Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[weststigers]

I'd have Benji back easily. I don't know why there's so much dislike for him. You blame the Newcastle game on him? Give teams time and space and the halves of any defensive team will be exposed defensively, especially paired with Leiluia out wide. Benji is our most creative player and our best kicker and he's not on a big contract, what's the problem? As soon as you get someone better you can drop him, but we don't have anyone better and we SHOULD sign him again if he'd be willing. You guys need to think more pragmatically: he's a good value squad contract who also happens to be our best half, and is one of the best in the league on his day. Don't worry about the fact it's Benji, you're signing him on backup money.

You are entitled to your opinion but I disagree with everything you said, he got dropped for his issues, he came back after supposedly fixing them and he is worse than ever, we played our best footy when he was watching from the stands.
Benji has never been a backup, look at todays team as a prime example, he should have been first dropped, he is always first picked, he is cooked, and he will be 36 next year and even worse,
Madden is signed and can do the job on bugger all money as well.
We need the roster spot, are you happy missing the 8 every year, because that is what he brings, and that is what we get

The idea that we need to get rid of Benji in order to play Madden is strange, we can have both (and do right now). But the solution to play Madden is fantasy. It's a weird assertion to think that a guy who has never played first grade is who we depend on next year. How much footy have you watched? the step up to first grade is always huge and you don't really know how a player will pan out. Maybe he'd be good, maybe not. Having Benji or not wouldn't impact that.

I don't think we played good footy when he wasn't there. Reynolds isn't better than him and I think it's crazy to suggest that.

Reynolds is the contract we need to get rid of. Both he and Mbye are on way too much. They're alright players, but they are being played like superstars.

Benji is one of our best player and he's on a small contract, he's not the problem.

You guys want a scapegoat for last week and benji didn't play well but I don't think that has anything to do with whether or not we offer another reasonable contract for a quality player.

Benji's proven in the past at Brisbane and this year that he can be a very positive squad member, he doesn't demand to start. I think, at the very least, he's a useful player to have in the squad; at his best he's our best player and a match winner.

Who is our alternative?

I've said the same before and I would add Lawrence into this bucket.

People forget that the squad extends beyond 1-17...you need some depth, not just promising juniors.

Benji is on $175K
Lawrence is on $100K

Even if they sat the entire season in the 18 and 19 jerseys, it would be NRL quality depth and huge experience covering positions that are hard to cover (Halves + Centre). These guys combined are on less than McQueens total contract ($400K)!

Further, we need to get through 1 more year before some big contracts expire. Having NRL quality depth on low contracts allows us to balance our squad in other areas.

We just need to get through 1 more year with these guys...no one is saying they should be starters.

No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

Our squad needs a massive clean out, in terms of both skills and culture. We need speed and power, and we have limited squad positions to recuit these new players. We can't waste precious squad positions on placeholders. We need strike. And we need winners. Players who rise to the challenge of their rivals. The kind who stalk their prey in the night.

Look at the Roosters. Most of the cap on stars that win you games and young backup players that would be starters for us. Tupounioa, Faamusili, Butcher etc. Would you rather Tupouinoa or Lawrence on our bench? I know who i'd prefer, and they're both getting the same money.

These discussions are futile because the main point is missed.

We have LIMITED cap space. Guys like Lawrence serve 2 purposes:

1. To offer squad depth
2. To give as much playing value as possible for the salary we pay them (if we need them).
3.

Yes...Lawrence takes up a roster spot, but you can't just replace Lawrence with a Tupouinoa. Their salaries are totally different and is he available?

The point is...someone needs to be paid low salaries to lighten the load on the rest of the cap.

I actually agree with you though...if such a thing is a realistic possibility...but I don't think there's enough talent in the NRL to have a squad of 30 guys that fit that description and not exceed the cap.

Benji and Lawrence aren't the issue.

It's Mbye, Reynolds, Packer, Mcqueen, E Taylor taking up a huge chuck of cap space.

No it's not futile. What's futile is reasoning with people who don't have a grasp of reality.

Toupinoa and Lawrence are both on roughly the same contact value. Which team is getting a better deal there? Lawrence offers a slow old guy with crap hands and no lateral defence. He's done. He offers nothing. UK or retirement awaits.

The Roosters have about 10 players on less than 200k. Their cheapies offer great value. Ours don't.

McIntyre is a last resort, and he takes Lawrence's #30 spot on the roster.

Madge is on the right path. Rather than have Jennings on 400k he has AJ on 150-200k.

Like I said...I don't disagree with the logic, but I think it's you that doesn't have a grasp on reality.

Everyone knows the Roosters are able to get players for less than what other clubs would have to pay.

Roosters contract value vs Tigers contract value don't equate to the same number.

