Roar_Power
Well-known member
Eastwood is getting knocked from pillar to post on here but I strongly believe faith will be restored when he is putting in strong bench performances from 2018.
Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion
- Thread starter MacDougall
- Start date
southerntiger
New member
I have generally stayed quiet in this thread as I have very few sources in the club these days and prefer to comment on players at our club rather than prognosticate on whether a certain player may join our a club.
However, I have been reflecting on Cleary's recruitment choices over the past week. His approach reminds me of comments he made in an interview a few weeks ago about how the Wests Tigers style of footy (flash and brilliance but with a soft underbelly) has been very different to the Balmain and Magpies styles. He spoke with fondness about the tough and rugged styles of Balmain and Magpies. Sides that weren't the prettiest but that turn up each week to play footy and who the opposition knew would make them work for a win and hurt them.
This seems to be the team he wants to win. I suspect that is why he withdrew the offer from Moses. The style he wants is a style that is the exact opposite of what Moses represents - rocks and diamonds.
I suspect with Woods and Teddy, he took a similar approach. Great players but replaceable.
Woods is the biggest loss for me. Whilst he has is flaws, both as a player and as a person, he is a very good prop forward and, whilst he isn't as tough as the image he likes to portray, he could have been the player that Clearly built the 'new' style Wests Tigers around.
I understand why many see Teddy as a massive loss. He can do things others can't. However, I have felt over the last two years that Teddy has been a limiting element in our team. Whenever the ball goes to our backline, it gets thrown to Teddy playing as a second five-eighth and he either dies with the ball or makes a break (rarely). Very predictable and pedestrian. Sure he still does the freakish things but Im not sure they make up for the drawbacks (which include his defensive frailties).
Admittedly when Cleary was first appointed, it looked like he tried to get Teddy to limit his involvement. However, last week and against Cronulla (before Teddy got injured) we went back to going to Teddy almost every backline move. I am not convinced that was a tactical decision and that it was more about players not following directions.
I'm excited.
However, I have been reflecting on Cleary's recruitment choices over the past week. His approach reminds me of comments he made in an interview a few weeks ago about how the Wests Tigers style of footy (flash and brilliance but with a soft underbelly) has been very different to the Balmain and Magpies styles. He spoke with fondness about the tough and rugged styles of Balmain and Magpies. Sides that weren't the prettiest but that turn up each week to play footy and who the opposition knew would make them work for a win and hurt them.
This seems to be the team he wants to win. I suspect that is why he withdrew the offer from Moses. The style he wants is a style that is the exact opposite of what Moses represents - rocks and diamonds.
I suspect with Woods and Teddy, he took a similar approach. Great players but replaceable.
Woods is the biggest loss for me. Whilst he has is flaws, both as a player and as a person, he is a very good prop forward and, whilst he isn't as tough as the image he likes to portray, he could have been the player that Clearly built the 'new' style Wests Tigers around.
I understand why many see Teddy as a massive loss. He can do things others can't. However, I have felt over the last two years that Teddy has been a limiting element in our team. Whenever the ball goes to our backline, it gets thrown to Teddy playing as a second five-eighth and he either dies with the ball or makes a break (rarely). Very predictable and pedestrian. Sure he still does the freakish things but Im not sure they make up for the drawbacks (which include his defensive frailties).
Admittedly when Cleary was first appointed, it looked like he tried to get Teddy to limit his involvement. However, last week and against Cronulla (before Teddy got injured) we went back to going to Teddy almost every backline move. I am not convinced that was a tactical decision and that it was more about players not following directions.
I'm excited.
Harvey
Well-known member
SWhat about Brandan Elliott from the knights? Can cover most positions in the backline, has a fair bit of toe and solid defensively
Basil_Tiger
New member
@ said:
Similar thoughts,we will miss Woods for sure,everyone i've spoken to thinks Tedesco is having a poor/average season so far, he is easy meat when he hooks up in the backline,opposing players just waiting for him to get the ball,Cleary has to use Tedesco as a decoy more often to put some doubt in the defence.
Interesting to see how he goes with the Chooks next year.
teddy23
Well-known member
I've got a pretty good suggestion, former Sharks juniour Curtis Scott
I watched him come through as a juniour closely and I was super impressed, 11 NRL clubs were after him. He signed with Melbourne for 2 or three years at the start of 2016 meaning his contract either runs out this year or next year.
Made his debut last year but unfortunately broke his leg which put him off track, and if Chambers resigns I don't know where they'll fit him, I've got strong sources telling me Storm are considering to change him into a 6, not sure if it's been reported or not.
He plays centre and might be looking to return home with his family in Sydney.
Thoughts?
I watched him come through as a juniour closely and I was super impressed, 11 NRL clubs were after him. He signed with Melbourne for 2 or three years at the start of 2016 meaning his contract either runs out this year or next year.
