Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[bathursttiger1]

We need a backrower and a good centre or can Hastings unleash kepao

Kepaoa should never be in first grade again.
Period.

Downvote.

Hahahah there's a way around the system

Upvote ??

Perfect example

And why do you disagree @Russell

Because i think AJ is good enough for the NRL and will only get better.

Yep ..if he repeats the Roosters game every week I'll be happy ...might even apologize for doubting him

IF that was the game he played 63mins at centre, I agree. I have never rated him but in that one game I saw what he could be. Could be a false dawn, particularly with the injury.

Happy doesn't know who we played..Kapaoa's 63min at centre was against Souff's..

Kepaoa.

 

[batboy]

What ever happened to the good ol Aussie fair go ? If the club sees good in A J then let’s get behind the guy not bag him

The club also sees good in Brooks.

One played 63 minutes of NRL in his preferred position, went quite well and you bagged him outright. The other 8 years and 163 games of utter garbage and you troll anyone who dares be critical.

Unbelievable

He has stated a few times his preferred position is the wing. That didn’t work as he can’t catch, so he was tried in the centres.

Are you sure on that mate? My memory (which admittedly isn't the best) was that centre was his position and that he was just on the wing to fill a gap. Ken has claimed ownership of that wing now though thankfully, which makes it a moot point.

My memory is that centre is his best position and then FB.

He's barely played anywhere - But Wing in his entire existence....
How that qualifies his best position to be elsewhere is lunacy...

 

[Tcat]

We need a backrower and a good centre or can Hastings unleash kepao

Can we be real about Hastings for a second.
Yes guy has wraps on him at Easts and Manly.

No, guy is not better then Luke Keary, DCE, Adam Reynolds or Shaun Johnston. Yes he has talent. No not that much.

Yes he seems like a talented player with an Attitude problem. Cant work with people at well disciplined clubs.
Very Todd Carney or Ben Barba like.


Hoping that Hastings turns out to be a gun. Hoping he clicks with Brooks who is a more passive half and maybe he will. There is a stack of potential.

But not going to ride 2022 on him.

No, he doesn't have an attitude problem. If anything he will have the best attitude out of all the players at our club. Will form part of our future leadership group in Hastings, Utoikamanu, Doueihi.

Listen to rugby league guru podcast with Jackson Hastings. It sounds like he wants to play and I believe will have the best attitude at the club next year.

I'm optimistic about Hastings. I think he will surprise a few people at how quickly he will adjust to the NRL.

 

[nuggetron]

We need a backrower and a good centre or can Hastings unleash kepao

Can we be real about Hastings for a second.
Yes guy has wraps on him at Easts and Manly.

No, guy is not better then Luke Keary, DCE, Adam Reynolds or Shaun Johnston. Yes he has talent. No not that much.

Yes he seems like a talented player with an Attitude problem. Cant work with people at well disciplined clubs.
Very Todd Carney or Ben Barba like.


Hoping that Hastings turns out to be a gun. Hoping he clicks with Brooks who is a more passive half and maybe he will. There is a stack of potential.

But not going to ride 2022 on him.

No, he doesn't have an attitude problem. If anything he will have the best attitude out of all the players at our club. Will form part of our future leadership group in Hastings, Utoikamanu, Doueihi.

Listen to rugby league guru podcast with Jackson Hastings. It sounds like he wants to play and I believe will have the best attitude at the club next year.

I'm optimistic about Hastings. I think he will surprise a few people at how quickly he will adjust to the NRL.

he will either be loved or hated by team members, those looking to cruise will cop an absolute mouthful from him on the field. i personally have no problem with that, hopefully most of the team don't either and stand up for him if it hits the fan in a training session.
i hope we start to weed out some of the dead wood that are happy with mediocrity and his tenacity and demanding nature on the field rubs off on a few other players to create a core group of leaders

 

[happy_tiger]

Don't get why people need to crap on one of our promising rookies in Jake Simpkin all the time, let the kid develop and see how he goes. Clearly he's worth putting time into

If you like Liddle that doesn't mean you have to hate Jake Simpkin fellas, end of the day it's about the team not individuals ?

