upthetigers
Well-known member
I spoke to my nephew he said since he has a scholarship he'll be still playing union
Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion
- Thread starter MacDougall
- Start date
supercoach
Well-known member
Thanks, I thought maybe the club had paid for his last year to get him out of his rugby obligations.
Things have changed, I was a country kid sent to aGPS boarding school decades ago. We were not even allowed to wear league jumpers at training and any talk of league was a no no. Now these schools recruit league kids to give their rugby sides a chance to compete
Bus 2 Terrigal welcome back. I hope everything has been good with you.
I love that jumper you are wearing.
upthetigers
Well-known member
Screw cheese we need Latu in the team keep the Fainu's happy
Tom Shines
Well-known member
firstly .., you don’t need to do anything with Smith now whilst he is rehabbing from serious injury … let’s see how he comes back from that…
Secondly …, if he is the player he was previously , than he will be getting a lot more than $400k
Buttface
Well-known member
He could have his leg amputated and still want more than 400 from us.
I’d take him at a reasonable price, but I’d rather he finish his rehab and get back on the field at the rorters, but we may not get the luxury as I get the feeling they want him gone and he wants to sign his next contract early.
He should have signed with us instead of ruining his career at the hen peckers, and he’d be at a premier Club on the up.
And just to clarify, I only want him as a lock and hooker cover, and only if he wants to be a lock and get back to his best.
Tom Shines
Well-known member
Yeah … that last line is key … we don’t need him at 9 …which I suspect is his preference ….
provided he recovers ..he would walk into our club as the 13 … he is probably worth Bateman money at least ..$650- 680 for three years ..if he wants a deal now , then I’d be saying no thanks …don’t need him taking up a valuable spot here this season not to play …
Listening to his latest pod with Graham …I can’t see it happening though …he said he gave his Manager a list of his preferred options for his next club …and I get a feeling that out club is not on it …didnt seem to come across as a fan of the WT …
Buttface
Well-known member
This has to be the slowest this thread has moved in a while. 😎
Tom Shines
Well-known member
there is no roster space left … so the speculation is even more irrelevant now than usual until they get rid of someone
GNR4LIFE
Well-known member
We’re done for 25. Even if Bateman gets cut loose, it will only be to upgrade Sione to top 30. Plus, they’ll look to upgrade and extend Galvin. I’m not sure where I read it, if it was from Richo, or just an article from a journo, but apparently we won’t be heavily active in 26. I know people are making a big deal of guys like Nadan and Staines being off contract, but they will only be replaced by other players on low tier contracts.
Tom Shines
Well-known member
I would say the contrary … the roster is not “done” at all… there will be several moves ahead in 2025 … every month that passes makes it easier to move players on as their outstanding amount left to pay reduces… making the players more attractive to other clubs or even just cutting them outright ,,,I can see all three players you mentioned getting moved on during the offseason / early in 2025 season… Bud will be much harder to move on as he has a three year commitment still left
BlackWhiteGold
Well-known member
Some lower grade retentions ... I posted in the pathways thread but I've heard that Herman Tofaeono is on a NSW Cup contract with us for '25.
So in the past week we can confirm Cayne Nicholas, Bailey Hodges & Herman Tofaeono are still with us, despite being too old for Flegg now.
derekderekson
Well-known member
Jayden Sullivan has undergone a medical assessment at South Sydney with the Tigers half potentially on the move before the end of the year.
It is understood that Sullivan underwent a medical with South Sydney on Friday with the Rabbitohs keen on adding him into their roster from next season.
But on Saturday, Sullivan was back at the Tigers with the 23-year-old joining the rest of the squad for a fitness session at Concord Oval and showed no signs of a player heading for the exit.
The move will now depend on the Tigers and Rabbitohs reaching an agreement surrounding how much the Tigers are willing to chip in for Sullivan to play elsewhere.
Sullivan is an eye-watering contract worth $700,000 for the next three seasons. That $2.1 million is burning a hole in the Tigers salary cap.
This masthead has reported that the Tigers would be willing to give Sullivan a $900,000 handshake to walk away from the club.
He had been earmarked as a potential starting halfback when he was signed at the Tigers from St George Illawarra for the 2024 season.
Sullivan played just nine games this year and has fallen behind Lachie Galvin, Latu Fainu and new superstar recruit Jarome Luai in competition for the Tigers starting halves spot.
The Rabbitohs are willing to take Sullivan on but for a significantly reduced rate. It remains to be seen how much the Tigers are willing to chip in.
He has rejected multiple interest from Super League clubs and by all reports has impressed at Tigers training since returning this year.
South Sydney have been on the lookout to add some depth to their halves after granting Lachie Ilias a release to join St George Illawarra.
Sullivan might not be the only contracted Tiger on the move before the year ends.
John Bateman, who too was close to joining South Sydney, is on the brink of joining the Cowboys after an unhappy season at the Tigers.
It is understood that Sullivan underwent a medical with South Sydney on Friday with the Rabbitohs keen on adding him into their roster from next season.
