Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[crazycat]

Apparently the Dragons are gonna go really hard for Tino. I think Flanagan is desperate for an out and out marquee player.

I kinda think we should do the same and we have done the same.

Your 1m Players seem to play far far better then your 800k players.
i.e.
Latrell Mitchell, in a sinking souths side has been playing the house down.
Your DCE, Jerome Hugues's,
Your Payne Haas, Tino's (maybe), A few years ago I would say Addin Fonua blake... They add way more to the game and that's obviously why they get the big bucks.

Heck it's why Luai and Api were the right decisions for us. Top shelf players.

Getting higher quality players seems to impart better skills, better standards.. i.e. 1x 1.2m forward is better then 2x 600k forwards. Also its easier for a fringe grader to be a first grader then for a first grader to be a top shelf player.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

Probably more appropriate for the pathways thread but what are everyone's thoughts on Pheonix Godinet's long-term position.

Obviously has been a revelation in pathways & schoolboys as a right edge backrower. But with his skillset (as highlighted today in the schoolboys cup), could he become just as good a ball playing lock?

 

[weststigers]

If you got pegged while packing in the scrum in the lock position, would you get penalised for having too many in the scrum.

Like I say, I never had to bend over and sniff butts when I played so I don't know what the forwards get up to in their spare time

 

[Lestronge]

I kinda think we should do the same and we have done the same.

Your 1m Players seem to play far far better then your 800k players.
i.e.
Latrell Mitchell, in a sinking souths side has been playing the house down.
Your DCE, Jerome Hugues's,
Your Payne Haas, Tino's (maybe), A few years ago I would say Addin Fonua blake... They add way more to the game and that's obviously why they get the big bucks.

Heck it's why Luai and Api were the right decisions for us. Top shelf players.

Getting higher quality players seems to impart better skills, better standards.. i.e. 1x 1.2m forward is better then 2x 600k forwards. Also its easier for a fringe grader to be a first grader then for a first grader to be a top shelf player.

You CANNOT pay a front rower 1mil a year . Actually you can , if you strike gold and say , have one of the best kids in the world on a 500k contract . Otherwise you’re like Cronulla and have to release your backup middles .
Tino is NOT worth that . I don’t think he ever was . I think it would be crazy. There’s giant middles out there , toiling in teams waiting for a chance . We just have to be open minded , and clever with our recruitment . Il
Not bargain bin shopping ,but more like tech shopping at an expo for new tech. They’re out there . Regurgitating failed middles from failed clubs cannot be the answer . As much as I rate Tino . I don’t think he’s worth above 800k . Despite the market saying otherwise .

 

[Modman]

I’d be happy to give the mill we allocated for Galvin to Tino

I'm surprised to read negative comments abt signing Tino and Richo has stated he wouldn't pay a mil.for a middle he also was going to give Galvin a mil , but I think he's exactly what we need. Would fit in the culture of the club and I've heard from a trainer he's a massive leader at training just by his actions. Would bring plenty to our team.
Get it done Richo.
If you had a mil who would you have Galvin or Tino ?

 

[Tito Santana]

I'm surprised to read negative comments abt signing Tino and Richo has stated he wouldn't pay a mil.for a middle he also was going to give Galvin a mil , but I think he's exactly what we need. Would fit in the culture of the club and I've heard from a trainer he's a massive leader at training just by his actions. Would bring plenty to our team.
Get it done Richo.
If you had a mil who would you have Galvin or Tino ?

Neither. Payne Haas is the only one worth $1million.

 

[Tito Santana]

You CANNOT pay a front rower 1mil a year . Actually you can , if you strike gold and say , have one of the best kids in the world on a 500k contract . Otherwise you’re like Cronulla and have to release your backup middles .
Tino is NOT worth that . I don’t think he ever was . I think it would be crazy. There’s giant middles out there , toiling in teams waiting for a chance . We just have to be open minded , and clever with our recruitment . Il
Not bargain bin shopping ,but more like tech shopping at an expo for new tech. They’re out there . Regurgitating failed middles from failed clubs cannot be the answer . As much as I rate Tino . I don’t think he’s worth above 800k . Despite the market saying otherwise .

