Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Tom Shines]

Halves next year:

Confirmed- Doueihi & Fainu, Galvin in Top 30

Off Contract- Wakeham, Smith & Laurie

Rumoured- Sezar

If we realistically kept Wakeham & Laurie & signed Sezar...that's 6 halves players in the Top 30. That's it. I don't think you carry more than 6.

I'm pretty confident Sezar is happening. Laurie I would like, but is potentially off to the Panthers. Smith really doesn't add much outside of a train & trial.

I'd be amazed if Wakeham isn't re-signed.

Other than adding Sezar, we are 1 option short, assuming Laurie moves back home.

I believe the club won't be looking for more young players to slow the progression of Fainu/Galvin, so more likely an older player or utility. Blake Austin was in the news again yesterday about coming back to Australia, and even was quoted as saying the Tigers should talk to him.

Would not be surprised.

Ideally though- I'd really like Te Mare Martin.

I don’t agree that we should extend Wakeham to a Top 30 deal… there must be a better option,,,it’s not a high bar to exceed

 

[Betterdays22]

Halves next year:

Confirmed- Doueihi & Fainu, Galvin in Top 30

Off Contract- Wakeham, Smith & Laurie

Rumoured- Sezar

If we realistically kept Wakeham & Laurie & signed Sezar...that's 6 halves players in the Top 30. That's it. I don't think you carry more than 6.

I'm pretty confident Sezar is happening. Laurie I would like, but is potentially off to the Panthers. Smith really doesn't add much outside of a train & trial.

I'd be amazed if Wakeham isn't re-signed.

Other than adding Sezar, we are 1 option short, assuming Laurie moves back home.

I believe the club won't be looking for more young players to slow the progression of Fainu/Galvin, so more likely an older player or utility. Blake Austin was in the news again yesterday about coming back to Australia, and even was quoted as saying the Tigers should talk to him.

Would not be surprised.

Ideally though- I'd really like Te Mare Martin.

I appreciate your well thought out posts The Chad, while not always agreeing with some of your suggestions.

We are beginning to run out of squad numbers, assuming many of our juniors will be getting upgrades next year as some posters have mentioned. I really don't like the idea of Austin.

We need a utility who can back up in the halves and fullback next year. Law of probabilities tells you there will probably be an injury to one of your halves and/or fullback at some stage during the year. Laurie still would be ideal I think, I like the idea of Te Mare Martin and Blake Taafe too. All these players I believe are about on par, its who you can sell it to.

 

[balmain boy]

lomax is on 800k not worth 800k

But he's not even on 800k, that's another fabrication just like the Fainus are on 4million.
As Teddy pointed out earlier he's on a 5 year 3 million deal. He took the long contract at a young age rather than a shorter one on bigger bucks.
He'd be our best centre by a country mile and is a decent bloke too. Anyone is dreaming if they think he wouldn't instantly improve our team

 

[balmain boy]

What about Isaiah Tass?

Tass will not join us. End of story.

We won't be signing good players from good clubs.

We'd have to offer him 600-700k to have a chance of getting him, and that's not happening....

 

[twentyforty]

Can you believe Madge signed him for 4 years. I’m not a Madge hater, but God damn.

Yeh, the way Madge spoke about him made me think he was a world beater. I liked the way he used to wind up from half a metre off the back fence. Would have done well under Sheens, with the 200 passes daily 😂

 

[Tom Shines]

But he's not even on 800k, that's another fabrication just like the Fainus are on 4million.
As Teddy pointed out earlier he's on a 5 year 3 million deal. He took the long contract at a young age rather than a shorter one on bigger bucks.
He'd be our best centre by a country mile and is a decent bloke too. Anyone is dreaming if they think he wouldn't instantly improve our team

Its all fabrications .. but people here supposedly know how much these guys get paid…

Ask the Dragons fans about Lomax… the club is looking to move him out the door for a reason

 

[tony soprano]

Leeds Rhinos star Blake Austin says he would be open to an NRL return with his future still yet to be confirmed in Super League.

Austin, 32, has previously stated his desire of remaining at Headingley Stadium beyond the current campaign, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season.

However, speaking on the JBK podcast, the Australian playmaker revealed that he would be open to an NRL return, eyeing up a specific position in which he think he could help improve clubs.

Powell unmoved for 15 minutes after...

Burrow takeover | Standing ovation for...

Leeds to host MND Awareness game |...

Rob Burrow Family Takeover for MND...

Watson: I'd be lying if I said it...

Tomkins: Warrington desperately missing...

Powell: We're fractions away from...

Peet: A big win against a good team

Wardle: We had to go back to basics

McNamara: We had to overcome adversity

Wellens: I'm really proud | We went...

Tomkins: Our biggest win of the year
<
>

“I’m off contract at Leeds and whatever will be will be,” Austin said.

“I’ve never been afraid to do things a little bit differently, that’s why coming over [to England] at 27 wasn’t an issue for me.

“If an opportunity came up to go home, that’s something I’d certainly look at.