Case in point...we offered Mitchell $1.2 Million and he went to the Rabbits on $800,000...not sure how you solve that issue.

 

[Needaname]

I'd have Benji back easily. I don't know why there's so much dislike for him. You blame the Newcastle game on him? Give teams time and space and the halves of any defensive team will be exposed defensively, especially paired with Leiluia out wide. Benji is our most creative player and our best kicker and he's not on a big contract, what's the problem? As soon as you get someone better you can drop him, but we don't have anyone better and we SHOULD sign him again if he'd be willing. You guys need to think more pragmatically: he's a good value squad contract who also happens to be our best half, and is one of the best in the league on his day. Don't worry about the fact it's Benji, you're signing him on backup money.

You are entitled to your opinion but I disagree with everything you said, he got dropped for his issues, he came back after supposedly fixing them and he is worse than ever, we played our best footy when he was watching from the stands.
Benji has never been a backup, look at todays team as a prime example, he should have been first dropped, he is always first picked, he is cooked, and he will be 36 next year and even worse,
Madden is signed and can do the job on bugger all money as well.
We need the roster spot, are you happy missing the 8 every year, because that is what he brings, and that is what we get

The idea that we need to get rid of Benji in order to play Madden is strange, we can have both (and do right now). But the solution to play Madden is fantasy. It's a weird assertion to think that a guy who has never played first grade is who we depend on next year. How much footy have you watched? the step up to first grade is always huge and you don't really know how a player will pan out. Maybe he'd be good, maybe not. Having Benji or not wouldn't impact that.

I don't think we played good footy when he wasn't there. Reynolds isn't better than him and I think it's crazy to suggest that.

Reynolds is the contract we need to get rid of. Both he and Mbye are on way too much. They're alright players, but they are being played like superstars.

Benji is one of our best player and he's on a small contract, he's not the problem.

You guys want a scapegoat for last week and benji didn't play well but I don't think that has anything to do with whether or not we offer another reasonable contract for a quality player.

Benji's proven in the past at Brisbane and this year that he can be a very positive squad member, he doesn't demand to start. I think, at the very least, he's a useful player to have in the squad; at his best he's our best player and a match winner.

Who is our alternative?

I've said the same before and I would add Lawrence into this bucket.

People forget that the squad extends beyond 1-17...you need some depth, not just promising juniors.

Benji is on $175K
Lawrence is on $100K

Even if they sat the entire season in the 18 and 19 jerseys, it would be NRL quality depth and huge experience covering positions that are hard to cover (Halves + Centre). These guys combined are on less than McQueens total contract ($400K)!

Further, we need to get through 1 more year before some big contracts expire. Having NRL quality depth on low contracts allows us to balance our squad in other areas.

We just need to get through 1 more year with these guys...no one is saying they should be starters.

No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

Our squad needs a massive clean out, in terms of both skills and culture. We need speed and power, and we have limited squad positions to recuit these new players. We can't waste precious squad positions on placeholders. We need strike. And we need winners. Players who rise to the challenge of their rivals. The kind who stalk their prey in the night.

Look at the Roosters. Most of the cap on stars that win you games and young backup players that would be starters for us. Tupounioa, Faamusili, Butcher etc. Would you rather Tupouinoa or Lawrence on our bench? I know who i'd prefer, and they're both getting the same money.

These discussions are futile because the main point is missed.

We have LIMITED cap space. Guys like Lawrence serve 2 purposes:

1. To offer squad depth
2. To give as much playing value as possible for the salary we pay them (if we need them).
3.

Yes...Lawrence takes up a roster spot, but you can't just replace Lawrence with a Tupouinoa. Their salaries are totally different and is he available?

The point is...someone needs to be paid low salaries to lighten the load on the rest of the cap.

I actually agree with you though...if such a thing is a realistic possibility...but I don't think there's enough talent in the NRL to have a squad of 30 guys that fit that description and not exceed the cap.

Benji and Lawrence aren't the issue.

It's Mbye, Reynolds, Packer, Mcqueen, E Taylor taking up a huge chuck of cap space.

No it's not futile. What's futile is reasoning with people who don't have a grasp of reality.

Toupinoa and Lawrence are both on roughly the same contact value. Which team is getting a better deal there? Lawrence offers a slow old guy with crap hands and no lateral defence. He's done. He offers nothing. UK or retirement awaits.

The Roosters have about 10 players on less than 200k. Their cheapies offer great value. Ours don't.

McIntyre is a last resort, and he takes Lawrence's #30 spot on the roster.

Madge is on the right path. Rather than have Jennings on 400k he has AJ on 150-200k.

Like I said...I don't disagree with the logic, but I think it's you that doesn't have a grasp on reality.

Everyone knows the Roosters are able to get players for less than what other clubs would have to pay.

