’
‘No retiree or ex WT merkin coming “home”.’
‘Game ready, battle hardened players.’
‘Old mate is not a useless merkin, still young and fit and will pretty much go straight into the side.’

Franklin Pele?

Great young player. He would fit well with Utoikamanu, Mikaele plus Twal.

Has anyone heard a rumour about Olam?

Olam? Whats the rumour?

Deep within the Shire some Sharks' fans believe he may be released. I don't believe it but he would be nice.

Wtf ? we should start a rumour in leichardt that Taumalolo wants to leave

I would like to hear the rumour that Jack Howarth wants to be a WTs really badly.

They’ve got huge wraps on that kid