Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[pawsandclaws1]

The revision of history surrounding Hastings does not surprise me at all. There were many halves which were young and inexperienced yet handled the NRL but Hasting could not. That in itself should be enough of an indicator.

I don't see that as revisionism. I'm sure even his most ardent fans admit there was a reason he went to England. How much that was to do with playing ability opposed to personality factors is what is disputed.

Everyone has a different view. My comments are related to his playing ability from juniors. I've never been impressed. I have steered clear of his other issues.

Playing ability from juniors? He ended up in first grade, so had some ability. As for a second rate comp there have been no complaints from the clubs who had english players on their roster. Canberra, wt. Canterbury, Norths.

Hastings will be very good for us. His kicking game is first class and you don*t get the man of steel award for nothing, Before putting the boot in, let*s wait and see.

I did not refer to ESL as a second rate competition. Take the time to read what I wrote. Yes, I've seen Hastings in his Illawarra days. I've posted that Kade Hill from our JF demonstrates far more than Hastings did.

 

[TigerTownSFS]

Just remembered that Hodgson and Hastings played together for the Lions in 2019. That’ll be handy with combinations.

Hastings is a GB international but has never been able to secure a starting NRL position. It is purely coincidence of course!

Hastings turn is it?

When has he ever secured a starting NRL position?

Mate this is a ridiculous argument. He's been over in Super League, therefore unable to secure a starting spot. Not fair at all.

When he was in the NRL he was young and inexperienced, and if you've watched him play since then you'd realise the absurdity of your argument. He's an NRL standard half.

He had been to what three NRL clubs prior to going to the UK because no club wanted anything to do with him. The revision of history surrounding Hastings does not surprise me at all. There were many halves which were young and inexperienced yet handled the NRL but Hasting could not. That in itself should be enough of an indicator.

Alright I get it you dont like him. At least let him get on the field and work with the club before ou condemn him for this time. Yes, he was a young d**head but that was then we can only judge that since going to England and the ESL he has sorted himself out and is playing well. Everyone has a chance of redemption and hasnt he earnt it with his actions in England? We've got to give people a chance if theyve earnt it. (not just football)

From what limited footy I have seen of him he is not the most athletic player but he does the intangible things well ie knowing when to kick/pass/run and he has a strong desire to win and is extremely vocal on the field. He is basically the exact opposite of Brooks. In a weird way he looks like an “old” half in the sense that he is more crafty than freakishly talented like Luai.

Brooks may have all the pieces (fast, strong, long kicking etc) but his total lack of footy IQ is one of the biggest problems with our team. Brooks had natural instinct when he first came into grade but for whatever reason it’s completely left him (losing his 6 and 1 who he had strong connection with or maybe it was bad coaching).

The board chose Madge and we are seeing the fallout now with Sheens being promoted and Hartigan being chopped. Hastings is definitely Madges dominant half, I’m not sure Brooks really has a place now

 

[AJ1]

This forum is full of people who wanna put the slipper in , give Hastings a go before bagging the bloke you clowns

Almost everyone puts the slipper in. Some give it to Hastings, some give it to Brooks and Noffa. The latest one is Liddle.

Brooks and Nofo have played enough games for one to form an opinion on. Hastings has not.

 

[Russell]

Hodgson will be 32 but his game has never been about speed. Many players, even Farah, depend a lot on speed and so couldn't play to the same level when they got older. Others who play with craft sometimes even get better at this age. You can't just say he's 32 so he's rubbish.

Examples:
Cameron Smith played another excellent five years after turning 32.
Cooper Cronk was another who seemed to get better.
Cliffy Lyons was another, Jason Smith also played well in his mid 30s.
Ben Kennedy helped change the culture of Manly when he joined them in his early 30s.
Luke Lewis was in great form throughout his 30s.
Alfie Langer too.

Hodgson is the exact sort of player who should be able to maintain good form for at least a couple years. His game is quality passing, good direction, competitiveness and craft. I think he's a great player for us to have a go on. If it doesn't work out I don't see it being that big a deal. Hate the negativity around every move we make.

If he didn't work out it would be a disaster.

