Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Vicious]

A simple question for everyone to answer to themselves.
If Latu reaches the potential most people believe he has, will he be a better halves option than Luai at a fraction of the cost?
I understand there is no guarantee Latu will reach the potential most people believe he has, but I assume it was likely he would become frustrated and looked to head elsewhere at the end of his current contract that finishes in 2027 had Luai stayed with us for the full 5 years which would have partially blocked his path.
So by what we have done, it will surely give Latu the opportunity to own a spot in the halves for our NRL team in 2027 and finally be able to show us if he can live up to his potential.
It’s a risk we had to take particularly when we come to the realisation that Luai was not regularly providing value for money on the playing field and contract money was restricting us from having enough salary cap money available to sign more quality of depth within our playing roster.

 

[Tom Shines]

A simple question for everyone to answer to themselves.
If Latu reaches the potential most people believe he has, will he be a better halves option than Luai at a fraction of the cost?
I understand there is no guarantee Latu will reach the potential most people believe he has, but I assume it was likely he would become frustrated and looked to head elsewhere at the end of his current contract that finishes in 2027 had Luai stayed with us for the full 5 years.
So by what we have done, it will surely give Latu the opportunity to own a spot in the halves for our NRL team in 2027 and finally be able to show us if he can live up to his potential.
It’s a risk we had to take particularly when we come to the realisation that Luai’s contract money was restricting us from having enough salary cap money available to sign more quality of depth within our playing roster.

We still don’t know what Latu will be in the halves ..Im very interested to see how much he will be extended for .. which is all going to be based on potential … not anything he has done at NRL level

 

[TigerBurnsy]

Apparently his clauses wouldve been removed had richo stuck around so PNG wouldve been moot...however I think this is probably a but of forum fiction tho...something, li ke.most things here none of us will ever know

This would have never happened it’s all rubbish, Luai was NEVER going to remove those clauses, he’s very smart and well advised he was always going to wait until April with the new teams as he’s solely driven by money

 

[Vicious]

We still don’t know what Latu will be in the halves ..Im very interested to see how much he will be extended for .. which is all going to be based on potential … not anything he has done at NRL level

That is correct and probably the reason the contract extension has not already been done.
I assume his manager Mario Tartak who has a good relationship with Wests Tigers and Benji would be trying to negotiate a contract larger than his current 500k contract based on potential and the upcoming salary cap increases.
In the best interests of Wests Tigers, can we afford the risk of going any higher than 500k?
I assume incentives and ratchet clauses will be in place, so hopefully that is enough to have Latu extend at the base rate of 500k.
When thinking about it, player contract negotiations would never be easy and I think it’s very small minded when Wests Tigers as a club always seem to get criticised by the media and some of our fans for constantly getting our contracts wrong.
As you would know I do not believe Richo was near as effective as what many seem to think he was, but on the Luai contract I don’t think he had any choice other than to put in the clauses that allowed him to become a free agent after 2 years. I have no problem with that contract as it had the potential to be much more successful than it was, but it didn’t work out as well as we would have liked, these things happen at every NRL club from time to time.

 

[Bellend]

That is correct and probably the reason the contract extension has not already been done.
I assume his manager Mario Tartak who has a good relationship with Wests Tigers and Benji would be trying to negotiate a contract larger than his current 500k contract based on potential and the upcoming salary cap increases.
In the best interests of Wests Tigers, can we afford the risk of going any higher than 500k?
I assume incentives and ratchet clauses will be in place, so hopefully that is enough to have Latu extend at the base rate of 500k.
When thinking about it, player contract negotiations would never be easy and I think it’s very small minded when Wests Tigers as a club always seem to get criticised by the media and some of our fans for constantly getting our contracts wrong.
As you would know I do not believe Richo was near as effective as what many seem to think he was, but on the Luai contract I don’t think he had any choice other than to put in the clauses that allowed him to become a free agent after 2 years. I have no problem with that contract as it had the potential to be much more successful than it was, but it didn’t work out as well as we would have liked, these things happen at every NRL club from time to time.

so who is the 5/8 moving forward Latu or Javon??

 

[pawsandclaws1]

That is correct and probably the reason the contract extension has not already been done.
I assume his manager Mario Tartak who has a good relationship with Wests Tigers and Benji would be trying to negotiate a contract larger than his current 500k contract based on potential and the upcoming salary cap increases.
In the best interests of Wests Tigers, can we afford the risk of going any higher than 500k?
I assume incentives and ratchet clauses will be in place, so hopefully that is enough to have Latu extend at the base rate of 500k.
When thinking about it, player contract negotiations would never be easy and I think it’s very small minded when Wests Tigers as a club always seem to get criticised by the media and some of our fans for constantly getting our contracts wrong.
As you would know I do not believe Richo was near as effective as what many seem to think he was, but on the Luai contract I don’t think he had any choice other than to put in the clauses that allowed him to become a free agent after 2 years. I have no problem with that contract as it had the potential to be much more successful than it was, but it didn’t work out as well as we would have liked, these things happen at every NRL club from time to time.

