Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

rugbygoated said:
I agree it's overs (I'd rate his value at around 1 million) but he's definitely worth more outside penrith than inside penrith. He is actually not that involved in penrith's system. Outside penrith, he has played his best footty. For samoa, where he had total freedom and no restriction from Ivan Cleary
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I'm sure Benji will give him some freedom
 
supercoach said:
If you want your so called generational junior talent to convert into elite NRL players you have to have a couple of top shelve,highly competitive players to show them the way. That’s where Luai will be such an important signing. Penrith did it with Jimmy Maloney when all the kids were coming through.

Iam okay with the price tag, that’s what our mob has to pay being on the bottom of the heap, five years is probably one to many but once again our hands are tied due to a decade of terrible results.
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I dont understand the questioning of the price tag.
We are cellar dwellers, but, for example, even if Cronulla(consistent finals side) wanted him, they would have to pay that,to entice a guy to leave a Club that's won the last 3 Grand Finals.
 
Vicious said:
Either way we are messing salary cap up once again.
Sullivan signed a 4 year deal for reportedly 500k per season.
Latu Fainu signed a 4 year deal for reportedly 400k per season, possibly increasing to 500k for the 3rd & 4th year of the deal.
Once Luai arrives on the big money contract, it means we will have a 400k or 500k per season player either coming off the bench or possibly playing NSW Cup due to the possibility Talyn Da Silva will be our number 14.
It seems a lot of money for someone not to be a regular NRL starting player no matter how well they play.
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We probably won’t keep all of them if Luai comes.

The Roosters had Mitchell Pearce and Luke Keary on their cap when they signed Cronk.
 
Vicious said:
Either way we are messing salary cap up once again.
Sullivan signed a 4 year deal for reportedly 500k per season.
Latu Fainu signed a 4 year deal for reportedly 400k per season, possibly increasing to 500k for the 3rd & 4th year of the deal.
Once Luai arrives on the big money contract, it means we will have a 400k or 500k per season player either coming off the bench or possibly playing NSW Cup due to the possibility Talyn Da Silva will be our number 14.
It seems a lot of money for someone not to be a regular NRL starting player no matter how well they play.
Click to expand...
The better sides have 500k players on the bench, it's because we've been a peasant Club for so long, we have NSW Cup standard players on our bench.
 
Vicious said:
Vicious said:
Either way we are messing salary cap up once again.
Sullivan signed a 4 year deal for reportedly 500k per season.
Latu Fainu signed a 4 year deal for reportedly 400k per season, possibly increasing to 500k for the 3rd & 4th year of the deal.
Once Luai arrives on the big money contract, it means we will have a 400k or 500k per season player either coming off the bench or possibly playing NSW Cup due to the possibility Talyn Da Silva will be our number 14.
It seems a lot of money for someone not to be a regular NRL starting player no matter how well they play.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Roosters usually play Angus Crichton off the bench, South's do it often with Jai Arrow and Sharks with Cam Mcinnes. Better sides have better players on the bench, we've been a peasant Club for so long, that's why we have NSW Cup players on our bench.
 
Vicious said:
Let’s hope he lives up to expectation as it’s a big burden on our salary cap if he doesn’t:.
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That's a risk every team takes with a marquee signing. If he signs he will have 5 years to adapt life outside of Penrith.
 
While this generational talent v Luai debate is raging and there is so much chatter about potential v proven performance we really are overlooking the intent of what the development strategy appears to be.

What we have lacked as a team for a long time is leadership. The introduction of Api and Klemmer were the start of that change. Unfortunately Sheens was too fixated on turning he who can't be named into the talent he identifed but never got to coach. That was a mistake - he never had leadership ability. Sezer, on the other hand, adds control and direction in the halves where we need it most. Luai in 25 brings that plus leadership charisma not seen at this club in decades.

From a leadership perspective Nofa being called out and put on display for not meeting standards is a real plus for the new kids on the block. His attitude being shit means the sooner he is out the door the better. However, if he is dropped to Reggies and has to fight with the young guns for a spot it still shows that ego has no place in the future WT and is likely to push him to run away to SL ASAP. It is a win either way.