Eg. Game 3 next year - he does his ACL again,

Oh! no problem put Liddle in there, unfortunately we let him go, because we put faith in an old man.

Not to worry we can bring up Simpkin, unfortunately he won't be ready for another 2 years if ever.

Now your talking - we can play the Peach.

Oh! God, unfortunately I can see this happening.

Yeah, if he gets a season ending injury he'll obviously not be very valuable to us. I think we're talking about whether he can still play or not.

If we're ruling out any player who can potentially get injured, or has had injuries in the past, we're going to struggle.

Also, we haven't even signed him and you're assuming we've not only signed him but also releasing Liddle and forecasting this all being a bad move because he's going to get an ACL early next year.

The Forum in it's majority has him signed. sealed and delivered as they do with most players that someone says "he'd be good" only to get raked off when the club don't get the player.

I am advocating NOT signing him, not moving Liddle on, letting Simpkin stay in reserves to learn his craft hopefully, I have not seen the potential a lot have seen apparently.

However to go, with eyes wide open to sign a cotcase is not my idea of good recruitment. DH is a crucial spot to be missing someone because of injury (if it happens). I am not talking about a player getting injured - I am talking about a player that is 32 and has had 3 ACL injuries.

Posters on here have spent most of the season applauding the fact that we are not now a club that is signing players seeking a retirement fund or are injury prone - obviously thay make exceptions when it suits them.

 

[Fade.To.Black]

Just remembered that Hodgson and Hastings played together for the Lions in 2019. That’ll be handy with combinations.

Hastings is a GB international but has never been able to secure a starting NRL position. It is purely coincidence of course!

Hastings turn is it?

When has he ever secured a starting NRL position?

Mate this is a ridiculous argument. He's been over in Super League, therefore unable to secure a starting spot. Not fair at all.

When he was in the NRL he was young and inexperienced, and if you've watched him play since then you'd realise the absurdity of your argument. He's an NRL standard half.

He had been to what three NRL clubs prior to going to the UK because no club wanted anything to do with him. The revision of history surrounding Hastings does not surprise me at all. There were many halves which were young and inexperienced yet handled the NRL but Hasting could not. That in itself should be enough of an indicator.

Alright I get it you dont like him. At least let him get on the field and work with the club before ou condemn him for this time. Yes, he was a young d**head but that was then we can only judge that since going to England and the ESL he has sorted himself out and is playing well. Everyone has a chance of redemption and hasnt he earnt it with his actions in England? We've got to give people a chance if theyve earnt it. (not just football)

Whether I like him or not is irrelevant. There are plenty of players I do not warm too but that doesn't mean I do not believe they are fine players. My view is not only based on games he has played in the NRL. In my view he was underwhelming in his junior days in the Illawarra. Nothing much has changed and without being disrespectful to the ESL, it is not the standard of the NRL.

PS I've seen far more in Kade Hill from our Jersey Flegg than Hastings at the same age.

"Junior days" can be misleading. Don't forget Brooks was a gun junior and even got referred to once as the next Andrew Johns.
We need a halfback with fire in his guts, a desire to take the game by the scruff and a competitive win-at-all-costs attitude. If Hastings can provide that he doesn't have to be a superstar, those things alone will improve our on-field performances until we hopefully jag the recruitment of a genuine superstar 7.

 

[pawsandclaws1]

Just remembered that Hodgson and Hastings played together for the Lions in 2019. That’ll be handy with combinations.

Hastings is a GB international but has never been able to secure a starting NRL position. It is purely coincidence of course!

Hastings turn is it?

When has he ever secured a starting NRL position?

Mate this is a ridiculous argument. He's been over in Super League, therefore unable to secure a starting spot. Not fair at all.

When he was in the NRL he was young and inexperienced, and if you've watched him play since then you'd realise the absurdity of your argument. He's an NRL standard half.

He had been to what three NRL clubs prior to going to the UK because no club wanted anything to do with him. The revision of history surrounding Hastings does not surprise me at all. There were many halves which were young and inexperienced yet handled the NRL but Hasting could not. That in itself should be enough of an indicator.

