Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[gregjm87]

Dont know about walking into those sides. He’s a bit of a bash them through the middle type, low skill all barge. And he seems to have lost his venom in his most crucial part of his game. Your taking him hoping the 30+ old Olam is going to recapture some old form. Nice bet for $600,000 for 3 years.
Just not worth the bet for me, with heaps of juniors coming through that needs spots. Remember Cronk wasn’t a half when he started. U can groom a player into another position.

The Cronk wasnt a half narrative isn't really true. He was a Aus Schoolboys rugby inside centre playing like a rugby league 6. Played mostly 6 and 7 whilst filling in other positions with North's then got his first grade crack as a utility before a halfback spot was available.
I understand he wasn't strictly a halfback early days but it's not like he was truly not a half.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

We are in no way "front row heavy"

Exactly we don't have that explosive front row enforcer who can come in off the bench.

The closest type to that we have is Herman Tofaeono in Jersey Flegg. Maybe Samuela Fainu if he's seen as a future middle by the coaches.

 

[tigertuff]

It's a bit harsh riding off Matamua already. You can't bash and barge your way to a premiership. You need creativity across the park and the more in the team the better. I'm probably in the minority here but I keep looking at him hoping he turns into something like Jason Smith (minus the coke). He is 20 years old and has plenty of improvement in him and if ever there was a team that needs more points it's us. Let's just be patient with these guys before putting the pen through them.

 

[jadtiger]

It's a bit harsh riding off Matamua already. You can't bash and barge your way to a premiership. You need creativity across the park and the more in the team the better. I'm probably in the minority here but I keep looking at him hoping he turns into something like Jason Smith (minus the coke). He is 20 years old and has plenty of improvement in him and if ever there was a team that needs more points it's us. Let's just be patient with these guys before putting the pen through them.

I don't think anyone is writing Matamua off yet,he is young and could still make the standard of what is required.Like all of our young blokes just enjoy the ride and just hope that a high percentage make the grade,some will and some won't and as usual there will be surprise's among them

 

[pawsandclaws1]

It's a bit harsh riding off Matamua already. You can't bash and barge your way to a premiership. You need creativity across the park and the more in the team the better. I'm probably in the minority here but I keep looking at him hoping he turns into something like Jason Smith (minus the coke). He is 20 years old and has plenty of improvement in him and if ever there was a team that needs more points it's us. Let's just be patient with these guys before putting the pen through them.

Great post. Young players take time to mature and they don't all emerge as quickly as Pole.

 

[Tiger-ferret]

Dont know about walking into those sides. He’s a bit of a bash them through the middle type, low skill all barge. And he seems to have lost his venom in his most crucial part of his game. Your taking him hoping the 30+ old Olam is going to recapture some old form. Nice bet for $600,000 for 3 years.
Just not worth the bet for me, with heaps of juniors coming through that needs spots. Remember Cronk wasn’t a half when he started. U can groom a player into another position.

But it’s not 600 for 3 years…

 

[tigertuff]

Great post. Young players take time to mature and they don't all emerge as quickly as Pole.

I grew up in an era where most guys came through the under 23s. These days I think most people want guys gone after they turn 20. They are still growing and are playing against battle hardened men. It takes time to develop. Some longer than others.

 

[Camel2281]

Dont know about walking into those sides. He’s a bit of a bash them through the middle type, low skill all barge. And he seems to have lost his venom in his most crucial part of his game. Your taking him hoping the 30+ old Olam is going to recapture some old form. Nice bet for $600,000 for 3 years.
Just not worth the bet for me, with heaps of juniors coming through that needs spots. Remember Cronk wasn’t a half when he started. U can groom a player into another position.

Except we won't be paying him that much. Melbourne will be covering significant freight

 

[the enforcer.]

If WT fans can’t see Olam as a good signing, I suggest to put down the whiskey and drink some water 🙏

Yep. 30 year old busted Qld cup player. I hope your right.

 

[jrtiger]

Exactly we don't have that explosive front row enforcer who can come in off the bench.

The closest type to that we have is Herman Tofaeono in Jersey Flegg. Maybe Samuela Fainu if he's seen as a future middle by the coaches.

yes we do. his name is Fonua Pole. Chris Fa’agutu is also in that mould. they aren’t your brick shithouse body types but they can certainly be explosive enforcers.

