Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Tigers_Wests]

Not quick enough to be an elite 13.
It’s no coincidence the best three 13’s in the game being Murray, Yeo and Radley are all similar in their strengths.
All are very fast and mobile for a forward.
All have the playmaking skills to play as a first receive, virtually another halve.
All are extremely fit and play with high energy, despite not being overly big in comparison to most modern day forwards.
Shouldn’t we be trying to find players that can potentially be similar to these 3 ?

An elite 13 doesn't have to be a 1 size fits all approach though. They need to make the position their own and complement the players around them. Kit for example shows signs of some of those skills you mentioned and brings different aspects to his game aswell.

Benji seems the type of guy that will encourage players to play to their strengths. It's up to Benji to pick that right player in that position that fits his game plan and help him excel.

Without getting an established lock we need to give opportunities to our quality young guys and see what they can provide. The coaching staff see them every day and will have a good idea of who might be able to take the next step. The next 12 to 18 months should be interesting.

 

[pawsandclaws1]

On Faagutu, we need to take a much broader view of his career than his time at WTs because imo he is an outstanding prospect.

He was lock in a strong Marsden SHS team in the strong Alan Langer Trophy Comp in Qld. He represented both the Aust Schoolboys in 2022 and Qld U19s.

He has made The Courier-Mail’s Langer Team of the Year in both 2020 and 2021 and last season, along with Keano Kini (#7), Faagutu was named joint Langer Trophy Player of the Year in 2021.

In May he was also a member of Karmichael Hunt’s Souths Logan premiership winning Meninga Cup side.

 

[Tigers_Wests]

On Faagutu, we need to take a much broader view of his career than his time at WTs because imo he is an outstanding prospect.

He was lock in a strong Marsden SHS team in the strong Alan Langer Trophy Comp in Qld. He represented both the Aust Schoolboys in 2022 and Qld U19s.

He has made The Courier-Mail’s Langer Team of the Year in both 2020 and 2021 and last season, along with Keano Kini (#7), Faagutu was named joint Langer Trophy Player of the Year in 2021.

In May he was also a member of Karmichael Hunt’s Souths Logan premiership winning Meninga Cup side.

Exciting prospect. Remember seeing him live in Flegg this year. Some really big effort plays and strong carries. Hoping a lot of Cup experiences in 2024 and he shows good development this year. Then lock him up before November 1 when other clubs come knocking.

 

[pawsandclaws1]

Exciting prospect. Remember seeing him live in Flegg this year. Some really big effort plays and strong carries. Hoping a lot of Cup experiences in 2024 and he shows good development this year. Then lock him up before November 1 when other clubs come knocking.

I recall reading he is a development player? I hope he can transition into the second row as I feel his talent is wasted at prop. He has far more to offer the team in the second row.

 

[Tigers_Wests]

I recall reading he is a development player? I hope he can transition into the second row as I feel his talent is wasted at prop. He has far more to offer the team in the second row.

I think Development Contract in '24 and Top 30 '25.

 

[Tigerbenb]

His skills/talent remind me of Pole. There is always one or two younger players who will emerge if the opportunity arises.

Talking to a mate , whose son played with him at high school - reckons he will turn into a ball playing back rower- said he’s got fantastic hands, and can hit

 

[king_sirro]

Not the worst idea mate.

His passing at lock seems by all reports to be OK so far, so service from dummy half shouldnt be terrible.

Not my first pick, but I like the idea.

Yea it's not perfect by any means. A bit like having Elijah Taylor play 9 for short periods like we did. However it does bring other benefits doesn't it.

 

[AdelaideTiger]

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.

The games trending towards fitter players isn't it, which naturally means they'll get a bit smaller too. Feledys try scoring knack alone is reason enough to persist with him. Tumeth I haven't seem enough of but if the clubs have wraps on him then keen to see how he goes

 

[Tito Santana]

I saw someone was saying to sign Hymel Hunt.

That is the dumbest suggestion since someone saying sign Robert Jennings.