Alright I get it you dont like him. At least let him get on the field and work with the club before ou condemn him for this time. Yes, he was a young d**head but that was then we can only judge that since going to England and the ESL he has sorted himself out and is playing well. Everyone has a chance of redemption and hasnt he earnt it with his actions in England? We've got to give people a chance if theyve earnt it. (not just football)

Whether I like him or not is irrelevant. There are plenty of players I do not warm too but that doesn't mean I do not believe they are fine players. My view is not only based on games he has played in the NRL. In my view he was underwhelming in his junior days in the Illawarra. Nothing much has changed and without being disrespectful to the ESL, it is not the standard of the NRL.

PS I've seen far more in Kade Hill from our Jersey Flegg than Hastings at the same age.

"Junior days" can be misleading. Don't forget Brooks was a gun junior and even got referred to once as the next Andrew Johns.
We need a halfback with fire in his guts, a desire to take the game by the scruff and a competitive win-at-all-costs attitude. If Hastings can provide that he doesn't have to be a superstar, those things alone will improve our on-field performances until we hopefully jag the recruitment of a genuine superstar 7.

For all the criticisms levelled at Brooks and Moses, both were in the NRL from the start and remain in it.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

This forum is full of people who wanna put the slipper in , give Hastings a go before bagging the bloke you clowns

Almost everyone puts the slipper in. Some give it to Hastings, some give it to Brooks and Noffa. The latest one is Liddle.

Brooks and Nofo have played enough games for one to form an opinion on. Hastings has not.

I can only speak for myself. I only believe he’s unproven, not that he’s going to fail. The issue I have is how much he gets talked up for his form in a second tier competition. A lot of comments saying “you must not have seen him play over there”. Imo, you don’t have to, because it isn’t a true form guide. Coming up against the Storm and Roosters is a big step up from facing Huddersfield and Castleford.

 

[Telltails]

Just remembered that Hodgson and Hastings played together for the Lions in 2019. That’ll be handy with combinations.

Hastings is a GB international but has never been able to secure a starting NRL position. It is purely coincidence of course!

Hastings turn is it?

When has he ever secured a starting NRL position?

Mate this is a ridiculous argument. He's been over in Super League, therefore unable to secure a starting spot. Not fair at all.

When he was in the NRL he was young and inexperienced, and if you've watched him play since then you'd realise the absurdity of your argument. He's an NRL standard half.

He had been to what three NRL clubs prior to going to the UK because no club wanted anything to do with him. The revision of history surrounding Hastings does not surprise me at all. There were many halves which were young and inexperienced yet handled the NRL but Hasting could not. That in itself should be enough of an indicator.

He played close to 50 NRL games, so effectively two full seasons. Left at 22, reportedly due to attitude problems, does that constitute 'not handling the NRL'?

Also, who exactly were the 'many halves' that handled the nrl prior to this age?

Yep. He was passed on by his former clubs for disciplinary reasons more than ability. No one knows how he will go till he gets back here, but his time in England and his maturity will certainly make him a better chance of making it now, compared to the player/ person he was when he left. Can't understand the need for some to deathride him before passes a ball.

 

[pawsandclaws1]

Just remembered that Hodgson and Hastings played together for the Lions in 2019. That’ll be handy with combinations.

Hastings is a GB international but has never been able to secure a starting NRL position. It is purely coincidence of course!

Hastings turn is it?

When has he ever secured a starting NRL position?

Mate this is a ridiculous argument. He's been over in Super League, therefore unable to secure a starting spot. Not fair at all.

When he was in the NRL he was young and inexperienced, and if you've watched him play since then you'd realise the absurdity of your argument. He's an NRL standard half.

He had been to what three NRL clubs prior to going to the UK because no club wanted anything to do with him. The revision of history surrounding Hastings does not surprise me at all. There were many halves which were young and inexperienced yet handled the NRL but Hasting could not. That in itself should be enough of an indicator.

He played close to 50 NRL games, so effectively two full seasons. Left at 22, reportedly due to attitude problems, does that constitute 'not handling the NRL'?

