Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Tom Shines]

demps pleaseeeeeee tell me we’re extending Star & Skelton
I’m desperate for good news if we lose Star I might crash out .

People must have short memories wanting these two to move on…

Skelton was absolutely killing it early in the season

 

[GNR4LIFE]

If we let him walk out before June 30 we are certifiable.. I cannot understand why the rush to sort this out . FFS api could do his acl this week and then what ??

If we do release him after tomorrow night, it just gives credence to what Paul Kent said during the Galvin saga. Why are we releasing players 18 months early, even if they don’t want to stay on beyond. Other clubs get notice a long way out, like Penrith with Luai for example, but they get on with it. I get Galvin was a dick, but the fact it’s a strong possibility barely a month later that it’s happening again with another junior, when does it start to dawn on people that maybe the club is doing something wrong? It would be a very poor look. What if we lose players to the Bears in November? Do we let them go too? I’m sure another club would give them a 12 month contract in the interim.

 

[Demps]

demps pleaseeeeeee tell me we’re extending Star & Skelton
I’m desperate for good news if we lose Star I might crash out .

😅

I don't know anything.

I'd be willing to let them both go to sign Mariner though. 😬

 

[weststigerman]

Fireworks imo.

We've only got Skelton and Toa for another year if they aren't extended.

1. Bula
2. Turuva
3. Makasini
4. Mariner
5. TMay

Wow

That’s weaker than our existing back line IMO. Not convinced Makasini will handle the lateral defence of centre at NRL level but he will be in there somewhere. Who knows which Taylan we have until he runs out and plays.

Also, why would you assume Taylan will be here in 2027 when he’s on a train and trial, but also assume Skelton and To’a will be gone?

We have to stop this 1 step forward 2 steps back crap and keep guys like To’a.

 

[Demps]

That’s weaker than our existing back line IMO. Not convinced Makasini will handle the lateral defence of centre at NRL level but he will be in there somewhere. Who knows which Taylan we have until he runs out and plays.

Also, why would you assume Taylan will be here in 2027 when he’s on a train and trial, but also assume Skelton and To’a will be gone?

We have to stop this 1 step forward 2 steps back crap and keep guys like To’a.

Fantasy footy talk 😂

Can only keep em if they wanna stay.

 

[tigertuff]

When you look at all the hookers playing NRL this weekend, you could argue that Tallyn is better than a lot of those guys already. Why we are even entertaining the thought of losing him is beyond me. Alot can happen in 18 months of NRL. Whatever has happened with him needs to be sorted. Thats what the best clubs do. Your best players need to be wrapped up for the future. Get it done Richo.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

Fantasy footy talk 😂

Can only keep em if they wanna stay.

More fantasy footy is one day having a backline of Makasini & Tavana on the wings with Mariner & May in the centres. We would finally have an aerial assault duo on the wings with speed & dynamism in the centres. Of course To'a is good too.

 

[bryan2005]

they’re Campbeltown jnrs
i think the relationship between WT & the brothers got a bit rocky tho .

Bugger.

Ashton fits the timeline of giving Api an extra few years and Onitoni can battle for a spot or be back up to Jarome and Latu.

12 months changes everything.

The beauty of hindsight.

Someone get on to Richo and wish this into existence.

 

[liltiger]

If we let him walk out before June 30 we are certifiable.. I cannot understand why the rush to sort this out . FFS api could do his acl this week and then what ??

Talk on 360 was that the deal will be for 27. Not earlier. Take that with a grain of salt though.🤷

 

[liltiger]

More fantasy footy is one day having a backline of Makasini & Tavana on the wings with Mariner & May in the centres. We would finally have an aerial assault duo on the wings with speed & dynamism in the centres. Of course To'a is good too.

If we're going fantasy footy iv got Slater at fullback, my centres are Justin Hodges and Morris. My wingers are Renouf and Sailor.

 

[liltiger]

Fireworks imo.

We've only got Skelton and Toa for another year if they aren't extended.

1. Bula
2. Turuva
3. Makasini
4. Mariner
5. TMay

Wow

I can't do that to my boy Demps. Skelton didn't have his best game last hit out, but my guy will bounce back keep the faith my bro. That kid is 🔥

 

[Vicious]

If you haven't noticed, I am a Mariner supporter. He is very quick, polished, low maintenance and would fit into our playing group. Perhaps the best young centre in the NRL.

His speed alone would be a big boost to our backline.

 

[Vicious]

If we do lose Da Silva, what are everyone’s thoughts on Lachlan Illias as our number 14 ?
He’s a tough bugger, a very good defender and strong runner of the ball, he should be very effective as an interchange hooker who could also potentially play a bit of 13 and be good cover for the halves.

 

[tigertuff]

If we do lose Da Silva, what are everyone’s thoughts on Lachlan Illias as our number 14 ?
He’s a tough bugger, a very good defender and strong runner of the ball, he should be very effective as an interchange hooker who could also potentially play a bit of 13 and be good cover for the halves.

It's a no from me.

 

[mikey]

I have heard rumours Brooks gets moved along at the end of this season … makes sense to me …Manly fans hate him

Bad news - half the forum will want him back. 🙂

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

If we do lose Da Silva, what are everyone’s thoughts on Lachlan Illias as our number 14 ?
He’s a tough bugger, a very good defender and strong runner of the ball, he should be very effective as an interchange hooker who could also potentially play a bit of 13 and be good cover for the halves.

I don't mind it V, could be that new age lock forward. He brings strong defence for a half. Get in Braith's ear. A Tiger who returns to his roots lol

 

[Vicious]

I don't mind it V, could be that new age lock forward. He brings strong defence for a half. Get in Braith's ear. A Tiger who returns to his roots lol

He has plenty of similarities in his game and similar size and weight to Bailey Hayward.
And I’d say the Dragons would be happy to subsidise his wage and let him head elsewhere as they have Daniel Atkinson coming to them in 2026.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

If we do lose Da Silva, what are everyone’s thoughts on Lachlan Illias as our number 14 ?
He’s a tough bugger, a very good defender and strong runner of the ball, he should be very effective as an interchange hooker who could also potentially play a bit of 13 and be good cover for the halves.

To be honest, halves like Ilias who battle to get a starting NRL spot in the halves and can bring game smarts, physicality & good defence should consider this move for a better chance for an NRL future (like Crossland, Hayward, Donoghoe & others etc).

Anasta mentioned on his podcast this week BTFU 180 that he may have to entertain moving Ilias on from the Dragons if Flanagan continues to get selected and he does have a good relationship with Benji.

 

[Lestronge]

To be honest, halves like Ilias who battle to get a starting NRL spot in the halves and can bring game smarts, physicality & good defence should consider this move for a better chance for an NRL future (like Crossland, Hayward, Donoghoe & others etc).

Anasta mentioned on his podcast this week BTFU 180 that he may have to entertain moving Ilias on from the Dragons if Flanagan continues to get selected and he does have a good relationship with Benji.

I’d take Ilias in a heart beat . Provides cover for luai in origin and injury . Is a tigers junior , and has a good attitude and work ethic and is a talented kid albeit with a ceiling.

 

[weststigers]

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.

A club signs a player when they are not ready for first grade and says we will develop you. The player agrees to a contract under these terms, yet changes the goalposts on the club half way through. Under these terms, why should any club develop juniors if they want to leave for a starting spot halfway through their development?

He might be good enough in bursts, but he is not the finished product to displace the man in front of him on a full-time basis, yet he wants the big upgrade and the CEO position.

He's halfway there in a defensive sense. He's weak in contact and not an 80 minute hooker.