Made his debut last year but unfortunately broke his leg which put him off track, and if Chambers resigns I don't know where they'll fit him, I've got strong sources telling me Storm are considering to change him into a 6, not sure if it's been reported or not.
He plays centre and might be looking to return home with his family in Sydney.
Thoughts?
Tigersmurf
Well-known member
@ said:
I agree entirely, our Centers and wingers are merely block players and decoys at the moment. We may as well only play with halves and a fullback chiming in.
I would love to know how many tries wingers and centers scored with Benji in his prime compared to now.
Now it is official - No longer a Gamble but it could be.
Wests Tigers sign talented Queenslander
Wests Tigers Media
Fri 19th May, 03:00PM
Wests Tigers are pleased to confirm the signing of talented Queenslander Tyson Gamble for the coming two seasons.
Gamble will join Wests Tigers ahead of the 2018 NRL season, with the 20 year old currently playing for Redcliffe Dolphins in Queensland’s Intrust Super Cup.
Gamble, who predominately plays in the halves, has impressed since making his Intrust Super Cup debut for Redcliffe earlier this season.
Gamble played in the Dolphins' Brisbane Rugby League side in 2017 and received the Don McLennan Trophy for being the best player in last year’s Grand Final.
Wests Tigers Recruitment Manager David Warwick said that the club looked forward to having Gamble arrive for pre-season training at the end of the year.
“Tyson has been impressive in his first season in the Intrust Super Cup and we look forward to him making the move to Sydney to join us for the next two seasons,” said Warwick.
Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe welcomed Gamble to the club.
“Over the last month we’ve made a number of strong additions to our club for the coming seasons,” said Pascoe. “Tyson is an impressive young man and we’re keen to see him continue his development with Wests Tigers.”
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PLAYER PROFILE: TYSON GAMBLE
Date of Birth — 21st June, 1996
Height — 187cm
Weight — 90kg
Position — Halfback, Five-eighth
Rep Honours — SEQ Poinsettias
Junior Club — Redcliffe Dolphins
Wests Tigers sign talented Queenslander
Wests Tigers Media
Fri 19th May, 03:00PM
Wests Tigers are pleased to confirm the signing of talented Queenslander Tyson Gamble for the coming two seasons.
Gamble will join Wests Tigers ahead of the 2018 NRL season, with the 20 year old currently playing for Redcliffe Dolphins in Queensland’s Intrust Super Cup.
Gamble, who predominately plays in the halves, has impressed since making his Intrust Super Cup debut for Redcliffe earlier this season.
Gamble played in the Dolphins' Brisbane Rugby League side in 2017 and received the Don McLennan Trophy for being the best player in last year’s Grand Final.
Wests Tigers Recruitment Manager David Warwick said that the club looked forward to having Gamble arrive for pre-season training at the end of the year.
“Tyson has been impressive in his first season in the Intrust Super Cup and we look forward to him making the move to Sydney to join us for the next two seasons,” said Warwick.
Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe welcomed Gamble to the club.
“Over the last month we’ve made a number of strong additions to our club for the coming seasons,” said Pascoe. “Tyson is an impressive young man and we’re keen to see him continue his development with Wests Tigers.”
\
\
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PLAYER PROFILE: TYSON GAMBLE
Date of Birth — 21st June, 1996
Height — 187cm
Weight — 90kg
Position — Halfback, Five-eighth
Rep Honours — SEQ Poinsettias
Junior Club — Redcliffe Dolphins
Roar_Power
Well-known member
Wouldn't mind Johnston on the wing but not as a long term FB. Can't recall if he kicks?
Coastie_Tiger
Well-known member
@ said:
Throwing darts again :roll
stevied
Well-known member
@ said:
If the rumour is true (which I have doubts about), I am happy with the possibility of having Johnston join the Tigers. He is big and strong and can find his way to the try line but, I agree, he should only be considered for the wing. Johnston and Nofo, with Tui the fullback, would make a handy back three.
Born_tiger
Member
@ said:
I dont want Alex Johnson as our fullback.
Heard he only wants to leave south becaus they won't give him the fullback spot that he wants. Not happy on the wing.
stevied
Well-known member
What is it with this current generation of first graders? Never happy to just be in first grade, self righteously demanding what they believe to be their best position….What the hell's going on? Please, let's not sign him if he's demanding the fullback role. He's simply not good enough in that position and, more importantly, we don't want any more players who come here with a 'me' attitude.
If Lolohea comes Johnston would be playing wing or centre. But he's at least capable of playing FB. We could do with some versatility. Sure he's not a great FB but gee we've had a lot worse.
Harvey
Well-known member
Alex Johnston's defence as a fullback is absolutely terrible. He can't tackle in open field.