Also, who exactly were the 'many halves' that handled the nrl prior to this age?

Yep. He was passed on by his former clubs for disciplinary reasons more than ability. No one knows how he will go till he gets back here, but his time in England and his maturity will certainly make him a better chance of making it now, compared to the player/ person he was when he left. Can't understand the need for some to deathride him before passes a ball.

He was given control at the Roosters of the team when one of their 'stars' was injured. He didn't last long before he was dropped.

 

[Russell]

Hodgson will be 32 but his game has never been about speed. Many players, even Farah, depend a lot on speed and so couldn't play to the same level when they got older. Others who play with craft sometimes even get better at this age. You can't just say he's 32 so he's rubbish.

Examples:
Cameron Smith played another excellent five years after turning 32.
Cooper Cronk was another who seemed to get better.
Cliffy Lyons was another, Jason Smith also played well in his mid 30s.
Ben Kennedy helped change the culture of Manly when he joined them in his early 30s.
Luke Lewis was in great form throughout his 30s.
Alfie Langer too.

Hodgson is the exact sort of player who should be able to maintain good form for at least a couple years. His game is quality passing, good direction, competitiveness and craft. I think he's a great player for us to have a go on. If it doesn't work out I don't see it being that big a deal. Hate the negativity around every move we make.

If he didn't work out it would be a disaster.

Eg. Game 3 next year - he does his ACL again,

Oh! no problem put Liddle in there, unfortunately we let him go, because we put faith in an old man.

Not to worry we can bring up Simpkin, unfortunately he won't be ready for another 2 years if ever.

Now your talking - we can play the Peach.

Oh! God, unfortunately I can see this happening.

Oh Russell what if we don’t sign Hodgson and Jacob god forbid does his ACL in rd 3…what thenWe will

We will have that great savior Jake Simpkin to ride in on his great white horse to save us and take us onto win the Grand Final.

Then all the fairies walked in and we all woke up

 

[KingRobbie]

Poor Woodsy. What was looking like being a one club legend has turned into a journeyman plodder who will see out his career on one year contracts with any club that will take him.

Agree, was thinking about this yesterday.

Was a 2-time Prop of the Year by age 26 (usually quite young for a Prop in terms of development) and his career just declined so drastically.

Never played for New South Wales again and lost his Australian spot within a year after he left us.

Complacency? Laziness?

 

[Russell]

Poor Woodsy. What was looking like being a one club legend has turned into a journeyman plodder who will see out his career on one year contracts with any club that will take him.

How the mighty have fallen.

In this case, deservedly so.

 

[Telltails]

Just remembered that Hodgson and Hastings played together for the Lions in 2019. That’ll be handy with combinations.

Hastings is a GB international but has never been able to secure a starting NRL position. It is purely coincidence of course!

Hastings turn is it?

When has he ever secured a starting NRL position?

Mate this is a ridiculous argument. He's been over in Super League, therefore unable to secure a starting spot. Not fair at all.

When he was in the NRL he was young and inexperienced, and if you've watched him play since then you'd realise the absurdity of your argument. He's an NRL standard half.

He had been to what three NRL clubs prior to going to the UK because no club wanted anything to do with him. The revision of history surrounding Hastings does not surprise me at all. There were many halves which were young and inexperienced yet handled the NRL but Hasting could not. That in itself should be enough of an indicator.

He played close to 50 NRL games, so effectively two full seasons. Left at 22, reportedly due to attitude problems, does that constitute 'not handling the NRL'?

Also, who exactly were the 'many halves' that handled the nrl prior to this age?

Yep. He was passed on by his former clubs for disciplinary reasons more than ability. No one knows how he will go till he gets back here, but his time in England and his maturity will certainly make him a better chance of making it now, compared to the player/ person he was when he left. Can't understand the need for some to deathride him before passes a ball.

He was given control at the Roosters of the team when one of their 'stars' was injured. He didn't last long before he was dropped.

That says nothing about the player he is today

 

[GNR4LIFE]

Poor Woodsy. What was looking like being a one club legend has turned into a journeyman plodder who will see out his career on one year contracts with any club that will take him.