But on Saturday, Sullivan was back at the Tigers with the 23-year-old joining the rest of the squad for a fitness session at Concord Oval and showed no signs of a player heading for the exit.
The move will now depend on the Tigers and Rabbitohs reaching an agreement surrounding how much the Tigers are willing to chip in for Sullivan to play elsewhere.
Sullivan is an eye-watering contract worth $700,000 for the next three seasons. That $2.1 million is burning a hole in the Tigers salary cap.
This masthead has reported that the Tigers would be willing to give Sullivan a $900,000 handshake to walk away from the club.
He had been earmarked as a potential starting halfback when he was signed at the Tigers from St George Illawarra for the 2024 season.
Sullivan played just nine games this year and has fallen behind Lachie Galvin, Latu Fainu and new superstar recruit Jarome Luai in competition for the Tigers starting halves spot.
The Rabbitohs are willing to take Sullivan on but for a significantly reduced rate. It remains to be seen how much the Tigers are willing to chip in.
He has rejected multiple interest from Super League clubs and by all reports has impressed at Tigers training since returning this year.
South Sydney have been on the lookout to add some depth to their halves after granting Lachie Ilias a release to join St George Illawarra.
Sullivan might not be the only contracted Tiger on the move before the year ends.
John Bateman, who too was close to joining South Sydney, is on the brink of joining the Cowboys after an unhappy season at the Tigers.
GNR4LIFE
Well-known member
He has a better path to FG at Souths.
Roar_Power
Well-known member
Very interesting to see what the Tigers do should Bud and Bateman move on. Obviously Sione gets added and hopefully a quality 2nd rower. Would complete a great off season of signings.
BlackWhiteGold
Well-known member
SMH (at end of HBG story): Luai last man standing at fan day
Jarome Luai met Wests Tigers fans for the first time on Saturday, and stood in the blazing sun for 90 minutes posing for every photo and signing every autograph.
Luai was even gifted a gold necklace with a tiger, and wore it around his neck as he was the last one standing at Concord Oval, at least 30 minutes after his teammates had finished their commitments.
There is a lot of excitement in Tiger Town because of the arrival of four-time Penrith premiership winner Luai, as well as Terrell May, Sunia Turuva, Royce Hunt and Jack Bird, not to mention the untapped potential of young guns Jahream Bula, Lachie Galvin, Fonua Pole and Samuela Fainu.
Luai was not due to report for Tigers training until the new year because of his international commitments with Samoa, but began work at his new club this week. The fans showed their appreciation, with the loudest roar coming when he stepped past a couple of defenders and almost scored a try during a training drill, only to be held up by Tallyn Da Silva.
Front-rower May, who thought Trent Robinson was “prank calling him” when the Sydney Roosters coach told him he was free to leave the club despite having two more years to run on his deal, refused to discuss Robinson or his former club.
“I don’t want to comment about where I was previously, sorry,” he said.
“I just feel like I’m a Tiger now, and I’m in the present. I don’t want to talk about the past any more, and whatever was said, was said. Let’s move on from that.”
As for joining his Samoan Test teammate Luai in Tigers colours, May said: “I grew up with ‘Romy’; I’ve known him since I was like six years old. A lot of people have speculated that I came here because of him. He was a little bit in my ear, but I came because I wanted to come.
“He’s blossomed heaps. I remember him always being immature and just that guy that mocks everyone. But he’s really taken on his role of leadership. It’s surprising to see because I’ve known him as that mocking, young, immature dude. It’s good to see him like this now, and hopefully he can prove to all the young boys.”
Jarome Luai met Wests Tigers fans for the first time on Saturday, and stood in the blazing sun for 90 minutes posing for every photo and signing every autograph.
Luai was even gifted a gold necklace with a tiger, and wore it around his neck as he was the last one standing at Concord Oval, at least 30 minutes after his teammates had finished their commitments.
There is a lot of excitement in Tiger Town because of the arrival of four-time Penrith premiership winner Luai, as well as Terrell May, Sunia Turuva, Royce Hunt and Jack Bird, not to mention the untapped potential of young guns Jahream Bula, Lachie Galvin, Fonua Pole and Samuela Fainu.
Luai was not due to report for Tigers training until the new year because of his international commitments with Samoa, but began work at his new club this week. The fans showed their appreciation, with the loudest roar coming when he stepped past a couple of defenders and almost scored a try during a training drill, only to be held up by Tallyn Da Silva.
Front-rower May, who thought Trent Robinson was “prank calling him” when the Sydney Roosters coach told him he was free to leave the club despite having two more years to run on his deal, refused to discuss Robinson or his former club.
“I don’t want to comment about where I was previously, sorry,” he said.
“I just feel like I’m a Tiger now, and I’m in the present. I don’t want to talk about the past any more, and whatever was said, was said. Let’s move on from that.”
As for joining his Samoan Test teammate Luai in Tigers colours, May said: “I grew up with ‘Romy’; I’ve known him since I was like six years old. A lot of people have speculated that I came here because of him. He was a little bit in my ear, but I came because I wanted to come.
