Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[wstigers11]

Coming to concord? Lol

https://twitter.com/x/status/2088145660109627500

 

[Oscar Martinez]

Matt Lodge to Leeds immediate

You have to wonder how he got a working visa.

 

[bptiger 0]

Id pay it. As you said, cap is going up. He is a weapon. Our best player by far. Look at the difference he made when he came back from injury in that half alone.

The tigers have a secret tool , he will want to stay with his brothers and if he gets $1.2 there might be no money for the others , and the only club who will give his brother a shot wants he’s released from jail , so if our people are smart I think $800 would be a good number

 

[Wiz]

Coming to concord? Lol

https://twitter.com/x/status/2088145660109627500

Storm?

 

[bptiger 0]

There is a massive shortage of good quality 13’s and an even bigger shortage if wanting the 13 to be a competent slick 1st receiver.
Panthers have gone from attacking geniuses to dunces without Yeo.
The Rabbitohs attack looks much more clunky without Murray, but they also have Tallis Duncan who is a quality 13 if/when required.
The Eels have looked so much better each time Dylan Walker has been on the field playing 13 over the past couple of seasons, but age now appears to have caught up with him. In saying this he is a couple of years younger than Kurt Mann, so not sure why we didn’t make a play at Dylan Walker if we are seriously considering a 35 year old Mann?
Pat Carrigan has slowed down considerably and now looking more like a dour prop, rather than a slick ball distributing 13 who used to help set the Broncos attack alight.
When Jaeman Salmon plays well at 13, the Bulkdogs attack looks much better.
Reuben Cotter playing well at 13 is instrumental in the Cowboys playing well and scoring points.
Erin Clarke carrying the ball at speed as a 1st receiver with the ability to play slick passes to his halves is the catalyst of the Warriors success this season.
Victor Radley is a fluent 1st receiver and his slick ball playing option is crucial to the Roosters success.
The Dolphins are regularly set alight with the slick and fluent 1st receiver ball playing style of Max Plath or Kurt Donoghue.
Cameron McInness being an ex hooker does a good job of being a 1st receiver 13 at the Sharks.
Matt Croker although bigger and probably a bit slower than most of the others I have mentioned above, at least carries the ball at speed and commits a few defenders before playing out the back to his halves at the Knights.
Alex Twal done a very good job for us in this role early in the season, but he is not a genuine running threat and I think we need him back in the prop rotation with someone, or a combination of players with more attacking flair as our 13.

** When you look at how important a fluent 1st receiver ball playing 13 is and look at the shortage of players that fit this description, maybe taking a risk on the ageing Kurt Mann for 12 months is not a bad option.
** Surely Jayden Brailey has been recruited tj share the 9 role with Api and allow a slow and methodical transition of Jared Haywood into more regular NRG game time.

U know who we need is ALBO , because he can change his position, at any time , just a bit of light humour 🥴

 

[Flippedy]

There is a massive shortage of good quality 13’s and an even bigger shortage if wanting the 13 to be a competent slick 1st receiver.
Panthers have gone from attacking geniuses to dunces without Yeo.
The Rabbitohs attack looks much more clunky without Murray, but they also have Tallis Duncan who is a quality 13 if/when required.
The Eels have looked so much better each time Dylan Walker has been on the field playing 13 over the past couple of seasons, but age now appears to have caught up with him. In saying this he is a couple of years younger than Kurt Mann, so not sure why we didn’t make a play at Dylan Walker if we are seriously considering a 35 year old Mann?
Pat Carrigan has slowed down considerably and now looking more like a dour prop, rather than a slick ball distributing 13 who used to help set the Broncos attack alight.
When Jaeman Salmon plays well at 13, the Bulkdogs attack looks much better.
Reuben Cotter playing well at 13 is instrumental in the Cowboys playing well and scoring points.
Erin Clarke carrying the ball at speed as a 1st receiver with the ability to play slick passes to his halves is the catalyst of the Warriors success this season.
Victor Radley is a fluent 1st receiver and his slick ball playing option is crucial to the Roosters success.
The Dolphins are regularly set alight with the slick and fluent 1st receiver ball playing style of Max Plath or Kurt Donoghue.
Cameron McInness being an ex hooker does a good job of being a 1st receiver 13 at the Sharks.
Matt Croker although bigger and probably a bit slower than most of the others I have mentioned above, at least carries the ball at speed and commits a few defenders before playing out the back to his halves at the Knights.
Alex Twal done a very good job for us in this role early in the season, but he is not a genuine running threat and I think we need him back in the prop rotation with someone, or a combination of players with more attacking flair as our 13.

** When you look at how important a fluent 1st receiver ball playing 13 is and look at the shortage of players that fit this description, maybe taking a risk on the ageing Kurt Mann for 12 months is not a bad option.
** Surely Jayden Brailey has been recruited tj share the 9 role with Api and allow a slow and methodical transition of Jared Haywood into more regular NRG game time.

