Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[tony soprano]

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

Good post.

I would definitely re-sign Madden, Talau and hopefully Mikaele. Garner seems to be a loyal type and is a big asset to a side lacking flair. I ehope he stays.

My guess Mikaele will be a dolphin.

Thinking the same, but also think he'll have a breakout season next year. Looks like he's working hard in the off-season if insta is anything to go by.

Working hard for that dolphin money.

 

[needsanewusername]

Let Mikaele go…soft as puppy poo for the size of him.

 

[momo_amp_medo]

Suggestion for suggestions sake ... Brooks to Dogs, Flanagan to Knights, Klemmer to Cows, Drinkwater to Tigers. Spine of Laurie - Drinkwater - Hastings - Hodgson 🙂

I Like Drinkwater but there was talk that he had a chance to sign with us last year but was not interested.

 

[hsvjones]

Raiders still yet to formally announce Elliot. Somebody is being released

Could be that the NRL want to check the details of the contract as he was just fired from the Dogs.
I would be happy if we got Hodgson though

 

[Deleted member 3518]

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.

The Simpkin thing is the same as brooks and Liddle . People built up their expectations , and when reality didn’t meet their fairytale , they turned on the player . It was obvious from 2017 brooks was destined for above average first grade half eg. Matt Orford career . But nope because he’s not the next Andrew johns , then he’s somehow a reserve grader ??
Same thing for Liddle and Simpkin is headed that way as well . They evaluate them on what they want them to be rather than what they are .

Brooks is a very average first grade half. He's in the bottom 4 for me and is a major reason why we remain average. This has nothing to do with me wanting him to be the next Johns although, wouldn't that be nice? Seriously, wouldn't it be nice if he had even a slither of the skill of Johns? I don't know why people are so passionate to defend mediocrity. These are professionals on loads of money.

The reason people are passionate about him is simply because he wears our colours and people are used to seeing that. It’s a cognitive bias, like the endowment effect.
In any other organisation, or team, he would have been moved on years ago.
The fact that management have kept him on is completely unacceptable - it shows no desire. But there is no accountability here at WT and I’m not even sure now that Sheens will change that.
As for his passionate but ever-dwindling fan club, it’s not just wearing rose glasses. It’s a personality trait thing, in their refusal to accept they were wrong in their judgement of him, so they double down. That’s why for the most part you can’t convince them.

None of what you said is remotely true . I’ve laid out infinite reasons for why I think what I do about this , and you chose to continue to repeatedly ignore it . It’s you who has the bias. I don’t know how many times “first grade half” can be said , and in how many different ways . Somehow acknowledging hes not crap , is the same as saying you think he’s great . I’m so over talking to anti brooks brigade about this simple yet somehow lost in translation concept .
He’s not crap . He’s not great either . He needs to move on , and find success in a team with better players .
Spin that however you want . Just don’t talk to me about it . I’m not interested .

 

[Deleted member 3518]

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.

The Simpkin thing is the same as brooks and Liddle . People built up their expectations , and when reality didn’t meet their fairytale , they turned on the player . It was obvious from 2017 brooks was destined for above average first grade half eg. Matt Orford career . But nope because he’s not the next Andrew johns , then he’s somehow a reserve grader ??
Same thing for Liddle and Simpkin is headed that way as well . They evaluate them on what they want them to be rather than what they are .

Brooks is a very average first grade half. He's in the bottom 4 for me and is a major reason why we remain average. This has nothing to do with me wanting him to be the next Johns although, wouldn't that be nice? Seriously, wouldn't it be nice if he had even a slither of the skill of Johns? I don't know why people are so passionate to defend mediocrity. These are professionals on loads of mon

Mate I’m not interested sorry . If you can’t see the forest from the trees , that’s on you . I’m not debating it . People who do this stuff for a living agree with me , to varying degrees I’m sure , but in general . That’s good enough for me. I tend to go an electrician for electrical faults . Or a plumber for water issues . And I don’t assume I know more than either . That’s the last thing I’m going to say . I hope you have a good night .

 

[tony soprano]

Let Mikaele go…soft as puppy poo for the size of him.

I think he plays tough just hands let him down

 

[phil1986]

Let Mikaele go…soft as puppy poo for the size of him.

I think he plays tough just hands let him down

Michale definitely has something. His post contact meters for a young prop are quite good. His physical contact is strong.

His decision making, fitness and hands are areas that need improvement.

He is still a young prop, where most props won’t fully develop (physically and mentally) until 26+.