Roosters contract value vs Tigers contract value don't equate to the same number.

Case in point...we offered Mitchell $1.2 Million and he went to the Rabbits on $800,000...not sure how you solve that issue.

Don’t offer Mitchell 1.2 offer him 900k.
It’s not that hard really...

 

[weststigers]

I'd have Benji back easily. I don't know why there's so much dislike for him. You blame the Newcastle game on him? Give teams time and space and the halves of any defensive team will be exposed defensively, especially paired with Leiluia out wide. Benji is our most creative player and our best kicker and he's not on a big contract, what's the problem? As soon as you get someone better you can drop him, but we don't have anyone better and we SHOULD sign him again if he'd be willing. You guys need to think more pragmatically: he's a good value squad contract who also happens to be our best half, and is one of the best in the league on his day. Don't worry about the fact it's Benji, you're signing him on backup money.

You are entitled to your opinion but I disagree with everything you said, he got dropped for his issues, he came back after supposedly fixing them and he is worse than ever, we played our best footy when he was watching from the stands.
Benji has never been a backup, look at todays team as a prime example, he should have been first dropped, he is always first picked, he is cooked, and he will be 36 next year and even worse,
Madden is signed and can do the job on bugger all money as well.
We need the roster spot, are you happy missing the 8 every year, because that is what he brings, and that is what we get

The idea that we need to get rid of Benji in order to play Madden is strange, we can have both (and do right now). But the solution to play Madden is fantasy. It's a weird assertion to think that a guy who has never played first grade is who we depend on next year. How much footy have you watched? the step up to first grade is always huge and you don't really know how a player will pan out. Maybe he'd be good, maybe not. Having Benji or not wouldn't impact that.

I don't think we played good footy when he wasn't there. Reynolds isn't better than him and I think it's crazy to suggest that.

Reynolds is the contract we need to get rid of. Both he and Mbye are on way too much. They're alright players, but they are being played like superstars.

Benji is one of our best player and he's on a small contract, he's not the problem.

You guys want a scapegoat for last week and benji didn't play well but I don't think that has anything to do with whether or not we offer another reasonable contract for a quality player.

Benji's proven in the past at Brisbane and this year that he can be a very positive squad member, he doesn't demand to start. I think, at the very least, he's a useful player to have in the squad; at his best he's our best player and a match winner.

Who is our alternative?

I've said the same before and I would add Lawrence into this bucket.

People forget that the squad extends beyond 1-17...you need some depth, not just promising juniors.

Benji is on $175K
Lawrence is on $100K

Even if they sat the entire season in the 18 and 19 jerseys, it would be NRL quality depth and huge experience covering positions that are hard to cover (Halves + Centre). These guys combined are on less than McQueens total contract ($400K)!

Further, we need to get through 1 more year before some big contracts expire. Having NRL quality depth on low contracts allows us to balance our squad in other areas.

We just need to get through 1 more year with these guys...no one is saying they should be starters.

No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

Our squad needs a massive clean out, in terms of both skills and culture. We need speed and power, and we have limited squad positions to recuit these new players. We can't waste precious squad positions on placeholders. We need strike. And we need winners. Players who rise to the challenge of their rivals. The kind who stalk their prey in the night.

Look at the Roosters. Most of the cap on stars that win you games and young backup players that would be starters for us. Tupounioa, Faamusili, Butcher etc. Would you rather Tupouinoa or Lawrence on our bench? I know who i'd prefer, and they're both getting the same money.

These discussions are futile because the main point is missed.

We have LIMITED cap space. Guys like Lawrence serve 2 purposes:

1. To offer squad depth
2. To give as much playing value as possible for the salary we pay them (if we need them).
3.

Yes...Lawrence takes up a roster spot, but you can't just replace Lawrence with a Tupouinoa. Their salaries are totally different and is he available?

The point is...someone needs to be paid low salaries to lighten the load on the rest of the cap.

I actually agree with you though...if such a thing is a realistic possibility...but I don't think there's enough talent in the NRL to have a squad of 30 guys that fit that description and not exceed the cap.

Benji and Lawrence aren't the issue.

It's Mbye, Reynolds, Packer, Mcqueen, E Taylor taking up a huge chuck of cap space.

No it's not futile. What's futile is reasoning with people who don't have a grasp of reality.

Toupinoa and Lawrence are both on roughly the same contact value. Which team is getting a better deal there? Lawrence offers a slow old guy with crap hands and no lateral defence. He's done. He offers nothing. UK or retirement awaits.

The Roosters have about 10 players on less than 200k. Their cheapies offer great value. Ours don't.

McIntyre is a last resort, and he takes Lawrence's #30 spot on the roster.

Madge is on the right path. Rather than have Jennings on 400k he has AJ on 150-200k.