Agreed.

 

[Tigerwould]

I kinda think we should do the same and we have done the same.

Your 1m Players seem to play far far better then your 800k players.
i.e.
Latrell Mitchell, in a sinking souths side has been playing the house down.
Your DCE, Jerome Hugues's,
Your Payne Haas, Tino's (maybe), A few years ago I would say Addin Fonua blake... They add way more to the game and that's obviously why they get the big bucks.

Heck it's why Luai and Api were the right decisions for us. Top shelf players.

Getting higher quality players seems to impart better skills, better standards.. i.e. 1x 1.2m forward is better then 2x 600k forwards. Also its easier for a fringe grader to be a first grader then for a first grader to be a top shelf player.

Terrell May came to be the forward leader. If you paid another player more than him in the same position to do think he would want more money? I’d prefer 2x Terrell May’s than 1 x Tino

 

[Lestronge]

I'm surprised to read negative comments abt signing Tino and Richo has stated he wouldn't pay a mil.for a middle he also was going to give Galvin a mil , but I think he's exactly what we need. Would fit in the culture of the club and I've heard from a trainer he's a massive leader at training just by his actions. Would bring plenty to our team.
Get it done Richo.
If you had a mil who would you have Galvin or Tino ?

It’s because middles are the running backs of the nrl . They are extremely vital , but they take a battering, and thier careers fall off a cliff . Look at klemmer he’s just turned 30 and it’s over . This guy was once the best prop in the game and it wasn’t even close . And his starting prop best mate in those years . Retired barely getting a game for Blacktown . He was 31 .
AFB is 30 and on 1.1 mil , and who honestly thinks his form is worth that ? He’s been ok , but nothing like the guy who last year was the best prop in the game . Can he turn it around ? Maybe … but we’ve seen this story before , when it goes it goes quick . Andrew Fifita was also the best prop in the game , to 2 years later it being all over .
And Tino has an injury history that somehow seems to be overlooked . He’s what 26 at the start of next year . The contracts he will want will be 6-7 years. Those last 2-3 years will be infinitely worse than the last couple of years of Taumalolo. And his form when he does play hasn’t been 1 mil a year player stuff .
People are too reactionary … guys on podcasts 1 second calling for peoples heads or singing their praises , then a week later wanting the opposite .
We definitely need a middle or 2 . But much like when we got Marty Taupau from the dogs , we have to be smart , as there’s definitely a Marty Taupau somewhere just looking for an opportunity .

 

[Canadian Club]

Probably more appropriate for the pathways thread but what are everyone's thoughts on Pheonix Godinet's long-term position.

Obviously has been a revelation in pathways & schoolboys as a right edge backrower. But with his skillset (as highlighted today in the schoolboys cup), could he become just as good a ball playing lock?

Definitely a backrower, his skillset is perfect for an edge backrower. He is super strong in contact, breaks tackles and is super agile. He does not suit the middle at all, he is very powerful but doesnt have the frame of a middle. Hes more likely to play centre than in the middle.

He has also always played on the edge, moving him to a position hes never played would just slow his development and hinder his growth as a player. He's a potential 10/10 backrower, no need to even consider moving him to any other position.

He is the type of edge back rower you want running at opposition halves or running line balls. He also has the skill to set up outside backs. He reminds me of Angus Crichton a little bit.

 

[Lestronge]

Neither. Payne Haas is the only one worth $1million.

One day , almost overnight , he won’t be . His knees will go , he will start to break down , and it will all end really quickly . My guess around the time he’s 28.
This next contract should come big giant buyer beware sign . He will get his 1.2-1.3mil because he deserves it , but much like NQ right now with JT , they will be counting down the days until that albatross is no longer hanging on their neck . And he has next to no injury issues .
The Tino contract will look horrible as early as 2027 imo . And will look downright malpractice by 2030 . I pray that’s not us who get sucked into that .

