Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[WT2019]

It really is a Plan B when so few quality halves are on the market. No fault of the Tigers to be so close to a signature; personally I am relieved we didn't get the chance to spend so much money on a bloke I detest.

Some people think you can game these players when it's extremely clear that Moses held all the cards - he was in hot demand, the salary cap was just increased and two struggling clubs were in search of a halfback. The new contract doesn't start until November 2023.

The incumbent club has the advantage in negotiations 95% of the time. Eels just had to come up with the right money and duration of contract to win out, which they eventually they did.

So really - Moses gamed the Eels more than anyone, extracting an allegedly huge salary from them and well beyond the alleged first offer. Consider he was already at the Eels for 6 years and he spent the entire Summer negotiating with rivals to drive the Eels price up to maximum.

Also saw a comment that they wanted 3+ years for Brooks and we wouldn’t do it

 

[hugh1954]

Parra have locked in big money in their halves and fullback and, while they're all good players, I don't think they're better than Penrith, Melbourne, Souths, Roosters, cowboys, Sharks and maybe Manly in those positions. Even Broncos might have better players there with cobbo emerging. So I'm not sure how far that gets them. They look like a solid top 8 side but hard to see them going beyond other teams mentioned.

I came around to idea of Moses after being very against it, but that contract would come with lots of pressure and would be awkward seeing him back. I think it's good for him and Parra that he stayed. Not really fussed that we didn't get him.

Moses didn't get to see the promised land and neither will Mitchel with the Eels

 

[LUPO]

Laurie was way better than Staines at FB against Canberra

Just me but wasn’t overly impressed with his confidence under the high ball (Laurie).

 

[Cultured_Bogan]

He would have made us better, but he was always a long shot of leaving Parra if they got close. He gave them all the time in the world to get there.

Money would have been the only reason why he would have come here in the first instance.

I don't know any Tigers fans cutting their wrists over not getting him.

 

[Tim Sheens]

Laurie was way better than Staines at FB against Canberra

In general play, sure, but Laurie let's the ball hit the turf way too often.

Whilst I didn't see that part of the match, reading about it in the live thread was very disappointing. It's okay to drop the occasional one, but not to watch them bounce and Daine has poor form in this important area of fullback play.

 

[tony soprano]

Just me but wasn’t overly impressed with his confidence under the high ball (Laurie).

Think can summarise as prob did good things that don't get picked up on TV and did not do anything spectacular.

He doesn't talk. Not sure about stronger. He got poleaxed the other day haha

Yeh true, potential there tho.

The position he was in hulk hogan would of got smashed too

 

[tigerbenji]

Probably not a bad option. A loan agreement especially if our 7 not working for us. What happened to Volkman. Liked him, kicked our butts in the past. Maybe he hasn’t kicked on?

Volkman went to the Warriors last year.

 

[stevied]

Time to move on. Most of us agree that he probably was never going to come and that Moses and his manager were playing the Tigers in order to jack up his salary at the Eels. Let's close the book and hope that the Tigers team collectively smash him when the two teams next meet!

Now, next topic, are we a realistic chance of securing Wellsby because, as I suggested way back, he is all class and is (to use an MLB term) a multi-tool player!

 

[Camel2281]

Time to move on. Most of us agree that he probably was never going to come and that Moses and his manager were playing the Tigers in order to jack up his salary at the Eels. Let's close the book and hope that the Tigers team collectively smash him when the two teams next meet!

Now, next topic, are we a realistic chance of securing Wellsby because, as I suggested way back, he is all class and is (to use an MLB term) a multi-tool player!

I think Lewis Dodd should be a higher priority than Welsby. Both fantastic players though

 

[sleeve]

Laurie was way better than Staines at FB against Canberra

Laurie was busy, but high ball shy. The first game will tell us, because if it was obvious at the trial, and last years games, it will be obvious to the opposition. Love his heart but better suited to the halves.

 

[weststigerman]

The Club would not budge on giving Brooks 3yr+ deal, plus given Eels came within $50k ($200k over 4 years)...MM decided to stay.

If that is true, I agree with the clubs decision.

 

[supercoach]

Laurie was busy, but high ball shy. The first game will tell us, because if it was obvious at the trial, and last years games, it will be obvious to the opposition. Love his heart but better suited to the halves.

One thing I noticed he was very vocal at the back directing our defensive line. That’s what coaches love to see

 

[happy_tiger]

Why is 2 weeks out from season start important?

Reality is we have drawn out an extra $1m from the Eels cap/3rd party so it hasn’t been a total loss in some aspects. If he played us well we ended up playing the Eels and him basically as well cause now they can’t but a quality player because of his hike.

Re plan B, the biggest issue is quality on the market. The cupboard is bare so we will either have to take a punt, go with what we know or target a current contracted player. We could also flip the cash into another position to grab a quality player not a half.

Will be interesting how the next talks unfold and with whom over the next few months.

I guess the biggest problem was I hope Plan B wasn't forgotten about while Plan MM was going down

 

[Glenji95]

The Club would not budge on giving Brooks 3yr+ deal, plus given Eels came within $50k ($200k over 4 years)...MM decided to stay.

If legit the club made the right decision. Too much of a risk to sign him for that long without him even playing so far. If Brooks wants to get that kind of deal he’s got at least 10 rounds to show why he should be kept that long.

 

[The_Patriot]

I guess the biggest problem was I hope Plan B wasn't forgotten about while Plan MM was going down

Only plan B available is a fullback.

Like Brooks is the best half available for next season

 

[The_Patriot]

A half would have to come out of nowhere to be a better option than old brooks.

Makes me sick to say it but the reality. Let's hope he turns it around.

 

[Glenji95]

Only plan B available is a fullback.

Like Brooks is the best half available for next season

Actually so far Hynes would be the best available. But I expect him to be re-signed before he can go to market.

 

[SeanT]

The Club would not budge on giving Brooks 3yr+ deal, plus given Eels came within $50k ($200k over 4 years)...MM decided to stay.

Glad they didn't. Using another player to try and.get a contract upgrade is pathetic.

Glad they stuck to their guns. Out of all this we actually came out ahead. Losing to a top 4 team paying only 50k less is great.

 

[Glenji95]

A half would have to come out of nowhere to be a better option than old brooks.

Makes me sick to say it but the reality. Let's hope he turns it around.

You’re not wrong on halves being bleak, but we cannot give Brooks a 3 year deal if he continues to struggle. If he does the club should only give him a 12 month deal with an option in their favour for 25. If he doesn’t take it see ya later.

 

[tony soprano]

A half would have to come out of nowhere to be a better option than old brooks.

Makes me sick to say it but the reality. Let's hope he turns it around.

Give the guy a couple of rounds with the new coaches before write off.