Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[weststigerman]

My understanding is Mikaele has only ever played front row. I wouldn't be moving him from there just yet.

Like all young forwards he's got some improvement to make in defence. There is a lot of potential there though, I'd like to see him up his minutes in ISP and look at playing a few games off the bench next year.

Unless we sign a couple of props I reckon he's a good chance to be on the bench next season.

I’d be surprised if we didn’t, this year almost our entire top 30 had first grade experience.

No idea who though.

 

[TigerSJ]

There's been a lot of rambling in this thread - so hope you guys don't mind if I re-focus. OK, at the moment we have 6 vacant spots not including Farah and Marshall. My feeling is Marshall will retire but Farah will stay on one more year. Perhaps we are a chance of offloading McQueen which would keep us at 6 vacant spots - a good number.
With 6 spots to fill I think most posters would agree that we need at least 2-3 outside backs, 2 backrowers and a prop.
If Marshall retires we may need another half, especially if Gamble doesn't step up and Reynolds continues suffering from injury.
If there aren't many great choices off contract, then perhaps a wise move might be to hold off on the full 30 man squad and leave some money and 1-2 spots available to take advantage of some quality players becoming available during the transfer window next year. By then we 'd have a better feel for how Reynolds is going.

 

[Cairnstigers]

Surely we make a play for Barba
Then move Mbye to the Halves with Brooks
And add Napa to our front row with Packer Matalino and Twal

Come on
Make it happen

 

[Pawsandclaws]

I was impressed with Mikaele in the ISP today. Coming off the bench he set-up one try in the first half, charging onto a quick play the ball he went through three defenders using footwork and power to then draw the Mounties fullback and find our own Dylan Smith in support to score under the posts. Then in the second half he received the ball centre field about 20 meters out and beat a rushing defender to then go on an arching run across field showing good speed, footwork, power and a fend to score a brilliant solo try on the left edge. He has good speed for guy his size and I’m thinking he’ll be ready to get a little bit game time in the NRL next year coming off the bench. He’s been playing in the middle third but I’m starting to wonder if he could play a bit on the left edge also, a bit like Kikau from Penrith.

Cheers. Highlights:
https://www.nswrl.com.au/news/2018/08/12/gambles-boot-the-difference-in-one-point-win/

I reckon Thomas Mikaele should get first crack with Lawrence in the back row next year. I think he could be a weapon for us.

I enjoyed those highlights. With Mikaele, McIntyre, Seyfarth and Smith it has given the ISP side a huge lift and injection of much needed talent. With two Aust Schoolboys halves joining next year our talent stocks are on the rise.

 

[The_Patriot]

My understanding is Mikaele has only ever played front row. I wouldn't be moving him from there just yet.

Like all young forwards he's got some improvement to make in defence. There is a lot of potential there though, I'd like to see him up his minutes in ISP and look at playing a few games off the bench next year.

Unless we sign a couple of props I reckon he's a good chance to be on the bench next season.

I’d be surprised if we didn’t, this year almost our entire top 30 had first grade experience.

No idea who though.

He seems a certainty to be part of the squad. All part of the plan.

 

[yeti]

Surely we make a play for Barba
Then move Mbye to the Halves with Brooks
And add Napa to our front row with Packer Matalino and Twal

Come on
Make it happen

Mbye needs to stay at FB - that's his best position, and he is starting to show exceptional form.
Barba? Not so sure we need him now.
Forwards first, second and third and then think about some outside backs.

 

[Guest]

Surely we make a play for Barba
Then move Mbye to the Halves with Brooks
And add Napa to our front row with Packer Matalino and Twal

Come on
Make it happen

No way will that happen. Mbye's game has gone to another level since moving to fullback.

 

[swag_tiger]

Surely we make a play for Barba
Then move Mbye to the Halves with Brooks
And add Napa to our front row with Packer Matalino and Twal

Come on
Make it happen

No way will that happen. Mbye's game has gone to another level since moving to fullback.

Starting to gel with the combination of Brooks, Marshall and Farah.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

I’d like to see Robson promoted to the top 30 after the year he’s had. He deserves it.

 

[the_third]

Bring on the coaching moves and player changes in the off season. All opportunity for us I think

 

[The_Patriot]

Robson is the modern day Dene Halatau.

Just needs half a chance and will become a fixture.

 

[swag_tiger]

I’d like to see Robson promoted to the top 30 after the year he’s had. He deserves it.

Mikaele could replace Sue on the bench next year.

 

[swag_tiger]

Robson is the modern day Dene Halatau.

Just needs half a chance and will become a fixture.

With Farah a good chance to re-sign can't see Robson featuring next year for the first grade team.

 

[FOD001]

I heard that we’re going after Blayke Brailey. Anybody else heard this?

 

[TYGA]

I heard that we’re going after Blayke Brailey. Anybody else heard this?

No but he’s a gun better prospect than Liddle at the same age.

 

[The_Patriot]

Robson is the modern day Dene Halatau.

Just needs half a chance and will become a fixture.

With Farah a good chance to re-sign can't see Robson featuring next year for the first grade team.

Halatau could pretty much play any position. i dont think this guy is much different. See no reason Farah has an impact on his development?

 

[851]

Surely we make a play for Barba
Then move Mbye to the Halves with Brooks
And add Napa to our front row with Packer Matalino and Twal

Come on
Make it happen

Mbye needs to stay at FB - that's his best position, and he is starting to show exceptional form.
Barba? Not so sure we need him now.
Forwards first, second and third and then think about some outside backs.

Agree on Mbye and Barba comments, but we only have Marsters and maybe Fonua at centre for next year, and wing is also a problem, we need to address that before we can think about top 8.

 

[InBenjiWeTrust]

probably Mikaele, Clark and Robson will be promoted

 

[jirskyr]

I heard that we’re going after Blayke Brailey. Anybody else heard this?

Their parents obviously have a thing for bogan names.

 

[Tiger_Steve]

Surely we make a play for Barba
Then move Mbye to the Halves with Brooks
And add Napa to our front row with Packer Matalino and Twal

Come on
Make it happen

Mbye needs to stay at FB - that's his best position, and he is starting to show exceptional form.
Barba? Not so sure we need him now.
Forwards first, second and third and then think about some outside backs.

Agree on Mbye and Barba comments, but we only have Marsters and maybe Fonua at centre for next year, and wing is also a problem, we need to address that before we can think about top 8.

We need that centre from Manly. Was earlier talk but seems to have gone quiet. I’ve watched him a bit this year - he is the goods I think