Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Wagga_Tiger]

If Hunt goes to Broncos that would clear the way to bring Madden back here. Not the greatest solution but still better than Wakeham and Toa, get Fainu and well things may look up a little.

 

[KingRobbie]

But Gus says this about Luke:

He’s not talking about Bulldogs.

 

[Coastie_Tiger]

Think you might be right about Brooks. Doesn't seem any great interest in him (Cows and Knights have already said no interest). Dogs may be a chance now Hunt is clearly headed North but think Lee said Luke isn't gone yet.

I don't believe a word that drops out of Gus's mouth, he may well be committed elsewhere i don't see the need to keep it confidential. I'm not a Brooks fanboy like some on here i think he's a serviceable 6 and a bog average 7. But he's better than Jock, we seem to be looking elsewhere but it was left in his hands to come back to the table if he wants to, if he's option dry up he may well just do that.

 

[tiger_one]

He’s not talking about Bulldogs.

You're right - but he did say "committed."
The question remains: Where?

 

[Coastie_Tiger]

Samuela looks and plays like Olakuatu imo...

He'd be a great addition to our pack.
I know Bateman has been paying 13 but I'd move him back to the edge and line up;

8 Klem
9 Api
10 Stef
11 Fainu
12 Bateman
13 Papalii

14 TDS
15 Twal
16 Pole
17 Seyfarth or new signing

For 2024 - another impact Benchy to replace Seyf to keep yas happy wouldn't go astray either.

I like that Ice wanted to play through the middle apparently so may well be where he's headed, i don't know anything about the Fainu brother other than he has some wraps on him. We have a good pack we just need to compliment it with quality in the back's and maybe not rely on the likes of Seyfarth
I agree Bateman needs to be on an edge but i'd also give him a license to play what he see's and float a bit.

 

[BZN]

If he leaves it’s too us….

Fulton connection: The reason he was at Manly to begin with is because Fulton recruited him and they have a good relationship as he recruited the whole Fainu family to Manly (all 4 of them). Fulton has a good relationship with the family.

Feledy connection: His former captain, these two fit like a glove as a pairing on the left side and you’d assume Fainu would love the idea of playing with him again.

Sione connection: we have his brother already at the club, reports are it’ll be a package deal with his other brother as they wanna play together. Why wouldn’t they all want to link up together the 3 of them.

Western Sydney/Family connection: The Fainu family are a very very very close family and don’t think he’ll ever want to relocate from Western Sydney as he’s grown up there his whole life. His uncle also played for Wests Magpies back in the day so some family history.

Benji connection: As a young 6 from Western Sydney growing up watching prime Benji, having the opportunity to play under him would be extremely appealing. They have similarities in their games with their flair but Benji was just quicker whilst Fainu is stronger. Our attack style and the way we want to play suits Fainu’s style massively, the space Api/TDS could create for him would be huge. Benji has also been very vocal about wanting players to embrace a level of X-factor and not shy away from their instincts.

Forward pack and facilities: For a young half when you look at our forward pack… you’d be frothing from the mouth and the ability to have Api as your 9 would be attractive as well. On top of that, Manly’s facilities are arguably the worst in the league if we were to give him a tour of our COE and allow him to compare I think he would be happy to make the move.

Sell the young dream:
1: Bula (most likely going to win ROTY)
6: Fainu (best 6 prospect in the comp)
7: Lot of salary cap to make a move
9. Tallyn Da Silva (best 9 prospect in the comp)

That spine has the ability to be anything and Fainu knows that. Combine that with other young players like Tupou, Feledy, Stefano, Papalili, To’a, Pole, Twal and Blore etc and then the experience of Api, Bateman and Klemmer.

If we somehow don’t get him signed and he goes elsewhere with all this in our favour, then we have a serious problem.

Gees Teddy23 you've got me so excited with the possibility of this happening my goose bumps are up already, and at my age to get something up is pretty exciting .

 

[Todd Packer]

I don't really get why Leeds would want Brooks. They've got Sezer and Blake Austin, both of whom are better than Brooks, unless one of them is leaving.

 

[jmello]

While I agree, I personally wouldn't feel all that proud winning a premiership that way. Participating in less than half a season...

Yep, it doesn't sit well with me either. If he truly wants to see out his career with the Titans, why wouldn't he transfer there immediately, and start building connections for the 2024 season? I'm not sure how the Titans are placed with the salary cap, but at $200k for the rest of the year, I'm sure most teams would have that up their sleeve.
There should be a heavier penalty for marquee players that transfer mid season. A penalty that increases the more your fair market value is. For example, Ben Hunt remaining payments might be $200k, but because he is a $1M+ player, there should be a 3x penalty to the incoming team's salary cap.

 

[BalmainJnr]

I don't really get why Leeds would want Brooks. They've got Sezer and Blake Austin, both of whom are better than Brooks, unless one of them is leaving.

Sheenius is selling him to them as an undersized prop.

