Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

We can all talk about the pack needing strengthening but my main issue is how we compete.
It is the little things that wins games.
Strong kick chase, dominate the tackle and slow the ruck, work harder on the inside in defense, make smart decisions in defense especially outside backs, run harder.
All these elements require a will to compete and being fitter and stronger than the opposition.
You get those elements right, it doesn't matter who you bring in.

Creating a winning competitive culture is a must and which has been lacking for decades.
Melbourne have it ingrained (although it will be interesting to see how that transpire when Bellamy leaves).
Panthers have it since Cleary arrived and transformed the coaching department.
Bulldogs are showing signs of having it this season past with their performances and attitude.

It is easier said than easier done but everyone needs to buy into it and you need the right support people across the coaching department to deliver it.
Strength and Conditioning (including a wrestling coach - which I hate but has its merits) needs to be the one area which needs to improve big time.
 
hsvjones said:
IMO I dont this this is dead in the water yet.
In all interviews he has said "AT this stage I am here to stay" Even on the sport radio this morning he said it which make me feel we are still a chance as he clearly wants to start..
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If that the case , surely we offered him a locks spot and a upgrade, or we just didn’t go hard enough
 
PrattenParkMagpie said:
We need to separate a bit of fact from fiction, first time Montoya was mentioned was from a poster here claiming we had signed him, later media reports suggested his manager was the one who reached out to the Wests Tigers to offer him.

Don't think it was ever claimed from reliable sources that the club were chasing him or even wanted him outside a few Facebook and X nuffies who have a near 0 percent strike rate with their rumours.
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I remember Montoya at the Bulldogs - heart in mouth stuff - surprised that they would want him back. If the Warriors are happy to let him go Im more than happy to see him heading back to the Bulldogs.
 
batboy said:
From the mouth of Sheens,
"There'll be no player here in 2025 without Benji's say so"

We're at 2025.
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But the roster spots needed are taken up by players with contracts to bring them into top 30 in 24/25/26 when they were try to ‘entice’ teenagers. Benji wouldn’t have been involved 21/22 when some of these youngsters were negotiating
 
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kade7 said:
- agree with separating fact from
fiction, Montoya was offered to the club, we showed interest for ten minutes
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Yep. The last thing we need is another back.

We need forwards.

Backs, Halves & Utilities covered.

We need 2 middles - Sione & ...

1 new back rower pending Bateman
 
If Turuva is actually playing centre- chase JAC. Bird will play #13.

If Turuva is playing wing, play Bird at centre & chase Hohepa Puru (Canberra) who has an MO contract & could be in our pack at #13 next season.

The play from our wingers will impact the effectiveness of our forwards. We need to get the wingers right. The forwards don't have to be names. They have to be willing to work for each other.

We have an abundance of middles at the club. It's more important to play the right ones than pick up multiple more.

Also- add 2 NRL fringe guys to the KOE. Depth is key. No more rushing players that are not ready. The juniors need to earn their call up, not be relied upon. Liam Knight, Joe Stimson.
 
hsvjones said:
IMO I dont this this is dead in the water yet.
In all interviews he has said "AT this stage I am here to stay" Even on the sport radio this morning he said it which make me feel we are still a chance as he clearly wants to start..
Click to expand...
Yes, well spotted.

“At this stage, I am here to stay”

Certainly allows for and contemplates other stages where he’s actually leaving because he’s qualified it.

And no definition of “ stay” in terms of actual length of time. Presumably at least a season.

I guess if Madge wants to retain him, we are on almost on the right track.

That said, I can’t be totally convinced that Madge is ready for the NRL again. I’m hoping so and wish him well, but it’s a 50/50 gamble from the Broncos.
 
The Chad said:
If Turuva is actually playing centre- chase JAC. Bird will play #13.

If Turuva is playing wing, play Bird at centre & chase Hohepa Puru (Canberra) who has an MO contract & could be in our pack at #13 next season.

The play from our wingers will impact the effectiveness of our forwards. We need to get the wingers right. The forwards don't have to be names. They have to be willing to work for each other.

We have an abundance of middles at the club. It's more important to play the right ones than pick up multiple more.

Also- add 2 NRL fringe guys to the KOE. Depth is key. No more rushing players that are not ready. The juniors need to earn their call up, not be relied upon. Liam Knight, Joe Stimson.
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So who are these abundance of middles , so please don’t , put up the players that folded last year . We need some mongrel not the crap we dishes up this year
 
BlackWhiteGold said:
Whilst we're thinking of our roster for the immediate season ahead, here is a list of our players who are in the final year of their contract next season - 10 players in total:

Brandon Tumeth (assuming he activates his player option)
Adam Doueihi
Justin Matamua
Josh Feledy
Fonua Pole
Brent Naden
Alex Seyfarth
Charlie Staines
Tony Sukkar (club has an option for 2026)
David Klemmer (mutual option for 2026, assuming club doesn't take that up)

Note 1 - assuming 1 or more of these are moved on very soon for next season.
Note 2 - We know that Makasini is top 30 in 2026 & assuming Mason is too but not confirmed.
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Pole (hopefully) and Seyfarth to resign, Makasini and Mason to top 30. Leaves 6 open spots but probably not a great deal of coin considering some of the hopeful upgrades (Pole, Galvin) but still room for a couple of solid first graders in key positions.

Agree that 2026 is moving year. Next year will be critical to this though. Must show improvement to the talent inside and outside the club. Would be happy with 9-12 wins considering the problems with the forward pack.
 
gregjm87 said:
But it wasn't just signing Crichton. They also signed a new fullback, a new halfback, 2 new centres, a new prop, a new lock and a few depth guys. Plus Kikau was like a new signing having only managed 9 games the previous season. In fact over the last 3 years their entire best 17 has changed. During which time they have also retained their better players whilst ours have seemingly had one foot out the door all season.

I very much doubt Luai is going to completely overhaul the team and don't think he has enough help, at least as yet to do so.
I'm not saying our team can't be transitioned over the next few years. It's very much possible that it can be. This could be the start to that. It could also be another false dawn like a couple years ago.
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Let's hope we don't burn out Luai like we have done to poor Api before the help arrives like the cavalry to save him.
 
The writing was on the wall for Gutho at the press conference after their second last game against Saints. He alluded to the fact there would be a lot of changes at the club over summer. Then a week later it was reporter Ryles was happy for him to go. I doubt we’d be showing any interest.
 
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