Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[happy_tiger]

How did the bookies opinions this far out of the new season last year work out for the Broncs and Raiders, surprises happen every year it's just a speculative futures market.

I have no idea what odds Canberra or Brisbane were at the start of the season but I had neither side in my GF predictions

I dont think betting agencies are a speculative futures market

They get it right more often than not or they'd be out of business

 

[Droppy05]

Were you complaining when we were 5 wins from 7, we replaced at one time 7 first graders, they just weren't up for it everything went to shit, holes everywhere.

If the replacements are inferior, how can you expect the points you have listed.

What I have listed are the bare minimum requirements for any first grade team,irrespective of being a reserve or not.

 

[Vicious]

If you may remember Richo would talk about " shaking some trees and see what falls out " .....I was just using the term as a joke
And I would imagine that Benji would seek Richo for advice or connections to help with recruitment
I don't imagine Mielecamp has the same connections Richo had , not knocking Shaun at all... but he is far less experienced NRL wise

It’s not rocket science like sone make it out to be.
It’s up to the R&R team at each club to work out what positions they are looking at and what their budget is.
Send that information to all the player managers and have private discussions with all the player managers they have a good association with about what players are likely to become available
Their job is made easier by all the media reports and innuendo about players that are still contracted, but likely to be surplus to requirements as well as the ones that are contracted, but supposedly want out such as today’s report about Jordan Riki.
This does not require experience, but they need to be alert to all the rumours, have a good relationship with as many player managers as possible and most importantly have a bit of common sense.
Benji has made it well known in the past while our previous CEO was at the helm, that he did not want it respect the opinion of a recruitment manager he is not close with and does not trust, so he was give power to make all these decisions himself with the assistance of Shannon Gallant.
So Benji now has exactly what he wanted, so any failure in the recruitment and retention space falls solely on him.
In Benji’s defence he has obviously recognised our backline is far too slow and lacks quality on the right, so has recruited Jake Averillo to try and help fix this problem.
Hopefully Benji is now aware that Jake Averillo alone is not enough and is in the process of signing another quality outside back to increase competition for positions and our depth.
Benji was smart enough to realise we need more depth at 9 and has recruited a tough tackling experienced player in Jayden Brailey.
Benji would also be well aware of our emerging younger players who should all be another year older, wiser and better in 2027, so it’s a juggling act as to how many of our emerging players will be genuine NRL contenders or depth in 2027 and how many more recruits are required.
Benji wanted to be in charge of all of this, so now it’s up to his judgement to get it right.

 

[happy_tiger]

It’s not rocket science like sone make it out to be.
It’s up tj the R&R team at each club tj work out what positions they are looking at and what their budget is.
They then send tgat I formation to all the player managers and have private discussions with all the player managers they have a good association with about what players are likely to be one available
Their job is made easier by all the media reports and innuendo about players that are still contracted, but likely to be surplus to requirements as well as the ones that are contracted, but supposedly want out such as today’s report about Jordan Riki.
This does not require experience, but they need to be alert to all the rumours, have a good relationship with as many player managers as possible and most importantly have a bit of common sense.

I didn't make it out to sound like rocket science .....I simply said that Benji was more likely to turn to Richo for advice than he is to Shaun Mielecamp
You overcomplicated it

 

[happy_tiger]

It will be interesting when we get to the pre season and we rate all 18 clubs and their recruitment for 2027

I wonder if we rate in the top half of the comp or the bottom half of the comp

Currently we are definitely in the bottom half

 

[Tiger_Yoshi]

It will be interesting when we get to the pre season and we rate all 18 clubs and their recruitment for 2027

I wonder if we rate in the top half of the comp or the bottom half of the comp

Currently we are definitely in the bottom half

and wqill probably go lower still

 

[Vicious]

It will be interesting when we get to the pre season and we rate all 18 clubs and their recruitment for 2027

