Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Vicious]

I dunno if those two will even get a sniff.

8. May
9. Koroisau
10. Twal
11. Sa. Fainu
12. Pearce-Paul
13. Doueihi

14. ?
15. Pole
16. Hunt
17. Si. Fainu

Depth: Brown, Geyer, Seyfarth, Sukkar, Taateo

With Latu Fainu supposedly missing the opening rounds of 2026, Doueihi will highly likely start the season at 7 and even if he does transition to 13 it cannot be as a starting 13 if we want to be successful.
If he starts off the bench and comes on after 20-25mins it might work, but I really don’t see him working as a 13, Latu is more likely to work as a 13.
A bench consisting of Fonua Pole, Sione Fainu and Royce Hunt would provide strong ball carrying ability, but not a lot of line speed or defensive work ethic.

 

[Rock Hopper Steve]

Jack Bird for Nathan Brown potential swap is in the works, the deal is still being discussed with only a small difference in contract sizes but same length

F yeah, do it quickly before they wake up to themselves and change their minds.

 

[Vicious]

You could take up Bula’s option and have him on contract for 2026 and 2027. That would give you another 12 months to monitor the development of not only Bula, but also Logan Brookes, and any other youngsters who may be a suitable replacement. Or a free agent. The time would give you options.

That sounds good in theory, but what if his manager comes to us or already has come to us requesting an immediate upgrade for 2026 onwards and threatening to request a release if we do not oblige ?
It is highly likely he will request an upgrade for 2026 and request 1 million per season from 2027 onwards even though the current contract Terms & Conditions state we can activate an extension of 900k for 2027 onwards.
There is no way the Bulldogs are paying Bula 900k or 1 million per season and teaming him up with an emerging spine of Galvin, Woods and Hayward.

 

[Tito Santana]

Bird adds nothing to our squad. Probably the worst signing this year.

Brown is a massive upgrade for hardly any extra cost.

Makes sense.

 

[Canadian Club]

I dunno if those two will even get a sniff.

8. May
9. Koroisau
10. Twal
11. Sa. Fainu
12. Pearce-Paul
13. Doueihi

14. ?
15. Pole
16. Hunt
17. Si. Fainu

Depth: Brown, Geyer, Seyfarth, Sukkar, Taateo

I would swap Sione and Doueihi. Start with a bigger pack, Sione is also an underrated ball player. Played a ball playing 13 role when in cup and earlier at Manly. His footwork is elite and his ability to provide quick play the balls is second to none. Not only did he have the quickest play the ball speed in our team this season, he clocked one of the best averages across the NRL. Incredibly underrated...

Bring Doueihi on at the 25-30min once the physicality is out of the game and let him play the last 55-50mins. Sione can then move into the front row rotation and provide back row cover for any injuries or HIAs. Doueihi off the bench also provides cover for any early HIA or injuries to outside backs/halves.

 

[Canadian Club]

3 year deal at $800k id be comfortable with. Moses is the concern as always

If Bula is asking for 800k a season you pay that every day of the week. In October 2025 it might be questionable, but by the time that contract starts in 2027 it will be a bargain.

Perth entering the competition, R360 and PNG on the Market, no starting fullback in the NRL with more than 50 games will be on less than 800k... Reece Walsh's performance in the finals pushed that price even higher. I wouldnt be shocked if nearly every starting fullback is on 1mil by 2027. Keano Kini played 2-3games this year and signed a new deal worth 1.1mil a season. He hasnt even hit 50 Nrl games yet.

 

[Betterdays22]

I dunno if those two will even get a sniff.

8. May
9. Koroisau
10. Twal
11. Sa. Fainu
12. Pearce-Paul
13. Doueihi

14. ?
15. Pole
16. Hunt
17. Si. Fainu

Depth: Brown, Geyer, Seyfarth, Sukkar, Taateo

Benji will have to get big improvements out of Pole and Hunt and keep Sione on the same trajectory if this pack is going to consistently compete in 26

 

[Merlot]

thing that annoys me with Bula , they gave him a year n a 1/2 in reggies to position himself , yet a year n a 1/2 oin 1st i don't see much improvement or Bula chatting - directing A/D in the line.
I wouldn't fight for his signature

 

[Merlot]

and as for big Nelson , you've over paid , if his contract is worth more than the paper its written on

 

[Vicious]

If Bula is asking for 800k a season you pay that every day of the week. In October 2025 it might be questionable, but by the time that contract starts in 2027 it will be a bargain.