This is quite ironic. As soon as you criticise players like Simpkin or Hastings, it’s seen as unfair. Yet for players like Brooks, Noffa and Liddle, it’s open slather. To the point where a lot of it gets personal. I’ve seen Brooks called an imp, Noffa is constantly referred to as Nofoalooza. But it’s the ones who criticise darlings like Simpkin and Hastings that get called out for being unfair and should rein it in. Classic double standards.

Rubbish. Absolute rubbish.

If you can't see the difference between being heavily critical of a teenage rookie and a player in their mid 20s who have failed every season then you should never judge a single player ever again.
Outstanding young players deserve the opporunity to develop their games and bodies into first grade standard. Players who have been playing first grade for years are open slather. If form or fitness still deny them the ability to play to their potential then questions will very correctly be asked about them.
Some clubs don't tolerate mediocrity. We have celebrated mediocrity for a long time now. It's our clubs most identifiable trait. The willingness to accept poor performance as acceptable. It isn't. This is why we haven't learned from previous mistakes and don't play finals footy.

Taking into consideration games played, Brooks would be the most overpriced player in the comp. Prove me wrong.

Sorry you are incorrect - the most overpriced is still Mbye.

Milford ...Brooks in the top few though ....

 

[Lukic]

Mbye offers utility value and isn't actually that bad a player. Towards the end of his time here it was clear it wasn't working out and his heart wasn't all there, but he's first grade quality and of the games better 14s imo. Obviously overpaid, but if he was on 350-400k, most would have had no real issue with him.

Brooks just isn't good period. Even on min wage he'd be a problem because he isn't a first grade quality footballer.

 

[batboy]

Mbye offers utility value and isn't actually that bad a player. Towards the end of his time here it was clear it wasn't working out and his heart wasn't all there, but he's first grade quality and of the games better 14s imo. Obviously overpaid, but if he was on 350-400k, most would have had no real issue with him.

Brooks just isn't good period. Even on min wage he'd be a problem because he isn't a first grade quality footballer.

I wouldn't of cared if his Pay was 125k - His efforts were appalling - And not just sometimes....

 

[needsanewusername]

Mbye offers utility value and isn't actually that bad a player. Towards the end of his time here it was clear it wasn't working out and his heart wasn't all there, but he's first grade quality and of the games better 14s imo. Obviously overpaid, but if he was on 350-400k, most would have had no real issue with him.

Brooks just isn't good period. Even on min wage he'd be a problem because he isn't a first grade quality footballer.

I wouldn't of cared if his Pay was 125k - His efforts were appalling - And not just sometimes....

Talking Mbye or Brooks here?

 

[tiger_scott]

**The Mole: The 12 most in-demand players as NRL feeding frenzy begins on November 1
By The Mole**

https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/the-mole-nrl-players-off-contract-november-1-the-dolphins-cody-walker-brandon-smith/527ade14-ae8f-4315-b97e-74437c9eb84e

Freedom day came a couple of weeks ago for most of Australia - but for NRL players and managers freedom day arrives on Monday.

November 1 is the date that allows players coming off contract at the end of 2022 to talk to rival clubs about signing for 2023 and beyond - and the feeding frenzy is about to begin.
With the Dolphins entering the premiership, prices are set to go through the roof in a bonanza for players and their handlers.

So who will be the players most in demand when player managers pick up the phone and start dialling clubs - and vice versa?

We have taken a look at the pick of the market - and come up with the 12 "most wanted".
Cody Walker - Will be 33 come 2023, but the Souths playmaker is a late bloomer who had his best ever season this year. Still got plenty of life in his 'old' legs and the priceless ability to lay on a try from nothing.

Brandon Smith - Despite a bit of a 'bad boy' reputation, is a superb player who thrives in the well drilled Storm attack. Could be the game's first million dollar a season hooker and will be chased by up to 10 clubs.

Angus Crichton - Made a shrewd move recently by extending for only one season at the Roosters, seeing him a free agent at just the right time. Fine attacking forward and a great role model off the field.

Joseph Manu - Regarded the best centre in the game and a player who is yet to reach his peak. Great role model - the Roosters don't lose many but could struggle to keep this guy.

Manase Fainu - Assuming his legal problems will finally be behind him in 18 months, the Manly hooker will be in great demand. Hookers are the new power players the way rugba league has evolved - and he is the best on the market after Smith.