He will be a long term first grader.

I worry that we put all the time in, and don’t get any of his better years ahead.

 

[tony soprano]

Wouldn't be suprised if cam Smith came back to be a dolphin.

 

[TonyTiger]

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

Good post.

Twal is solid. Tuilagi has good potential. Resign both.

I think Kepaoa will be a starting centre by the end of 2022.

Luch for the right price. I haven't seen anything in Madden to suggest he has the X-factor we desperately need in the halves.

Don't really care too much for the rest.

Kepaoa can play. very hopeful we see him starting in the centres come Round 1.

I like Kepaoa but his Achilles heel is catching a ball

 

[happy_tiger]

Another day and nothing again from this club.... Just the norm now or course
Yet they advertise memberships for the club and expect us to join up with no signings to at least get excited about..

I'm sure it will end good and have signings by start of season but gee wiz its hard to get excited when we are the only club thats hasn't given the fans something to look forward to.. I was hoping to have a few players extended before the deadline so we don't have to pay more to keep the good ones. Anyway the powers of the club have a plan I suppose

November 1st 11:59pm they will announce ?

How the players really loved their Halloween celebrations ...and everyone will feel all nice and fuzzy about it ....

 

[Newtown]

NRL star makes shock code switch to US rugby
Michael Atkinson 19 hrs ago


The NRL career of former Maroons and Kangaroos centre Will Chambers appears to be over.

Instead, the bright lights of Los Angeles have come calling.

After a one-season stint with Cronulla, the 33-year-old wasn't offered a new deal in the Shire and will trade Shark Park for the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, to play for the LA Giltinis in the Major League Rugby competition for the next two years.

 

[tigger]

Wouldn't be suprised if cam Smith came back to be a dolphin.

Are they a protected species?

 

[TillLindemann]

NRL star makes shock code switch to US rugby
Michael Atkinson 19 hrs ago


The NRL career of former Maroons and Kangaroos centre Will Chambers appears to be over.

Instead, the bright lights of Los Angeles have come calling.

After a one-season stint with Cronulla, the 33-year-old wasn't offered a new deal in the Shire and will trade Shark Park for the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, to play for the LA Giltinis in the Major League Rugby competition for the next two years.

"The Giltinis, named for a yet-to-be released cocktail..." Lol.

 

[needsanewusername]

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.

The Simpkin thing is the same as brooks and Liddle . People built up their expectations , and when reality didn’t meet their fairytale , they turned on the player . It was obvious from 2017 brooks was destined for above average first grade half eg. Matt Orford career . But nope because he’s not the next Andrew johns , then he’s somehow a reserve grader ??
Same thing for Liddle and Simpkin is headed that way as well . They evaluate them on what they want them to be rather than what they are .

Brooks is a very average first grade half. He's in the bottom 4 for me and is a major reason why we remain average. This has nothing to do with me wanting him to be the next Johns although, wouldn't that be nice? Seriously, wouldn't it be nice if he had even a slither of the skill of Johns? I don't know why people are so passionate to defend mediocrity. These are professionals on loads of mon

Mate I’m not interested sorry . If you can’t see the forest from the trees , that’s on you . I’m not debating it . People who do this stuff for a living agree with me , to varying degrees I’m sure , but in general . That’s good enough for me. I tend to go an electrician for electrical faults . Or a plumber for water issues . And I don’t assume I know more than either . That’s the last thing I’m going to say . I hope you have a good night .

The varying degrees is the issue. Certainly not a rep level player. Not a finals player. He is perfectly average. Wins the odd game he shouldn’t. Loses a lot of games he shouldn’t.
That is not good enough for a lot of supporters. We want more from our halfback and fear we have given him a free career he would not have achieved elsewhere.
Our rebuild can only begin when he leaves.

 

[pawsandclaws1]

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.

The Simpkin thing is the same as brooks and Liddle . People built up their expectations , and when reality didn’t meet their fairytale , they turned on the player . It was obvious from 2017 brooks was destined for above average first grade half eg. Matt Orford career . But nope because he’s not the next Andrew johns , then he’s somehow a reserve grader ??
Same thing for Liddle and Simpkin is headed that way as well . They evaluate them on what they want them to be rather than what they are .