Like I said...I don't disagree with the logic, but I think it's you that doesn't have a grasp on reality.

Everyone knows the Roosters are able to get players for less than what other clubs would have to pay.

Roosters contract value vs Tigers contract value don't equate to the same number.

Case in point...we offered Mitchell $1.2 Million and he went to the Rabbits on $800,000...not sure how you solve that issue.

Don’t offer Mitchell 1.2 offer him 900k.
It’s not that hard really...

Ummm...yeah ok...same result...he goes to the Rabbits

 

[Needaname]

I'd have Benji back easily. I don't know why there's so much dislike for him. You blame the Newcastle game on him? Give teams time and space and the halves of any defensive team will be exposed defensively, especially paired with Leiluia out wide. Benji is our most creative player and our best kicker and he's not on a big contract, what's the problem? As soon as you get someone better you can drop him, but we don't have anyone better and we SHOULD sign him again if he'd be willing. You guys need to think more pragmatically: he's a good value squad contract who also happens to be our best half, and is one of the best in the league on his day. Don't worry about the fact it's Benji, you're signing him on backup money.

You are entitled to your opinion but I disagree with everything you said, he got dropped for his issues, he came back after supposedly fixing them and he is worse than ever, we played our best footy when he was watching from the stands.
Benji has never been a backup, look at todays team as a prime example, he should have been first dropped, he is always first picked, he is cooked, and he will be 36 next year and even worse,
Madden is signed and can do the job on bugger all money as well.
We need the roster spot, are you happy missing the 8 every year, because that is what he brings, and that is what we get

The idea that we need to get rid of Benji in order to play Madden is strange, we can have both (and do right now). But the solution to play Madden is fantasy. It's a weird assertion to think that a guy who has never played first grade is who we depend on next year. How much footy have you watched? the step up to first grade is always huge and you don't really know how a player will pan out. Maybe he'd be good, maybe not. Having Benji or not wouldn't impact that.

I don't think we played good footy when he wasn't there. Reynolds isn't better than him and I think it's crazy to suggest that.

Reynolds is the contract we need to get rid of. Both he and Mbye are on way too much. They're alright players, but they are being played like superstars.

Benji is one of our best player and he's on a small contract, he's not the problem.

You guys want a scapegoat for last week and benji didn't play well but I don't think that has anything to do with whether or not we offer another reasonable contract for a quality player.

Benji's proven in the past at Brisbane and this year that he can be a very positive squad member, he doesn't demand to start. I think, at the very least, he's a useful player to have in the squad; at his best he's our best player and a match winner.

Who is our alternative?

I've said the same before and I would add Lawrence into this bucket.

People forget that the squad extends beyond 1-17...you need some depth, not just promising juniors.

Benji is on $175K
Lawrence is on $100K

Even if they sat the entire season in the 18 and 19 jerseys, it would be NRL quality depth and huge experience covering positions that are hard to cover (Halves + Centre). These guys combined are on less than McQueens total contract ($400K)!

Further, we need to get through 1 more year before some big contracts expire. Having NRL quality depth on low contracts allows us to balance our squad in other areas.

We just need to get through 1 more year with these guys...no one is saying they should be starters.

No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

Our squad needs a massive clean out, in terms of both skills and culture. We need speed and power, and we have limited squad positions to recuit these new players. We can't waste precious squad positions on placeholders. We need strike. And we need winners. Players who rise to the challenge of their rivals. The kind who stalk their prey in the night.

Look at the Roosters. Most of the cap on stars that win you games and young backup players that would be starters for us. Tupounioa, Faamusili, Butcher etc. Would you rather Tupouinoa or Lawrence on our bench? I know who i'd prefer, and they're both getting the same money.

These discussions are futile because the main point is missed.

We have LIMITED cap space. Guys like Lawrence serve 2 purposes:

1. To offer squad depth
2. To give as much playing value as possible for the salary we pay them (if we need them).
3.

Yes...Lawrence takes up a roster spot, but you can't just replace Lawrence with a Tupouinoa. Their salaries are totally different and is he available?

The point is...someone needs to be paid low salaries to lighten the load on the rest of the cap.

I actually agree with you though...if such a thing is a realistic possibility...but I don't think there's enough talent in the NRL to have a squad of 30 guys that fit that description and not exceed the cap.

Benji and Lawrence aren't the issue.

It's Mbye, Reynolds, Packer, Mcqueen, E Taylor taking up a huge chuck of cap space.

No it's not futile. What's futile is reasoning with people who don't have a grasp of reality.

Toupinoa and Lawrence are both on roughly the same contact value. Which team is getting a better deal there? Lawrence offers a slow old guy with crap hands and no lateral defence. He's done. He offers nothing. UK or retirement awaits.