Agree, was thinking about this yesterday.

Was a 2-time Prop of the Year by age 26 (usually quite young for a Prop in terms of development) and his career just declined so drastically.

Never played for New South Wales again and lost his Australian spot within a year after he left us.

Complacency? Laziness?

He just regressed, like Benji did. I’ll never forget a series of still shots someone posted of him in a game in his final year here. He’d just come back onto the field after a spell, and the Dragons made a break. He was the last player to get back in line and he was the freshest.

 

[pawsandclaws1]

Just remembered that Hodgson and Hastings played together for the Lions in 2019. That’ll be handy with combinations.

Hastings is a GB international but has never been able to secure a starting NRL position. It is purely coincidence of course!

Hastings turn is it?

When has he ever secured a starting NRL position?

Mate this is a ridiculous argument. He's been over in Super League, therefore unable to secure a starting spot. Not fair at all.

When he was in the NRL he was young and inexperienced, and if you've watched him play since then you'd realise the absurdity of your argument. He's an NRL standard half.

He had been to what three NRL clubs prior to going to the UK because no club wanted anything to do with him. The revision of history surrounding Hastings does not surprise me at all. There were many halves which were young and inexperienced yet handled the NRL but Hasting could not. That in itself should be enough of an indicator.

He played close to 50 NRL games, so effectively two full seasons. Left at 22, reportedly due to attitude problems, does that constitute 'not handling the NRL'?

Also, who exactly were the 'many halves' that handled the nrl prior to this age?

Yep. He was passed on by his former clubs for disciplinary reasons more than ability. No one knows how he will go till he gets back here, but his time in England and his maturity will certainly make him a better chance of making it now, compared to the player/ person he was when he left. Can't understand the need for some to deathride him before passes a ball.

He was given control at the Roosters of the team when one of their 'stars' was injured. He didn't last long before he was dropped.

That says nothing about the player he is today

The point is this revisionism that his troubles were due to off field issues is not the entire truth.

 

[Russell]

@Aubanon what’s the latest on Jordan Hill?

The Tigers never followed through with their intended meeting.

So he's moved on.

I’m sure Adam hartigan was meant to be at that meeting

Correct. Very disappointed at this outcome. We've let a good kid go because of one staff member's naivety.

What do you mean by naive @willow ?
Do you mean Adam Hartigan stood them up at the meeting?

Without speaking out of line, I was informed Hartigan intended to sit down with the family to discuss Jordan's situation, as he apparently caught the club by surprise with signing a letter of intent with the MacKay Cutters. I don't think WT thought he seriously entertained the idea of leaving, but WT made little to no attempt to keep him. Hartigan wasn't aware of any commentary made towards Jordan by Fita Hala so there was a communication breakdown at that level, and then Hartigan never bothered to follow through with the meeting with Jordan's family.

Disappointing and unprofessional which typifies so many aspects of this club.

That's disappointing.
Seems strange because Hartigan has been highly rated by some on here that I respect their opinion such as @cochise but then you hear stories like this and others about missed meetings and emails.
I remember Kenty speaking in code - but seem to suggest Hartigan was out of his depth and wasn't senior enough. Also suggested that Madge had to do to many jobs to cover for others who weren't doing there's.

Usually the truth is somewhere in the middle.
Hopefully they made the right decision

There is something of a pattern emerging here.

One of our posters with good information on our junior systems told us yesterday that a number of our young stars are still waiting for the paperwork to secure them for next year, and that we are in danger of losing them.

Now this information about the young winger who wanted to stay but the recruitment team couldn't be bothered meeting him and his family, so he is going north.

We all remember the stuff up with McIntyre last year. Madge told him he wanted to keep him, but we didn't give him an offer, so he accepted an offer from the Titans. Madge was shocked when Macca told him.

All these instances, in addition to our dealings with TPJ and JAC, leaves a smell of incompetence around our recruitment processes and team. It's hard to believe that things can get worse under the new arrangements.

Don't forget the debacle with Cameroux I think his name was (great young talent) - ended up going to Newcastle.