Reed Mahoney - Isn't far behind Fainu in the dummyhalf stakes and is a machine in defence in the middle. The Eels are desperate to keep him - but clubs are queueing up to have a crack at the Parra workhorse.

Christian Welch - A key man in Craig Bellamy's ruthless Storm machine and a future first grade captain, he's the type of guy you want around your club. Tough in defence and carries the ball into the line without fear.

Chanel Harris-Tavita - Quality playmakers in the NRL are in short supply - and this kid from Kiwi-land is developing very nicely. Under the right coach, could become an elite number seven.

Ryan Matterson - Big, strong and versatile… he's the complete package as far as edge forwards go. Add good ball skills and a strong motor and it's easy to see why the Eels' forward is wanted by up to eight clubs.

Herbie Farnworth - If this kid was playing for the Storm and not the Broncos this year, he would have scored 20 plus tries. The English-born centre/winger was a big improver in 2021 and will only get better.

Isaiah Papali'i - without doubt the buy of 2021, he came to the Eels from the Warriors on a small contract and was outstanding. Everyone knows his true value now and he's set for a big payday in coming months.

Dylan Edwards - Has come from nowhere over the past two seasons to become one of the most consistent fullbacks in the NRL. The Panthers will struggle to hold him as he's after a big upgrade - and deserves it!


Wouldn’t it be nice to get one of these players? I would rank them, in our order of need, as:
Crichton
Manu
Smith
Welch
Papali’i
Matterson
Farnworth
Walker
Tavita
Mahoney
Fainu
Edwards

Where would everyone else rank them?

 

[needsanewusername]

Mbye offers utility value and isn't actually that bad a player. Towards the end of his time here it was clear it wasn't working out and his heart wasn't all there, but he's first grade quality and of the games better 14s imo. Obviously overpaid, but if he was on 350-400k, most would have had no real issue with him.

Brooks just isn't good period. Even on min wage he'd be a problem because he isn't a first grade quality footballer.

I wouldn't of cared if his Pay was 125k - His efforts were appalling - And not just sometimes....

Talking Mbye or Brooks here?

mbye

Fair enough. That sentence covers both players, hence the confusion.

 

[batboy]

The Mole: The 12 most in-demand players as NRL feeding frenzy begins on November 1
By The Mole
https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/the-mole-nrl-players-off-contract-november-1-the-dolphins-cody-walker-brandon-smith/527ade14-ae8f-4315-b97e-74437c9eb84e
Freedom day came a couple of weeks ago for most of Australia - but for NRL players and managers freedom day arrives on Monday.
November 1 is the date that allows players coming off contract at the end of 2022 to talk to rival clubs about signing for 2023 and beyond - and the feeding frenzy is about to begin.
With the Dolphins entering the premiership, prices are set to go through the roof in a bonanza for players and their handlers.
So who will be the players most in demand when player managers pick up the phone and start dialling clubs - and vice versa?
We have taken a look at the pick of the market - and come up with the 12 "most wanted".
Cody Walker - Will be 33 come 2023, but the Souths playmaker is a late bloomer who had his best ever season this year. Still got plenty of life in his 'old' legs and the priceless ability to lay on a try from nothing.
Brandon Smith - Despite a bit of a 'bad boy' reputation, is a superb player who thrives in the well drilled Storm attack. Could be the game's first million dollar a season hooker and will be chased by up to 10 clubs.
Angus Crichton - Made a shrewd move recently by extending for only one season at the Roosters, seeing him a free agent at just the right time. Fine attacking forward and a great role model off the field.
Joseph Manu - Regarded the best centre in the game and a player who is yet to reach his peak. Great role model - the Roosters don't lose many but could struggle to keep this guy.
Manase Fainu - Assuming his legal problems will finally be behind him in 18 months, the Manly hooker will be in great demand. Hookers are the new power players the way rugba league has evolved - and he is the best on the market after Smith.
Reed Mahoney - Isn't far behind Fainu in the dummyhalf stakes and is a machine in defence in the middle. The Eels are desperate to keep him - but clubs are queueing up to have a crack at the Parra workhorse.
Christian Welch - A key man in Craig Bellamy's ruthless Storm machine and a future first grade captain, he's the type of guy you want around your club. Tough in defence and carries the ball into the line without fear.
Chanel Harris-Tavita - Quality playmakers in the NRL are in short supply - and this kid from Kiwi-land is developing very nicely. Under the right coach, could become an elite number seven.
Ryan Matterson - Big, strong and versatile… he's the complete package as far as edge forwards go. Add good ball skills and a strong motor and it's easy to see why the Eels' forward is wanted by up to eight clubs.
Herbie Farnworth - If this kid was playing for the Storm and not the Broncos this year, he would have scored 20 plus tries. The English-born centre/winger was a big improver in 2021 and will only get better.
Isaiah Papali'i - without doubt the buy of 2021, he came to the Eels from the Warriors on a small contract and was outstanding. Everyone knows his true value now and he's set for a big payday in coming months.
Dylan Edwards - Has come from nowhere over the past two seasons to become one of the most consistent fullbacks in the NRL. The Panthers will struggle to hold him as he's after a big upgrade - and deserves it!