The Roosters have about 10 players on less than 200k. Their cheapies offer great value. Ours don't.

McIntyre is a last resort, and he takes Lawrence's #30 spot on the roster.

Madge is on the right path. Rather than have Jennings on 400k he has AJ on 150-200k.

Like I said...I don't disagree with the logic, but I think it's you that doesn't have a grasp on reality.

Everyone knows the Roosters are able to get players for less than what other clubs would have to pay.

Roosters contract value vs Tigers contract value don't equate to the same number.

Case in point...we offered Mitchell $1.2 Million and he went to the Rabbits on $800,000...not sure how you solve that issue.

Don’t offer Mitchell 1.2 offer him 900k.
It’s not that hard really...

Ummm...yeah ok...same result...he goes to the Rabbits

Exactly.
But what if it worked out the other way?

To second that. What if we offered Josh Reynolds 50k plus a year instead of Doubling both the contract value and the contract term to get him away from the dogs?

 

[weststigers]

I'd have Benji back easily. I don't know why there's so much dislike for him. You blame the Newcastle game on him? Give teams time and space and the halves of any defensive team will be exposed defensively, especially paired with Leiluia out wide. Benji is our most creative player and our best kicker and he's not on a big contract, what's the problem? As soon as you get someone better you can drop him, but we don't have anyone better and we SHOULD sign him again if he'd be willing. You guys need to think more pragmatically: he's a good value squad contract who also happens to be our best half, and is one of the best in the league on his day. Don't worry about the fact it's Benji, you're signing him on backup money.

You are entitled to your opinion but I disagree with everything you said, he got dropped for his issues, he came back after supposedly fixing them and he is worse than ever, we played our best footy when he was watching from the stands.
Benji has never been a backup, look at todays team as a prime example, he should have been first dropped, he is always first picked, he is cooked, and he will be 36 next year and even worse,
Madden is signed and can do the job on bugger all money as well.
We need the roster spot, are you happy missing the 8 every year, because that is what he brings, and that is what we get

The idea that we need to get rid of Benji in order to play Madden is strange, we can have both (and do right now). But the solution to play Madden is fantasy. It's a weird assertion to think that a guy who has never played first grade is who we depend on next year. How much footy have you watched? the step up to first grade is always huge and you don't really know how a player will pan out. Maybe he'd be good, maybe not. Having Benji or not wouldn't impact that.

I don't think we played good footy when he wasn't there. Reynolds isn't better than him and I think it's crazy to suggest that.

Reynolds is the contract we need to get rid of. Both he and Mbye are on way too much. They're alright players, but they are being played like superstars.

Benji is one of our best player and he's on a small contract, he's not the problem.

You guys want a scapegoat for last week and benji didn't play well but I don't think that has anything to do with whether or not we offer another reasonable contract for a quality player.

Benji's proven in the past at Brisbane and this year that he can be a very positive squad member, he doesn't demand to start. I think, at the very least, he's a useful player to have in the squad; at his best he's our best player and a match winner.

Who is our alternative?

I've said the same before and I would add Lawrence into this bucket.

People forget that the squad extends beyond 1-17...you need some depth, not just promising juniors.

Benji is on $175K
Lawrence is on $100K

Even if they sat the entire season in the 18 and 19 jerseys, it would be NRL quality depth and huge experience covering positions that are hard to cover (Halves + Centre). These guys combined are on less than McQueens total contract ($400K)!

Further, we need to get through 1 more year before some big contracts expire. Having NRL quality depth on low contracts allows us to balance our squad in other areas.

We just need to get through 1 more year with these guys...no one is saying they should be starters.

No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

Our squad needs a massive clean out, in terms of both skills and culture. We need speed and power, and we have limited squad positions to recuit these new players. We can't waste precious squad positions on placeholders. We need strike. And we need winners. Players who rise to the challenge of their rivals. The kind who stalk their prey in the night.

Look at the Roosters. Most of the cap on stars that win you games and young backup players that would be starters for us. Tupounioa, Faamusili, Butcher etc. Would you rather Tupouinoa or Lawrence on our bench? I know who i'd prefer, and they're both getting the same money.

These discussions are futile because the main point is missed.

We have LIMITED cap space. Guys like Lawrence serve 2 purposes:

1. To offer squad depth
2. To give as much playing value as possible for the salary we pay them (if we need them).
3.

Yes...Lawrence takes up a roster spot, but you can't just replace Lawrence with a Tupouinoa. Their salaries are totally different and is he available?

The point is...someone needs to be paid low salaries to lighten the load on the rest of the cap.

I actually agree with you though...if such a thing is a realistic possibility...but I don't think there's enough talent in the NRL to have a squad of 30 guys that fit that description and not exceed the cap.

Benji and Lawrence aren't the issue.