Perth entering the competition, R360 and PNG on the Market, no starting fullback in the NRL with more than 50 games will be on less than 800k... Reece Walsh's performance in the finals pushed that price even higher. I wouldnt be shocked if nearly every starting fullback is on 1mil by 2027. Keano Kini played 2-3games this year and signed a new deal worth 1.1mil a season. He hasnt even hit 50 Nrl games yet.

We will not be getting Bula for 800k.
He is supposedly on 700k for 2026 and increases to 800k from 2027 if Bula takes up the option, but 900k if Wests Tigers take uk the option.
Do you really believe Bula will take up the option, particularly with Isaac Moses in control ?
Even if we are wanting to take up the option at 900k we would be foolish to do so without Bula acknowledging he is happy with the deal.
900k is a lot of money to pay if the player is potentially unhappy with the deal.
The next 3 weeks will be interesting as if we do not re-sign Bula by that time it pretty much confirms there is an issue relating to the contract negotiation.
The other fa tor in this is any potential recruits will also become available and quickly be snaked up shortly after November 1, so we will need tn know where we stand with Bula and if we are happy to he will provide value a a marquee player who can and will lead us to regular wins.

 

[Merlot]

We will not be getting Bula for 800k.
He is supposedly on 700k for 2026 and increases to 800k from 2027 if Bula takes up the option, but 900k if Wests Tigers take uk the option.
Do you really believe Bula will take up the option, particularly with Isaac Moses in control ?
Even if we are wanting to take up the option at 900k we would be foolish to do so without Bula acknowledging he is happy with the deal.
900k is a lot of money to pay if the player is potentially unhappy with the deal.
The next 3 weeks will be interesting as if we do not re-sign Bula by that time it pretty much confirms there is an issue relating to the contract negotiation.
The other fa tor in this is any potential recruits will also become available and quickly be snaked up shortly after November 1, so we will need tn know where we stand with Bula and if we are happy to he will provide value a a marquee player who can and will lead us to regular wins.

its so dumb those clauses ,its baffling

 

[Merlot]

We will not be getting Bula for 800k.
He is supposedly on 700k for 2026 and increases to 800k from 2027 if Bula takes up the option, but 900k if Wests Tigers take uk the option.
Do you really believe Bula will take up the option, particularly with Isaac Moses in control ?
Even if we are wanting to take up the option at 900k we would be foolish to do so without Bula acknowledging he is happy with the deal.
900k is a lot of money to pay if the player is potentially unhappy with the deal.
The next 3 weeks will be interesting as if we do not re-sign Bula by that time it pretty much confirms there is an issue relating to the contract negotiation.
The other fa tor in this is any potential recruits will also become available and quickly be snaked up shortly after November 1, so we will need tn know where we stand with Bula and if we are happy to he will provide value a a marquee player who can and will lead us to regular wins.

any idea when that deal was done , seems like a pascoe n fiasco parting shot

 

[Eca]

Which club would want Bula at 900k? Maybe the dogs? but i can't think of any other

 

[jrtiger]

With Latu Fainu supposedly missing the opening rounds of 2026, Doueihi will highly likely start the season at 7 and even if he does transition to 13 it cannot be as a starting 13 if we want to be successful.
If he starts off the bench and comes on after 20-25mins it might work, but I really don’t see him working as a 13, Latu is more likely to work as a 13.
A bench consisting of Fonua Pole, Sione Fainu and Royce Hunt would provide strong ball carrying ability, but not a lot of line speed or defensive work ethic.

I’m finding myself debating this with myself pretty constantly.