“He’s blossomed heaps. I remember him always being immature and just that guy that mocks everyone. But he’s really taken on his role of leadership. It’s surprising to see because I’ve known him as that mocking, young, immature dude. It’s good to see him like this now, and hopefully he can prove to all the young boys.”
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GNR4LIFE
Well-known member
Good to see May looking forward. Was starting to tire hearing about his Rooster exit
BlackWhiteGold
Well-known member
DT (under the Sullivan article): THE TIGERS PITCH THAT SECURED TURUVA
— Michael Carayannis
Christmas will be a little easier for cousins Sunia Turuva and Api Koroisau this year.
The pair have joined together at the Tigers after Koroisau had his say in helping fellow Fijian international Turuva make the switch from Penrith.
“He was so influential,” Turuva said of the Tigers skipper. “Once he found out I was in talks we would message every day. That continued even when I signed. He let me know the club is heading in the right direction.
“It is going to be cool (playing alongside him). Our families are so excited. Whenever our families get together they all talk about how keen they are to watch us run around together.”
Koroisau isn’t the only familiar face at the Tigers for Turuva. The Panthers premiership winner returned to training early this week so too did fellow ex-Panther Jarome Luai.
“It has made the transition a bit easier,” Turuva said. “Everyone knew what to expect (regarding) Jarome. He is a competitor and he just wants to win. You could see in the opposed (session at training that) he was ripping into the boys”
A strong crowd was on hand to welcome the likes of Turuva, Luai and fellow new recruits Terrell May, Jack Bird, Royce Hunt and Jeral Skelton at a fan day at Concord Oval on Saturday morning.
The optimism is high among the Tigers faithful after a recent lean trot. Turuva shares that hope.
“I’ve touched on it with Romey (Luai),” Turuva said. “The 2024 season they finished with the spoon but they were in every game. There were no blow-ups. We will add to that and get a couple more wins on the board.
“Whatever happens in their past (is done). We just want to be winners. Everyone should be aiming to win a ring.”
The 22-year-old won back to back premierships on the wing but could be on the move at the Tigers. He is open to playing either centre or wing.
“I’ve had a few conversations with Benji,” Turuva said. I really don’t mind. Anywhere in the 17 will do. I just want to be playing footy each week.
Meanwhile, the boardroom dramas engulfing the Holman Barnes Group remains ongoing. Thee board members of the majority owners of the Tigers are involved in a spat which has led to them being temporary suspended. Hearings have occurred in recent days with a solution expected in the coming days.
“It is nearing the completion of a process involving a formal investigation by an external third party and disciplinary hearings regarding alleged misconduct of three individuals who held directorships on the board,” a Holman Barnes statement read. “Under the Constitution, the directors involved have an opportunity to respond to the allegations against them before any final decision is made.”
— Michael Carayannis
Christmas will be a little easier for cousins Sunia Turuva and Api Koroisau this year.
The pair have joined together at the Tigers after Koroisau had his say in helping fellow Fijian international Turuva make the switch from Penrith.
“He was so influential,” Turuva said of the Tigers skipper. “Once he found out I was in talks we would message every day. That continued even when I signed. He let me know the club is heading in the right direction.
“It is going to be cool (playing alongside him). Our families are so excited. Whenever our families get together they all talk about how keen they are to watch us run around together.”
Koroisau isn’t the only familiar face at the Tigers for Turuva. The Panthers premiership winner returned to training early this week so too did fellow ex-Panther Jarome Luai.
“It has made the transition a bit easier,” Turuva said. “Everyone knew what to expect (regarding) Jarome. He is a competitor and he just wants to win. You could see in the opposed (session at training that) he was ripping into the boys”
A strong crowd was on hand to welcome the likes of Turuva, Luai and fellow new recruits Terrell May, Jack Bird, Royce Hunt and Jeral Skelton at a fan day at Concord Oval on Saturday morning.
The optimism is high among the Tigers faithful after a recent lean trot. Turuva shares that hope.
“I’ve touched on it with Romey (Luai),” Turuva said. “The 2024 season they finished with the spoon but they were in every game. There were no blow-ups. We will add to that and get a couple more wins on the board.
“Whatever happens in their past (is done). We just want to be winners. Everyone should be aiming to win a ring.”
The 22-year-old won back to back premierships on the wing but could be on the move at the Tigers. He is open to playing either centre or wing.
“I’ve had a few conversations with Benji,” Turuva said. I really don’t mind. Anywhere in the 17 will do. I just want to be playing footy each week.
Meanwhile, the boardroom dramas engulfing the Holman Barnes Group remains ongoing. Thee board members of the majority owners of the Tigers are involved in a spat which has led to them being temporary suspended. Hearings have occurred in recent days with a solution expected in the coming days.
“It is nearing the completion of a process involving a formal investigation by an external third party and disciplinary hearings regarding alleged misconduct of three individuals who held directorships on the board,” a Holman Barnes statement read. “Under the Constitution, the directors involved have an opportunity to respond to the allegations against them before any final decision is made.”
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