It's Mbye, Reynolds, Packer, Mcqueen, E Taylor taking up a huge chuck of cap space.

No it's not futile. What's futile is reasoning with people who don't have a grasp of reality.

Toupinoa and Lawrence are both on roughly the same contact value. Which team is getting a better deal there? Lawrence offers a slow old guy with crap hands and no lateral defence. He's done. He offers nothing. UK or retirement awaits.

The Roosters have about 10 players on less than 200k. Their cheapies offer great value. Ours don't.

McIntyre is a last resort, and he takes Lawrence's #30 spot on the roster.

Madge is on the right path. Rather than have Jennings on 400k he has AJ on 150-200k.

Like I said...I don't disagree with the logic, but I think it's you that doesn't have a grasp on reality.

Everyone knows the Roosters are able to get players for less than what other clubs would have to pay.

Roosters contract value vs Tigers contract value don't equate to the same number.

Case in point...we offered Mitchell $1.2 Million and he went to the Rabbits on $800,000...not sure how you solve that issue.

Don’t offer Mitchell 1.2 offer him 900k.
It’s not that hard really...

Ummm...yeah ok...same result...he goes to the Rabbits

Exactly.
But what if it worked out the other way?

Mate...I think you'll find we started the bidding at $800-900k...ended up at $1.2 million...Souths came in and the rest is history. Not sure your plan has "masterstroke" written all over it...

What's everyone smoking today?

 

[Curly_Tiger]

Brooks is in his 8th season now . Does that mean nrl will chip in $200k for him next year? On top of a car?

As the line goes from Highlander, "there can be only one"

So whether its Benj, Nofo or Brooksy, we get it (once only), so that gives us an effective $10.1m cap for 2021

 

[Needaname]

I'd have Benji back easily. I don't know why there's so much dislike for him. You blame the Newcastle game on him? Give teams time and space and the halves of any defensive team will be exposed defensively, especially paired with Leiluia out wide. Benji is our most creative player and our best kicker and he's not on a big contract, what's the problem? As soon as you get someone better you can drop him, but we don't have anyone better and we SHOULD sign him again if he'd be willing. You guys need to think more pragmatically: he's a good value squad contract who also happens to be our best half, and is one of the best in the league on his day. Don't worry about the fact it's Benji, you're signing him on backup money.

You are entitled to your opinion but I disagree with everything you said, he got dropped for his issues, he came back after supposedly fixing them and he is worse than ever, we played our best footy when he was watching from the stands.
Benji has never been a backup, look at todays team as a prime example, he should have been first dropped, he is always first picked, he is cooked, and he will be 36 next year and even worse,
Madden is signed and can do the job on bugger all money as well.
We need the roster spot, are you happy missing the 8 every year, because that is what he brings, and that is what we get

The idea that we need to get rid of Benji in order to play Madden is strange, we can have both (and do right now). But the solution to play Madden is fantasy. It's a weird assertion to think that a guy who has never played first grade is who we depend on next year. How much footy have you watched? the step up to first grade is always huge and you don't really know how a player will pan out. Maybe he'd be good, maybe not. Having Benji or not wouldn't impact that.

I don't think we played good footy when he wasn't there. Reynolds isn't better than him and I think it's crazy to suggest that.

Reynolds is the contract we need to get rid of. Both he and Mbye are on way too much. They're alright players, but they are being played like superstars.

Benji is one of our best player and he's on a small contract, he's not the problem.

You guys want a scapegoat for last week and benji didn't play well but I don't think that has anything to do with whether or not we offer another reasonable contract for a quality player.

Benji's proven in the past at Brisbane and this year that he can be a very positive squad member, he doesn't demand to start. I think, at the very least, he's a useful player to have in the squad; at his best he's our best player and a match winner.

Who is our alternative?

I've said the same before and I would add Lawrence into this bucket.

People forget that the squad extends beyond 1-17...you need some depth, not just promising juniors.

Benji is on $175K
Lawrence is on $100K

Even if they sat the entire season in the 18 and 19 jerseys, it would be NRL quality depth and huge experience covering positions that are hard to cover (Halves + Centre). These guys combined are on less than McQueens total contract ($400K)!

Further, we need to get through 1 more year before some big contracts expire. Having NRL quality depth on low contracts allows us to balance our squad in other areas.

We just need to get through 1 more year with these guys...no one is saying they should be starters.

No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

Our squad needs a massive clean out, in terms of both skills and culture. We need speed and power, and we have limited squad positions to recuit these new players. We can't waste precious squad positions on placeholders. We need strike. And we need winners. Players who rise to the challenge of their rivals. The kind who stalk their prey in the night.