I wonder if we rate in the top half of the comp or the bottom half of the comp

Currently we are definitely in the bottom half

As it currently stands I would agree.
BUT having numerous key players missing injured or playing poorly supposedly due to playing injured for a large portion of the 2026 season, should mean quite a few players who were in this list throughout 2026, will be like new recruits in 2027.
Then factor in the projected potential and improvement of many of our players, particularly the likes of Latu Fainu, Heamasi Makasini, Javon Andrews, Ethan Roberts and Jared Haywood just to name a few.
It’s a very good debate when asking are our players on that list in the top tier of young players across the NRL who could have breakout seasons in 2027?
Then it’s a wait and see of who else we can recruit and how much they will help improve our competition for positions and general depth?
I appreciate the concern raised by some of our supporters heading into the 2027 season, but there is also plenty of hope and it could be further enhanced by a few more good quality recruits.
Another huge question is will we be better off without Luai?
There is no right or wrong answer just yet, but my prediction is our potential halves for 2027 will definitely improve our attack.

 

[Wezt]

One thing we have going for us is our centre and backrow pairings

Just worried about our halfback for next year otherwise I’d tip us for top 8.

 

[clontarfkid]

It's just different perceptions of reality.
I'm in the camp that believe injuries at the wrong time to the wrong players with the wrong mid season announcement wrecked the season.
Injuries will stop any team. We weren't alone, Melbourne , The Bulldogs and Brisbane all showed that the "next man up" nonsense is just that, nonsense.
Sure Benji made coaching errors but he's our best chance at success.

It isn't just our supporters that always think there's a magical coaching option out there. You should read what Cronulla supporters say about Fitzgibbon.

Forum experts will always moan about the coach unless he wins every comp. every year.

Nup..wed just ;ike to be in the 8 every now and again,and ocassionally contenders
Since Sheens return,and his legacy in Benji, never ,ever close
We were perennial 9th under Cleary and Taylor..Sheens and his designated successors have been a comprehensive disaster

 

[Lestronge]

Stop making excuses, he was that bad before the should ,
ALSO trindal for the shards had a busted right arm and put in a strong effort, so call him for what he puts in , and over the season no bloody much

ridiculous ! No one’s making excuses nor needs to . He was in the best few players we had most weeks even with a bung shoulder .
And it was clear as day as well his shoulder was causing him huge grief . Especially as the needle wore off as the game went on .
This is is the stupid shit I’m talking about . Absolute muppet show comment , looking for people to blame .
It was a shit season people got injured , others underperformed . Some younger players need adapt to the marathon grind of a 27 round season . Fonua Pole for example , finally matured into a 27 round nrl player . T May , by his own admission struggled with this.
In fighting , bitching ,egos , managers , coaching all played a part in a season that should have gone much better .

Scapegoating is just poor form . Makes you look like a child and lack objectivity .
The whole team needs to look in the mirror. From Bula developing his passing game , picking his moments around when to support through the middle all the way to AD bitching and moaning about the inevitability that the 2 kids are coming for his jersey . It was a shit show . The whole thing .
But I refuse to blame. Our fullback .
It’s interesting all you guys all turn on the the players who can now afford a near waterfront property in Gladesville .
It reeks of jealousy and old sad men . And Bula ? Couldn’t be a bigger gentleman . And you guys still turn on him . Shameful …

 

[king_sirro]

ridiculous ! No one’s making excuses nor needs to . He was in the best few players we had most weeks even with a bung shoulder .
And it was clear as day as well his shoulder was causing him huge grief . Especially as the needle wore off as the game went on .
This is is the stupid shit I’m talking about . Absolute muppet show comment , looking for people to blame .
It was a shit season people got injured , others underperformed . Some younger players need adapt to the marathon grind of a 27 round season . Fonua Pole for example , finally matured into a 27 round nrl player . T May , by his own admission struggled with this.
In fighting , bitching ,egos , managers , coaching all played a part in a season that should have gone much better .