We all know who would be a perfect 13 for us, but of course he thinks he’s a halfback! Now we have to go out and spend money on an ageing Mann, McInnes or someone else simply because of the selfishness of one player.

 

[Flippedy]

You have to wonder how he got a working visa.

They will let any low life in anywhere these days, especially Britain!

 

[Fish88]

Would take Mann any day! Wouldnt break bank, is tough, plays 13 and would be good for some leadership and culture. Get it done!

 

[Garrry]

Heard a few days ago on the radio ( sen ) a equity company I think they're called EQT worth maybe $3 billion have bought 33% shares of Melbourne Storm, the company said player's salaries are paid by nrl all they need to outlay for junior's and pathways, company says it's a good investment.
That's what we need a billion dollar company to take over the lot.

 

[pawsandclaws1]

Heard a few days ago on the radio ( sen ) a equity company I think they're called EQT worth maybe $3 billion have bought 33% shares of Melbourne Storm, the company said player's salaries are paid by nrl all they need to outlay for junior's and pathways, company says it's a good investment.
That's what we need a billion dollar company to take over the lot.

I would like to see the NRL regulate expenditure by clubs on juniors and pathways so there is consistency across the competition.

 

[wstigers11]

Heard a few days ago on the radio ( sen ) a equity company I think they're called EQT worth maybe $3 billion have bought 33% shares of Melbourne Storm, the company said player's salaries are paid by nrl all they need to outlay for junior's and pathways, company says it's a good investment.
That's what we need a billion dollar company to take over the lot.

It’s why we are so far behind

 

[Coastie_Tiger]

The tigers have a secret tool , he will want to stay with his brothers and if he gets $1.2 there might be no money for the others , and the only club who will give his brother a shot wants he’s released from jail , so if our people are smart I think $800 would be a good number

Yeah 1.2 he is having a bit of a laugh if there's any truth to that, i'd be expecting something along the lines of $850k ish maybe with ratchet clauses as much as i dislike them they seem to becoming the norm. Or if not that gradual increases per year or KPI related increases something like that.
Im not overly fussed on Latu it could well be just the way Benji uses him (highly likely) or the fact he's made of glass, but im guessing they are a package deal.

 

[EllisFan]

1.2 mil is massive for a back-rower IMO.

If he wants that kind of money, he should be moving to prop to finish the year and demonstrate his worth there.

We should be looking at Hudson Young/Preston to fill the backrow void, or otherwise seeking to progress the development of Ethan Roberts to a significant degree.

You can’t just get these young guys to 50 games and the precipice of origin, then let them go. That’s how you stay a failure.

 

[LeichhardtTiger]

Heard a few days ago on the radio ( sen ) a equity company I think they're called EQT worth maybe $3 billion have bought 33% shares of Melbourne Storm, the company said player's salaries are paid by nrl all they need to outlay for junior's and pathways, company says it's a good investment.
That's what we need a billion dollar company to take over the lot.

We should all just form a Company. Here - I'll kick in $10! 💵 🐯🤣🍻

 

[king_sirro]

Would take Mann any day! Wouldnt break bank, is tough, plays 13 and would be good for some leadership and culture. Get it done!

I find it really interesting how smaller middles are having an impact on the game. As Tigers supporters, we tend to get caught up a lot with our team being physically weaker than the opposition and find ourselves calling for more size. However, the first 7 rounds this year showed their is nothing wrong with our size, its fitness, line speed and intent that counts. We dominated other packs. Smaller middles can do this and maintain it longer than the bigger guys. So the idea of bringing in smaller more mobile super fit hard working guys like Mann, Brailey etc has some merit. Particularly if Mann is just one year then replace him in 28.

The Dolphins have Donoghue, Plath and Stone in their 17. Dogs got themselves off the bottom of the ladder with fit small mobile forwards with 2 weapons on the edge. Manly just had Wakeham, Brown and Simpkin on at the same time. Roosters have Radley, Watson and the Butcher brothers.

Its an interesting trend.

 

[TigerNeddyK]

We’re talking about Makasini.

Players age faster at WT but I don’t expect him to age 9 years next year.

Jesus,, makasini is 28 now? It’s been a hell of a rookie year for him, a real baptism of fire

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

Media taking the negative angle on us again …

NRL try-scoring freak Solomone Saukuru to debut amid Wests Tigers contract battle​

He may be leading try scorer in the NSW Cup, but the Wests Tigers almost gave up on Solomone Saukuru. Now he’s set for his NRL debut and it may be too late for the club, as multiple rivals prepare to poach him.

