Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[twentyforty]

He’s a born competitor. Quite funny to see how other teams react to the kid because he makes it his mission in every game to target the opposition’s best playmakers, get in their faces and drive them insane. SL is just too easy for him. Both him and Dodd are definitely going to the NRL. I imagine Woolf is already in Bennett’s ear for Redcliffe. No one at Saints would hold it against either. We have to be realistic. But I’d prefer him to go to WT. Even mentioned it to Jackson Hastings on twitter. Don’t want to see him playing for the chooks or Darth Bellamy.

It is interesting that St Helens’ success is being driven by possibly the two youngest players in the team. It takes a long time to get a half firing in the NRL, we’re getting close after a decade, if we take on a 20yo the old timers on here will not go the distance.
However, I really do think we should be talking to Jack Welsby. The kid plays every position in the backline and has incredible acceleration off the mark. Can land the ball where he wants it. Why are mollydookers such good strikers of the ball?

 

[Buttface]

Filling in for suspended May....

Let's not make out he pushed any out of the way to get his start.

Ordinary game - shoulder charge was great though.....

I think he can get better though.
Just not sure who makes way for him, at the Tigers.

Was an illegal play the best thing he did?

 

[TigerSJ]

I don't think so sorry.

He's fast and is a really good finisher, but I really couldn't see him in the centres and wouldn't want the club to recruit him as a 'project' when they already have promising kids coming through who deserve the spot.

As I said earlier, I really hope Talau can pull a Lazarus next year; I like To'a and think he is worth investing in (would love for him to get a go at fullback); Naden I thought was the best centre this season; and I'd rather Tupou and Kepaoa be given time and help to develop first.

Best would be a great buy if possible. 🤔 Best buy... Catchy.

I do think he's a deceptively decent winger, but see Staines as a 'worth a shot at the right price' type.

100% on Naden - can’t understand why he’s not getting a go at centre. Does need to smarten up a bit and get some of the dumb errors out of his game though.
On Talau - who knows what he comes back like. Could end up a great 14 able to play as an edge player or outside back. I see him or possibly Rua filling the 14, especially if we lose Nu.
Cant say i love Best - seems to have lost all his form ( and playing attitude) this season, although has had a lot of injury issues I suppose.

 

[twentyforty]

Was an illegal play the best thing he did?

We’re no chance of landing Staines. Not if Bulldogs or Chooks are after him.

 

[Kaito]

Jimmy Gnutlik didn't have an overly inspiring game last night for PNG, however he looks massive.

Would like the club to put some time into him. Get him playing NSW Cup & around the first grade boys.

Looks very imposing, physically.
Raw talent. I think he could really become something with the investment.

Aye @Kaito

I share your exact thoughts bro -
Didn't get much of an opportunity
But physically, very impressive!
Big NSW cup campaign from him

 

[Tcat]

Filling in for suspended May....

Let's not make out he pushed any out of the way to get his start.

Ordinary game - shoulder charge was great though.....

I think he can get better though.
Just not sure who makes way for him, at the Tigers.

I've seen enough from the crap that regularly gets picked each week at WTs to believe that Staines hasn't got much competition in making our 1st grade team. The jury was out on Hastings before he came and he's been a revelation for our club. Guys like Munster, Moses and Tedesco (let's be real) aren't coming here so we need to aim in a slightly more realistic Signing arena. For the right money and contract length he could be a great Signing for us.

 

[boonboon]

Staines best position is fullback and he isn't as good as Laurie. In saying that he would be our 2nd best fullback and 3rd best winger and we need better quality depth

 

[twentyforty]

I've seen enough from the crap that regularly gets picked each week at WTs to believe that Staines hasn't got much competition in making our 1st grade team. The jury was out on Hastings before he came and he's been a revelation for our club. Guys like Munster, Moses and Tedesco (let's be real) aren't coming here so we need to aim in a slightly more realistic Signing arena. For the right money and contract length he could be a great Signing for us.

Seriously?? They’re not coming now?? Damn , that’s disappointing. ☹️

 

[tony soprano]

Staines best position is fullback and he isn't as good as Laurie. In saying that he would be our 2nd best fullback and 3rd best winger and we need better quality depth

Staines has never been given as much opportunity as Laurie so his potential is unknown

 

[Kelce68]

Staines best position is fullback and he isn't as good as Laurie. In saying that he would be our 2nd best fullback and 3rd best winger and we need better quality depth

I agree.

Laurie > Staines at fb

Maumalo, Nofoaluma, Naden > Staines on the wing.

