Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[boonboon]

The exciting thing about missing out on Reynolds is that we still have 750k to spend at least for next year. If it's not Reynolds we will find somewhere else to spend the money.

 

[Vicious]

The Bulldogs have signed highly-rated 19-year-old Aaymon Fitzgibbon — son of Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon — on a 3-year deal. The big-bodied five-eighth turned down a Dragons offer to join the Dogs, with his camp believing Canterbury was the better fit. The Bulldogs are building a powerhouse youth system, adding another elite talent, former Aussie Schoolboys rep Finau Latu, just three weeks ago. They’ve now secured Aaymon Fitzgibbon, Jack Ennis, David Bryenton & Latu — all poached from rival systems (DT)

why aren’t we doing this ? it’s the same recruitment plan as the raiders , find the best young and get them in the system asap . is it kids just don’t want to come here ?

So he’s stuck behind Burton and Galvin ?
Great move.

 

[Rock Hopper Steve]

The exciting thing about missing out on Reynolds is that we still have 750k to spend at least for next year. If it's not Reynolds we will find somewhere else to spend the money.

Yep and that money needs to go towards another quality prop, with just Pole missing you could see the difference in the pack and prey Terrell doesn't get injured you can only imagine the weakness that would cause.

Throw in the unknown over Hunt going forward whether or not he can get motivated to return to 1st grade level again, at the moment he looks done.

I'd be going for Kamikamica from the storm, big prop still in great condition say a 2-year deal.

 

[Vicious]

Yep and that money needs to go towards another quality prop, with just Pole missing you could see the difference in the pack and prey Terrell doesn't get injured you can only imagine the weakness that would cause.

Throw in the unknown over Hunt going forward whether or not he can get motivated to return to 1st grade level again, at the moment he looks done.

I'd be going for Kamikamica from the storm, big prop still in great condition say a 2-year deal.

I’m not so sure about this one RHS.
Yes he is a big man who keeps himself in extremely good condition, so he shouldn’t slow down too much now in his early 30’s.
He never plays badly and always does his job, but my concern is he’s never a standout .
When you consider we have players such as Kit Laulilli, Peter Taateo and Jaxson Rahme in our own ranks, does someone like Kamikamica offer much more than any of them and he would likely cost at least double of those 3 who would likely be happy to accept minimum wage contracts at this stage.
We do probably need one more solid middle, finding the right player at the right cost is the problem.

 

[tigahhh]

I’m not so sure about this one RHS.
Yes He is a big man who keeps himself in extremely good condition, so he shouldn’t slow down too much now in his early 30’s.
He never plays badly and always does his job, but my concern is he’s never a standout .
When you consider we have players such as Kit Laulilli, Peter Taateo and Jaxson Rahme in our own ranks, does someone like Kamikamica offer much more than any of tg and he would likely cost at least double of those 3 who would likely be happy to accept minimum wage contracts at this stage.
We do probably need one more solid middle, finding the right player at the right cost is the problem.

yeah if storm are shopping a player around it’s usually a trap

 

[Betterdays22]

The weekly Weidler crack at the WT is in. No agenda, yeah right!

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/wi...eam-this-is-what-he-said-20250613-p5m7bd.html

Luai’s Tigers deal back in the spotlight​

On the eve of Jarome Luai’s biggest game of the year, a fresh squabble has broken out behind the scenes about the nature of his five-year contract with the Wests Tigers.

Luai’s deal has been in the news throughout the Galvin saga because it contains exit clauses that allow him to leave the club at the end of next season. The origin of those clauses has been raised in recent days in the News Corp press.

It has been suggested that during early negotiations with Luai, the previous Tigers management was open to his contract containing clauses that would allow him to leave after every year of the deal.

Tigers chief executive Shane Richardsoninferred that he had managed to get the Luai deal over the line in the face of poor negotiations led by former CEO Justin Pascoe. However, some digging reveals Pascoe actually refused to consider any clauses in the Luai deal when he was negotiating it.

There was a request for clauses at a meeting between Pascoe, Luai, his management and Benji Marshall at the coach’s home. But it was never an option Pascoe was willing to entertain.

Pascoe was eventually removed from his Tigers position and Richardson got past the Bulldogs to secure Luai for an amount significantly higher than the one the old administration had been prepared to offer.

Luai, who only arrived at Concord at the end of last year, has not indicated any desire to exit his contract early, but he has the option.

What is curious is the club’s interest in veteran Broncos halfback Adam Reynolds, which we first revealed some weeks ago. Part of the appeal in joining the Tigers for Luai was the opportunity to play No.7 and be the main man. It’s something he’s more than capable of doing.