“I know my kids would push me into it and force me to look at something like that. But I’m really confident with where I’m at.

“I’m a pretty confident guy. I still believe I could go back and be the best 14 in the comp and really add to a team that have are doing really well.

“Personally, I really think I could do a really good job as a 14. I don’t think clubs will look at me much at a starting half, but I could certainly come back and add to a squad and do what I do best.”

Blake Austin still has desire to win Super League​

Austin made the initial switch to England with Warrington Wolves ahead of the 2019 campaign from Canberra Raiders, having also featured for Penrith Panthers and Wests Tigers in the NRL.

And several NRL clubs are looking to bolster their squad for the 2024 campaign. The Tigers will lose Luke Brooks to Manly Sea Eagles at the end of the season, while Ben Hunt is looking for an exit at the St George Illawarra Dragons.


Tim Sheens is also expected to offload several big name players at Wests Tigers, including playmakers Brandon Wakeham and the current injured Adam Doueihi.

“They can give me a call if they want,” Austin said on Wests Tigers, who are also said to be interested in Salford’s Brodie Croft and Leeds half-back Aidan Sezer.

Austin however did reveal that he still has aspirations of winning a Super League title, having reached the Grand Final under Rohan Smith last year, falling to a 24-12 defeat to St Helens at Old Trafford.

“I’m really comfortable where I’m at. I’d love to win a title over here and I’d love to win a Challenge Cup,” he added.

I don't hate it

 

[WesternSuburbsBoy]

The Dragons had a good team on the park.

Our team was better but we are a poorly coached side.

 

[Fallen Angel]

Our team was better but we are a poorly coached side.

This

 

[Needaname]

Leeds Rhinos star Blake Austin says he would be open to an NRL return with his future still yet to be confirmed in Super League.

Austin, 32, has previously stated his desire of remaining at Headingley Stadium beyond the current campaign, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season.

However, speaking on the JBK podcast, the Australian playmaker revealed that he would be open to an NRL return, eyeing up a specific position in which he think he could help improve clubs.

Powell unmoved for 15 minutes after...

Burrow takeover | Standing ovation for...

Leeds to host MND Awareness game |...

Rob Burrow Family Takeover for MND...

Watson: I'd be lying if I said it...

Tomkins: Warrington desperately missing...

Powell: We're fractions away from...

Peet: A big win against a good team

Wardle: We had to go back to basics

McNamara: We had to overcome adversity

Wellens: I'm really proud | We went...

Tomkins: Our biggest win of the year
<
>

“I’m off contract at Leeds and whatever will be will be,” Austin said.

“I’ve never been afraid to do things a little bit differently, that’s why coming over [to England] at 27 wasn’t an issue for me.

“If an opportunity came up to go home, that’s something I’d certainly look at.

“I know my kids would push me into it and force me to look at something like that. But I’m really confident with where I’m at.

“I’m a pretty confident guy. I still believe I could go back and be the best 14 in the comp and really add to a team that have are doing really well.

“Personally, I really think I could do a really good job as a 14. I don’t think clubs will look at me much at a starting half, but I could certainly come back and add to a squad and do what I do best.”

Blake Austin still has desire to win Super League​

Austin made the initial switch to England with Warrington Wolves ahead of the 2019 campaign from Canberra Raiders, having also featured for Penrith Panthers and Wests Tigers in the NRL.

And several NRL clubs are looking to bolster their squad for the 2024 campaign. The Tigers will lose Luke Brooks to Manly Sea Eagles at the end of the season, while Ben Hunt is looking for an exit at the St George Illawarra Dragons.


Tim Sheens is also expected to offload several big name players at Wests Tigers, including playmakers Brandon Wakeham and the current injured Adam Doueihi.

“They can give me a call if they want,” Austin said on Wests Tigers, who are also said to be interested in Salford’s Brodie Croft and Leeds half-back Aidan Sezer.

Austin however did reveal that he still has aspirations of winning a Super League title, having reached the Grand Final under Rohan Smith last year, falling to a 24-12 defeat to St Helens at Old Trafford.

“I’m really comfortable where I’m at. I’d love to win a title over here and I’d love to win a Challenge Cup,” he added.

Could we do worse with a Sezer, Austin halves combo next year?
Could be just the right experience we’d need to assist our young halves and know how to make the most of our forward pack.
Still next signing I’d like to see is a centre we are playing Talau out of desperation no other coach would pick him outside of the backrow at his current size.

 

[The Chad]

I don't hate it

If Sezar does sign...here's the thing. Those 2 guys have played together a lot. It's an instant combination. Even if they are 'past it', until the young guys take over...they at least understand what they expect from each other.

 

[Fallen Angel]

Moving Doueihi on would be shrewd.

 

[Needaname]

Our team was better but we are a poorly coached side.

I’d argue we were a poorly selected side.
If Talau didn’t sit out if his 200 passes a day training sessions earlier in the year we would have had a couple more tries.
Might as well throw Reilly in now the seasons done and see what he can do.

