Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[weststigerman]

Good post but don’t think you can put Galvin/Luai, especially after the money we’ve thrown at Luai.
Personally I don’t see him as a 7 so there is a bit of reorganisation to be done before next season. And then we’ll have Sullivan and Sezer in the KOE, although I think Sezer is a one year deal.

Not sure what you mean because Luai is obviously first picked.

We will have 3 very good 6s in 2025 and we have to try and fit all of them in the team.

Sezer will be gone in 2025 and Sullivan will be stuck in NSW cup IMO.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

Yes to the first three. No to Aitken. He's absolutely trash

He has value as a low cost experienced 2nd row/centre utility for 2 seasons max. I thought he performed well in the backrow at the Warriors a couple of seasons ago. I'm not suggesting him as a 1st 13 player but he brings experience, work ethic at training and is better defensively than Kepaoa (who he would be replacing). My other thinking is his spot then goes to one of pathways players in 2 seasons so it's not long-term.

 

[pawsandclaws1]

Galvin could also slot into the centres with ease with his skillset, size and defence. Latu Fainu looks to be an outstanding talent as is his brother. We have some very good young players coming through but it will take time so we need to be patient.

 

[jrtiger]

thankful the club is working overtime on Makasini. an absolute cannot miss youngster. the kid is elite. I'm talking Folau-level talent.

 

[pawsandclaws1]

thankful the club is working overtime on Makasini. an absolute cannot miss talent who will play a crucial role in our ascension up the ladder. the kid is elite. I'm talking Folau-level talent.

I have watched highlights of his play and he is very impressive.

 

[jrtiger]

I have watched highlights of his play and he is very impressive.

he obviously has the speed, size and strength that is going to make rival clubs take notice, but it is his skill with the ball in hand that is most impressive. gorgeous catch pass, really nice flick pass and can sum up an overlap incredibly well.

 

[Mistymuzzle]

The Wests Tigers powerbrokers have moved to secure one of the hottest league prospects in the country in a bid to stave off not only rival clubs but rugby union.
The Tigers are working hard to secure local junior and Western Suburbs Magpies Harold Matthews (under-17s) star Heamasi Makasini before he hits the market and held a meeting with the teenager on Tuesday night.

Already, the phone of the youngster’s manager, Mario Tartak, has been running hot with NRL clubs enquiring about Makasini’s contract status.

 

[batboy]

Seems to be a lot of info coming out of a club with 'No Leaks'?
Another kid into the top 30 next year by the looks....

 

[Vicious]

Seems to be a lot of info coming out of a club with 'No Leaks'?
Another kid into the top 30 next year by the looks....

Big and fast or lighting fast outside backs are much more chance of being NRL ready if needed to be called upon than what young forwards are.

 

[TYGA]

Looking ahead to players off contract this year we need to be active for under the radar players. Our best signings were players on the cusp at other clubs looking for an opportunity.

2024
Trey Mooney, James Schiller, Kayal Iro, Preston Riki.
2025
Israel Leota, Xavier Willson, Tula Tuphua, Leo Thompson, Tyrone Munro.

 

[Mistymuzzle]

Looking ahead to players off contract this year we need to be active for under the radar players. Our best signings were players on the cusp at other clubs looking for an opportunity.

2024
Trey Mooney, James Schiller, Kayal Iro, Preston Riki.
2025
Israel Leota, Xavier Willson, Tula Tuphua, Leo Thompson, Tyrone Munro.

your definition of "under the radar" and recruitment managers definition may vary significantly.

 

[BAGNF05]

We’ll see how it unfolds

KP was inconsistent before JH arrived and provided a steady half back role.

Yeah he didn’t score and setup all the tries like KP did.

But the biggest value in any team in the NRL is having a steady organizing half who can get the team around and kick to the corners in the 5th

With teams quite even and momentum so hard to pull back and lots of tries now from the rules, having a half who can just pass and kick can grind the other team down.

That’s my point.

I’m not in love with JH. I know he’s slow and a downer for team mates.

But he grinds teams down, with boring, predictable plays, which then allows KP to do his thing.

My guess is he’ll be back in the team… because he’s a competitor and Newcastle before he came along didn’t have that in the team.

Happy to be proven wrong but let’s come back to this debate by round 15 and see where the knights are

Organising half is also a myth. All the best “organising halves” people refer to had brilliant team mates to organise.

A half back is primarily responsible for executing the game plan but he needs his teammates to fulfil their role if he hopes to be successful.

 

[marzie]

I have watched highlights of his play and he is very impressive.

Any chance you could link the highlights here? 🙂

 

[pawsandclaws1]

Any chance you could link the highlights here? 🙂

They are on this forum probably in the Pathways thread.

 

[WesternSuburbsBoy]

Seems to be a lot of info coming out of a club with 'No Leaks'?
Another kid into the top 30 next year by the looks....

It’s not really a leak if the Head of Pathways has been quoted in the article haha

 

[Tucker]

Chalk and cheese mate…
Thought Galvin was probably a bit eager - but from what I’ve seen, he’s very tenacious… and looks like he’ll kick scratch and crawl for a win.
He’ll just need to find that balance and calm inside himself…
He pulled through the line plenty I thought, had some nice touches and plenty of things to improve on as you’d expect (and he seemed aware of)

He actually reminded me a bit of a Jono Thurston… not the game / skill obviously, but just that desire to be in everything / everywhere…
giving 110% on every play and trying his guts out to change the result…
he’s got a way to go, but there’s a lot to like - he’ll be hard to hold onto!!

It’s not chalk and cheese at all.
I’m very impressed he held his own at his age and experience level. He wasn’t afraid to take grown men on and stand his ground in defence. Bravo.

However, as a first grade 5/8th he must be judged on results, as a first grade 5/8th. I thought he was busy, but not much happened around him after our first try.

 

[TYGA]

your definition of "under the radar" and recruitment managers definition may vary significantly.

Maybe but not long term established first graders is what I’m referring to.

 

[Mighty_Tiger]

Looking ahead to players off contract this year we need to be active for under the radar players. Our best signings were players on the cusp at other clubs looking for an opportunity.

2024
Trey Mooney, James Schiller, Kayal Iro, Preston Riki.
2025
Israel Leota, Xavier Willson, Tula Tuphua, Leo Thompson, Tyrone Munro.

Wouldn’t say no to Schiller, May or Billy Smith

Can’t see Knights letting Leo go but Butcher (getting zero nrl time atm), Wilson & May in the forwards ticks a few boxes for us.

 

[BZN]

I'm an old Maggie myself too mate but I fell in love with WT's from day dot

I became a WT from the day dot as well, but the Love took time to grow.

 

[Tigrr2]

Tigers are looking like a mess again in 2024 and are still deep in recovery from the hiring of Madge and Sheens era debacles. They are in urgent need of two big hard forwards instead of the likes of Seyfarth and Bateman. Sam Fainu should be the lock with Pole an impact forward and already the team would be better. If Benji and coaches can’t see this it’s concerning and offers little hope for fans going forward. Hopefully Sione Fainu replaces Seyfarth on the bench asap. If possible chase the May brothers at all costs.