Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Tom Shines]

Let’s hope all four of Sullivan, Latu Fainu, Lachlan Galvin and Onitoni Large fulfill their potential while playing for Wests Tigers and stick with the cub long term.
Not sure how that happens if we sign Luai for 5 years from 2025 ?

Having too many good halves would be a great problem to have … I assume you watched the team in 2023 and saw what happens when you have no depth in the position and little talent to begin with ..

Maybe someone …say Sullivan.. could be swapped for an outside back come the 2026 season if they feel they have an over supply at the position,…

In the meantime just enjoy it

 

[Vicious]

Large is only 16. Bit premature talking about his long term plans. Will only be 22 when Luai‘s contract is up.

Champion players don’t wait around until they are 22 for a crack at NRL.
I will say there is no reason Onitoni Large cannot initially play as a centre if/when he makes his NRL debut, based on standing out as a centre and being captain of the young Waratah’s Team in that position.
Likewise Galvin could initially be very handy as a 14 due to his versatility and looks to have the attributes to potentially become a very good 13 or left edge back rower.
I cannot see Latu Fainu being all that suited to other positions other than 5/8 or possibly as a 9.
I just think we are succumbing to public and fan pressure in looking to sign the first big name that pops up, without considering what’s already in our own backyard and at least giving them an opportunity to show what they can do in their preferred position at NRL level before shutting the door on them.
Sure it’s a risk, same as paying an ageing Luai massive money long term is also a risk.

 

[ancient_magpie]

Let’s hope all four of Sullivan, Latu Fainu, Lachlan Galvin and Onitoni Large fulfill their potential while playing for Wests Tigers and stick with the cub long term.
Not sure how that happens if we sign Luai for 5 years from 2025 ?

Thankyou vicious at least somebody is making some sense

 

[Dennisspicer1]

Good on ya Benji,

You have got things going in the right direction, dont see many negative posts on WTF
in the last few days.
You have given WT supporters something to look forward to For the clubs future.
Getting positive comments instead of negative comments.

Go you West Tigers.
Lets start kicking some arse next year.

MERRY XMAS & A
HAPPY NEW YEAR.

 

[Lestronge]

If Lobb is a dev not T&T he can be played from round one with no conditions.

Is that the new rules ?

 

[Tito Santana]

For those saying Sezer will only be here 12 months he will be the perfect foil for Luai. Sullivan /Fainu off the bench.

How good?!

 

[BAGNF05]

Luai is in his prime and has just played in his fourth, I’ll repeat FOURTH straight NRL grand final. Comparing him to guys who have looked good playing junior rep football is somewhat delusional. If a kid is good, they will come through the grades and push for a spot in time.

 

[Rusty]

Pretty sure illias is a tigers junior also, not many rate him but I think he's pretty solid personally not sure if or when he left the tigers system though

I believe, WT kicked him to the kerb after he suffered a bad ankle injury in the junior grades. Souths threw him a lifeline because of Benji...

 

[GNR4LIFE]

For those saying Sezer will only be here 12 months he will be the perfect foil for Luai. Sullivan /Fainu off the bench.

How good?!

Guess we’ll wait and see. Easy to make these sorts of predictions over the summer when optimism is sky high. Opinions will be interesting to read if/when we lose a few.

 

[Tito Santana]

Luai is in his prime and has just played in his fourth, I’ll repeat FOURTH straight NRL grand final. Comparing him to guys who have looked good playing junior rep football is somewhat delusional. If a kid is good, they will come through the grades and push for a spot in time.

Yep agreed. We’ve recruited on potential for too long.

PS. Please Tigers fire Noffa and Douhei.