 

[Russell]

Just remembered that Hodgson and Hastings played together for the Lions in 2019. That’ll be handy with combinations.

Hastings is a GB international but has never been able to secure a starting NRL position. It is purely coincidence of course!

Hastings turn is it?

When has he ever secured a starting NRL position?

Mate this is a ridiculous argument. He's been over in Super League, therefore unable to secure a starting spot. Not fair at all.

When he was in the NRL he was young and inexperienced, and if you've watched him play since then you'd realise the absurdity of your argument. He's an NRL standard half.

He’s playing in a second rate competition. Stop treating it like he’s been playing against NRL calibre opposition.

You’re one of the most negative people ive ever come across

You say that when he is being positive.

You see negatives in a positive post - scheeeesh!

 

[PJ_]

Poor Woodsy. What was looking like being a one club legend has turned into a journeyman plodder who will see out his career on one year contracts with any club that will take him.

Yeah mate. Could have really created a legacy here as a Tigers legend. We may have even had more success if he managed to keep the others as well. Oh well

 

[Telltails]

Just remembered that Hodgson and Hastings played together for the Lions in 2019. That’ll be handy with combinations.

Hastings is a GB international but has never been able to secure a starting NRL position. It is purely coincidence of course!

Hastings turn is it?

When has he ever secured a starting NRL position?

Mate this is a ridiculous argument. He's been over in Super League, therefore unable to secure a starting spot. Not fair at all.

When he was in the NRL he was young and inexperienced, and if you've watched him play since then you'd realise the absurdity of your argument. He's an NRL standard half.

He had been to what three NRL clubs prior to going to the UK because no club wanted anything to do with him. The revision of history surrounding Hastings does not surprise me at all. There were many halves which were young and inexperienced yet handled the NRL but Hasting could not. That in itself should be enough of an indicator.

He played close to 50 NRL games, so effectively two full seasons. Left at 22, reportedly due to attitude problems, does that constitute 'not handling the NRL'?

Also, who exactly were the 'many halves' that handled the nrl prior to this age?

Yep. He was passed on by his former clubs for disciplinary reasons more than ability. No one knows how he will go till he gets back here, but his time in England and his maturity will certainly make him a better chance of making it now, compared to the player/ person he was when he left. Can't understand the need for some to deathride him before passes a ball.

He was given control at the Roosters of the team when one of their 'stars' was injured. He didn't last long before he was dropped.

That says nothing about the player he is today

The point is this revisionism that his troubles were due to off field issues is not the entire truth.

He was hard to manage at the Roosters and Manly after being talked up at an early age - not the first to get knocked down a few pegs for believing their own publicity.

 

[PJ_]

Hodgson will be 32 but his game has never been about speed. Many players, even Farah, depend a lot on speed and so couldn't play to the same level when they got older. Others who play with craft sometimes even get better at this age. You can't just say he's 32 so he's rubbish.

Examples:
Cameron Smith played another excellent five years after turning 32.
Cooper Cronk was another who seemed to get better.
Cliffy Lyons was another, Jason Smith also played well in his mid 30s.
Ben Kennedy helped change the culture of Manly when he joined them in his early 30s.
Luke Lewis was in great form throughout his 30s.
Alfie Langer too.

Hodgson is the exact sort of player who should be able to maintain good form for at least a couple years. His game is quality passing, good direction, competitiveness and craft. I think he's a great player for us to have a go on. If it doesn't work out I don't see it being that big a deal. Hate the negativity around every move we make.

If he didn't work out it would be a disaster.

Eg. Game 3 next year - he does his ACL again,

Oh! no problem put Liddle in there, unfortunately we let him go, because we put faith in an old man.

Not to worry we can bring up Simpkin, unfortunately he won't be ready for another 2 years if ever.

Now your talking - we can play the Peach.

Oh! God, unfortunately I can see this happening.

Oh Russell what if we don’t sign Hodgson and Jacob god forbid does his ACL in rd 3…what thenWe will

We will have that great savior Jake Simpkin to ride in on his great white horse to save us and take us onto win the Grand Final.

Then all the fairies walked in and we all woke up

?