Look at the Roosters. Most of the cap on stars that win you games and young backup players that would be starters for us. Tupounioa, Faamusili, Butcher etc. Would you rather Tupouinoa or Lawrence on our bench? I know who i'd prefer, and they're both getting the same money.

These discussions are futile because the main point is missed.

We have LIMITED cap space. Guys like Lawrence serve 2 purposes:

1. To offer squad depth
2. To give as much playing value as possible for the salary we pay them (if we need them).
3.

Yes...Lawrence takes up a roster spot, but you can't just replace Lawrence with a Tupouinoa. Their salaries are totally different and is he available?

The point is...someone needs to be paid low salaries to lighten the load on the rest of the cap.

I actually agree with you though...if such a thing is a realistic possibility...but I don't think there's enough talent in the NRL to have a squad of 30 guys that fit that description and not exceed the cap.

Benji and Lawrence aren't the issue.

It's Mbye, Reynolds, Packer, Mcqueen, E Taylor taking up a huge chuck of cap space.

No it's not futile. What's futile is reasoning with people who don't have a grasp of reality.

Toupinoa and Lawrence are both on roughly the same contact value. Which team is getting a better deal there? Lawrence offers a slow old guy with crap hands and no lateral defence. He's done. He offers nothing. UK or retirement awaits.

The Roosters have about 10 players on less than 200k. Their cheapies offer great value. Ours don't.

McIntyre is a last resort, and he takes Lawrence's #30 spot on the roster.

Madge is on the right path. Rather than have Jennings on 400k he has AJ on 150-200k.

Like I said...I don't disagree with the logic, but I think it's you that doesn't have a grasp on reality.

Everyone knows the Roosters are able to get players for less than what other clubs would have to pay.

Roosters contract value vs Tigers contract value don't equate to the same number.

Case in point...we offered Mitchell $1.2 Million and he went to the Rabbits on $800,000...not sure how you solve that issue.

Don’t offer Mitchell 1.2 offer him 900k.
It’s not that hard really...

Ummm...yeah ok...same result...he goes to the Rabbits

Exactly.
But what if it worked out the other way?

Mate...I think you'll find we started the bidding at $800-900k...ended up at $1.2 million...Souths came in and the rest is history. Not sure your plan has "masterstroke" written all over it...

What's everyone smoking today?

No mate.
It’s a ruthless take it or leave it approach.
It’s not the money that entices the players to switch clubs it’s opportunity.

Now, if as a hypothetical we had approached JAC before Mitchell and had him signed on the left wing for that 300k + some obviously. And then approached Mitchell with a 900k deal to come over would that be more enticing than coming to a club to be alone and pick up another 300k. The money was never going to force Mitchell’s hand. He’ll we could of offered 1.5 but we’d still be left with a player learning how to play fullback in his first year with no money to sign any complementary players.

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

we have to oay overs that is a reality... our team basically is average outside of us die hard supporters really
1. AD average at best a 6 a 1 a 14 who knows
2 Nofo good player some defensive issues but a good target for teams
3 joey L solid and experienced a fair few sides would take him
4. Mmbye having a shockibg year but versatile like AD so likely ina teams squad
5 Talau well really a centre but good upside most teans would take him
6 Brooks teams would take him
7 benji too old
13 McIntyre barely gets a bench spot at most clubs
12 Garner possuble bench player at some clubs
11 Luciano L bench player at most clubs or a starter
10 Packer too old
9 Grant big yes a gun
8 Aloia probably a bench firward at most clubs
14 j reynolds too old
15 Mikaelye is he a myth ? maybe a bench player but doubtful
16 Twal is he a myth ? fully fit he is a solid forward
17 lawrence too old

we have a pretty average squad really we need to pay overs to get some stars like Munster and Tamaou JAC or alex Johnston etc lets not buy fringe players lets target one or two star names and pay them well. Donst sign Jennings keep the 400k and screw nofo down a bit on his wage too if we get desperate we have young wingers coming through and we can use them if we have to.

 

[weststigers]

I'd have Benji back easily. I don't know why there's so much dislike for him. You blame the Newcastle game on him? Give teams time and space and the halves of any defensive team will be exposed defensively, especially paired with Leiluia out wide. Benji is our most creative player and our best kicker and he's not on a big contract, what's the problem? As soon as you get someone better you can drop him, but we don't have anyone better and we SHOULD sign him again if he'd be willing. You guys need to think more pragmatically: he's a good value squad contract who also happens to be our best half, and is one of the best in the league on his day. Don't worry about the fact it's Benji, you're signing him on backup money.