It’s all a long way from Marshall’s initial plans for the Tigers playmakers, which revolved around a halves combination of Galvin and Bud Sullivan, with Latu Fainu the wildcard.

A lot has happened since then, obviously. Not least the latest manoeuvring to present a favourable version of events to the public.

Weidler getting the year 10 work experience kid to shadow write his stories now? Or is he just behind on his KPI of producing bullshit articles about the Tigers?

 

[stephen]

My recollections of some of these things are a little different…

What is the exact quote where Richo “inferred” that Richo got the deal wih Luai over the line in the face of poor prior negotiating from Pascoe ?

I also think if anything Luai has shown a favouritism for Latu as his half partner over the others mentioned …

I do agree though that the pursuit and the size of the offer to Reynolds is confusing …and they we’re lucky it was turned down

A " journalist" using inferred that way. Quality.

 

[tigahhh]

The goal is development as a good long-term rugby league footballer. Canterbury is seen as a great destination for this. So they have Sexton, Burton, Galvin, Hayward, Woods. So what? Woods and Fitzgibbon are aware of their pathway. You think the Fitzgibbon family aren't aware of the depth at Canterbury as opposed to St George?

Roosters have shown they are a destination too. They have Walker, Smith, Savala, Elliott, Rodwell at the moment. All are considered potential first graders. They're receiving great development at a club renowned for its 'great development!'

it says a lot about the clubs when players are willing to sign there with obvious blocked paths to first grade to develop their game. if our kids don’t see the immediate path to a starting spot regardless if they’ve worked for it or not, they are on their way out

 

[The Chad]

The Bulldogs have signed highly-rated 19-year-old Aaymon Fitzgibbon — son of Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon — on a 3-year deal. The big-bodied five-eighth turned down a Dragons offer to join the Dogs, with his camp believing Canterbury was the better fit. The Bulldogs are building a powerhouse youth system, adding another elite talent, former Aussie Schoolboys rep Finau Latu, just three weeks ago. They’ve now secured Aaymon Fitzgibbon, Jack Ennis, David Bryenton & Latu — all poached from rival systems (DT)

why aren’t we doing this ? it’s the same recruitment plan as the raiders , find the best young and get them in the system asap . is it kids just don’t want to come here ?

You mean like Latu Fainu & Sam Fainu?

 

[Rock Hopper Steve]

Does motivated include subsidising his contract for the remainder of his contract?

And the other issue which comes to mind, what forward can the Dolphins pick up for mid-year? Is it someone WTs should be looking at?

Don't want Junior Tupou back paws, we offered him a contract and he rejected it for more money at the phins, now we let him back yelping with his tail between his legs no.
If we want more depth look at someone new, he was always suspect under the highball anyway.

 

[tigahhh]

The Bulldogs have landed rising QLD schoolboy talent David Bryenton, beating out interest from the Tigers, Raiders & others. The Keebra Park fullback starred in the Meninga Cup for Souths Logan and has drawn comparisons to Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

🙄

 

[Vicious]

The goal is development as a good long-term rugby league footballer. Canterbury is seen as a great destination for this. So they have Sexton, Burton, Galvin, Hayward, Woods. So what? Woods and Fitzgibbon are aware of their pathway. You think the Fitzgibbon family aren't aware of the depth at Canterbury as opposed to St George?

Roosters have shown they are a destination too. They have Walker, Smith, Savala, Elliott, Rodwell at the moment. All are considered potential first graders. They're receiving great development at a club renowned for its 'great development!'

Being one of the standouts in the SG Ball u/19’s competition generally means a player is fairly close to NRL, generally within 1-3 seasons.
So by signing with a club where there is next to no chance of playing NRL anytime soon is potentially hindering that players development.
Wait and see what happens if a young star player continues to star at NSW Cup level, but cannot get a game of NRL due to other players blocking their path.
Their stance on being happy playing NSW Cup for too long while they develop quickly changes.
Yes there are examples where some highly regarded young players happy to sit back and wait, Jonah Pezet at the Storm a prime example, but in his case he’s had a few long term injuries, he has not been playing regularly at Qld Cup level because of it.
If Mitch Woods continues to dominate at NSW Cup level, he will not be satisfied to sit back any wait for a regular NRL spot for too long either.
It’s a fine line between stockpiling talent and having a clear pathway to NRL as if can easily implode if you have a few star players NRL ready, but no position for them.
Also considering stockpiling young talent sends a message that your own junior talent is not a priority.
Anyway that’s enough about the Bulldogs, I will be happy to sit back and watch them implode.
We have our own example with Talyn and possibly the emerging Makasini.
I like how we have handled the Talyn situation by giving him another good taste of NRL early in the season and now making him go back to NSW Cuo level to again prove himself. He’s proven himself alright? He’s been a vital part of a team that were getting lapped every week and has strongly contributed to them Turing it around and becoming a strong team.
This is the making of a legend, we cannot let him go.