 

[Leck]

If WT fans can’t see Olam as a good signing, I suggest to put down the whiskey and drink some water 🙏

Olam's contract was extended to 2026. Bellyache doesn't let go of good players unless there are issues with performance or attitude. That speaks volumes.

 

[Vicious]

Totally agree.Tumeth and Felody are both too small without compensating skills to be good NRL players

Both are held in high regard by the club and are not going anywhere anytime soon.
Both are very strong, aggressive and have plenty of natural football smarts.
Big year ahead for both, but you don’t see many young players as strong and aggressive as these two.
Lack of size not an issue for either as they are comparable to plenty of NRL stars in their positions at the same age, they both simply need to get extremely fit and play with high energy.
You can throw Faagatu into the same category as he’s not at all big for a middle forward, but highly aggressive and the determining factor will be how willing he is to get himself extremely fit and play with the high energy that makes aggressive smaller forwards so valuable.

 

[Flippedy]

Olam's contract was extended to 2026. Bellyache doesn't let go of good players unless there are issues with performance or attitude. That speaks volumes.

Maybe he just needs a change of scene away from the constantly angry and unhappy Bellyache.

 

[Tom Shines]

Maybe he just needs a change of scene away from the constantly angry and unhappy Bellyache.

the rest of his team seem happy enough..; and Blore is busting his ass to join him

 

[GNR4LIFE]

Maybe he just needs a change of scene away from the constantly angry and unhappy Bellyache.

Haven’t known of too many players in the last 20 years that needed a change of scenery away from Melbourne. Do players need a break from being in a perennial top 4 side? Feel like a holiday in September for a change?

 

[Leck]

Maybe he just needs a change of scene away from the constantly angry and unhappy Bellyache.

If Melbourne takes on 50% of the freight then it might be worth the punt.

In saying that, who gets pushed down the pecking order, AJ or Star? And what about Feledy? We should be giving him as much opportunity to prove himself.

 

[batboy]

If Melbourne takes on 50% of the freight then it might be worth the punt.

In saying that, who gets pushed down the pecking order, AJ or Star?

Is that a real question?

And what about Feledy? We should be giving him as much opportunity to prove himself.

Yes - they call it reserve grade…

 

[jrtiger]

Both are held in high regard by the club and are not going anywhere anytime soon.
Both are very strong, aggressive and have plenty of natural football smarts.
Big year ahead for both, but you don’t see many young players as strong and aggressive as these two.
Lack of size not an issue for either as they are comparable to plenty of NRL stars in their positions at the same age, they both simply need to get extremely fit and play with high energy.
You can throw Faagatu into the same category as he’s not at all big for a middle forward, but highly aggressive and the determining factor will be how willing he is to get himself extremely fit and play with the high energy that makes aggressive smaller forwards so valuable.

uhhh isn’t Tumeth being shopped around? feel like it’s been touched on multiple times that he’s been told if he wants to stay then Cup is his ceiling.

Feledy debuted far too early but he is an NRL player for sure. his issues are in defence, but with Morris at the club and hopefully 12-18 months in Cup working on his game I think he’ll get there.

Fa’agutu should get a full year in Cup which will be great for his development. still a year or two away from regular first grade but we have a good one on our hands.

 

[jrtiger]

If Melbourne takes on 50% of the freight then it might be worth the punt.

In saying that, who gets pushed down the pecking order, AJ or Star? And what about Feledy? We should be giving him as much opportunity to prove himself.

AJ looks to be converting to a backrower given what we’ve seen in preseason photos. also makes sense if Blore is moving on due to a clear lack of quality on the edge beyond Papali’i and Bateman.

Olam will obviously take one centre spot with To’a and Naden fighting it out for the other on the right. both are players who will either thrive due to the competition for spots or fade into obscurity.

as for Feledy I think in time he could unseat all three of them, but he is a long way off right now imo. his defence isn’t even NSW Cup standard, let alone first grade.

 

[cktiger]

Olam's contract was extended to 2026. Bellyache doesn't let go of good players unless there are issues with performance or attitude. That speaks volumes.

Plenty of examples proving the opposite.