Tyson Jackson and George Al-Akiki

He’s the leading tryscorer in the NSW Cup who finally gets his chance to make his NRL debut - but the Wests Tigers face an uphill battle to keep Solomone Saukuru long-term.
The Tigers have only just opened contract extension talks with Saukuru, just weeks after it had appeared there was no future for him at the club.

The joint venture recently changed its tune on the strike centre following a run of good form, but it could be too late, with multiple rivals circling the rising talent.

Before his breakout season in reserve grade this year, Saukuru was described as having raw talent but lacking the work ethic and finishing touches of NRL standard.

The Tigers have only just opened contract extension talks with Solomone Saukuru... but could it be too late to keep him? Picture: Bryden Sharp

Marshall now believes the centre has what it takes to make it in first grade.

“He’s a really good runner of the footy, deceptively fast for his size, pretty smart, intelligent guy, so we just want what he brings to the team,” Marshall said.

“He’s earned his opportunity.

“Everyone’s seen what he’s done at NSW Cup level and from our point of view, we’ve been driving some standards around his weight and his fitness.

“And he’s been meeting them to a tee.

Ardent Tigers fans have been calling for Saukuru’s debut all year, with the barnstorming outside back dominating in the NSW Cup as Marshall ruffled through his centre options.

In 19 games, Saukuru has scored 20 tries in the NSW Cup - the most in the competition.

This masthead can reveal reports indicating the young centre is off to Parramatta next year are off the market, with the Eels instead looking for experience in their 2027 recruitment drive.

Having last signed a contract with the Tigers after the 2022 junior representative season, Saukuru has been forced to bide his time.

Tigers fans have been calling for Saukuru’s debut all year, with the barnstorming outside back dominating in the NSW Cup, with 20 tries in 19 games this year - the most in the competition. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography

Saukuru was one year older than the famous 2022 Harold Matthews Cup grand final Magpies team, which featured the likes of Lachlan Galvin, Talyn Da Silva, Jordan Miller, Heath Mason, and the Laulilii brothers, Kit and Luke.

All bar Mason have their futures sorted at other clubs, with Saukuru yet to make a decision on what 2026 holds for him.

Sunday provides him with an opportunity to prove his worth, however Marshall was tight-lipped about whether Saukuru would be re-signed to the club.

“We don’t really talk about contract stuff publicly, so that’ll take care of itself,” he said.

Saukuru’s family is steeped in rugby league history.

His uncle, Colin, played for the Dragons in the 1990s, while his father, Joseph, is a member of the coaching staff for the Fijian Silktails in the Jersey Flegg competition.

Joseph also coached Dragons centre Moses Suli - Saukuru’s direct opposite on Sunday - when Suli was at Fairfield United in his juniors.

Solomone’s uncle Colin Saukuru playing for St George Illawarra in 1995.

The newest Tiger - along with teammates Latu and Samuela Fainu - acted as a ball boy for the Dragons veteran, looking up to Suli as he progressed to the NRL.

Joseph now splits his time between watching his son play football and travelling to Fiji to help the Silktails build their football program.

Saukuru’s centre partner for this weekend, Patrick Herbert, believes the 21-year-old’s injection into the side is timely in the midst of a seven-game losing streak.

“The thing about him, he just plays footy,” Herbert said.

“Just some of the things he does—he’s got real good athleticism, he’s got energy that’ll probably match Tito (Sunia Turuva) as well.

“So, to have those types of players in our team, it’s just really good to feed off of, especially at this time where we’ve strung a few losses together. It’ll help keep the energy up.”

Herbert also believes coach Marshall has put a focus on the side’s backfield carries this week, an area where Saukuru has thrived during his time in the NSW Cup this year.

(L-R) Solomone Saukuru, Joseph O'Neill & Apisalome Saukuru. Picture: Monique Harmer

“He can get us down the field pretty good, he’s got good yardage carries, very physical, and like a physical presence out on the field,” Herbert said.

“So, being a big boy, and, if he can just hone in on... Just show some aggression, and I reckon he’ll go a long way of just building momentum for us getting down the pitch, which I think we’ve been struggling with.

“With Sol, you don’t want to rev him up. He’s just a happy, chirpy lad, and that stuff just comes naturally as soon as he crosses that white line.”

One of Saukuru’s closest mates, Mason, believes the club’s newest debutant will fit right in.

“He can be quiet, but he’s quite funny,” Mason said.

“When he’s comfortable around the group, he’s a joke star, but he’s very mature as well, so it’s a good mix.”

 

[wstigers11]

Media taking the negative angle on us again …

NRL try-scoring freak Solomone Saukuru to debut amid Wests Tigers contract battle​

He may be leading try scorer in the NSW Cup, but the Wests Tigers almost gave up on Solomone Saukuru. Now he’s set for his NRL debut and it may be too late for the club, as multiple rivals prepare to poach him.