Wouldn’t it be nice to get one of these players? I would rank them, in our order of need, as:
Crichton
Manu
Smith
Welch
Papali’i
Matterson
Farnworth
Walker
Tavita
Mahoney
Fainu
Edwards

Where would everyone else rank them?

Smith and Papalii for mine....
Brandon Smith is a Lair - But once he crosses the line, It's all business...
He's a man that will drag a team behind him and his efforts are exactly what we need.
I'd be throwing 1.2 at him....
He's exactly the player we need - His team mates love playing with them, And the fans love watching him.

Papalii is on Peanuts at the Eels, I'd be trying to get him now...

 

[Tigerwould]

For mine;

Crichton
Smith
Papali’i
Manu
Welch
Mahoney
Matterson
Farnworth
Walker
Tavita
Fainu
Edwards

 

[tiger_scott]

I'm a little worried about how he (Smith) leads with his head. Surprised the likes of him and To'o don't end up with more concussions/time spent getting HIAs. I think we do need to spend big on one of these types of players, but just those on the top of the list. Wouldn't throw big money at an old Walker or Edwards, Mahoney or Fainu. Papali'i and Farnworth wouldn't break the bank either.

 

[240z]

The Mole: The 12 most in-demand players as NRL feeding frenzy begins on November 1
By The Mole
https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/the-mole-nrl-players-off-contract-november-1-the-dolphins-cody-walker-brandon-smith/527ade14-ae8f-4315-b97e-74437c9eb84e
Freedom day came a couple of weeks ago for most of Australia - but for NRL players and managers freedom day arrives on Monday.
November 1 is the date that allows players coming off contract at the end of 2022 to talk to rival clubs about signing for 2023 and beyond - and the feeding frenzy is about to begin.
With the Dolphins entering the premiership, prices are set to go through the roof in a bonanza for players and their handlers.
So who will be the players most in demand when player managers pick up the phone and start dialling clubs - and vice versa?
We have taken a look at the pick of the market - and come up with the 12 "most wanted".
Cody Walker - Will be 33 come 2023, but the Souths playmaker is a late bloomer who had his best ever season this year. Still got plenty of life in his 'old' legs and the priceless ability to lay on a try from nothing.
Brandon Smith - Despite a bit of a 'bad boy' reputation, is a superb player who thrives in the well drilled Storm attack. Could be the game's first million dollar a season hooker and will be chased by up to 10 clubs.
Angus Crichton - Made a shrewd move recently by extending for only one season at the Roosters, seeing him a free agent at just the right time. Fine attacking forward and a great role model off the field.
Joseph Manu - Regarded the best centre in the game and a player who is yet to reach his peak. Great role model - the Roosters don't lose many but could struggle to keep this guy.
Manase Fainu - Assuming his legal problems will finally be behind him in 18 months, the Manly hooker will be in great demand. Hookers are the new power players the way rugba league has evolved - and he is the best on the market after Smith.
Reed Mahoney - Isn't far behind Fainu in the dummyhalf stakes and is a machine in defence in the middle. The Eels are desperate to keep him - but clubs are queueing up to have a crack at the Parra workhorse.
Christian Welch - A key man in Craig Bellamy's ruthless Storm machine and a future first grade captain, he's the type of guy you want around your club. Tough in defence and carries the ball into the line without fear.
Chanel Harris-Tavita - Quality playmakers in the NRL are in short supply - and this kid from Kiwi-land is developing very nicely. Under the right coach, could become an elite number seven.
Ryan Matterson - Big, strong and versatile… he's the complete package as far as edge forwards go. Add good ball skills and a strong motor and it's easy to see why the Eels' forward is wanted by up to eight clubs.
Herbie Farnworth - If this kid was playing for the Storm and not the Broncos this year, he would have scored 20 plus tries. The English-born centre/winger was a big improver in 2021 and will only get better.
Isaiah Papali'i - without doubt the buy of 2021, he came to the Eels from the Warriors on a small contract and was outstanding. Everyone knows his true value now and he's set for a big payday in coming months.
Dylan Edwards - Has come from nowhere over the past two seasons to become one of the most consistent fullbacks in the NRL. The Panthers will struggle to hold him as he's after a big upgrade - and deserves it!