Let's look at our likely halves. Bud has shown that he can play FG. He has had a few injuries and was behind a superstar at the Dragons. Hook didn't see him as a 5/8 but I think Benji does. With Klemmer and Api pushing standards in the forwards, some control and direction in the halves from Sezer (plus off field leadership from what I have heard) should suit the off the cuff style of Bud (similar to Hughes/Munster and Reynolds/Mamm). They won't be word beaters in 24 but with real competition in the halves for the first time in forever, and Benji openly stating that if you work hard you will get a run, we are promoting standards over reputation. Sezer and Bud will be fighting for their positions week in week out - and if Latu is good enough he will push one of them out.

In 25 we should have JL at halfback to step things up a notch. Benji is a smart dude, and was used by Bennet as a mentor, so he knows just how valuable Sezer can be once Luai arrives. I'm not so sure he will be shown the door in 25 - won't be the FG half but I expect him to be around in some capacity. Player/mentor role potentially or if our young crop develop quickly maybe onto the coaching staff.

It is highly likely that one or more of the "generational talent" will not make it through injury, wine, women, or the grind of being a professional athlete. That is OK. If they all make it - that is better. If they are truly generational talents we will build the side around them.

What we lack in 24/25, on paper, is leadership in the outside backs. While our outside backs didn't fire in 23 it was beside the worst performing halves pairings in the NRL (LB/AD, LB/Wakeham, Wakeham/Toa etc). While I don't expect a miracle turn around in 24, I do believe we will start to see the true worth of the guys we have contracted. There is potential there in Lobb, Tupou, Alaimalo and Feledy. They will be pushing Charlie, Toa and Nado for a FG spot throughout the season. The sooner we offload Nofa and lure a fouth quality player, preferably one with some real leadership skills, the sooner we bolster our perceived weakness. Who knows; is this the breakout year for Tupou or Alaimalo in the centres? If not we will have a clear recruiting target for 25 (or will Galvin/Feledy be ready to step up)

I expect that we have 10/14th written all over us for 24 based on our recruiting and squad development. Get the leadership right though and we could develop quickly for a real crack at the top four in 25.

The talk about losing generational talent is premature. For the first time in a decade we have real development potential. Ride it for what it is worth and enjoy it.
 
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crazycat said:
Man.... Luai....

Seriously I wish we did this deal without the whole Sezer/Fainu/Sullivan signings.
Yes there is a derth of Halves talent. I don't know who is going to step up, but I suspect we are stuck with Sezer and will punt either Fainu or Sullivan soon.
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We need the depth and the forward planning.

Sezar will be good for our young halves and be a a handy back up if extended.

Good planning before Luai was available.
 
Jolls said:
While this generational talent v Luai debate is raging and there is so much chatter about potential v proven performance we really are overlooking the intent of what the development strategy appears to be.

What we have lacked as a team for a long time is leadership. The introduction of Api and Klemmer were the start of that change. Unfortunately Sheens was too fixated on turning he who can't be named into the talent he identifed but never got to coach. That was a mistake - he never had leadership ability. Sezer, on the other hand, adds control and direction in the halves where we need it most. Luai in 25 brings that plus leadership charisma not seen at this club in decades.

From a leadership perspective Nofa being called out and put on display for not meeting standards is a real plus for the new kids on the block. His attitude being shit means the sooner he is out the door the better. However, if he is dropped to Reggies and has to fight with the young guns for a spot it still shows that ego has no place in the future WT and is likely to push him to run away to SL ASAP. It is a win either way.

Let's look at our likely halves. Bud has shown that he can play FG. He has had a few injuries and was behind a superstar at the Dragons. Hook didn't see him as a 5/8 but I think Benji does. With Klemmer and Api pushing standards in the forwards, some control and direction in the halves from Sezer (plus off field leadership from what I have heard) should suit the off the cuff style of Bud (similar to Hughes/Munster and Reynolds/Mamm). They won't be word beaters in 24 but with real competition in the halves for the first time in forever, and Benji openly stating that if you work hard you will get a run, we are promoting standards over reputation. Sezer and Bud will be fighting for their positions week in week out - and if Latu is good enough he will push one of them out.

In 25 we should have JL at halfback to step things up a notch. Benji is a smart dude, and was used by Bennet as a mentor, so he knows just how valuable Sezer can be once Luai arrives. I'm not so sure he will be shown the door in 25 - won't be the FG half but I expect him to be around in some capacity. Player/mentor role potentially or if our young crop develop quickly maybe onto the coaching staff.

It is highly likely that one or more of the "generational talent" will not make it through injury, wine, women, or the grind of being a professional athlete. That is OK. If they all make it - that is better. If they are truly generational talents we will build the side around them.

What we lack in 24/25, on paper, is leadership in the outside backs. While our outside backs didn't fire in 22 it was beside the worst performing halves pairings in the NRL (LB/AD, LB/Wakeham, Wakeham/Toa etc). While I don't expect a miracle turn around in 24, I do believe we will start to see the true worth of the guys we have contracted. There is potential there in Lobb, Tupou, Alaimalo and Feledy. They will be pushing Charlie, Toa and Nado for a FG spot throughout the season. The sooner we offload Nofa and lure a fouth quality player, preferably one with some real leadership skills, the sooner we bolster our perceived weakness. Who knows; is this the breakout year for Tupou or Alaimalo in the centres? If not we will have a clear recruiting target for 25 (or will Galvin/Feledy be ready to step up)

I expect that we have 10/14th written all over us for 24 based on our recruiting and squad development. Get the leadership right though and we could develop quickly for a real crack at the top four in 25.

The talk about losing generational talent is premature. For the first time in a decade we have real development potential. Ride it for what it is worth and enjoy it.
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A lot of realistic and common sense in this script.
I hope the doomsdayers read it and understand what you have said and not just skip through it so they can get on the keyboard for their next negative load of crap.
 
Jolls said:
While this generational talent v Luai debate is raging and there is so much chatter about potential v proven performance we really are overlooking the intent of what the development strategy appears to be.

What we have lacked as a team for a long time is leadership. The introduction of Api and Klemmer were the start of that change. Unfortunately Sheens was too fixated on turning he who can't be named into the talent he identifed but never got to coach. That was a mistake - he never had leadership ability. Sezer, on the other hand, adds control and direction in the halves where we need it most. Luai in 25 brings that plus leadership charisma not seen at this club in decades.

From a leadership perspective Nofa being called out and put on display for not meeting standards is a real plus for the new kids on the block. His attitude being shit means the sooner he is out the door the better. However, if he is dropped to Reggies and has to fight with the young guns for a spot it still shows that ego has no place in the future WT and is likely to push him to run away to SL ASAP. It is a win either way.

Let's look at our likely halves. Bud has shown that he can play FG. He has had a few injuries and was behind a superstar at the Dragons. Hook didn't see him as a 5/8 but I think Benji does. With Klemmer and Api pushing standards in the forwards, some control and direction in the halves from Sezer (plus off field leadership from what I have heard) should suit the off the cuff style of Bud (similar to Hughes/Munster and Reynolds/Mamm). They won't be word beaters in 24 but with real competition in the halves for the first time in forever, and Benji openly stating that if you work hard you will get a run, we are promoting standards over reputation. Sezer and Bud will be fighting for their positions week in week out - and if Latu is good enough he will push one of them out.

In 25 we should have JL at halfback to step things up a notch. Benji is a smart dude, and was used by Bennet as a mentor, so he knows just how valuable Sezer can be once Luai arrives. I'm not so sure he will be shown the door in 25 - won't be the FG half but I expect him to be around in some capacity. Player/mentor role potentially or if our young crop develop quickly maybe onto the coaching staff.

It is highly likely that one or more of the "generational talent" will not make it through injury, wine, women, or the grind of being a professional athlete. That is OK. If they all make it - that is better. If they are truly generational talents we will build the side around them.

