Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

He was literally never suspended or in the bin whilst here. I agree on the whole he was largely ineffective in attack although at times he also looked like the only bloke who might create something. I agree on the whole we are ahead on paper (wouldn't say massively) and am concerned our forward pack is only just as good (or bad) (on paper) as last year or worse.
Yeah I wondered about that when I read it.... Knew someone would fact check.
Glad he's gone... No players bigger etc etc... We can fill the void left
 
Latu is an interesting one.

Could he develop more with constant games at 6/7 in KOE or could he develop more with more game time against top level competition?

I think there is an argument for both.

From what we have seen, I think he looks comfortable in 1st grade.

I floated the idea a while back with the examples of Fittler, Daley & more recently Burton, as 5/8's who started their careers in the centres- because they were too good for reserve grades.

I think Latu is close to being too good for reserve grade now.

My biggest concern though- if he plays KOE for 2025, at what point do we have ourselves another Bud Sullivan situation? Too much money to be in reserve, too much talent to not WANT to be playing in 1st grade. And the club has invested in his brothers too- the risk of getting one offside triples if the other brothers get agitated.

I think he has to play. If Galvin isn't being shifted to 2nd row (our other weakest oposition), then I think Latu in the centres (the weakest position in the club right now, some might argue) is the best way to get your best 17 players on the field.
Ok, that’s an option.
I see our 26 side as 7. Latu 6. Luai and either 11. or 3. Galvin.
Now if any of this occurs, I would wish Fainu to play 24 or more games in 2025 as a 7 rather than being a fillin centre or replacement for Api.
 
I met Lodge at the airport a few years back. He was a really nice (large) human. If you have ever taken Stillnox (Ala Aussie swim team), with some grog in you as well and push through sleeping, you go batty. What he did is so terrible but he’s paid his dues for me. He’s an intelligent guy that made a (huge) mistake. Most are prepared to take May if he’s cleared and I know lodge is no May - But I actually think Lodge would be good for culture - he’s a different guy now. A senior head that has made life mistakes and paid for them.
Mate I’m with you on it. I’ve listened to him talk about the incident on a podcast he had no recollection of doing it. Such a messed up situation imagine how scary that would have been for the people in the house and imagine how confused he would have been when he came to it. I think he would definitely add value to our pack
 
So anyway …assume Richo has closed the joint down for the holidays …

Back on the 6th of Jan …?

Is Richo still on duty ..working over the roster ?
 
Latu is an interesting one.

Could he develop more with constant games at 6/7 in KOE or could he develop more with more game time against top level competition?

I think there is an argument for both.

From what we have seen, I think he looks comfortable in 1st grade.

I floated the idea a while back with the examples of Fittler, Daley & more recently Burton, as 5/8's who started their careers in the centres- because they were too good for reserve grades.

I think Latu is close to being too good for reserve grade now.

My biggest concern though- if he plays KOE for 2025, at what point do we have ourselves another Bud Sullivan situation? Too much money to be in reserve, too much talent to not WANT to be playing in 1st grade. And the club has invested in his brothers too- the risk of getting one offside triples if the other brothers get agitated.

I think he has to play. If Galvin isn't being shifted to 2nd row (our other weakest oposition), then I think Latu in the centres (the weakest position in the club right now, some might argue) is the best way to get your best 17 players on the field.
I think he can handle the physicality of the NRL. You find a way to have him in the team imo. And like you said, don't want to get offside with the Fainu's. Brothers or not, I would have the same opinion.
 
So anyway …assume Richo has closed the joint down for the holidays …

Back on the 6th of Jan …?

Is Richo still on duty ..working over the roster ?

Yeah closed from today until the 6th. Assuming
Richo is having a well deserved break like every1
else man then it's back to biz. Trials are just over
a month after the break. It's gone fast — sure glad that
the new guys came back to training early 2 build
synergy. The next block of pre-season and trials will
decide who plays right centre & 2nd row. I believe
To'a, Naden, Seyfarth, Sukkar, Sione, Johannssen
will get a look in there, not grim but pretty close to
it, Bird of course can play there & is better in D than
the above players I mentioned but that throws out
the backrow & bench option if you push Seyfarth
or Fonua Pole to lock. Why'd you leave us Papali'i...
 
Love your insights @Iron Fist . I have similar reservations about Broederlow with some of his lazy efforts in the latter half of the NSW Cup season. But I'll give him the benefit of the doubt as I did see some big effort plays from him in Flegg early in the season. Let's see what a full pre-season building his fitness & effort does.

Now you say that about Jake Watmough, you may be right and this may be him next to Aaron Payne in this pic on Insta from a couple of days ago. Cayne Nicholas is also in it representing the Magpies.


1000071953.jpg

Looks like Charlie Murray to me on the left of Payne, unless you mean the bloke next to Noddy.
 
Mate I’m with you on it. I’ve listened to him talk about the incident on a podcast he had no recollection of doing it. Such a messed up situation imagine how scary that would have been for the people in the house and imagine how confused he would have been when he came to it. I think he would definitely add value to our pack
No recollection my butt. Pardon the pun.
I’m sick of people getting high, doing stupid stuff and, “oh I can’t remember”.
I call BS. I bet he remembers everything.
 
I know it’s early with TDS but I get Michael Lichaa vibes.

I think Latu Fainu needs to be in our 17. Would love to see him come in at hooker. Good experience for him and with his skills could be a real threat.

Alternatively, I’d like to see him in the centres with some space.

Regardless, he needs to be in the 17. Great skill and could play most positions if need be.
Hey Tito
I can’t say I’ve seen the great skill that you and plenty of others seem to have from Latu.
Gives me vibes on another Adam Doueihi, I hope I am wrong
 

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