Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Rock Hopper Steve]

Think we don't use skelton well enough at times.

If he keeps getting bigger does he lose pace, leave the decision on his future to Benji, I'm not getting paid the big bucks lol.

 

[Bellend]

Love to see Skelton two off the ruck.

 

[gregjm87]

It's a bit circular, this. One could equally argue that he only played behind bad packs because teams with good ones didn't choose to sign him due to, y'know, him not being that great a player.

I always get annoyed at the idea that players leave the Tigers and suddenly become amazing as I think it's largely just another stick to beat the Tigers with. But, equally, good clubs have been able to pick up reasonably decent players from us and use them in roles to which they're suited, thus getting better outcomes out of essentially the same player. Blore and Papali'i are decent current examples: they haven't suddenly become different players, it's just the Melbourne and Penrith can use the skills they have in a way that helps the team and makes them look good.

I can't help feeling that if Brooks had a lot of untapped potential he would have got better offers over the course of his career. Even in the "big four" days it's no surprise, in retrospect, that he was the one who didn't get lured away.

The opposing argument is he is always criticised for being grossly overpaid (how much we don't know and we of course all value him differently as well).
As such he has always had good contracts and one would logically assume he has always had other offers to drive that price up. By the time he had finally had enough of the place the reputation about what he could be was gone.

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

After watching the Dogs play, I am not convinced they are on the rise or are a top four team. They lack genuine pace which was demonstrated when the big UK winger burnt them on at least three occasions.

dogs lack front rowers too

 

[Tigerstigerstigers]

Love to see Skelton two off the ruck.

Skelton, Roycie and Bunty would be quite a momentum shifter off the bench to put into action through the game. However, a balance with some workhorses to do the majority of tackling is required.

 

[wstigers11]

Starford likely back this week ?

 

[Tom Shines]

Starford likely back this week ?

Is he ? Maybe he should test that shoulder in Cup

 

[hank37w]

I wouldn't be letting Tony Sukar go at all , he is getting better and bigger. I have been watching the lower grades on Bar Tv and he has arguably been Wests best forward for thier 3 Games. i watched the game against the warriors KOE and apart from being a good game to watch , i thought wests played very well , considering it was over there.The pleasing thing for me was that the young ones that we are expecting to make thier way through all played well, Javon Andrews and young Attard in particular.Max Tatoua looked good although his defence needs a bit of work. Jarrod Hayward looked slick when he was on. All good signs for our depth at the Wests Tigers.

Any further reports or information on how our players are progressing in the lower grades is always welcome.

Welcome to the forum. 👍

 

[Bellend]

Skelton, Roycie and Bunty would be quite a momentum shifter off the bench to put into action through the game. However, a balance with some workhorses to do the majority of tackling is required.

Fully agree.

 

[clontarfkid]

Starford likely back this week ?

Was hoping for Taylon May actually....?

 

[SeanT]

I dont understand the hate for Brooksy. I wish he kicked on at Manly.

No one hates him. He's just one dimensional. Full speed all the time. No variation.

 

[Lestronge]

Was hoping for Taylon May actually....?

Not till round 10/11

 

[SeanT]

Was hoping for Taylon May actually....?

Rather starford have a game in reserves first. See how his body holds up.

 

[SeanT]

Not till round 10/11

Round 8 he and Luai should be back.

 

[Lestronge]

The opposing argument is he is always criticised for being grossly overpaid (how much we don't know and we of course all value him differently as well).
As such he has always had good contracts and one would logically assume he has always had other offers to drive that price up. By the time he had finally had enough of the place the reputation about what he could be was gone.

I used to stick up for Brooks more than anyone … but he just ain’t it I’m afraid ! Without turbo demanding so much gravity from opposition teams . As he’s simply too slow and too busted now , teams no longer allocate the defensive resources to him , it means everyone else has no room to move .
If I was manly coach , I’d swap Kuola and Turbo and tell the halves . Give it to him as much as possible at retreating defences .
No other player in that team has anywhere near enough presence to demand defences mark up properly . And yes that includes 2026 turbo. It was always the scare with him. 5 years ago he was clearly the best player in the game … it wasn’t even close . He willed his teams to good records . Teams that didn’t win many games when he wasn’t there . But one hammy too many has slowed him immensely . I’d almost look at putting him as an edge back rower . At least when he runs the unders line teams would have to wait that split second .the second they’re simply not doing right now for Waddell and his brother .

 

[rugbygoated]

I'm hearing Sione Fainu is a potential bolter for the NSW Blues team this year off the bench

 

[SeanT]

dogs lack front rowers too

There is a big change in the fitness around front rowers and back rowers. Addin fonua Blake has struggled a bit with the speed of the game as well as other big boppers. Teams who have invested in small mobile forwards are not reaping the rewards because they are not making enough metres. Teams in the middle with slimmed down big boppers are the ones that are dominating. Penrith are prime examples. The Tigers pack looks fit but is also blue to make 40-50m a set which is what you need.

 

[Nadz4483]

I'm hearing Sione Fainu is a potential bolter for the NSW Blues team this year off the bench

Sione or samuela??

 

[wstigers11]

I'm hearing Sione Fainu is a potential bolter for the NSW Blues team this year off the bench

Wow

 

[Tiger_Yoshi]

I used to stick up for Brooks more than anyone … but he just ain’t it I’m afraid ! Without turbo demanding so much gravity from opposition teams . As he’s simply too slow and too busted now , teams no longer allocate the defensive resources to him , it means everyone else has no room to move .
If I was manly coach , I’d swap Kuola and Turbo and tell the halves . Give it to him as much as possible at retreating defences .
No other player in that team has anywhere near enough presence to demand defences mark up properly . And yes that includes 2026 turbo. It was always the scare with him. 5 years ago he was clearly the best player in the game … it wasn’t even close . He willed his teams to good records . Teams that didn’t win many games when he wasn’t there . But one hammy too many has slowed him immensely . I’d almost look at putting him as an edge back rower . At least when he runs the unders line teams would have to wait that split second .the second they’re simply not doing right now for Waddell and his brother .

It's sad to see how both the Turbo boys have lost so much of their ability so quickly....both are a shadow of their former self and Manly have not planned well for this moment...