Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Bellend]

I think Luai is a great player & has been a good signing for the club.

With that caveat out of the way, I think we are seeing the limitations of our squad in terms of creativity at the moment. Bula, Luai & Doueihi are all more 'runners' of the ball, not guys that direct others around the field.

Both Latu Fainu & Javon Andrews appear more suited to directing play. The fact that Madden can come in & look decent because he has that style indicates the team might just need that type of player on the field.

Luai is leaving in 12 months regardless. At best, with no expected changes to our spine, we might improve marginally in organisation with the players that hold our starting spine positions.

Having Latu start instead might be the missing piece to the spine. And with Luai's ticket punched to leave already, he's the most logical member of the spine to move on.

Not saying I like it. But I can see how it might be a benefit.

Luai was great for this club off the field, say this for his promoting of this club was first rate.

 

[oxycon]

I did not see Romeys post on insta but the podcast crew on claws out were discussing it.
Does that post confirm his early exit and has he fallen out of favour with the club?

 

[Bellend]

Haywood is viewed as our next star hooker, and he's the reason we let TDS go.
Lanyon is good, but I think his ceiling will be Cup/fill in for injuries long term.

Haywood needs 12 months do not rush the kid.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

Best news fullstop Toa and Luai should have been done earlier.

Club seems keen now to retain players who are on contracts at their proper value, hence the likes of Luai ($1.2M), To'a ($450K), Hunt ($500K) & Seyfarth ($450K) all reportedly shopped recently. Our contracts in brackets to what I believe is close to what they are on.

 

[Blooey]

I think we've already spent Luai's money 2028 onwards, so there must be someone we want here next year..
A high paid middle is my guess.. Leniu?
Or maybe the rumours of that Rugby player coming here wasn't fake?

 

[Blooey]

Haywood needs 12 months do not rush the kid.

Next season is 8 months away, and I assume his first season he would only play 20-30minutes to give Api a rest.

 

[wstigers11]

Haywood needs 12 months do not rush the kid.

He’s a chance to play this weekend apparently

 

[Roar_Power]

Hows this play out?

Luai to Dogs to try and win a premiership with mate Crichton before both head to PNG?

Burton to WA in 2027 as a marquee?

In all honesty, freeing up this money in 2027 is the best thing that could have happened. Let's us invest in a talented core of players long term and fast tracks Latu and Javon into NRL. We can potentially afford another decent first grade player as well...

 

[Blooey]

Hows this play out?

Luai to Dogs to try and win a premiership with mate Crichton before both head to PNG?

Burton to WA in 2027 as a marquee?

In all honesty, freeing up this money in 2027 is the best thing that could have happened. Let's us invest in a talented core of players long term and fast tracks Latu and Javon into NRL. We can potentially afford another decent first grade player as well...

Can you imagine if Luai goes to the dogs next year and they release Galvin?
I'd honestly feel bad for the kid at that point..

 

[pawsandclaws1]

Is Haywood far better than Lanyon? Is Lanyon at NSW Cup standard only?

Lanyon looks to be a very good utility that every side needs who can play 13 and 9.

 

[pawsandclaws1]

We have 2 NRL quality halves in Cup. I don’t think they want to sign anyone

Having 2 NRL quality halves in NSW Cup is difficult with the shortage generally of halves across the NRL. It wouldn't be long for the predatory clubs to come calling. Being pro-active to resolve the issue is a good move.

 

[TigerVinnie]

Hows this play out?

Luai to Dogs to try and win a premiership with mate Crichton before both head to PNG?

Burton to WA in 2027 as a marquee?

In all honesty, freeing up this money in 2027 is the best thing that could have happened. Let's us invest in a talented core of players long term and fast tracks Latu and Javon into NRL. We can potentially afford another decent first grade player as well...

Id say the money is for the Fianu brothers... however, we're treading a fine line of getting rid of our higher payed 1st graders and banking on unproven youth when our depth is already horrible. For a club that hasn't made the finals in 15 (16) years we can't just rely on planning for a long term future. We need to play finals now!

 

[pawsandclaws1]

Can you imagine if Luai goes to the dogs next year and they release Galvin?
I'd honestly feel bad for the kid at that point..

Release Galvin to the WTs🤣

 

[user118245]

Probably means we can bring in blore now

 

[supercoach]

He must have a deal done, the club would look silly saying they are letting him walk and than finding he is staying because he can’t get a better deal. I think he will be at the Dogs next year with our club paying about 400g. By the time we upgrade the Fainu’s and balance the books we probably have enough left to buy a box of bandaides.

 

[hodgo]

Sad day tbh. I understand the reasons why but I'm a fan even if others aren't. He got us a seat at the table for a number of players and helped give us an identity back that we are building into.

Hope him the best and hope a contender grabs him he could take a few over the top imo.

 

[bptiger 0]

Another chess piece in this could be Tyrone May too. But he'd probably more be a Jock Madden depth replacement from 2028 for a couple of seasons to play with his bros.

But Tyrone can tackle and he can do something that madden can’t do , HE can take the line on

 

[Rock Hopper Steve]

He must have a deal done, the club would look silly saying they are letting him walk and than finding he is staying because he can’t get a better deal. I think he will be at the Dogs next year with our club paying about 400g. By the time we upgrade the Fainu’s and balance the books we probably have enough left to buy a box of bandaides.

You think he's going to the dogs, to join his good mate Galvin, don't find that likely.

 

[Tiger-ferret]

Can you imagine if Luai goes to the dogs next year and they release Galvin?
I'd honestly feel bad for the kid at that point..

I wouldn’t 🤣

 

[user118245]

Also Haywood debut