Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Nadz4483]

I think the big thing with Benji being so close to his players is his age, blokes only still young at 41/42, compare him to all the other old farts Benji is still in his infancy...

 

[The Chad]

I think the biggest issue is how close they are to Benji. Of course you want the coach and players to have a good relationship, but there is such a thing as being too close, and I think proof of that is when supporters start getting anxiety about potential repercussions to the playing group if the coach gets sacked.

@Tucker & @GNR4LIFE

The point here is highlighted.

Sweet.

Ivan Cleary or Bellamy get sacked tomorrow. Do the fans feel they are going to lose players as a result?


Your both arguing about a perception that you have. Zero facts or evidence that Benji has Luai & co around for a game of golf, drinks by the pool & a little darts comp in the afternoon.

He's young enough & fit enough to run around in drills & he does so. This is the argument against?

You can have an opinion. A belief. But don't delude yourself into assuming both become fact because you thought it up.

 

[The Chad]

Yeah it’s crazy.
Bellamy is close to his top boys as well….but there is separation there. There is respect.
Look how Cam Smith, Billy and Cooper address him in interviews. They aren’t chest bumping and carrying on.

Are you saying Benji is chest bumping players at training?

The players have no respect for the coaching staff?

What is the point being made?

 

[The Chad]

You’re convoluting my point. The fact that the two coaches you named coach their sons is irrelevant. Pretty common occurrence throughout the years. What I’m talking about is the club nurturing a potential relationship between the coach and players that could end in disaster. Benji is already on record stating that the game isn’t the be all, end all. Also the fact he runs around in training drills doesn’t help either in giving off the perception that he thinks he’s one of the boys. It might be all well and good atm, but you will be in a panic the moment he looks like being axed. Maybe then you’ll realise there needs to be some barrier between coach and player, cos it’s non existent at this club.

There's the key word in your argument.

Who's perception? I'm yet to see or hear any evidence that Benji is 'too close' to players. It's a myth perpetuated by a few downcast fans.

 

[The Chad]

You could argue it has happened at the selection table.

Conversely you could argue that the issue was lack of viable options.

Perception. Who got picked because they were Benji's best bud?

 

[Merlot]

I think the big thing with Benji being so close to his players is his age, blokes only still young at 41/42, compare him to all the other old farts Benji is still in his infancy...

thats what works in his favour

 

[Vicious]

Tristan Hope.

Would not surprise to see us give an experiences dummyhalf a T&T - Levi, Luke etc.

Hopefully Levi as he is a physical defender, something we don’t have within any 9’s currently on our books.

 

[The Chad]

I'm not trying to bag anyone. Opinions are just opinions & mine are no more right than anyone else's.

That said, it seems like we are whipping ourselves into a frenzy earlier than normal this year.

 

[Merlot]

. We need an oldhead 9 as back up or better

 

[WesternSuburbsBoy]

I fully understand people have doubts about Benji as a head coach but some of the dribble that gets said on here about him is just pure delusion. I thought the whole Benji only likes Polynesian players dribble was bad now the problem is he’s too close his players? come on guys be for real here.

 

[Tucker]

Haha I've seen more than a few questionable comments. I suggest you need to grow up given your assumptions

If you are offended that’s your problem. Lashing out is not the answer.

 

[Tucker]

I fully understand people have doubts about Benji as a head coach but some of the dribble that gets said on here about him is just pure delusion. I thought the whole Benji only likes Polynesian players dribble was bad now the problem is he’s too close his players? come on guys be for real here.

That is only two of his problems.
He is a genuinely awful coach who doesn’t understand how to use his bench, nor how to use his roster. His game plans are terrible and he seems to force no accountability.
There is room for a guy like him in the organisation, but it sure as hell is not head coach.

 

[Merlot]

I fully understand people have doubts about Benji as a head coach but some of the dribble that gets said on here about him is just pure delusion. I thought the whole Benji only likes Polynesian players dribble was bad now the problem is he’s too close his players? come on guys be for real here.

you jumped on mid cycle - its a viscious circle . Social media is a wack job

 

[Tucker]

@Tucker & @GNR4LIFE

The point here is highlighted.

Sweet.

Ivan Cleary or Bellamy get sacked tomorrow. Do the fans feel they are going to lose players as a result?


Your both arguing about a perception that you have. Zero facts or evidence that Benji has Luai & co around for a game of golf, drinks by the pool & a little darts comp in the afternoon.

He's young enough & fit enough to run around in drills & he does so. This is the argument against?

You can have an opinion. A belief. But don't delude yourself into assuming both become fact because you thought it up.

Likewise to you pal. The results back up our narrative.

 

[Tucker]

Are you saying Benji is chest bumping players at training?

The players have no respect for the coaching staff?

What is the point being made?

He should be removed as head coach so we don’t waste the talent we have here.

 

[Tucker]

Conversely you could argue that the issue was lack of viable options.

Perception. Who got picked because they were Benji's best bud?

Api was extended when he is very very clearly on the downward slope of his career.

 

[Tom Shines]

How many clubs have significantly better options than Hope as the back-up though?

I'd say the club needs options. Not necessarily upgrades. The fact that it's Hope & then the kid at the moment is a problem. Another option in the KOE would be ideal. A guy that can play a bit of #13 as well would be perfect.

they need an upgrade from Hope and the kid ( who probably wouldn’t even be considered for the NRL in 2026)… otherwise it’s a problem…if they weren’t an upgrade to those 2 then they wouldn’t be required in the first place ..because you would just play Hope ..Am I right ? I’m trying to understand..

Lussick who you suggested could be a fit ….but I have no idea if there is interest from either party

 

[Merlot]

my understanding , Richo says where stuck with where we are on the team being settled. 950 to bargain with

 

[Tom Shines]

Anyway got the article about what big Stef is saying ?

‘I did my time there’: Utoikamanu says reaching grand final vindicates decision to leave Tigers

Stefano Utoikamanu was sick of ‘winning’ wooden spoons with Wests Tigers. A year after joining the Storm, he’s 80 minutes away from a premiership.

www.smh.com.au

 

[The Chad]

they need an upgrade from Hope and the kid ( who probably wouldn’t even be considered for the NRL in 2026)… otherwise it’s a problem…if they weren’t an upgrade to those 2 then they wouldn’t be required in the first place ..because you would just play Hope ..Am I right ? I’m trying to understand..

Lussick who you suggested could be a fit ….but I have no idea if there is interest from either party

If Api goes down, Hope is serviceable. But is he a 24 game type? I don't think so. The need to play another guy would increase in my opinion. You'd need 2 serviceable options including Hope- not necessarily an upgrade on Hope.

Fact is, if Api, Luai, Bula go down for the season- we are going to struggle. Any team would. Having a guy that can keep the clock ticking for 3-4 games a year is where players like Hope fit.