I’m now of the belief that if we’re going to transition Doueihi to 13 we can’t do things by halves. he needs to pack on some muscle and get used to playing 60+ minutes in the washing machine. plenty of hours on the wrestling mat and learning to use his bumpers and finding his front.

using him at 7 for a few weeks will take him off course. we can’t meddle with his development just cause our starting half is injured. if he’s a lock he’s a lock, plain and simple.

I’d be starting with Madden at 7 until Latu’s fit to ensure seamless transitions for all involved.

 

[jrtiger]

Benji will have to get big improvements out of Pole and Hunt and keep Sione on the same trajectory if this pack is going to consistently compete in 26

agree with you there. all three need to lift again, especially Pole. Twal probably needs to as well although he improved a fair way last year.

the cliche biggest preseason ever is required once again for a quantum leap into the 8.

 

[crazycat]

any idea when that deal was done , seems like a pascoe n fiasco parting shot

Lets see...

Hot Talent + Issac Moses + club that has 3 wooden spoons.

This is the Madge/Sheens Shambles. A top player is going to be close to the 1m mark.
To say "we want an option to keep him". Isn't going to come cheaply. Hence the 900k option for us if we choose to use it.

 

[Merlot]

Lets see...

Hot Talent + Issac Moses + club that has 3 wooden spoons.

This is the Madge/Sheens Shambles. A top player is going to be close to the 1m mark.
To say "we want an option to keep him". Isn't going to come cheaply. Hence the 900k option for us if we choose to use it.

well and truly out of my hands ,to get upset about stupid decisions this club makes
Yet some people have strange idea;s on how to stretch their budget

 

[Canadian Club]

We will not be getting Bula for 800k.
He is supposedly on 700k for 2026 and increases to 800k from 2027 if Bula takes up the option, but 900k if Wests Tigers take uk the option.
Do you really believe Bula will take up the option, particularly with Isaac Moses in control ?
Even if we are wanting to take up the option at 900k we would be foolish to do so without Bula acknowledging he is happy with the deal.
900k is a lot of money to pay if the player is potentially unhappy with the deal.
The next 3 weeks will be interesting as if we do not re-sign Bula by that time it pretty much confirms there is an issue relating to the contract negotiation.
The other fa tor in this is any potential recruits will also become available and quickly be snaked up shortly after November 1, so we will need tn know where we stand with Bula and if we are happy to he will provide value a a marquee player who can and will lead us to regular wins.

No I don't think we will get him for 800k. I see it landing at 850k, averaging out at around 900k over the full contract.

This is the one time we have the power over Moses, because if he doesn't play ball we can activate the option and Moses doesnt get paid a cent for 2 more years while managing Bula. I know for a fact Moses is desperate to get this deal over the line, which is why its taking time. Bula wants to stay, the Tigers want him to stay and Moses wants him to stay (so he gets a commission for 26 and 27'). Richo is just applying the pressure with Moses as he should. Richo isn't a chump, he has the power and hes going to use it. This deal will happen.

He is worth 900k. I know you dont think so. But you also need to understand the market and the variables in the market. A cap of 12million in 2027 with a new tv deal on the way and 1 new team(Perth) and another new team (PNG) on the market to make offers means much more than you think.

For context, the cap today is 11.2mil over 17 teams, thats a total of 190.4mil available. In 2027, with a projected cap of 12mil with 19 team its 228mil available... An increase of around 39million across the league. All to the same existing player base... Thats ALOT of pay rises. Thats without including bigger cap rises based on the new tv deal which will be negotiated in 2027 and outside factors such as R360 etc which may trigger further NRL allowances.

Bookmark this, there will not be a single established (50 games+) spine player in 2027 that isnt earning 850k+.

 

[happy_tiger]

Which club would want Bula at 900k? Maybe the dogs? but i can't think of any other

Sharks in 2027

 

[Camel2281]

I dunno if those two will even get a sniff.

8. May
9. Koroisau
10. Twal
11. Sa. Fainu
12. Pearce-Paul
13. Doueihi

14. ?
15. Pole
16. Hunt
17. Si. Fainu

Depth: Brown, Geyer, Seyfarth, Sukkar, Taateo

Douehi will be starting 7. Latu will be recovering from surgery at the beginning of the season