 

[Tito Santana]

One day , almost overnight , he won’t be . His knees will go , he will start to break down , and it will all end really quickly . My guess around the time he’s 28.
This next contract should come big giant buyer beware sign . He will get his 1.2-1.3mil because he deserves it , but much like NQ right now with JT , they will be counting down the days until that albatross is no longer hanging on their neck . And he has next to no injury issues .
The Tino contract will look horrible as early as 2027 imo . And will look downright malpractice by 2030 . I pray that’s not us who get sucked into that .

Tino is nothing like peak Taumololo.

Tino looks like Tarzan and plays like Jane. Pathetic. Don’t get why people rate him. He’s never done anything where I’ve been overwhelmed.

He might get me whelmed max.

 

[Lestronge]

Tino is nothing like peak Taumololo.

Tino looks like Tarzan and plays like Jane. Pathetic. Don’t get why people rate him. He’s never done anything where I’ve been overwhelmed.

He might get me whelmed max.

Which should make everyone absolutely terrified of giving him 1 mil a season @26 for 5 plays years .
Which is what it would take to get him . The forum meltdowns in 2030 would be biblical ..

 

[Canadian Club]

Neither. Payne Haas is the only one worth $1million.

Props are now the third highest paid position in the NRL, so it doesn't seem like the NRL clubs agree with the idea that Haas is the only one worth 1million.

Players worth are market driven, and good props are the hardest to find on the market. Thats why when good ones become available, teams are willing to overpay.

There are more fullbacks that make up the top 20 players than in any other position, but theres so many more good fullbacks. Teams are more likely to let good fullbacks because they're so easily replaceable (eg. Parra letting Gutho go to get Iongi on 300k). There are so many teams with 2-3 NRL level fullbacks. Hopoate, Fa'alogo, Fletcher Sharpe, RTS, Jye Gray, Chevy Stewart, Campbell, Brimson etc etc are all playing out of position or in reserve grade because of the quality. Good fullbacks are easy to come by, but good props are the hardest to come by. How many gun props of that type of quality are currently in reserve grade?

 

[Vicious]

Not sure if it’s already been stated, but Tino is already getting paid 1.2 million per season by the Titans, is rumoured to being offered 1.5 million per season by Perth Bears and somewhere close to that by the Dragons.
This being the case we would need to offer him up around 1.3 to 1.4 million per season to even get his attention.
As a few others have mentioned, he’s a very good player, but simply not worth that type of money to us.
We no doubt need one more good standard middle to add genuine competition for NRL positions, but we need to be strategic about who we look to sign.

 

[Tiger_Yoshi]

Definitely a backrower, his skillset is perfect for an edge backrower. He is super strong in contact, breaks tackles and is super agile. He does not suit the middle at all, he is very powerful but doesnt have the frame of a middle. Hes more likely to play centre than in the middle.

He has also always played on the edge, moving him to a position hes never played would just slow his development and hinder his growth as a player. He's a potential 10/10 backrower, no need to even consider moving him to any other position.

He is the type of edge back rower you want running at opposition halves or running line balls. He also has the skill to set up outside backs. He reminds me of Angus Crichton a little bit.

Great summary….he sound like a real prospect…..but sadly his manager is non other than Issac Moses, so we know how his NRL future will pan out….he won’t stay a WT…as soon as he shows his potential in the NRL….its to the Dogs, Storm, Roosters or Manly

 

[Tiger_Yoshi]

Not sure if it’s already been stated, but Tino is already getting paid 1.2 million per season by the Titans, is rumoured to being offered 1.5 million per season by Perth Bears and somewhere close to that by the Dragons.
This being the case we would need to offer him up around 1.3 to 1.4 million per season to even get his attention.
As a few others have mentioned, he’s a very good player, but simply not worth that type of money to us.
We no doubt need one more good standard middle to add genuine competition for NRL positions, but we need to be strategic about who we look to sign.

Why go to Perth for an extra $300k….he won’t go there…..

