Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[balmain boy]

agreed. centre is a massive worry and there is next to nothing on the market. Makasini isn't far away obviously but if Olam picks up an injury and Turuva fails (fairly likely) we're in a lot of strife.

Makasini will play wing for the next few years at least.

Like Cobbo, starting out wide is easiest and maybe in time as defence is proven they can move inside.

 

[jrtiger]

Doueihi’s defence is staggeringly bad at centre. I would avoid him at all costs.

that's my point. he's ideal for right centre but his defence is atrocious, and for that reason I too would avoid him at all costs.

if he were to lift though and show a jersey we would be in much better shape.

 

[jrtiger]

If that’s the case re Bird, why the hell sign him?

he wasn't signed as a centre.

 

[happy_tiger]

100% out front row in round one will be
8. May
9. Api
10. Pole

But Pole is currently only fit though to play 45-50 mins max, his fitness isn't up to it yet, especially when he gets tired.

So after 20 odd mins Pole comes off for Klem to keep things rolling in a steady no frills way. Then after 30 odd mins Hunt comes on for May for some punch to Swing momentum.

Api will still have a week of suspension ....

 

[WestsTigers4VR]

Api will still have a week of suspension ....

Could potentially count towards pre season challenge?

 

[AmericanHistoryX]

Could have an extra week to look from the outside in. Like a cold chisel.

 

[user118245]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1861936810667995249

 

[Buttface]

Isnt the website actually managed by the NRL not the club itself?

Yes

 

[Jolls]

If a fullback is in the line a good winger will be retreating to cover that scenario.

I’m more of a kick on tackle three fan when the wingers are still up and you will find space and have time to kick very long. Underused play.

The underused play in modern football is kicking to the seagulls! So many kicks find a player on the full.

 

[Buttface]

Usir are on the pulse
@user118245

 

[Jolls]

Doueihi’s defence is staggeringly bad at centre. I would avoid him at all costs.

I think you got that wrong. Let me fix it for you..

"Doueihi’s defence is staggeringly bad. I would avoid him at all costs."

 

[Lestronge]

The right side was horrible defensively this year and next year there are question marks on:
- who plays right centre (To'a/Doueihi/Faatape incumbents)
- who plays right second row (Bateman/Porter incumbents)

IMO solving that is our biggest problem right now.

It’s Turuva and Skelton , with Olam and Lualii on the other side . Soo many fan teams and none of them have Lualiii in them . Turuva will get first crack.

 

[Lestronge]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1861936810667995249

It’s crazy how Lee presented it that he was doing right by his club , when in actuality he was rorting the club big time . And I reckon he knew it all along .

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

If Turuva struggles in the centres which the likelihood is high IMO we already have too many wingers: Staines, Skelton, Laulilli, Turuva.

Centre is a bigger problem. We're relying on Turuva making it as a centre and Olam getting through a full season. If Faatape gets a run we're in deep trouble.

I'm not discounting Luke Laulilii as a centre option down the track. A fullback coming through junior reps seen more as a winger for NRL due to his powerful carries but this kid can set up his outside man & really improved his passing game last year. Not sure on defensive decision making but that can be worked on. Options!!!

 

[Roar_Power]

that's my point. he's ideal for right centre but his defence is atrocious, and for that reason I too would avoid him at all costs.

if he were to lift though and show a jersey we would be in much better shape.

I remember how badly Ramien beat him on a number of occasions late in the season against the Sharks and have stored internal trauma ever since....

 

[Roar_Power]

I'm not discounting Luke Laulilii as a centre option down the track. A fullback coming through junior reps seen more as a winger for NRL due to his powerful carries but this kid can set up his outside man & really improved his passing game last year. Not sure on defensive decision making but that can be worked on. Options!!!

If he can take a wing spot and show a fingernail of what To'o has, thats where I would keep him. Makasini has centre written all over him.

 

[Tucker]

100% out front row in round one will be
8. May
9. Api
10. Pole

But Pole is currently only fit though to play 45-50 mins max, his fitness isn't up to it yet, especially when he gets tired.

So after 20 odd mins Pole comes off for Klem to keep things rolling in a steady no frills way. Then after 30 odd mins Hunt comes on for May for some punch to Swing momentum.

You need your better defenders on at the start of the game. Pole is ordinary.

 

[The Chad]

he's past it in terms of playing centre week to week in first grade imo. I think a bench utility role is where he's best suited.

Doueihi's the guy we need to lift.

Except....Bird played extensively at centre (with a hand full of games at 5/8) and not at all in the forwards in 2024

 

[Tucker]

Except....Bird played extensively at centre (with a hand full of games at 5/8) and not at all in the forwards in 2024

Yep, and Doueihi wont be able to lift. Its a stupid cause trying to fit him in.
Olam and Bird will be the centres for round one surely.

 

[bptiger 0]

Makasini will play wing for the next few years at least.

Like Cobbo, starting out wide is easiest and maybe in time as defence is proven they can move inside.

If the kid is any good he can play centre, Tim brasher played fullback at 17 and while at school , the coaches will know if he can or can’t play against men