Wouldn’t it be nice to get one of these players? I would rank them, in our order of need, as:
Crichton
Manu
Smith
Welch
Papali’i
Matterson
Farnworth
Walker
Tavita
Mahoney
Fainu
Edwards

Where would everyone else rank them?

For me it is Christian Welch followed by Manu and Smith
Strength in all all the key positions we need

 

[tigerman 0]

I waited until the downvote thing was disabled (jokes). Do you think we could send Brooks to Newcastle and get Hodgson to play halfback? We will be in front by way of salary cap and i think better off on the field.
Can still guide Simpkin and Liddle if the latter stays

 

[PabloX]

Looks like we have these players off contract at the end of 2022 (according to zero tackle), ie available to sign elsewhere on Nov 1

Luke Garner, Asu Kepaoa, Luciano Leilua, Jock Madden, Thomas Mikaele, James Roberts, Tommy Talau, James Tamou, Kelma Tuilagi, Alex Twal

Surely the club will extend someone before it's open slather?

 

[tigerman 0]

Looks like we have these players off contract at the end of 2022 (according to zero tackle), ie available to sign elsewhere on Nov 1

Luke Garner, Asu Kepaoa, Luciano Leilua, Jock Madden, Thomas Mikaele, James Roberts, Tommy Talau, James Tamou, Kelma Tuilagi, Alex Twal

Surely the club will extend someone before it's open slather?

Honestly at this point id only be disappointed if we lost Doueihi, Stefano, Laurie or Simpkin of our current FG team

 

[sparci]

Looks like we have these players off contract at the end of 2022 (according to zero tackle), ie available to sign elsewhere on Nov 1

Luke Garner, Asu Kepaoa, Luciano Leilua, Jock Madden, Thomas Mikaele, James Roberts, Tommy Talau, James Tamou, Kelma Tuilagi, Alex Twal

Surely the club will extend someone before it's open slather?

Id only re-sign tuilagi, maybe twal out of that list

 

[jrtiger]

Looks like we have these players off contract at the end of 2022 (according to zero tackle), ie available to sign elsewhere on Nov 1

Luke Garner, Asu Kepaoa, Luciano Leilua, Jock Madden, Thomas Mikaele, James Roberts, Tommy Talau, James Tamou, Kelma Tuilagi, Alex Twal

Surely the club will extend someone before it's open slather?

Kepaoa is incorrect, believe he's until the end of 2023. apart from that

Garner - most likely off to Manly
Luch - should sign off on his upgrade soon
Madden - jury's out
Mikaele - probably headed to Redcliffe
Roberts - T&T
Talau - off an ACL, wait and see
Tamou - bye bye
Tuilagi - re-sign
Twal - re-sign

 

[Don Kershane]

I'm a little worried about how he (Smith) leads with his head. Surprised the likes of him and To'o don't end up with more concussions/time spent getting HIAs. I think we do need to spend big on one of these types of players, but just those on the top of the list. Wouldn't throw big money at an old Walker or Edwards, Mahoney or Fainu. Papali'i and Farnworth wouldn't break the bank either.

Agree about Smith .Accident waiting to happen. Been replaced through head knocks a few times. Lasted 18 min in Qualifying Final and replaced with Head knock/shoulder in Prelim against Penrith. Storm maybe win if he stays on field.