Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[balmain boy]

Give Garner something to work with and he will hold his position Defensively he is one of the few in the pack that can make a dominant tackle.

Only if opponents run straight at him. His lateral movement and positioning is crap, lots of arm grabs

 

[Furious1]

This is a big reason why I would throw the sink at Ciraldo. He knows the junior system better than anyone and would be able to a few from the Panthers as well. We just don't need a coach we need someone who can inject some life into the club which will only happen through player pickups.

I agree. People seem to be put off by the fact he rejected us once. Money speaks all languages, so does salary cap space, training facilities etc. It's time to find out what it would take to make this happen rather than just accepting he knocked us back once.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

I've had a bit of a play with targets for 2023 based on our needs using rationale based on who is uncontracted. Here is my thinking (accepting criticicm about Bevan French but I believe he is an x-factor player who could fill a need for us plus like Hastings has matured in the ESL).

TARGETS:

• Bevan French (Fullback / Utility Back)
• Junior Ratuva (Wing)
• Euan Aitken (Centre / 2nd Row)
• Isiah Paapali (2nd Row)
• Api Korisau (Hooker)
• Marty Taupau or Paul Vaughan (Prop)

Out:

• Hoffman (Centre – currently not filled)
• Roberts (Centre)
• Kei (Wing)
• Liddle (Hooker – released)
• Tamou (Prop)
• Tuilagi (2nd Row)
• Leilua (2nd Row)
• Garner (2nd Row)
• Mikaele (Prop)

Upgraded to top 30:

• Ngatikaura (Hooker/Lock)
• Pole (Prop/Lock)
• 1 of O’Kane/Saukuru/Tumeth (2nd Row)

Notes:

• Brooks to see out contract year
• Talau to be re-signed on 1-year contract
• Madden to be re-signed
• Offa to see out contract year, Tigers won’t want to release too much experience
• Assuming Sione Fainu is not on Top 30 contract
• Leaving 6 spots to fill

Needs:

• Fullback (experience, x-factor, battle Laurie for 1st team position)
• Centre/2nd Row (strong running, solid defence, decent speed)
• Wing (fast, ideally big & strong)
• 2nd Row (1st team player)
• Hooker
• Prop

Development contracts 2023:

• Remaining 2 of O’Kane/Saukuru/Tumeth
• Kautoga or Guyan
• Matamua
• Dotoi
• Cathane Hill

 

[GNR4LIFE]

Bevan French. Sweet Jesus.

 

[sparci]

is Dotoi still at the club?

 

[BAGNF05]

Bevan French. Sweet Jesus.

daine Laurie with worse hands

 

[tonza]

I agree. People seem to be put off by the fact he rejected us once. Money speaks all languages, so does salary cap space, training facilities etc. It's time to find out what it would take to make this happen rather than just accepting he knocked us back once.

Well he is going to be an assistant coach for the next 6 years if he stays at Penrith. He will have to be more patient than Fitzgibbon. I dont see him being that patient. Offer him 4 years subject to meeting certain goals. Do it now, before other clubs get in the race and we lose out once again.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

Well he is going to be an assistant coach for the next 6 years if he stays at Penrith. He will have to be more patient than Fitzgibbon. I dont see him being that patient. Offer him 4 years subject to meeting certain goals. Do it now, before other clubs get in the race and we lose out once again.

We tried last year. I think he knows better opportunities will come along.

 

[Newtown]

I've had a bit of a play with targets for 2023 based on our needs using rationale based on who is uncontracted. Here is my thinking (accepting criticicm about Bevan French but I believe he is an x-factor player who could fill a need for us plus like Hastings has matured in the ESL).

TARGETS:

• Bevan French (Fullback / Utility Back)
• Junior Ratuva (Wing)
• Euan Aitken (Centre / 2nd Row)
• Isiah Paapali (2nd Row)
• Api Korisau (Hooker)
• Marty Taupau or Paul Vaughan (Prop)

Out:

• Hoffman (Centre – currently not filled)
• Roberts (Centre)
• Kei (Wing)
• Liddle (Hooker – released)
• Tamou (Prop)
• Tuilagi (2nd Row)
• Leilua (2nd Row)
• Garner (2nd Row)
• Mikaele (Prop)

Upgraded to top 30:

• Ngatikaura (Hooker/Lock)
• Pole (Prop/Lock)
• 1 of O’Kane/Saukuru/Tumeth (2nd Row)

Notes:

• Brooks to see out contract year
• Talau to be re-signed on 1-year contract
• Madden to be re-signed
• Offa to see out contract year, Tigers won’t want to release too much experience
• Assuming Sione Fainu is not on Top 30 contract
• Leaving 6 spots to fill

Needs:

• Fullback (experience, x-factor, battle Laurie for 1st team position)
• Centre/2nd Row (strong running, solid defence, decent speed)
• Wing (fast, ideally big & strong)
• 2nd Row (1st team player)
• Hooker
• Prop

Development contracts 2023:

• Remaining 2 of O’Kane/Saukuru/Tumeth
• Kautoga or Guyan
• Matamua
• Dotoi
• Cathane Hill

In reality how much time does the club have to make these suggested changes?

 

[tonza]

We tried last year. I think he knows better opportunities will come along.

I am sure there will be at the end of 2023. If we went for him right now, I think he would have a get out clause in his current contract. He could, by then, be almost 2 years into his new gig and see a big future for West Tigers and proud of what he has started. Am I dreaming ?

 

[GNR4LIFE]

I am sure they will at the end of 2023. If we went for him right now, I think he would have a get out clause in his current contract. He could, by then, be almost 2 years into his new gig and see a big future for West Tigers and proud of what he has started. Am I dreaming ?

It takes two to tango. It doesn’t matter what we need to do if he doesn’t want the job.

 

[coivtny]

I agree. People seem to be put off by the fact he rejected us once. Money speaks all languages, so does salary cap space, training facilities etc. It's time to find out what it would take to make this happen rather than just accepting he knocked us back once.

Fair point. C of E might make a difference as might Sheens' involvement with the club. Of the young coaches around, he seems to be the best option.

 

[Mighty_Tiger]

On that logic, don’t you think Fitzgibbon would of signed more than Ikuvalo from the Roosters?

It comes down to the situation, roster positions, players and cash available.

Fitzy wasn't in a position needing a complete rebuild with millions of cash with more than half the roster requiring recruiting.

Fitzy grabbed Dale and Nico - better weren't available at the Roosters.
Who knows what kids he will bring across over next 12-18mths or so.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

Bevan French. Sweet Jesus.

Haha I'm not saying we sign him on a huge deal. He offers speed, x-factor & line-breaking ability which we lack severely. Plus seems to have matured in his time in the UK. Could form a good combo with Hastings since they already had one.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

In reality how much time does the club have to make these suggested changes?

Not many changes there really since Korisau & Paapali are already signed. The rest are uncontracted so can be signed any time.

 

[tigerap]

This is about as good a signing we can get...French wouldn't be touched by any other NRL club, but to the Tigers he'd be a marquee signing.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

This is about as good a signing we can get...French wouldn't be touched by any other NRL club, but to the Tigers he'd be a marquee signing.

Like Hastings and Gildart

 

[batboy]

Like Hastings and Gildart

You can say "I told you so" If you want....

 

[GNR4LIFE]

You can say "I told you so" If you want....

I’d never say something like that mate.

 

[weststigerman]

We tried last year. I think he knows better opportunities will come along.

He may be waiting a while. Clubs don’t generally sack coaches while the team is going well.