Tyson Jackson and George Al-Akiki

He’s the leading tryscorer in the NSW Cup who finally gets his chance to make his NRL debut - but the Wests Tigers face an uphill battle to keep Solomone Saukuru long-term.
The Tigers have only just opened contract extension talks with Saukuru, just weeks after it had appeared there was no future for him at the club.

The joint venture recently changed its tune on the strike centre following a run of good form, but it could be too late, with multiple rivals circling the rising talent.

Before his breakout season in reserve grade this year, Saukuru was described as having raw talent but lacking the work ethic and finishing touches of NRL standard.

The Tigers have only just opened contract extension talks with Solomone Saukuru... but could it be too late to keep him? Picture: Bryden Sharp

Marshall now believes the centre has what it takes to make it in first grade.

“He’s a really good runner of the footy, deceptively fast for his size, pretty smart, intelligent guy, so we just want what he brings to the team,” Marshall said.

“He’s earned his opportunity.

“Everyone’s seen what he’s done at NSW Cup level and from our point of view, we’ve been driving some standards around his weight and his fitness.

“And he’s been meeting them to a tee.

Ardent Tigers fans have been calling for Saukuru’s debut all year, with the barnstorming outside back dominating in the NSW Cup as Marshall ruffled through his centre options.

In 19 games, Saukuru has scored 20 tries in the NSW Cup - the most in the competition.

This masthead can reveal reports indicating the young centre is off to Parramatta next year are off the market, with the Eels instead looking for experience in their 2027 recruitment drive.

Having last signed a contract with the Tigers after the 2022 junior representative season, Saukuru has been forced to bide his time.

Tigers fans have been calling for Saukuru’s debut all year, with the barnstorming outside back dominating in the NSW Cup, with 20 tries in 19 games this year - the most in the competition. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography

Saukuru was one year older than the famous 2022 Harold Matthews Cup grand final Magpies team, which featured the likes of Lachlan Galvin, Talyn Da Silva, Jordan Miller, Heath Mason, and the Laulilii brothers, Kit and Luke.

All bar Mason have their futures sorted at other clubs, with Saukuru yet to make a decision on what 2026 holds for him.

Sunday provides him with an opportunity to prove his worth, however Marshall was tight-lipped about whether Saukuru would be re-signed to the club.

“We don’t really talk about contract stuff publicly, so that’ll take care of itself,” he said.

Saukuru’s family is steeped in rugby league history.

His uncle, Colin, played for the Dragons in the 1990s, while his father, Joseph, is a member of the coaching staff for the Fijian Silktails in the Jersey Flegg competition.

Joseph also coached Dragons centre Moses Suli - Saukuru’s direct opposite on Sunday - when Suli was at Fairfield United in his juniors.

Solomone’s uncle Colin Saukuru playing for St George Illawarra in 1995.

The newest Tiger - along with teammates Latu and Samuela Fainu - acted as a ball boy for the Dragons veteran, looking up to Suli as he progressed to the NRL.

Joseph now splits his time between watching his son play football and travelling to Fiji to help the Silktails build their football program.

Saukuru’s centre partner for this weekend, Patrick Herbert, believes the 21-year-old’s injection into the side is timely in the midst of a seven-game losing streak.

“The thing about him, he just plays footy,” Herbert said.

“Just some of the things he does—he’s got real good athleticism, he’s got energy that’ll probably match Tito (Sunia Turuva) as well.

“So, to have those types of players in our team, it’s just really good to feed off of, especially at this time where we’ve strung a few losses together. It’ll help keep the energy up.”

Herbert also believes coach Marshall has put a focus on the side’s backfield carries this week, an area where Saukuru has thrived during his time in the NSW Cup this year.

(L-R) Solomone Saukuru, Joseph O'Neill & Apisalome Saukuru. Picture: Monique Harmer

“He can get us down the field pretty good, he’s got good yardage carries, very physical, and like a physical presence out on the field,” Herbert said.

“So, being a big boy, and, if he can just hone in on... Just show some aggression, and I reckon he’ll go a long way of just building momentum for us getting down the pitch, which I think we’ve been struggling with.

“With Sol, you don’t want to rev him up. He’s just a happy, chirpy lad, and that stuff just comes naturally as soon as he crosses that white line.”

One of Saukuru’s closest mates, Mason, believes the club’s newest debutant will fit right in.

“He can be quiet, but he’s quite funny,” Mason said.

“When he’s comfortable around the group, he’s a joke star, but he’s very mature as well, so it’s a good mix.”

They really don’t give it a rest do they

 

[Bellend]

They really don’t give it a rest do they

Hopefully Solo stays, is his brother Apisalome Saukuru or cousin??

 

[Lestronge]

Hopefully Solo stays, is his brother Apisalome Saukuru or cousin??

Brother I think . I remember when we signed them up ast teenagers . Was a lot of buzz around them both