 

[pawsandclaws1]

Don't want Junior Tupou back paws, we offered him a contract and he rejected it for more money at the phins, now we let him back yelping with his tail between his legs no.
If we want more depth look at someone new, he was always suspect under the highball anyway.

The offer from the Dolphins was very good, definitely more than market price. Toa is a good example of how a player can improve when surrounded by better quality players and with a coach who believes in him. For the right price, he would be imo good with a load of potential. Marshall imo is an excellent player manager and will get the best from him.

 

[mtd#2]

The goal is development as a good long-term rugby league footballer. Canterbury is seen as a great destination for this. So they have Sexton, Burton, Galvin, Hayward, Woods. So what? Woods and Fitzgibbon are aware of their pathway. You think the Fitzgibbon family aren't aware of the depth at Canterbury as opposed to St George?

Roosters have shown they are a destination too. They have Walker, Smith, Savala, Elliott, Rodwell at the moment. All are considered potential first graders. They're receiving great development at a club renowned for its 'great development!'

EDIT: I've forgotten about Foley at Roosters too, who they appear to be turning into a hooker now - similar to maybe Hayward at the Dogs.

Canterbury has been a "destination" for all of 1 season... I don't even believe it to be true. Look at their KOE team, not great...

NRL side hasnt proved anything yet...

Its the media blokes with ties to the doggies and a select few in the media

So it becomes an echo chamber where they all call the doGgies a development club

Look at the eels a few years back and where they are now...

That cliff is easy to fall from

 

[Rock Hopper Steve]

I’m not so sure about this one RHS.
Yes he is a big man who keeps himself in extremely good condition, so he shouldn’t slow down too much now in his early 30’s.
He never plays badly and always does his job, but my concern is he’s never a standout .
When you consider we have players such as Kit Laulilli, Peter Taateo and Jaxson Rahme in our own ranks, does someone like Kamikamica offer much more than any of them and he would likely cost at least double of those 3 who would likely be happy to accept minimum wage contracts at this stage.
We do probably need one more solid middle, finding the right player at the right cost is the problem.

Any signing is a risk V hell I would even consider Bunty Afoa for 2 years.

You have to ask yourself of the juniors you mentioned are they ready for full seasons of 1st grade yet, could be 2 seasons away to be reliable I would suggest that we need another established prop for another 2 seasons to bolster the squad.

 

[The Chad]

I agree with bring Tupou back. As the winger/centre depth in KOE- he's got great physical skills & plenty of ability.

If Staines, Tupou, Doueihi/May are the types of players you can bring in for depth, instead of Feledy, Faataape etc...we are much better off. At a low end Top 30 deal, I like it.

1st Grade-
Turuva (Top 30)
To'a (Top 30)
May (Top 30)
Skelton (Top 30)

KOE-
Lualili'i (Top 30)
Doueihi (Top 30) Covers halves & FB too
Tupou (Top 30)
Staines (Top 30) Covers FB
Mapapalangi (Development)
Tu'itupou (KOE)
Faataape (KOE)

Development-
Makasini (Development)
Feledy (T&T)

 

[weststigers]

Billy Callaway, team manager.

Looks like a nonce.

 

[liltiger]

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/saint-sinner-shoosh-yvonne-sampson-and-chris-okeefe-expecting-second-child/news-story/553849a4898fd54aea1b6f383673ce61

SHOOSH

Which NRL club recently parted company with a senior employee over accusations he was leaking sensitive information to a player agent and a prominent member of the media.

---

Hmmmm a member of Benji's football staff was recently let go and was last week spotted in the Galvin entourage at the Bulldogs game. Hmmmm player agent Moses. Could explain some of the dossier items! Makes you wonder.

Great pick up

 

[liltiger]

Billy Callaway, team manager.

There was something in the media about him leaving and there being more to the story. Apparently he was a long time Tiger who everyone loved. Yada yada.

 

[Rock Hopper Steve]

The offer from the Dolphins was very good, definitely more than market price. Toa is a good example of how a player can improve when surrounded by better quality players and with a coach who believes in him. For the right price, he would be imo good with a load of potential. Marshall imo is an excellent player manager and will get the best from him.

Yes I have no doubt Benji has the skills to get the best out of him

But does he have the skill as a surgeon to remove his flippers and attach reliable hands. 😀