With the shortage of halves, there is a huge risk moving forward without him being re-signed. I cannot imagine WTs agreeing to release Luai without Latu having been re-signed. He is a versatile player but is a half. It is a great outcome if we have re-signed Samuela and Latu, as both are genuine NRL players.

 

[pawsandclaws1]

This would have never happened it’s all rubbish, Luai was NEVER going to remove those clauses, he’s very smart and well advised he was always going to wait until April with the new teams as he’s solely driven by money

TigerBurnsy, I'd like to know when it came to the attention of player managers/players that new teams were to be included in the NRL.

 

[TigerBurnsy]

TigerBurnsy, I'd like to know when it came to the attention of player managers/players that new teams were to be included in the NRL.

I think we knew sometime around mid 2024 but I think the players and managers knew much earlier, or had predicted this would be the expansion time. just a hunch with the amount of off contract players and clauses. But png have been announced since late 2024 so Luai knew for at least a year and would’ve anticipated exploring with his clause so he was never taking them out.

 

[Tom Shines]

That is correct and probably the reason the contract extension has not already been done.
I assume his manager Mario Tartak who has a good relationship with Wests Tigers and Benji would be trying to negotiate a contract larger than his current 500k contract based on potential and the upcoming salary cap increases.
In the best interests of Wests Tigers, can we afford the risk of going any higher than 500k?
I assume incentives and ratchet clauses will be in place, so hopefully that is enough to have Latu extend at the base rate of 500k.
When thinking about it, player contract negotiations would never be easy and I think it’s very small minded when Wests Tigers as a club always seem to get criticised by the media and some of our fans for constantly getting our contracts wrong.

The agent has leverage with both Sam being due as well … along with the moving on of Luai … they will be doing well to get Latu at the expiring deal even with ratchets .. only possibility I see is if Latu bets on himself taking on a smaller extension say 2 years at small money( $500k) …in the hope of going on to shoot the lights out and then sign a really big deal … alternatively the club would need to pay probably more for a longer deal … either way it’s not ideal for the club… the reason I have been saying to play him in the halves earlier

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

so who is the 5/8 moving forward Latu or Javon??

Long-term Javon with Latu our halfback. Will be interesting when the transition of Javon into the team commences with AD's seniority likely to keep him in the halves for the short-term.

 

[426Tlgerland]

dont get caught up in the hype of the media saying $500k

luke laulili was moved to front end the payment the club will only pay 200k next sesson

to the media that lurk this thread (you do) if one of you grows some nuts report the truth

Well said , truth only brings them small talk , bullshit always brings them loads of talk , poor man’s job they do

 

[426Tlgerland]

So we got so,far
Luai , Kit L , Luke L , Geyer , Toa , all leaving end 2026
Alverillo coming and confirmed
Latu and Sam F in negotiations currently
So 5 going , 1 new signing , 2 current in neg , we still need to fill 4 spots plus what ever dead work Benji decides to cut later , could be some new faces to improve us going forward , Prop , Backrow , centre / wing , let’s go shopping

 

[Nonotmeagain]

the way it seems to be working out listening to the chit chat here ,Romeys money just gets sunk into propping up the ship to move forward 2 more spaces ,until it catches up with us to upgrade maybe Jovan n Latu ,and we do the whole balance the salary cap again. I want as a supporter for those 2 kids to do next year in Reggies , get Nikorema , O Sullivan or Humphries in the side to saddle up with Dougyhowser for another low placed spot at worst ,then set those 2 kids free .Jovon doesn't have the mentality , and Latu the physic ,yet . Whats another year in the grand scheme of things

Not much if you're not around to see it eventuate I guess.

 

[full80]

Yes because it s warm and sunny up hear , nice temps , beaches , Gold Coast , Sunshine Coast , all pretty good Brisbane located in the middle

I have plenty of mates who grew up on Central Coast of NSW (which is much closer to Sydney) and just say Sydney was too busy for them. They didn't hate it, but just missed the lifestyle they could have outside the big smoke. My work is based here, but every time I'm up the coast at the beach I understand what they mean.

 

[Tom Shines]

So we got so,far
Luai , Kit L , Luke L , Geyer , Toa , all leaving end 2026
Alverillo coming and confirmed
Latu and Sam F in negotiations currently
So 5 going , 1 new signing , 2 current in neg , we still need to fill 4 spots plus what ever dead work Benji decides to cut later , could be some new faces to improve us going forward , Prop , Backrow , centre / wing , let’s go shopping

what’s the combined savings on Luke, kit and Geyer? Maybe enough for a case … of Peroni rather than Tooheys though if you want some upside …

Probably those 3 plus Toa = Averillo and Junior for 2027

 

[GNR4LIFE]

Apparently his clauses wouldve been removed had richo stuck around so PNG wouldve been moot...however I think this is probably a but of forum fiction tho...something, li ke.most things here none of us will ever know

Adds to the Richo mystique.