Scapegoating is just poor form . Makes you look like a child and lack objectivity .
The whole team needs to look in the mirror. From Bula developing his passing game , picking his moments around when to support through the middle all the way to AD bitching and moaning about the inevitability that the 2 kids are coming for his jersey . It was a shit show . The whole thing .
But I refuse to blame. Our fullback .
It’s interesting all you guys all turn on the the players who can now afford a near waterfront property in Gladesville .
It reeks of jealousy and old sad men . And Bula ? Couldn’t be a bigger gentleman . And you guys still turn on him . Shameful …

Your a big Bula fan, can I ask you your opinion? Do you think Bula is a good defender? Im not talking bout his organising, im talking about his one on one battles when the opposition makw a break. I see many of hia critics saying he cant tackle and I am always scratching my head at that. I think he is exceptional when defending one on one. No one makes every tackle in that situation, but I find he makes more than I wpuld expect.

 

[happy_tiger]

As it currently stands I would agree.
BUT having numerous key players missing injured or playing poorly supposedly due to playing injured for a large portion of the 2026 season, should mean quite a few players who were in this list throughout 2026, will be like new recruits in 2027.
Then factor in the projected potential and improvement of many of our players, particularly the likes of Latu Fainu, Heamasi Makasini, Javon Andrews, Ethan Roberts and Jared Haywood just to name a few.
It’s a very good debate when asking are our players on that list in the top tier of young players who could have breakout seasons in 2027?
Then it’s a wait and see of who else we can recruit and how much they will help improve our competition for positions and general depth?
I appreciate the concern raised by some of our supporters heading into the 2027 season, but there is also plenty of hope and it could be further enhanced by a few more good quality recruits.
Another huge question is will we be better off without Luai?
There is no right or wrong answer just yet, but my prediction is our potential halves for 2027 will definitely improve our attack.

My big issue is too many fans seem to want to get in a pissing contest about how good our recruits and junior talent is

Players Andrews , Makasini , Roberts ,Godinet , Haywood etc are getting way overhyped by some on here and then when they don't meet the ridiculous standards some set they become plodders in people's eyes

Let the kids develop properly , don't rush them into grade and let them get 50 games into their careers and see where they end up

It was absolute stupidity to blood Andrews and Haywood at NRL level in an injury hit and confidence sapped side

 

[Tigerstigerstigers]

My big issue is too many fans seem to want to get in a pissing contest about how good our recruits and junior talent is

Players Andrews , Makasini , Roberts ,Godinet , Haywood etc are getting way overhyped by some on here and then when they don't meet the ridiculous standards some set they become plodders in people's eyes

Let the kids develop properly , don't rush them into grade and let them get 50 games into their careers and see where they end up

It was absolute stupidity to blood Andrews and Haywood at NRL level in an injury hit and confidence sapped side

Andrews has work to do on his defence. But he dominated in attack for the full season... and in my view, if he works hard over the off-season, should be first shot at the 6 jersey with Latu at 7.

 

[innsaneink]

Im a Bula fan but I was really disappointed in his season

Someone here has said hes already had surgery I think thats bollocks we wouldve heard about it, he missed 4 games in late April, May so thats the only time he couldve had it whatever it is, unless it was after our last game 2 weeks ago

He went backwards on 2025 imo, his speed didnt improve I cant remember a line break, whether this was a side affect of not getting good early clean ball, or running off slower players, or the attack not being straightend to present a gap or two, I dunno... he often didnt get involved enough for my liking.....

I remember last year he was out early and we struggled and then he made the difference when he returned, Id love to know exactly what the go is with his shouler or whatever problem it is...if this is whats been hampering him, and if the WC prevents him from getting it fixed in time for our season start thats just wrong, but no one knows exactly what th go is here

 

[innsaneink]

Andrews has work to do on his defence. But he dominated in attack for the full season... and in my view, if he works hard over the off-season, should be first shot at the 6 jersey with Latu at 7.

No. Do the work in reggies, until he's ready...not half ready

 

[Odessa]

Andrews has work to do on his defence. But he dominated in attack for the full season... and in my view, if he works hard over the off-season, should be first shot at the 6 jersey with Latu at 7.