Brooks is a very average first grade half. He's in the bottom 4 for me and is a major reason why we remain average. This has nothing to do with me wanting him to be the next Johns although, wouldn't that be nice? Seriously, wouldn't it be nice if he had even a slither of the skill of Johns? I don't know why people are so passionate to defend mediocrity. These are professionals on loads of mon

Mate I’m not interested sorry . If you can’t see the forest from the trees , that’s on you . I’m not debating it . People who do this stuff for a living agree with me , to varying degrees I’m sure , but in general . That’s good enough for me. I tend to go an electrician for electrical faults . Or a plumber for water issues . And I don’t assume I know more than either . That’s the last thing I’m going to say . I hope you have a good night .

The varying degrees is the issue. Certainly not a rep level player. Not a finals player. He is perfectly average. Wins the odd game he shouldn’t. Loses a lot of games he shouldn’t.
That is not good enough for a lot of supporters. We want more from our halfback and fear we have given him a free career he would not have achieved elsewhere.
Our rebuild can only begin when he leaves.

We must be watching a different player. Brooks would get a start with many clubs who would be happy to build a side around him.

How many other halfbacks experienced the loss of quality players such as Tedesco, JAC, Simona, Moses, Matterson, Tapau, Woods, Sironen (perhaps Koroibete as well) without players of equal quality replacing them?. He is the one who stayed and is hammered for it.

 

[JC99]

Graduating Ignatius Park fullback Cathane Hill has secured a development contract with the Wests Tigers, setting him on a path towards realising his NRL dream.

The teenage sensation has capitalised on a brilliant Aaron Payne Cup campaign, one in which he cemented himself as a key leader within the boys in blue’s ranks.

And his high school coach Steve Lansley believes his ascent up the rugby league food chain could happen in quick time.

“I think he can rise through the ranks quickly. I see the attributes in Cathane that are vital to being successful in the NRL,” Lansley said.

“He’s got a great aerobic capacity, as a fullback he can get around the park everywhere and fatigue won’t be a problem for him.

“I think the speed of the NRL won’t bother Cathane, he’ll handle the speed of that and as he matures I think he will be ready made for the NRL.”

Hill will link up with fellow Burdekin Roosters product Dudley Dotoi in Tigers’ colours, with the young Kirwan Bears centre also securing a chance to impress the NRL outfit.

https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/sport/local-league/family-sacrifices-inspire-ignatius-park-gun-jakeb-vailalo-to-shot-with-nrl-champions-the-penrith-panthers/news-story/cb0ace0af45093090a36c9bd6c0ba43b

 

[jrtiger]

Graduating Ignatius Park fullback Cathane Hill has secured a development contract with the Wests Tigers, setting him on a path towards realising his NRL dream.

The teenage sensation has capitalised on a brilliant Aaron Payne Cup campaign, one in which he cemented himself as a key leader within the boys in blue’s ranks.

And his high school coach Steve Lansley believes his ascent up the rugby league food chain could happen in quick time.

“I think he can rise through the ranks quickly. I see the attributes in Cathane that are vital to being successful in the NRL,” Lansley said.

“He’s got a great aerobic capacity, as a fullback he can get around the park everywhere and fatigue won’t be a problem for him.

“I think the speed of the NRL won’t bother Cathane, he’ll handle the speed of that and as he matures I think he will be ready made for the NRL.”

Hill will link up with fellow Burdekin Roosters product Dudley Dotoi in Tigers’ colours, with the young Kirwan Bears centre also securing a chance to impress the NRL outfit.

https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/sport/local-league/family-sacrifices-inspire-ignatius-park-gun-jakeb-vailalo-to-shot-with-nrl-champions-the-penrith-panthers/news-story/cb0ace0af45093090a36c9bd6c0ba43b

interesting. if the article is correct and he's on a development deal, then that could mean we will have potentially two fullbacks in the development squad, Dillon being the other.

 

[DGilly]

Letting go of Mikaele and Talau now would be dumb. It would just further solidify us as the feeder club for other NRL teams, We should reap the rewards of their development instead of letting them go once they've started to show something

 

[batboy]

Getting hot now so rather than making a thread for every random signing rumour let's talk here about rumoured signings.

So far we have rumoured to have actually been signed.

Chris McQueen
Kurt Capewell
Ben Matulino
Taane Milne

Rumoured approaches but no claims of being signed.

Shaun Johnson
Bodene Thompson
Albert Vete
Gareth Widdop
Russell Packer

Any I am missing?

This Cracks me up, Everytime I open this thread....
Out of the Guys that the thread was started on,

One went on to play Origin and win a premiership...
The other 3 signed with the Tigers :grinning: :grinning: