Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[LUPO]

I’ll play along.

Large is playing both Union and League at top level, everyone will want him. Just like Sualli. There is no reason why he couldn’t do exactly what Sualli did to Souths, then Roosters.

Galvin is a Moses client who we all know will be trying to get him to another club.

Sullivan has an injury plagued history and Fainu could be anything but unproven.

Theoretically, we could lose Galvin and Large before they’re 20 and we have an opportunity to sign one of the halves that helped win the last 3 premierships. You have to take the sure thing if it’s an option over potential.

Can't see Galvin sticking around whilst the club piles halves around him. Much has changed since he signed with

We’re South’s a basket case when Suaalii left.. don’t think so. Where did he end, the Rorters. Has this decision halted his progression in first grade considering that side is stacked with internationals..NO. I personally think we have a better chance of retaining these young stars if they are playing for a club with quality players. If they’re good enough, they will make the team.

 

[Curly_Tiger]

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.

Best thing I’ve read in here for a long while
Realistically positive, it’ll take time
Thanks for a well thought through post 🙏🏼

 

[Coastie_Tiger]

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.

Yeah im in this boat with you, we probably lose at least one of those talents but we get to have a very good look at them in the mean time to assess.
I wasn't overly keen on Luai at first but we do need to land him we need an elite talent to attract and retain some players. If we keep missing these targets we're in for another tough year unless a 2004/05 scenario hits us in the arse again.

 

[balmain boy]

The plan should be to make sure we have the salary cap space to keep them should that happen.

We have plenty of cap space in 26 and 27, and more than enough in 25 to look after our juniors.

 

[balmain boy]

You do realise the last 10 years + we have put faith in junior talent, has lead us here?

Dont get me wrong, there’s much more to the story.

But for a team that has come last for 2 years, when an origin and international half becomes available and we don’t try to obtain him….well. How does that work out, or look?

If we can buy a winner, that makes us better, are we doing alright?

Do you realise that we have neglected and ignored our juniors for most of the past decade? There have been very few high quality players come through the ranks to go onto first grade, our sides have regularly finished towards the bottom of the ladders. Our juniors focus has only started the past 2 years (and that was with 16 year olds), it takes time for talent to reach first grade.

 

[phil1986]

It’s not that simple. you’re insinuating the tigers as the only “silly” club willing to pay the reported 1.2 mil. Many other sides already have their marquee halves so they aren’t in the race. Most clubs don’t have the cap because they’ve spent $$ on other players.

You’re entitled to your opinion. I’d love to sign luai for 800! But that’s way unders in the current halves market for a 3x consecutive GF winning half.

Do you realise that we have neglected and ignored our juniors for most of the past decade? There have been very few high quality players come through the ranks to go onto first grade, our sides have regularly finished towards the bottom of the ladders. Our juniors focus has only started the past 2 years (and that was with 16 year olds), it takes time for talent to reach first grade.

I don’t disagree with you at all.

 

[The-moP]

Let's not get excited about Luai giving notice to the Riff that he is leaving at the end of this season .. all the sports media have us as the fav's for him to join us .. but i'll feel a little more comfortable once he's signed on the dotted line .. those mongrel dogs are still sniffing around .. !! :-( the fat lady aint singing yet.

Here are some of the stand outs in pre-season so far:

Benji see's Soloman Alaimalo as more of a centre .. but will slot him in out on the wing .. dont think we'll see him from round one .. but we will see him at some stage of 24.

Lob is training the house down .. i wouldnt be surprised if he's in the top side quicker than we think .. and yes he has been practising his goal kicking and slotting some long range shots.

Bud Sullivan has been given a free pass to play game as what he see's in front of him .. dont be surprised to see him run the ball a lot.

Sezer has already taken squad under his wing with a lot of the young fellows listening an learning how he'll run the side around the park. His organisational skills will allow Api to free himself up a lot this season

Galvin and Saukuru are both impressing at training .. there is a good chance that Saukuru might be a starting centre.

Faagutu, Miller, Laulilii and Sukkar are all training well .. Millar is a possible bench starter for round 1. It's fun watching the brothers Fainu training and the two big prop brothers certainly have competitive spirit with each other.

Klemmer is looking ripped this pre-season .. he knows there are bunch of young kids knocking the door down for a prop position this season.

Naden and Ferrari are training strong .. hopefully a big season from both of these guys.

Watching the squad .. Lob and Alaimalo are two tall towers out on the field .. would be awesome to have them as our two wingers .. no one is going to out jump them .. lol

 

[AdelaideTiger]

Let's not get excited about Luai giving notice to the Riff that he is leaving at the end of this season .. all the sports media have us as the fav's for him to join us .. but i'll feel a little more comfortable once he's signed on the dotted line .. those mongrel dogs are still sniffing around .. !! :-( the fat lady aint singing yet.

Here are some of the stand outs in pre-season so far:

Benji see's Soloman Alaimalo as more of a centre .. but will slot him in out on the wing .. dont think we'll see him from round one .. but we will see him at some stage of 24.

Lob is training the house down .. i wouldnt be surprised if he's in the top side quicker than we think .. and yes he has been practising his goal kicking and slotting some long range shots.

Bud Sullivan has been given a free pass to play game as what he see's in front of him .. dont be surprised to see him run the ball a lot.

Sezer has already taken squad under his wing with a lot of the young fellows listening an learning how he'll run the side around the park. His organisational skills will allow Api to free himself up a lot this season

Galvin and Saukuru are both impressing at training .. there is a good chance that Saukuru might be a starting centre.

Faagutu, Miller, Laulilii and Sukkar are all training well .. Millar is a possible bench starter for round 1. It's fun watching the brothers Fainu training and the two big prop brothers certainly have competitive spirit with each other.

Klemmer is looking ripped this pre-season .. he knows there are bunch of young kids knocking the door down for a prop position this season.

Naden and Ferrari are training strong .. hopefully a big season from both of these guys.

Watching the squad .. Lob and Alaimalo are two tall towers out on the field .. would be awesome to have them as our two wingers .. no one is going to out jump them .. lol

Lots to be excited about there, was bit worried about our wing depth in particular, but sounds like there could be a lot of surprises for the 2-5 positions. Glad the young forwards are putting their hand up to, think our pack will be very strong for a while to come.

 

[jrtiger]

Let's not get excited about Luai giving notice to the Riff that he is leaving at the end of this season .. all the sports media have us as the fav's for him to join us .. but i'll feel a little more comfortable once he's signed on the dotted line .. those mongrel dogs are still sniffing around .. !! :-( the fat lady aint singing yet.

Here are some of the stand outs in pre-season so far:

Benji see's Soloman Alaimalo as more of a centre .. but will slot him in out on the wing .. dont think we'll see him from round one .. but we will see him at some stage of 24.

Lob is training the house down .. i wouldnt be surprised if he's in the top side quicker than we think .. and yes he has been practising his goal kicking and slotting some long range shots.

Bud Sullivan has been given a free pass to play game as what he see's in front of him .. dont be surprised to see him run the ball a lot.

Sezer has already taken squad under his wing with a lot of the young fellows listening an learning how he'll run the side around the park. His organisational skills will allow Api to free himself up a lot this season

Galvin and Saukuru are both impressing at training .. there is a good chance that Saukuru might be a starting centre.

Faagutu, Miller, Laulilii and Sukkar are all training well .. Millar is a possible bench starter for round 1. It's fun watching the brothers Fainu training and the two big prop brothers certainly have competitive spirit with each other.

Klemmer is looking ripped this pre-season .. he knows there are bunch of young kids knocking the door down for a prop position this season.

Naden and Ferrari are training strong .. hopefully a big season from both of these guys.

Watching the squad .. Lob and Alaimalo are two tall towers out on the field .. would be awesome to have them as our two wingers .. no one is going to out jump them .. lol

obviously still early and a few guys like Ice and Star have only just come back, but Lobb definitely seems to be making an impression.

I haven't got out to training as yet but it's very surprising to hear that Saukuru and Miller are in first grade contention, but if Marshall is going to pick this side on who works the hardest then we might be in for a surprise or two early on.

 

[jrtiger]

@The-moP any idea who's likely to play at lock come Round 2?

 

[Jolls]

Let's not get excited about Luai giving notice to the Riff that he is leaving at the end of this season .. all the sports media have us as the fav's for him to join us .. but i'll feel a little more comfortable once he's signed on the dotted line .. those mongrel dogs are still sniffing around .. !! :-( the fat lady aint singing yet.

Here are some of the stand outs in pre-season so far:

Benji see's Soloman Alaimalo as more of a centre .. but will slot him in out on the wing .. dont think we'll see him from round one .. but we will see him at some stage of 24.

Lob is training the house down .. i wouldnt be surprised if he's in the top side quicker than we think .. and yes he has been practising his goal kicking and slotting some long range shots.

Bud Sullivan has been given a free pass to play game as what he see's in front of him .. dont be surprised to see him run the ball a lot.

Sezer has already taken squad under his wing with a lot of the young fellows listening an learning how he'll run the side around the park. His organisational skills will allow Api to free himself up a lot this season

Galvin and Saukuru are both impressing at training .. there is a good chance that Saukuru might be a starting centre.

Faagutu, Miller, Laulilii and Sukkar are all training well .. Millar is a possible bench starter for round 1. It's fun watching the brothers Fainu training and the two big prop brothers certainly have competitive spirit with each other.

Klemmer is looking ripped this pre-season .. he knows there are bunch of young kids knocking the door down for a prop position this season.

Naden and Ferrari are training strong .. hopefully a big season from both of these guys.

Watching the squad .. Lob and Alaimalo are two tall towers out on the field .. would be awesome to have them as our two wingers .. no one is going to out jump them .. lol

Great insight. thanks for the heads up.

 

[Vicious]

Let's not get excited about Luai giving notice to the Riff that he is leaving at the end of this season .. all the sports media have us as the fav's for him to join us .. but i'll feel a little more comfortable once he's signed on the dotted line .. those mongrel dogs are still sniffing around .. !! :-( the fat lady aint singing yet.

Here are some of the stand outs in pre-season so far:

Benji see's Soloman Alaimalo as more of a centre .. but will slot him in out on the wing .. dont think we'll see him from round one .. but we will see him at some stage of 24.

Lob is training the house down .. i wouldnt be surprised if he's in the top side quicker than we think .. and yes he has been practising his goal kicking and slotting some long range shots.

Bud Sullivan has been given a free pass to play game as what he see's in front of him .. dont be surprised to see him run the ball a lot.

Sezer has already taken squad under his wing with a lot of the young fellows listening an learning how he'll run the side around the park. His organisational skills will allow Api to free himself up a lot this season

Galvin and Saukuru are both impressing at training .. there is a good chance that Saukuru might be a starting centre.

Faagutu, Miller, Laulilii and Sukkar are all training well .. Millar is a possible bench starter for round 1. It's fun watching the brothers Fainu training and the two big prop brothers certainly have competitive spirit with each other.

Klemmer is looking ripped this pre-season .. he knows there are bunch of young kids knocking the door down for a prop position this season.

Naden and Ferrari are training strong .. hopefully a big season from both of these guys.

Watching the squad .. Lob and Alaimalo are two tall towers out on the field .. would be awesome to have them as our two wingers .. no one is going to out jump them .. lol

Some interesting reading, thank you.
If Miller gets himself fit enough to fulfil his defensive NRL requirements then we will have one hell of a young prop on our hands.
His size and the way he runs the ball certainly won’t be a problem.
I watched the young emerging Saukuru who plays centre or wing in a couple of Jersey Flegg games late last season and to be honest he seemed a bit sluggish and a long way from playing with the energy required at NRL level.
But he is a big human, so if he’s knuckled down and got himself extremely fit during this off season, then he could no doubt be an NRL surprise packet,

 

[LeichhardtTiger]

According to the Official stats page, Jordan Miller is 192cm tall and weighs in at 131 kg - that's two normal-sized halfbacks!

 

[Albo]

@The-moP any idea who's likely to play at lock come Round 2?

I would actually like to see play balling lock in the mould of Scott Hill. Maybe if Douhei can increase his workrate and defence, he is a good option at Lock.

 

[yeti]

Let's not get excited about Luai giving notice to the Riff that he is leaving at the end of this season .. all the sports media have us as the fav's for him to join us .. but i'll feel a little more comfortable once he's signed on the dotted line .. those mongrel dogs are still sniffing around .. !! :-( the fat lady aint singing yet.

Here are some of the stand outs in pre-season so far:

Benji see's Soloman Alaimalo as more of a centre .. but will slot him in out on the wing .. dont think we'll see him from round one .. but we will see him at some stage of 24.

Lob is training the house down .. i wouldnt be surprised if he's in the top side quicker than we think .. and yes he has been practising his goal kicking and slotting some long range shots.

Bud Sullivan has been given a free pass to play game as what he see's in front of him .. dont be surprised to see him run the ball a lot.

Sezer has already taken squad under his wing with a lot of the young fellows listening an learning how he'll run the side around the park. His organisational skills will allow Api to free himself up a lot this season

Galvin and Saukuru are both impressing at training .. there is a good chance that Saukuru might be a starting centre.

Faagutu, Miller, Laulilii and Sukkar are all training well .. Millar is a possible bench starter for round 1. It's fun watching the brothers Fainu training and the two big prop brothers certainly have competitive spirit with each other.

Klemmer is looking ripped this pre-season .. he knows there are bunch of young kids knocking the door down for a prop position this season.

Naden and Ferrari are training strong .. hopefully a big season from both of these guys.

Watching the squad .. Lob and Alaimalo are two tall towers out on the field .. would be awesome to have them as our two wingers .. no one is going to out jump them .. lol

Awesome update. Keep 'em coming

 

[jrtiger]

I would actually like to see play balling lock in the mould of Scott Hill. Maybe if Douhei can increase his workrate and defence, he is a good option at Lock.

I'd definitely love a ballplaying lock as you say, but Doueihi isn't the answer. too soft and not enough mongrel to do a job in the middle. Kit Laulili'i is the likely answer. has plenty of ability on both sides of the ball and can cart it up and bend the line and throw a decent pass.

Matamua is clearly in transition and I'm not sure if he'll ever get there. Siotame Havea is an intriguing prospect also. the only issue is the immediate future.

 

[balmain boy]

Let's not get excited about Luai giving notice to the Riff that he is leaving at the end of this season .. all the sports media have us as the fav's for him to join us .. but i'll feel a little more comfortable once he's signed on the dotted line .. those mongrel dogs are still sniffing around .. !! :-( the fat lady aint singing yet.

Here are some of the stand outs in pre-season so far:

Benji see's Soloman Alaimalo as more of a centre .. but will slot him in out on the wing .. dont think we'll see him from round one .. but we will see him at some stage of 24.

Lob is training the house down .. i wouldnt be surprised if he's in the top side quicker than we think .. and yes he has been practising his goal kicking and slotting some long range shots.

Bud Sullivan has been given a free pass to play game as what he see's in front of him .. dont be surprised to see him run the ball a lot.

Sezer has already taken squad under his wing with a lot of the young fellows listening an learning how he'll run the side around the park. His organisational skills will allow Api to free himself up a lot this season

Galvin and Saukuru are both impressing at training .. there is a good chance that Saukuru might be a starting centre.

Faagutu, Miller, Laulilii and Sukkar are all training well .. Millar is a possible bench starter for round 1. It's fun watching the brothers Fainu training and the two big prop brothers certainly have competitive spirit with each other.

Klemmer is looking ripped this pre-season .. he knows there are bunch of young kids knocking the door down for a prop position this season.

Naden and Ferrari are training strong .. hopefully a big season from both of these guys.

Watching the squad .. Lob and Alaimalo are two tall towers out on the field .. would be awesome to have them as our two wingers .. no one is going to out jump them .. lol

Miller missed the start of preseason with injury, would be very surprising for him to be pushing for first grade so soon into his nrl career given he's never played higher than Ball and only been training for a month. But he's got the size to be a real difference maker for us! Possibly part of why we dropped interest in AFB, with Pole, Utoikamanu, and Miller all coming through alongside the war horses in Klem and Twal. Tofaeno also has a similar build to AFB, albeit a bit stockier.

I dare say the emergence of Saukuru may have put a hold on Olam talks too. If he's showing enough promise to suggest he can play first grade in near future then we don't want to block him with an older player on large money.

 

[Demps]

Solomone Saukura has had big wraps coming through.

He's always been the most talked about of the Saukuru family members. Great to hear he's making the most of pre season.

 

[SwervinMervin]

I'd definitely love a ballplaying lock as you say, but Doueihi isn't the answer. too soft and not enough mongrel to do a job in the middle. Kit Laulili'i is the likely answer. has plenty of ability on both sides of the ball and can cart it up and bend the line and throw a decent pass.

Matamua is clearly in transition and I'm not sure if he'll ever get there. Siotame Havea is an intriguing prospect also. the only issue is the immediate future.

I don’t think Doueihi is physically robust enough for lock. Even a ball playing, link man lock forward needs to do the dirty hit ups and front line defensive load. Yeo does it and so did Brandon Smith when he played that role for Melbourne. If there is an alternative position for him I would suggest it needs to be in the centres. Trouble is, he likely gets exposed defensively in that position given how important one on one defence is at centre and the need to organize your inside and outside defenders and defensive reads.
He’s a good player whose development has been cruelled by injury, but unfortunately he is probably the guy that is surplus to requirements if JL is coming in 2025

 

[TigerNeddyK]

Let's not get excited about Luai giving notice to the Riff that he is leaving at the end of this season .. all the sports media have us as the fav's for him to join us .. but i'll feel a little more comfortable once he's signed on the dotted line .. those mongrel dogs are still sniffing around .. !! :-( the fat lady aint singing yet.

Here are some of the stand outs in pre-season so far:

Benji see's Soloman Alaimalo as more of a centre .. but will slot him in out on the wing .. dont think we'll see him from round one .. but we will see him at some stage of 24.

Lob is training the house down .. i wouldnt be surprised if he's in the top side quicker than we think .. and yes he has been practising his goal kicking and slotting some long range shots.

Bud Sullivan has been given a free pass to play game as what he see's in front of him .. dont be surprised to see him run the ball a lot.

Sezer has already taken squad under his wing with a lot of the young fellows listening an learning how he'll run the side around the park. His organisational skills will allow Api to free himself up a lot this season

Galvin and Saukuru are both impressing at training .. there is a good chance that Saukuru might be a starting centre.

Faagutu, Miller, Laulilii and Sukkar are all training well .. Millar is a possible bench starter for round 1. It's fun watching the brothers Fainu training and the two big prop brothers certainly have competitive spirit with each other.

Klemmer is looking ripped this pre-season .. he knows there are bunch of young kids knocking the door down for a prop position this season.

Naden and Ferrari are training strong .. hopefully a big season from both of these guys.

Watching the squad .. Lob and Alaimalo are two tall towers out on the field .. would be awesome to have them as our two wingers .. no one is going to out jump them .. lol

How about Navren Willett from Taree?