 

[weststigers]

Props are now the third highest paid position in the NRL, so it doesn't seem like the NRL clubs agree with the idea that Haas is the only one worth 1million.

Players worth are market driven, and good props are the hardest to find on the market. Thats why when good ones become available, teams are willing to overpay.

There are more fullbacks that make up the top 20 players than in any other position, but theres so many more good fullbacks. Teams are more likely to let good fullbacks because they're so easily replaceable (eg. Parra letting Gutho go to get Iongi on 300k). There are so many teams with 2-3 NRL level fullbacks. Hopoate, Fa'alogo, Fletcher Sharpe, RTS, Jye Gray, Chevy Stewart, Campbell, Brimson etc etc are all playing out of position or in reserve grade because of the quality. Good fullbacks are easy to come by, but good props are the hardest to come by. How many gun props of that type of quality are currently in reserve grade?

Here are his stats. You tell me if he's worth 1.2 - 1.5 million based on output.

Tino Fa'asuamaleaui

The NRL profile of Tino Fa'asuamaleaui including career statistics, season stats, games, tries, goals, tackles and fantasy scores.

www.titans.com.au

143m a game. 90% tackle efficiency. 14 hitups.

Sorry, but you can get what he offers for half the price.

You can say he's intimidating, but it hasn't helped the Gold Coast win more games. He just does the bumper bars thing and the commentators cream themsleves. Overrated and will be overpaid.

 

[Tigers_Wests]

Probably more appropriate for the pathways thread but what are everyone's thoughts on Pheonix Godinet's long-term position.

Obviously has been a revelation in pathways & schoolboys as a right edge backrower. But with his skillset (as highlighted today in the schoolboys cup), could he become just as good a ball playing lock?

The kid can do it all hey. Excited to see him become a full time member of the NRL squad in 2026. Should take his game up plenty of notches again.

I think long term he has to be considered as a 2nd rower and we should set it up that way over the next couple of seasons in Flegg/Cup to help the transition to NRL. The ball playing skill is an added bonus (could offer that Wade Graham ball playing ability from the 2nd row on top of all his other strong attributes).

Siotame Havea Jr is the Pathways player we need to try and develop into that lock role in my opinion. Hasn't been spoken about too much due to injury earlier in the year. However, next year he will be 18 and I assume in a similar position to Pheonix is at the moment...Flegg games under the belt, probably a 2027 Dev contract.

As long as we don't rush both of these kids development, there is huge upside and potential in both of their games.

 

[Modman]

It’s because middles are the running backs of the nrl . They are extremely vital , but they take a battering, and thier careers fall off a cliff . Look at klemmer he’s just turned 30 and it’s over . This guy was once the best prop in the game and it wasn’t even close . And his starting prop best mate in those years . Retired barely getting a game for Blacktown . He was 31 .
AFB is 30 and on 1.1 mil , and who honestly thinks his form is worth that ? He’s been ok , but nothing like the guy who last year was the best prop in the game . Can he turn it around ? Maybe … but we’ve seen this story before , when it goes it goes quick . Andrew Fifita was also the best prop in the game , to 2 years later it being all over .
And Tino has an injury history that somehow seems to be overlooked . He’s what 26 at the start of next year . The contracts he will want will be 6-7 years. Those last 2-3 years will be infinitely worse than the last couple of years of Taumalolo. And his form when he does play hasn’t been 1 mil a year player stuff .
People are too reactionary … guys on podcasts 1 second calling for peoples heads or singing their praises , then a week later wanting the opposite .
We definitely need a middle or 2 . But much like when we got Marty Taupau from the dogs , we have to be smart , as there’s definitely a Marty Taupau somewhere just looking for an opportunity .

You make some valid points. It will be interesting to see the kind of money Perth signs the star player, I also believe the Dylan Brown signing has put a new value in players heads especially in that top level.of players
I guess it's seems obvious we won't be in the muc then but it's impossible to understand how the Bulldogs have entered the race when you consider Crighton Burton kikau Galvin to mention a few and the Newcastle prop .