 

[king_sirro]

I don't really get why Leeds would want Brooks. They've got Sezer and Blake Austin, both of whom are better than Brooks, unless one of them is leaving.

Come on Toddy P

 

[You Know Who]

Brooks haters making stuff up again. It just never stops

Making stuff up? You literally posted on the previous page that you “wholeheartedly agree” with a post that called Hunt massively overrated as a half. Let’s not even get into your consistent excuse making for Brooks.

Just another example of a Brooks fan trying to tear down anyone that could potentially replace him. Imagine supporting a mediocre player over the club. You’re embarrassing.

 

[king_sirro]

Making stuff up? You literally posted on the previous page that you “wholeheartedly agree” with a post that called Hunt massively overrated as a half. Let’s not even get into your consistent excuse making for Brooks.

Just another example of a Brooks fan trying to tear down anyone that could potentially replace him. Imagine supporting a mediocre player over the club. You’re embarrassing.

Yes your right, my bad. Saying Hunt could be overrated followed by saying if Brooks did some of Hunts things he would be crucified means I'm waving the Brooks pom poms doesn't.

Show me where I even remotely gave Brooks a compliment? Actually, show me where anyone who raised concerns about Hunt being overrated complimented Brooks and waved the "poms poms" as you say.

 

[TurnStyle]

Manly apparently already signed Talau and he covers the backline, depending on how Garrick goes bringing in Laurie actually makes the world of sense knowing it’s a contract year too. Would be a great outcome for us getting both brothers for them.

Also maybe Payten is putting cold water over Brooks cause he wants Walker…. Dearden and Walker would be a combination you could build off for the next 10 years.

Don’t think brooks has many NRL suitors so taking more $ in Leeds is likely.

I don’t really trust this guys info (still don’t) but it all does make sense

Garrick is a way better fullback... actually, Garrick is a way better rugby league player than Laurie. I wouldn't be too concerned at that prospect if I were him.

 

[TurnStyle]

Is that really winning a premiership though? For me, truly winning a premiership is the entire process you go through with your club and team mates. The entire off season grind, the friendships formed over many many months to years, riding the ups and downs and building towards the ultimate goal. IMO, joining a team mid season and winning the comp is a nice moment, a great memory, but it isn't the true essence of winning the premiership.

I completely agree. Doubt Nofo would! 🤣

 

[tigerap]

I think rejecting the WT is a good decision for both parties….I just hope there isn’t a change of mind and he somehow stays…..

 

[Telltails]

Garrick is a way better fullback... actually, Garrick is a way better rugby league player than Laurie. I wouldn't be too concerned at that prospect if I were him.

Laurie been given no chance under the new coaching regime. There was a time when Garrick wasnt rated at St George either. WTs might have written him off but given the clubs poor standing a different club could turn things around for him.

 

[Wildcat777]

I don't really get why Leeds would want Brooks. They've got Sezer and Blake Austin, both of whom are better than Brooks, unless one of them is leaving.

Lol that’s funny!! Both those players would only be playing NRL at Tigers. No chance anywhere else. Ready here the bar is set low. But maybe it’s just because of desperation? God I hope we do not make any calls because of desperation.

 

[Dennisspicer1]

To King_Sirro and a few of the others that have taken the mickey out of me for my daring to comment on Luke Brooks ability as a player and also me daring to comment about his popularity on the open market, how dare I say nobody wanted him, well didnt you give it to me, Luke has been on the open market for a few weeks now and crickets.

BEN HUNT, Is not really on the market yet, but already there is about 7 other clubs openly after him, and he actually wont need to go on the market, he will simply pick his best offer to his needs.

BROOKSY still waiting for the applicants to make there intentions known,
The first club that ring his manager with an offer, even if its only $500.00 Better than we offered him he will probably accept.
West Tigers probably thinking of upping there offer, all they have to do is wait till he accepts offer we made, if he doesn't,
stuff it.

What is happening at the moment just proves the point on how valuable Brooks isnt.

 

[TurnStyle]

Laurie been given no chance under the new coaching regime. There was a time when Garrick wasnt rated at St George either. WTs might have written him off but given the clubs poor standing a different club could turn things around for him.

Hopefully. I don't wish anything bad for Laurie.

But my opinion is he is a far inferior player to Garrick from what I've seen; Can't think of a single aspect I'd choose him over Garrick in.

Supporting other teams and their players maybe?

 

[Kiama 2533]

Making stuff up? You literally posted on the previous page that you “wholeheartedly agree” with a post that called Hunt massively overrated as a half. Let’s not even get into your consistent excuse making for Brooks.

Just another example of a Brooks fan trying to tear down anyone that could potentially replace him. Imagine supporting a mediocre player over the club. You’re embarrassing.

I made the original post on Hunt being overrated and I didn’t mention Brooks at all because if you care to face reality Hunt was never coming to the Tigers (that was some friend of a friend crap rumour) and it was just an observation and my opinion. I live in Dragon territory and many of their fans feel the same way. It had nothing to do with Brooks so take your hatred flag and wave it somewhere else