Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[weststigerman]

I say this every year but how is there possibly any squeeze on our salary cap? The only player on real big money is Luai.

There could be a squeeze on top 30 spots but surely we are well under the cap given we threw a mil at Galvin and lost a few players released early.

13 should now be sorted between Latu and AD. Sign Taylan May and a starting impact prop and we are good.

 

[WesternSuburbsBoy]

Benji sure is struggling with the retention & recruitment of non Pacific Islanders

 

[BAGNF05]

I say this every year but how is there possibly any squeeze on our salary cap? The only player on real big money is Luai.

There could be a squeeze on top 30 spots but surely we are well under the cap given we threw a mil at Galvin and lost a few players released early.

13 should now be sorted between Latu and AD. Sign Taylan May and a starting impact prop and we are good.

I’d say we are looking to keep Bula, Luai, Api, upgrade May. KPP wouldn’t be cheap. Few of those guys are on overs. Then we have historically overpaid our average backs. And paying a few guys to play elsewhere. Don’t see how we ever had a war chest.

 

[gregjm87]

Bailey Simonsson wants out Eels . Any thoughts?

Good player. Ordinarily I'd be happy with him at the club except that I want whatever cap we have left going towards forwards.

 

[weststigerman]

I’d say we are looking to keep Bula, Luai, Api, upgrade May. KPP wouldn’t be cheap. Few of those guys are on overs. Then we have historically overpaid our average backs. And paying a few guys to play elsewhere. Don’t see how we ever had a war chest.

Yeah there is a bit of wastage there.

Just struggle to fathom Burton, Kikau, Galvin, Crichton, Thompson (next year) who would all be on more than $800k when they signed.

At least after next year Bateman’s contract will be a memory.

 

[BAGNF05]

Yeah there is a bit of wastage there.

Just struggle to fathom Burton, Kikau, Galvin, Crichton, Thompson (next year) who would all be on more than $800k when they signed.

At least after next year Bateman’s contract will be a memory.

I think there’s a few Laundys fringe benefits floating around there.

 

[JB9918]

Once Roberts & Doueihi are confirmed that's 29. Taylan to be signed to make 30.

Sullivan will go once Dodd moves on.

Do we really think Naden gets the last spot?

I would be leaning towards another middle.

Taateo surely would get it or the last development spot.

Richos next move is free up a spot or two. Bird maybe? Hunt maybe? The only other one would be Saukuru but he does have potential.

 

[Coastie_Tiger]

Glad AD is staying common sense prevailed, he gets some security and we didn’t overpay. Must be so toxic that he accepted less to stay huh.

 

[weststigerman]

Once Roberts & Doueihi are confirmed that's 29. Taylan to be signed to make 30.

Sullivan will go once Dodd moves on.

Do we really think Naden gets the last spot?

I would be leaning towards another middle.

Taateo surely would get it or the last development spot.

Richos next move is free up a spot or two. Bird maybe? Hunt maybe? The only other one would be Saukuru but he does have potential.

No way we’re keeping Naden.

 

[weststigerman]

We seem to have hit our top 30 very quickly, though I’d like to think both Andrews and Roberts are some kind of development deals.

 

[poopy_diaper]

Chance, Mac. For sure.

Depends on the lock role we're looking at. I don't think a 3rd prop is what Benji is wanting fulltime. He's moved somewhat away from the Pole or Twal at lock-type selections.

Thing is I think Samuela is actually pretty skilful. I imaging he wouldn't be a battering ram provided he was given the freedom to play eyes up a little bit.

But now that Doueihi is (supposedly) re-signed I'm imagining Benji views Doueihi as the 13.

 

[innsaneink]

I’d say we are looking to keep Bula, Luai, Api, upgrade May. KPP wouldn’t be cheap. Few of those guys are on overs. Then we have historically overpaid our average backs. And paying a few guys to play elsewhere. Don’t see how we ever had a war chest.

KPP was very cheap from memory...good deal for us reportedly

 

[rihannafan1]

We seem to have hit our top 30 very quickly, though I’d like to think both Andrews and Roberts are some kind of development deals.

Surely Roberts is outside top 30.

 

[rihannafan1]

They are keeping the value players and leaving money for some BIG plays on November 1.

Richo.and Benji are ambitious.

Big plays such as?

 

[Tiger Stripes]

- Luke Lualii [wing/fullback]
- Starford Toa [centre]
- Krystian Mapapalangi [utility]
- Izaac Tui'tupou [centre/wing]
- Heath Mason [utility]

4 of those are reserve grade players--- maximum

 

[KCtiger]

Big plays such as?

Lots of shit happens come November

This time last year we didn’t even think Terrell was an option

 

[rihannafan1]

Lots of shit happens come November

This time last year we didn’t even think Terrell was an option

Sure, I agree. Just the way Spartan said it made me think he had heard something and I was hoping he'd share.

 

[Tiger-ferret]

Doueihi staying along with a few other Moses clients.

Moses is a germ, but maybe Galvin and his dad were the problem with him. Moses just undertook the dirty tactics to get his client what he wanted.

I reckon Moses was still doing Moses things but supply and demand is still a thing.

 

[jrtiger]

Javon Andrews is a top 30 contract, 2026 - 2028

you sure? I’d heard Development 2026, Top 30 2027-28, similar to Haywood and Moors.

 

[88]

Glad AD is staying common sense prevailed, he gets some security and we didn’t overpay. Must be so toxic that he accepted less to stay huh.

Wonder whether we’ll get a positive news article or tv story talking about how a player took less to stay and we are becoming a destination club? Or just crickets from the usual suspects who generally have plenty to say when it’s the opposite?