 

[bptiger 0]

That was me- my guy seemed pretty adamant, however nothing since. I DID suggest a pinch or two of salt. The 'word' was a Warriors half. He later named Metcalf. It could turn out to be Volkman and that wouldn't surprise me either.

Don’t want volkman watched him last week he was bloody terrible

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

Leeds Rhinos star Blake Austin says he would be open to an NRL return with his future still yet to be confirmed in Super League.

Austin, 32, has previously stated his desire of remaining at Headingley Stadium beyond the current campaign, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season.

However, speaking on the JBK podcast, the Australian playmaker revealed that he would be open to an NRL return, eyeing up a specific position in which he think he could help improve clubs.

Powell unmoved for 15 minutes after...

Burrow takeover | Standing ovation for...

Leeds to host MND Awareness game |...

Rob Burrow Family Takeover for MND...

Watson: I'd be lying if I said it...

Tomkins: Warrington desperately missing...

Powell: We're fractions away from...

Peet: A big win against a good team

Wardle: We had to go back to basics

McNamara: We had to overcome adversity

Wellens: I'm really proud | We went...

Tomkins: Our biggest win of the year
<
>

“I’m off contract at Leeds and whatever will be will be,” Austin said.

“I’ve never been afraid to do things a little bit differently, that’s why coming over [to England] at 27 wasn’t an issue for me.

“If an opportunity came up to go home, that’s something I’d certainly look at.

“I know my kids would push me into it and force me to look at something like that. But I’m really confident with where I’m at.

“I’m a pretty confident guy. I still believe I could go back and be the best 14 in the comp and really add to a team that have are doing really well.

“Personally, I really think I could do a really good job as a 14. I don’t think clubs will look at me much at a starting half, but I could certainly come back and add to a squad and do what I do best.”

Blake Austin still has desire to win Super League​

Austin made the initial switch to England with Warrington Wolves ahead of the 2019 campaign from Canberra Raiders, having also featured for Penrith Panthers and Wests Tigers in the NRL.

And several NRL clubs are looking to bolster their squad for the 2024 campaign. The Tigers will lose Luke Brooks to Manly Sea Eagles at the end of the season, while Ben Hunt is looking for an exit at the St George Illawarra Dragons.


Tim Sheens is also expected to offload several big name players at Wests Tigers, including playmakers Brandon Wakeham and the current injured Adam Doueihi.

“They can give me a call if they want,” Austin said on Wests Tigers, who are also said to be interested in Salford’s Brodie Croft and Leeds half-back Aidan Sezer.

Austin however did reveal that he still has aspirations of winning a Super League title, having reached the Grand Final under Rohan Smith last year, falling to a 24-12 defeat to St Helens at Old Trafford.

“I’m really comfortable where I’m at. I’d love to win a title over here and I’d love to win a Challenge Cup,” he added.

Not the quote/attitude I’d want to hear.

“They can give me a call if they want,” Austin said on Wests Tigers.

He should be the one asking his manager to call us.

 

[WesternSuburbsBoy]

I’d argue we were a poorly selected side.
If Talau didn’t sit out if his 200 passes a day training sessions earlier in the year we would have had a couple more tries.
Might as well throw Reilly in now the seasons done and see what he can do.

And who selects the team?

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

Tass will not join us. End of story.

We won't be signing good players from good clubs.

We'd have to offer him 600-700k to have a chance of getting him, and that's not happening....

I raised him as Rabbits may need to release someone with the incoming Wighton. He may be seen as surplus to requirements & he warrants 1st 13 selection.

 

[Le Tiger]

We need some experience, unfortunately there isn't much available.

I'd go Sezer, but then also bring on board Austin and TMM considering Laurie is rumoured to be on the way out and Wakeham, although has been serviceable just isn't a first grade player, train and trial at most for him.

TMM is still quick, so he can play anywhere 1-7 if there is an injury, and Austin is a bit bigger but could play 6, 14, 18 or fill in the centres or lock.

Hopefully could snag the lot on short 1-2 year deals and stay in the market for a quality long term 7 to partner Fainu.

At worst 2 out of 4 of Sezer, Fainu, Austin and TMM could be playing reserves each week so we have some legitimate depth when injuries strike and never have to rely on Wakeham, Smith or Toa in the halves again.

 

[Betterdays22]

Our team was better but we are a poorly coached side.

I disagree. I think having Wakeham and Laurie as your halves pairing trumps any advantage in the forward pack. Ben Hunt managed that game well. Whereas If I have to watch Wakeham boot another ball into the advertising from 5m out I will pack it in. I will judge the coaching once there is a decent controlling half in the side.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

Moving Doueihi on would be shrewd.

I’d keep him on for 2 reasons …

- Reinforces how our club supports players in terrible times / injury rehab & bad image/PR if we try to offload whilst under contract with a major injury.
- We will need to create spots at the end of next season too so it would be wise to let him depart when off-contract. We will need space for the Laulilii brothers & big Jordan into top 30 for ‘25. Thus I would keep Douehi, Reilly & Ngatakuira for next season.