Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

Excerpts from https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/cl...rs-retained-jahream-bula-20260505-p5zts2.html

The joint-venture outfit on Tuesday confirmed the news this masthead broke over the weekend - that Bula would forgo an opportunity to test his market worth by opting to stay put. Significantly, the new deal has no get-out clauses, and will cost the Tigers less than $1 million per season, before ratchet clauses are factored in.

Tigers recruiter Shannon Gallant had done most of the heavy lifting in negotiations, and when chief executive Shaun Mielekamp stepped in late last week, one of the most intriguing contract sagas in the modern game finally came to an end.

“What was really important in all of our conversations was what was best for Jahream,” Mielekamp said.

“It was about what was best for him as a player, as a person, for him to continue to develop his game under Benji, for him to be part of the culture of this club. They were the really genuine considerations.

“We’re talking about a player of faith, a player who believes in club values and has seen this club go through some pretty crazy times. Even for just Jahream’s own personal journey, he wanted to know this club is the real deal behind the scenes and not just smoke and mirrors. A big part of this is the values of the club, what we stand for and what we mean.”
 
Has anybody else noticed our reserve grade winger. fiangaa and how bloody well he plays ? Anyone know his story or if the club have him signed up for next year ? Every time I have seen them play he is pretty much the standout player
Seen him play a few weeks back Ned and was thinking the same thing yesterday, a real goer, if he could handle the high ball you'd give him a shot.
 
Jesse Ramien or Jake Averillo probably the only off contract options. Will Penisini also off contract but surely Eels re-sign him.
Jordan Samrani would be well worth a look , also the Gabrael brother of the gabrael that just signed for us is running around in reserve grade at the sharks and that kid can play .. no pathway at the sharks 🦈
 
Off contract:

Kitt Laulili - Perth
Luke Lualilii - Perth
Mav Geyer - Perth

William Craig - assume won't be offered a contract
Heath Mason - unsure
Solomone Saukura - unsure
Tristan Hope - maybe a cup contract
Tony Sukkar - we will see what the club does here.
Jeral Skelton - unsure, has interest elsewhere.

9 players in total.

A player with a lengthy contract that isn't delivering id like to see moved on, you guessed it... Starford Toa.

We've spent some coin, so hopefully we can lock in Latu and Samuela, Turuva, Makasini and Pole.

Externally I'd be looking at;
Suli Pole [Prop]
Tyrone May [Utility]
Sam Verrills [Hooker]
Izaac Tago [Centre]
Jake Tago [depth centre]

And a few cup signings in the likes of Trey Peni and Jordan Hill.
 
Off contract:

Kitt Laulili - Perth
Luke Lualilii - Perth
Mav Geyer - Perth

William Craig - assume won't be offered a contract
Heath Mason - unsure
Solomone Saukura - unsure
Tristan Hope - maybe a cup contract
Tony Sukkar - we will see what the club does here.
Jeral Skelton - unsure, has interest elsewhere.

9 players in total.

A player with a lengthy contract that isn't delivering id like to see moved on, you guessed it... Starford Toa.

We've spent some coin, so hopefully we can lock in Latu and Samuela, Turuva, Makasini and Pole.

Externally I'd be looking at;
Suli Pole [Prop]
Tyrone May [Utility]
Sam Verrills [Hooker]
Izaac Tago [Centre]
Jake Tago [depth centre]

And a few cup signings in the likes of Trey Peni and Jordan Hill.

Names on your list seems achievable … I would add an experienced winger 👍
 
Has anybody else noticed our reserve grade winger. fiangaa and how bloody well he plays ? Anyone know his story or if the club have him signed up for next year ? Every time I have seen them play he is pretty much the standout player
Bit of a journeyman who is about 26/27yo. Played with Camden Rams in Macarthur A grade last season at centre. Earned a trial with Wests Magpies in the pre-season and then Cup contract for the season.
 
Logan Brookes would be a good way for Benji to give an actual fullback that communicates to his teammates in defence a run while allowing Turuva back to the wing where he is most at home for us and Makasini into the centres so Toa can work on his game at Ryde Eastwood.. the proviso being that we have Logan locked down long term before the game because if he was to have a good game his value would explode .. he is strong, and good under a high ball and almost always beats the first defender .. bring him and Heywood in because if we play like we did last week against Melbourne we have no chance at all .. we e need our forwards running onto the ball .. start with Hope for sure but we will not win the game if he is forced to play 80 mins again
 
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Think we'll need some depth but have to aim for a cheaper option.

Maka & Turuva probably the starters in 2027
Tino as back up.

Just my opinion … I would spend some money on another wing option that could be an immediate starter … look at what the Warriors got with AKP for no doubt a bargain price ..he has brought a speed element they have lacked previous

Skelton is out the door and needs to be replaced … question marks over Makasini staying ..maybe I would change my mind about it if he shows some good form and signs an extension ..
 
Bit of a journeyman who is about 26/27yo. Played with Camden Rams in Macarthur A grade last season at centre. Earned a trial with Wests Magpies in the pre-season and then Cup contract for the season.
Interesting, some players really can develop a bit later , it is quite possible to be a talented player and just be overlooked at important times at juniors and with injuries and other setbacks some really talented players can emerge at his age and be very good footballers .. Cody Walker is a recent example of this
 
Just my opinion … I would spend some money on another wing option that could be an immediate starter … look at what the Warriors got with AKP for no doubt a bargain price ..he has brought a speed element they have lacked previous

Skelton is out the door and needs to be replaced … question marks over Makasini staying ..maybe I would change my mind about it if he shows some good form and signs an extension ..
club has to keep makasini can play wing or centre. Rugby will make a big play for him hopefully we are going well and he wants to stay
 
Off contract:

Kitt Laulili - Perth
Luke Lualilii - Perth
Mav Geyer - Perth

William Craig - assume won't be offered a contract
Heath Mason - unsure
Solomone Saukura - unsure
Tristan Hope - maybe a cup contract
Tony Sukkar - we will see what the club does here.
Jeral Skelton - unsure, has interest elsewhere.

9 players in total.

A player with a lengthy contract that isn't delivering id like to see moved on, you guessed it... Starford Toa.

We've spent some coin, so hopefully we can lock in Latu and Samuela, Turuva, Makasini and Pole.

Externally I'd be looking at;
Suli Pole [Prop]
Tyrone May [Utility]
Sam Verrills [Hooker]
Izaac Tago [Centre]
Jake Tago [depth centre]

And a few cup signings in the likes of Trey Peni and Jordan Hill.
Not sure if others would be as keen but Gagai won’t be offered another contract at the Knights. A 1 year deal for an experienced centre to help our younger guys couldn’t hurt.
 
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