Telling TDS to wait 3-4 years to get a starting spot when he could walk straight into a first grade team right now and call it selfish for him wanting to leave after his contract EXPIRES just isn’t fair and completely biased for us fans to think that.
TDS has made it very clear…. he’s happy for the next 18 months to work under Api and grow into the position then hopefully take over in 2027 when API’s contact expires at 34-35.
Don’t see a problem with that… the kid wants to stay but wants a chance to play. The club coming first want him as the starting 9 and he still made it clear he prefers stay with us if we can give him the chance to play in 2027. Absolutely crazy for us to blame Tallyn or shame him for wanting that.
The last few games he has played he looked excellent and very comfortable within the top grade, so much so that up to 4 clubs are already circling trying to get him NOW and more clubs are expected to come to the party. I think it’s quite obvious in 2027 he’ll be ready to be a starting 9 in the NRL. If I’m being honest, he’s ready now for the NRL.
So I really hope us as fans don’t blame TDS for this request as it’s completely reasonable, we as a club made the decision to prioritise Api. I love Api and I personally think he’s been our best signing this last decade, but he’ll also be 34. Picking a 34 year old to try squeeze 1-2 more years of him instead of a junior who will look more than ready to take over in 2027 that could be our long term option for the next 15 years makes me scratch my head.
He’s willing to wait 1.5 years instead of going the Galvin route and forcing himself out as he knows he could get a starting spot next week at an NRL club. Expecting him to wait longer than the 18 months and risk himself getting injured and derailing his career doesn’t make sense for himself.
I think how Tallyn has handled this is perfect - he has made it clear he wants to stay and wants a chance to play allowing the club to make a decision between himself or Api and it seems like we made the wrong one if you ask me.
Mate …. It’s 2025 . How is this reasonable ? Serious question? Why is this decision being made now ?
And also why wouldn’t he want api around to understudy him … also provide competition?
Also what player is guaranteed a spot in any team when they’re not a marquee player ? The best any club can and should offer a player like TDS is first crack .
So I don’t get why if he truely wants to stay , that he’s not willing to compete for the spot.
I think that’s bullshit because he doesn’t want to get tarred with the Galvin betrayer label …
He’s got IMO the best number 9 in the comp not playing for the storm to learn off , and he wants it all tomorrow .
I also think his defence is shithouse 1 on 1 , way worse than APIs , and he doesn’t have anywhere near the same line speed , ruck control , ruck manipulation. He shoots out quick , and he’s good at attacking markers close to the line . His service is crisp as well . I do not think he’s at a level where we would and should consider picking him over api at 32 . If you’re talking in 2 years time , you’d want to hope he’s surpassed him . But I don’t believe that’s The issue .
IMO this is more to do with Hayward than api , because that kid is coming fast . If Tallyn wasn’t here , he’d already have been tried in KOE .
I think Tallyn is looking over his shoulder at Hayward .. and striking whilst the iron is hot making the tigers really , make the choice between him and Hayward and framing it as Api.
Because I think IMO Hayward is a better footy player potentially than Tallyn , and more importantly is far more similar to Api than TDS. TDS is Damien Cook …. Hayward is Api , Farah etc .
It smells like bullshit to me ..