 

[Tom Shines]

Champion players don’t wait around until they are 22 for a crack at NRL.
I will say there is no reason Onitoni Large cannot initially play as a centre if/when he makes his NRL debut, based on standing out as a centre and being captain of the young Waratah’s Team in that position.
Likewise Galvin could initially be very handy as a 14 due to his versatility and looks to have the attributes to potentially become a very good 13 or left edge back rower.
I cannot see Latu Fainu being all that suited to other positions other than 5/8 or possibly as a 9.
I just think we are succumbing to public and fan pressure in looking to sign the first big name that pops up, without considering what’s already in our own backyard and at least giving them an opportunity to show what they can do in their preferred position at NRL level before shu

Well… it looks like he is coming … so let’s hope they have got a plan to develop these kids anyway….

 

[Tom Shines]

Guess we’ll wait and see. Easy to make these sorts of predictions over the summer when optimism is sky high. Opinions will be interesting to read if/when we lose a few.

Sezer hasn’t ran 1 yard or made 1 tackle yet … but a lot here already got him extended …not bad for someone knocking on the door of 33 who hasn't played in the NRL in 5 years …

As you said …come Mid May the same people might be thinking he is part of the problem and not the solution…

 

[GNR4LIFE]

Sezer hasn’t ran 1 yard or made 1 tackle yet … but a lot here already got him extended …not bad for someone knocking on the door of 33 who hasn't played in the NRL in 5 years …

As you said …come Mid May the same people might be thinking he is part of the problem and not the solution…

And Im sorry to out him, cos I love @Demps, my long time forum brother from another mother. But he already has Sezar working with the club in an off field role post footy. Way too premature.

 

[Tiger Stripes]

He is on a dev, and can start round 1

Isn't Lobb a good goal kicker?
Who is going to do the goal kicking 2024?
Api got us over the line with a memorable shot from the side line but does not fill me with confidence.
Does Sezer kick goals.
I hope Lobb is good enough to get a start on the wing and kick the important two pointers.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

As you said …come Mid May the same people might be thinking he is part of the problem and not the solution…

And clamouring for Luai to hurry up and get here. I know how this forum rolls. Been here too long.

 

[KCTiger2]

Well… it looks like he is coming … so let’s hope they have got a plan to develop these kids anyway….

Richo pulled out of the AFB deal cause it would block a path for our juniors and he has talked heaps about not blocking those paths so we wouldn’t sign luai if it was gonna block the path

 

[gregjm87]

Isn't Lobb a good goal kicker?
Who is going to do the goal kicking 2024?
Api got us over the line with a memorable shot from the side line but does not fill me with confidence.
Does Sezer kick goals.
I hope Lobb is good enough to get a start on the wing and kick the important two pointers.

Sezer was a very good goal kicker in his Dogs and Titans days but done little GK since. Sullivan has done plenty of goal kicking throughout lower grade comps and kicked when Lomax was out (and I'd suggest will be our first choice). Then as you say Api and Lobb are noted goal kickers.

 

[KCTiger2]

Isn't Lobb a good goal kicker?
Who is going to do the goal kicking 2024?
Api got us over the line with a memorable shot from the side line but does not fill me with confidence.
Does Sezer kick goals.
I hope Lobb is good enough to get a start on the wing and kick the important two pointers.

Lobb can kick think he kicks at a high 70s Sezer hasn’t kicked since he was at the titans but kicked at 80% and api doesn’t fill me with much confidence but he kicked at like 90% last year

 

[pawsandclaws1]

Richo pulled out of the AFB deal cause it would block a path for our juniors and he has talked heaps about not blocking those paths so we wouldn’t sign luai if it was gonna block the path

Thanks for the info. It is good to learn Richardson's thinking in terms of Fonua-Blake. I am pleased he is considering our junior talent in player acquisitions.

 

[Tiger Stripes]

Sezer was a very good goal kicker in his Dogs and Titans days but done little GK since. Sullivan has done plenty of goal kicking throughout lower grade comps and kicked when Lomax was out (and I'd suggest will be our first choice). Then as you say Api and Lobb are noted goal kickers.

Thanks for that info.