What we lack in 24/25, on paper, is leadership in the outside backs. While our outside backs didn't fire in 23 it was beside the worst performing halves pairings in the NRL (LB/AD, LB/Wakeham, Wakeham/Toa etc). While I don't expect a miracle turn around in 24, I do believe we will start to see the true worth of the guys we have contracted. There is potential there in Lobb, Tupou, Alaimalo and Feledy. They will be pushing Charlie, Toa and Nado for a FG spot throughout the season. The sooner we offload Nofa and lure a fouth quality player, preferably one with some real leadership skills, the sooner we bolster our perceived weakness. Who knows; is this the breakout year for Tupou or Alaimalo in the centres? If not we will have a clear recruiting target for 25 (or will Galvin/Feledy be ready to step up)

I expect that we have 10/14th written all over us for 24 based on our recruiting and squad development. Get the leadership right though and we could develop quickly for a real crack at the top four in 25.

The talk about losing generational talent is premature. For the first time in a decade we have real development potential. Ride it for what it is worth and enjoy it.
Click to expand...
In theory what you have written sounds perfect.
Let’s hope it goes to plan.
I do agree that the fierce competition for NRL positions will hopefully mean at least one of these young halves steps up and becomes a very valuable NRL player very quickly in order to earn their starting spot alongside Luai once he arrives.
 
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weststigerman said:
We probably won’t keep all of them if Luai comes.

The Roosters had Mitchell Pearce and Luke Keary on their cap when they signed Cronk.
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I don’t think Sullivan will be our half for his full contract. He’ll either injure himself, move to another position like 14 or another club will be desperate for a half and ask him to transfer i.e Dragons.
 
Vicious said:
Either way we are messing our salary cap up once again.
Sullivan signed a 4 year deal for reportedly 500k per season.
Latu Fainu signed a 4 year deal for reportedly 400k per season, possibly increasing to 500k for the 3rd & 4th year of the deal.
Once Luai arrives on the big money contract, it means we will have a 400k or 500k per season player either coming off the bench or possibly playing NSW Cup due to the possibility Talyn Da Silva will be our number 14.
It seems a lot of money for someone not to be a regular NRL starting player no matter how well they play.
Click to expand...

Wouldn’t surprise me if Bud will become the odd man out and lasts out his contract. In saying that top clubs have a minimum $2m invested in their halves which even with the 3 signed we roughly come into that across 3 players. So cap wise we are not that bad off.
 
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Eternal Tiger said:
The better sides have 500k players on the bench, it's because we've been a peasant Club for so long, we have NSW Cup standard players on our bench.
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Great point. And with getting rid of deadwood like Nofa on big money we will eventually be able to balance the cap and bring overperforming juniors to form the base on unders that have experienced success and chemistry to transition with the cream at NRL level
 
Vicious said:
Either way we are messing our salary cap up once again.
Sullivan signed a 4 year deal for reportedly 500k per season.
Latu Fainu signed a 4 year deal for reportedly 400k per season, possibly increasing to 500k for the 3rd & 4th year of the deal.
Once Luai arrives on the big money contract, it means we will have a 400k or 500k per season player either coming off the bench or possibly playing NSW Cup due to the possibility Talyn Da Silva will be our number 14.
It seems a lot of money for someone not to be a regular NRL starting player no matter how well they play.
Click to expand...
Every NRL halfback who has a few caps to his name is earning 350K minimum under the new salary cap. That is genuinely how much it costs to even get a nuffy to play halfback for your state cup team. Even Jock Madden will be on around that amount of money and he is useless at NRL level. 400 and 500K is nothing when you consider those guys have huge upside.
 
Vicious said:
In theory what you have written sounds perfect.
Let’s hope it goes to plan.
I do agree that the fierce competition for NRL positions will hopefully mean at least one of these young halves steps up and becomes a very valuable NRL player very quickly in order to earn their starting spot alongside Luai once he arrives.
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I think it simply reflects where we are at the moment. We have most of the skills we require in the current playing group - although we are underbaked in the outside backs based on form and experience. Leadership is what will turn this club around - and it is needed as much on the paddock as it is in the front office.
 
batboy said:
Think you'll find Klemmers Knights deal expired this year....
Can't imagine they're subsiding him for further years he wasn't to them contracted for?
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Why not? They are supposed to be a good bunch of fellas .. it’s the least they can do , really , look at us .. we need all the help we can get !! 😂🥲
 
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