 

[Tigers_Wests]

Long-term Javon with Latu our halfback. Will be interesting when the transition of Javon into the team commences with AD's seniority likely to keep him in the halves for the short-term.

With Javon contracted 2027 and 2028, you would think we will need to give him some game time next year, or assurances that he will get a good crack in 2028. Otherwise, he will have no shortage of suitors come November 1, 2027.

Seeing how well Latu and Javon have linked up in only a few games of cup together is certainly a good sign that they should be able to continue that combination in the nrl (with potentially even better results due to more quality around them).

 

[Vicious]

so who is the 5/8 moving forward Latu or Javon??

I assume Latu at 7 and Doueihi at 6 will likely be the combination Benji gives the first opportunity to in 2027.
I’m guessing he will run with what plan with Jock as the back up 7 in case Latu does not own the 7 jersey like we all hope and expect he will.
Javon is definitely more of a natural 6, so he will continue to apply pressure for the 6 jersey if Doueihi is not getting the job done and pending if we see Latu as more of a 7 or a 6.
Ideally you would hope we add a good utility such as Jamie Humphreys to be our 14 to cover 9, 13, 6 or 7 and be another option just in case all the other halves scenarios fail.

 

[TIGERS]

I was under the impression he did say it but as a private Conversation, not to be reported on. also told by another member of that team that potter is a great assistant coach but not much chop as head coach

(last dip on this one cause its a bit old aye, but its still fun)

The discussion with Tallis happened right after an interview at Fox Sports Studios in Artarmon in 2013. It wasn't at a private function or at some pub. It was from a player, direct to a broadcaster/pundit still on the clock working at the Fox Sports studio, which was kept off the record. (This part I actually was told direct by former Broncos winger who's surname rhymes with Taylor at the "Telstra Connected Lounge" at Telstra Stadium in 2015.)

A year later in 2014 there were (correct) rumours of Robbie Farah undermining Potter..., which Tallis naturally agreed with and supported on his Triple M show. He actually didn't just come out reveal the conversation, the issue only really blew up because Farah foolishly denied everything to his agent... so Sam Ayoub, (trusting Farah and not being aware of any conversation) goes live on Triple M and in his interview challenges Tallis to name his source, and THAT'S what triggered the big shocking reveal. It wasn't a stitch up from Tallis. Tallis paraphrased the discussion in a very direct way because he's there to get juicy drama for his listeners, but there was nothing dishonest or untrue about what Tallis had revealed.

Farah denied it, but he figured because his comments were made 10 months earlier, it no longer counted as 'undermining'. Which is a pretty flimsy thing to say for any player, let alone the captain of your club and the 4nd highest paid NRL player at that time, which was also part of Tallis' actually legit criticism of him. Also it was only Ayoub's live on air challenge of Tallis' integrity that made that discussion public. Think about it, can you imagine the likes of Richo allowing players to send in their agents to speak on coaches and footy topics on live radio?

Not the straightest of shooters and I'd prefer him not involved with coaching the club ever again. I hope its not true. I'm not Jason Taylors biggest fan either but maybe he was on to something given Tedesco and Moses are still winning origins (at Suncorp) 11 years later.... maybe trying to move this fella on in 2016 was not the craziest of ideas.

 

[Vicious]

So we got so,far
Luai , Kit L , Luke L , Geyer , Toa , all leaving end 2026
Alverillo coming and confirmed
Latu and Sam F in negotiations currently
So 5 going , 1 new signing , 2 current in neg , we still need to fill 4 spots plus what ever dead work Benji decides to cut later , could be some new faces to improve us going forward , Prop , Backrow , centre / wing , let’s go shopping

With good recruitment we could potentially have a 2027 forward pack and depth with something like my list below which would not dramatically improve our top 17, but would ensure there is good pressure for positions to keep all our players on their toes and hopefully playing at or near their best more often and most importantly mean we do not drop off dramatically when injuries occur.
This is assuming Royce Hunt signs with a Super League club from 2027 like what was being reported prior to his injury.

8. Terrell May / Samuel Hughes
9. Api Korisau / Jared Haywood
10. Alex Twal - TBC - I would stick with Tony Sukkar moving to the middle, but if not him maybe Peter Taateo or Vaka Aho as it would need to be someone on the minimum contract
11. Kai Pearce-Paul / Kelma Tuilagi
12. Samuela Fainu / Ethan Roberts
13. Shawn Blore / Alex Seyfarth

14. Jamie Humphreys
15. Ray Stone
16. Sione Fainu
17. Fonua Pole

** I don’t think Samuel Hughes or Kelma Tuilagi would be happy signing for us to be playing NSW Cup when we are at full strength, but if playing at their best they would be pushing strongly for a spot in our top 17 along with Seyfarth and the emerging Jared Haywood and Ethan Roberts which is what we want and need.