Andrews is a big body I would let him play all the trials and see how he goes don't want to break him with a full season maybe 8 to 12 games will be enough for him and aim to have all the young kids ready to go in 28 really what is another year could not be worse

 

[clontarfkid]

My big issue is too many fans seem to want to get in a pissing contest about how good our recruits and junior talent is

Players Andrews , Makasini , Roberts ,Godinet , Haywood etc are getting way overhyped by some on here and then when they don't meet the ridiculous standards some set they become plodders in people's eyes

Let the kids develop properly , don't rush them into grade and let them get 50 games into their careers and see where they end up

Problem is we pay the kids so much $$$ we cant afford proven "interim" first graders to ease them into the NRL...so as soon as an injury arises,the kids get thrown into the deep end before theyre ready and look ordinary
Has happened for several years now...a legacy of Sheens /Benji over-hyping the kids based on their performances in under 12s!!And some fool paying all of them on potential,which ocassionally pays off but rarely
Other side of the story is incumbent coaching staff is incapable of actually developing those same high potentil kids eg Felody ,who was a disaster for WTs,is now an established 1st grade at Manly.Was a star..
TDS/Liddle/Brooks same deal..established 1st graders
Benji needs help.+ .some smarts who arent looking for Benji buddies
Im ok to go in a different direction like Teo as assistant and see what happens
Hodgo terrible wherever hes been..another conflation with footy star with actual coaching capability

 

[happy_tiger]

Andrews has work to do on his defence. But he dominated in attack for the full season... and in my view, if he works hard over the off-season, should be first shot at the 6 jersey with Latu at 7.

I look at it slightly differently

How many players who show suspect defence early in their careers , don't become adequate defenders
Take Ewan McGrady ....won a Rothmans but ultimately couldn't improve their defence to an acceptable level
Ben Barba , the McGuinness brothers the list goes on and on
It doesn't matter how good your attack is , if you can't defend you won't make it
People just brush it off .....give him the off season , he will improve with time
Look at Bellamy's and Clearys sides how many players are poor defenders ??
And if they are ....what happens ....ask Talagi

 

[happy_tiger]

Im a Bula fan but I was really disappointed in his season

Someone here has said hes already had surgery I think thats bollocks we wouldve heard about it, he missed 4 games in late April, May so thats the only time he couldve had it whatever it is, unless it was after our last game 2 weeks ago

He went backwards on 2025 imo, his speed didnt improve I cant remember a line break, whether this was a side affect of not getting good early clean ball, or running off slower players, or the attack not being straightend to present a gap or two, I dunno... he often didnt get involved enough for my liking.....

I remember last year he was out early and we struggled and then he made the difference when he returned, Id love to know exactly what the go is with his shouler or whatever problem it is...if this is whats been hampering him, and if the WC prevents him from getting it fixed in time for our season start thats just wrong, but no one knows exactly what th go is here

He should of went for surgery as soon as we were out of finals contention

 

[bptiger 0]

ridiculous ! No one’s making excuses nor needs to . He was in the best few players we had most weeks even with a bung shoulder .
And it was clear as day as well his shoulder was causing him huge grief . Especially as the needle wore off as the game went on .
This is is the stupid shit I’m talking about . Absolute muppet show comment , looking for people to blame .
It was a shit season people got injured , others underperformed . Some younger players need adapt to the marathon grind of a 27 round season . Fonua Pole for example , finally matured into a 27 round nrl player . T May , by his own admission struggled with this.
In fighting , bitching ,egos , managers , coaching all played a part in a season that should have gone much better .

Scapegoating is just poor form . Makes you look like a child and lack objectivity .
The whole team needs to look in the mirror. From Bula developing his passing game , picking his moments around when to support through the middle all the way to AD bitching and moaning about the inevitability that the 2 kids are coming for his jersey . It was a shit show . The whole thing .
But I refuse to blame. Our fullback .
It’s interesting all you guys all turn on the the players who can now afford a near waterfront property in Gladesville .
It reeks of jealousy and old sad men . And Bula ? Couldn’t be a bigger gentleman . And you guys still turn on him . Shameful …

I will say u are right across the board , but if I was bula , and I really wanted to improve I would watch 4-5 other fullbacks , and try to improve my game , he could be a top fullback , if he just got of his arse and got more involved