 

[Vicious]

The games trending towards fitter players isn't it, which naturally means they'll get a bit smaller too. Feledys try scoring knack alone is reason enough to persist with him. Tumeth I haven't seem enough of but if the clubs have wraps on him then keen to see how he goes

💯 the game at NRL level keeps getting faster, therefore the players fitness levels are vital to keep up with the speed of the game.
Most teams carry a couple of forwards who provide impact, but only play in short stints due to lacking aerobic capacity.
At the end of the day, anyone can improve their fitness and aerobic capacity dramatically if they want to.

 

[Camel2281]

Over the last 3/4 years every offseason I hear Nofo to Parramatta heard it again today and Tigers paying 40 percent to get him off the books

I'd pay 80% he's that much of a cancer

 

[Vicious]

I'd pay 80% he's that much of a cancer

With Tupou departing along with the likely departure of Nofa, we will need to find at least one winger with strong carries out of our own danger zone.
It’s a thankless job, but vital to a teams success.

 

[king_sirro]

With Tupou departing along with the likely departure of Nofa, we will need to find at least one winger with strong carries out of our own danger zone.
It’s a thankless job, but vital to a teams success.

I agree.

I have been really impressed with how Staines has toughened up the last 2 years with his carries, but the fact remains we can't have 2 wingers like him. One needs to be a powerful go forward man. IMO Staines will continue to get better at it, but biology is biology, and he is a speedy winger first and foremost.

Lobb has the size, we just have no idea if he has all the other attributes needed to be an NRL winger.

 

[teddy23]

It kinda just hit me that Jarome Luai is officially gonna be the face of our club and the 7 to build all our success around moving forward - the more I think about it, the more I smile as we couldn’t have picked a better character for that role.

People look at skillset a lot (deservingly so) however, for THIS particular club you need someone more strong mentally and someone who can come and help build a culture whilst being the main man. You combine this mentality and experience (3 peat) and partner him with the freshest 6 prospect in the league in Fainu and we’ll see some magic. It’s an unbelievable combination and great mentor for young Latu.

Coming into a team that hasn’t made the 8 for 12-13 years is very daunting and regardless of your skill it can demoralise you as there’s a process, however Jarome seems to like the fact we’re struggling and wants to be the catalyst of change. That’s a rare trait in todays game.

Latrell didn’t want that responsibility. Yet, Jarome craves it. I admire that heavily and is probably a main reason for his success. I feel like win, lose or draw if Luai is our 7 one things for certain and that’s we won’t lack anything in the effort deportment.

Side note: Kit Lataulili looks to me a much better prospect than Matamua imo. He had a short showing but he looked like he belonged there and did bend the line on occasions. I’d definitely look into giving him a bench spot next year at the very least. Faguta seems to be the best 13 prospect out of the lot but he may need some more time in NSW cup but he’ll get his debut very soon I reckon.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

I saw someone was saying to sign Hymel Hunt.

That is the dumbest suggestion since someone saying sign Robert Jennings.

Come on Chico, @The Chad is alright. It’s pretty much tongue in cheek at this point. Everyone needs a gimmick. I’m negative, he loves himself some Hymal Hunt and you are a matador. All part of the fun.

 

[Tiger_Yoshi]

The games trending towards fitter players isn't it, which naturally means they'll get a bit smaller too. Feledys try scoring knack alone is reason enough to persist with him. Tumeth I haven't seem enough of but if the clubs have wraps on him then keen to see how he goes

Tumeth is another Kyle Lovett...wont reach any great heights

 

[Tito Santana]

Tumeth is another Kyle Lovett...wont reach any great heights

Kyle Lovett - my God. Doesn’t he make short films now in between modelling for Lowes? Pathetic.

 

[Tiger-ferret]

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.

He let cronk go

 

[GCfan]

He let cronk go

From memory Cronk wanted to move to Sydney for his wife’s career. Not sure there was anything Bellamy could do to keep him.
I’ve seen Cronks wife and ain’t no way I’m staying in Melbourne if she’s going to Sydney!

 

[Masterton]

Kyle Lovett - my God. Doesn’t he make short films now in between modelling for Lowes? Pathetic.

Ha. Not having a go, but modelling and acting is probably a step up from pretending to be a retired Latino wrestler on the internet. Ariba!