Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

No idea why we keep ignoring tackle busting edge forwards that become available.
We have Papali’i and Bateman as our obvious starters, then likely Sanueka Fainu and Brandon Tumeth as back up, but no other obvious edge forwards in our top 30-40 players besides them.
Outside of that we signed Reuben Porter from North Sydney Bears to a NSW Cup contract, he was very average for Cook Islands so not holding any high hopes for him all of a sudden becoming an NRL standard player if required.
They probably view Kepaoa & Seyfarth as 2 who can fill in if necessary
 
AJ Kepoa should be considered an out and our backrower.

Maybe even Adam Douehi too, if he can harden up.
AJ has the size and speed, not sure about his commitment to rip and tear and use his size and speed effectively.
Doueihi if considered as an edge forward could fall into the same category, he no doubt has the size, speed and talent, but does he have the attitude or toughness required for that position?
FTB just mentioned Seyfarth as another possible back up edge forward. That is probably correct, but I’m one of his biggest supporters and I’m certain he’s much more effective as a middle forward.
 
One thing Toa has shown he can do is beat the first man fairly consistently. Early ball will only assist this further.
No idea where criticism of To’a comes from ?
He clearly demonstrated a great ability to beat his opponent one on one last season with very limited opportunities.
Hopefully the addition of Olam will make both To’a and Naden be close to their best much more often in wanting to obtain their preferred centre position.
I’d assume the one who misses out starts on one wing.
Alaimalo the wild card as Benji has already stated he thinks he will be suited to playing in the centres.
 
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No idea where criticism of To’a comes from ?
He clearly demonstrated a great ability to ver his opponent one on one last season with very limited opportunities.
Hopefully the addition of Olam will make both To’a and Naden be close to their best much more often in wanting to obtain their preferred centre position.
I’d assume the one who misses out starts on one wing.
Alaimalo the wild card as Benji has already stated he thinks he will be suited to playing in the centres.
The criticism comes from his inconsistency. He has talent but needs to step up in 2024.
 
No idea where criticism of To’a comes from ?
He clearly demonstrated a great ability to beat his opponent one on one last season with very limited opportunities.
Hopefully the addition of Olam will make both To’a and Naden be close to their best much more often in wanting to obtain their preferred centre position.
I’d assume the one who misses out starts on one wing.
Alaimalo the wild card as Benji has already stated he thinks he will be suited to playing in the centres.
How many really good games did Toa have? I can remember one.
There’s your criticism
 
How many really good games did Toa have? I can remember one.
There’s your criticism
I thought he was good against Manly and Panthers in the rain. Even the early loss against Parra he was pretty good. So I'd guess about 5 good games, but hardly any shit games. That's a fair effort when you consider the ball he was getting.

I thought he was pretty good even back when he was with Newcs. No star, and he could get the boot in the future, but he's low on my plodder list.
 
I think it's pretty clear Naden and Toa aren't the kinda guys for success plans, but help fill a gap in the time being and are well respected.
 
Heard from someone at the club that Stefano is really turning heads early in pre season. Apparently looking the fittest he has ever looked and is really standing up at training, also being a leader to the younger forwards coming through. Really positive signs so far.

Both Stefano and the club have been engaging in extension talks and it’s looking increasingly likely he’ll ink a new deal relatively soon.
 
Heard from someone at the club that Stefano is really turning heads early in pre season. Apparently looking the fittest he has ever looked and is really standing up at training, also being a leader to the younger forwards coming through. Really positive signs so far.

Both Stefano and the club have been engaging in extension talks and it’s looking increasingly likely he’ll ink a new deal relatively soon.
That's great.
We need him to step up and really lead.

I've heard Nofo is still very much in the shop window - true?
 
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