Laurie has a lot more upside as a play-making fb, albeit he is a work in progress positionally. He has a far, far higher ceiling than does Staines imo.

 

[tony soprano]

Staines likely playing in the GF .

 

[Halbrowne61]

100% on Naden - can’t understand why he’s not getting a go at centre. Does need to smarten up a bit and get some of the dumb errors out of his game though.
On Talau - who knows what he comes back like. Could end up a great 14 able to play as an edge player or outside back. I see him or possibly Rua filling the 14, especially if we lose Nu.
Cant say i love Best - seems to have lost all his form ( and playing attitude) this season, although has had a lot of injury issues I suppose.

I think Talau might be used in a Garner type role . Just needs to get very fit coz always looked like he was a few pounds above an ideal fighting weight.

 

[Halbrowne61]

Staines likely playing in the GF .

Yes that will look good on the resume.
What did you think of Laurie on the wing last night ?
Looked good positionally but maybe that was due to players inside.
He went ok though.

 

[Tcat]

Seriously?? They’re not coming now?? Damn , that’s disappointing. ☹️

I bet there's a few that think we are a chance.

 

[Tiger_Alex]

Thoughts on Staines tonight ?

Seems OK, a lot to work in.
Lightweight. Loved that shoulder charge he made though.

Thought he did well, was understandable to be a little behind some plays as he has been in KOE cup most the year.
That hit was beautiful though.

 

[Telltails]

Laurie has courage. If we can't get the best players to come here, at the very least we need to keep/target those with some nouse. No player is going to truly shine at this club atm until there is some strength in the pack that gives us some hope of competing.
Any back who doesn't make errors would look half decent playing in the current Penrith team.

 

[tony soprano]

Yes that will look good on the resume.
What did you think of Laurie on the wing last night ?
Looked good positionally but maybe that was due to players inside.
He went ok though.

Didn't watch mate.

 

[InBenjiWeTrust]

Defence in SL was not great when Burgess was there. He didn’t have any problems adapting. Same with Gareth Ellis. James Graham and a host of others. When assessing players you assess the man and his qualities before the competition. There are no questions about Welsby’s skills. He’s quick. Has great hands. Can put the ball on the floor. And he hits like a runaway train. The issue is - does he have the competitive fire to turn it up another level like the names mentioned previously in the NRL? On that front I’d say I haven’t seen anyone this single-minded and determined to win at all costs since Burgess. And that is some rap. Players know who can play. Ask them.

BTW - I’ve watched Laurie. Very talented player. No question. But when you are six points down against the Storm with a minute to go - will he launch himself out of the defensive line, smash the ball carrier, steal if from his grasp and put it down under the sticks? He ain’t that guy. Trust me.

Your description describes Tedesco and hardly anyone else, especially not
"I am buddy with A Mundine, and I am lazy, at least 50 lbs overweight flat track bully" Mitchell!

 

[Hmm]

Defence in SL was not great when Burgess was there. He didn’t have any problems adapting. Same with Gareth Ellis. James Graham and a host of others. When assessing players you assess the man and his qualities before the competition. There are no questions about Welsby’s skills. He’s quick. Has great hands. Can put the ball on the floor. And he hits like a runaway train. The issue is - does he have the competitive fire to turn it up another level like the names mentioned previously in the NRL? On that front I’d say I haven’t seen anyone this single-minded and determined to win at all costs since Burgess. And that is some rap. Players know who can play. Ask them.

BTW - I’ve watched Laurie. Very talented player. No question. But when you are six points down against the Storm with a minute to go - will he launch himself out of the defensive line, smash the ball carrier, steal if from his grasp and put it down under the sticks? He ain’t that guy. Trust me.

You said burgess adapted? Burgess is a forward there’s a huge difference, what percentage of English backs have made it in the game since coming over, I’d say it’d be less than 5%, Dom Young could be one, Herbie been here for years and done his schooling and development here so he doesn’t count, name me one other centre or fullback or winger even that’s English that was even remotely successful in the nrl and we’ve had a lot in the last 10 years

 

[twentyforty]

I bet there's a few that think we are a chance.

We're maybe a 5% chance, but a marquee needs to be at the end of his career, achieved everything he wanted in the game and is looking for a Super top up. There's always the question of club loyalty too I suppose? Cronk was a loyal Storm player until his wife wanted to live in Sydney. Conversely, Josh Reynolds it seems always had this underlying loyalty for his beloved bulldogs.