You are entitled to your opinion but I disagree with everything you said, he got dropped for his issues, he came back after supposedly fixing them and he is worse than ever, we played our best footy when he was watching from the stands.
Benji has never been a backup, look at todays team as a prime example, he should have been first dropped, he is always first picked, he is cooked, and he will be 36 next year and even worse,
Madden is signed and can do the job on bugger all money as well.
We need the roster spot, are you happy missing the 8 every year, because that is what he brings, and that is what we get

The idea that we need to get rid of Benji in order to play Madden is strange, we can have both (and do right now). But the solution to play Madden is fantasy. It's a weird assertion to think that a guy who has never played first grade is who we depend on next year. How much footy have you watched? the step up to first grade is always huge and you don't really know how a player will pan out. Maybe he'd be good, maybe not. Having Benji or not wouldn't impact that.

I don't think we played good footy when he wasn't there. Reynolds isn't better than him and I think it's crazy to suggest that.

Reynolds is the contract we need to get rid of. Both he and Mbye are on way too much. They're alright players, but they are being played like superstars.

Benji is one of our best player and he's on a small contract, he's not the problem.

You guys want a scapegoat for last week and benji didn't play well but I don't think that has anything to do with whether or not we offer another reasonable contract for a quality player.

Benji's proven in the past at Brisbane and this year that he can be a very positive squad member, he doesn't demand to start. I think, at the very least, he's a useful player to have in the squad; at his best he's our best player and a match winner.

Who is our alternative?

I've said the same before and I would add Lawrence into this bucket.

People forget that the squad extends beyond 1-17...you need some depth, not just promising juniors.

Benji is on $175K
Lawrence is on $100K

Even if they sat the entire season in the 18 and 19 jerseys, it would be NRL quality depth and huge experience covering positions that are hard to cover (Halves + Centre). These guys combined are on less than McQueens total contract ($400K)!

Further, we need to get through 1 more year before some big contracts expire. Having NRL quality depth on low contracts allows us to balance our squad in other areas.

We just need to get through 1 more year with these guys...no one is saying they should be starters.

No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

Our squad needs a massive clean out, in terms of both skills and culture. We need speed and power, and we have limited squad positions to recuit these new players. We can't waste precious squad positions on placeholders. We need strike. And we need winners. Players who rise to the challenge of their rivals. The kind who stalk their prey in the night.

Look at the Roosters. Most of the cap on stars that win you games and young backup players that would be starters for us. Tupounioa, Faamusili, Butcher etc. Would you rather Tupouinoa or Lawrence on our bench? I know who i'd prefer, and they're both getting the same money.

These discussions are futile because the main point is missed.

We have LIMITED cap space. Guys like Lawrence serve 2 purposes:

1. To offer squad depth
2. To give as much playing value as possible for the salary we pay them (if we need them).
3.

Yes...Lawrence takes up a roster spot, but you can't just replace Lawrence with a Tupouinoa. Their salaries are totally different and is he available?

The point is...someone needs to be paid low salaries to lighten the load on the rest of the cap.

I actually agree with you though...if such a thing is a realistic possibility...but I don't think there's enough talent in the NRL to have a squad of 30 guys that fit that description and not exceed the cap.

Benji and Lawrence aren't the issue.

It's Mbye, Reynolds, Packer, Mcqueen, E Taylor taking up a huge chuck of cap space.

No it's not futile. What's futile is reasoning with people who don't have a grasp of reality.

Toupinoa and Lawrence are both on roughly the same contact value. Which team is getting a better deal there? Lawrence offers a slow old guy with crap hands and no lateral defence. He's done. He offers nothing. UK or retirement awaits.

The Roosters have about 10 players on less than 200k. Their cheapies offer great value. Ours don't.

McIntyre is a last resort, and he takes Lawrence's #30 spot on the roster.

Madge is on the right path. Rather than have Jennings on 400k he has AJ on 150-200k.

Like I said...I don't disagree with the logic, but I think it's you that doesn't have a grasp on reality.

Everyone knows the Roosters are able to get players for less than what other clubs would have to pay.

Roosters contract value vs Tigers contract value don't equate to the same number.

Case in point...we offered Mitchell $1.2 Million and he went to the Rabbits on $800,000...not sure how you solve that issue.

Don’t offer Mitchell 1.2 offer him 900k.
It’s not that hard really...

Ummm...yeah ok...same result...he goes to the Rabbits

Exactly.
But what if it worked out the other way?

Mate...I think you'll find we started the bidding at $800-900k...ended up at $1.2 million...Souths came in and the rest is history. Not sure your plan has "masterstroke" written all over it...

What's everyone smoking today?

No mate.
It’s a ruthless take it or leave it approach.
It’s not the money that entices the players to switch clubs it’s opportunity.

Now, if as a hypothetical we had approached JAC before Mitchell and had him signed on the left wing for that 300k + some obviously. And then approached Mitchell with a 900k deal to come over would that be more enticing than coming to a club to be alone and pick up another 300k. The money was never going to force Mitchell’s hand. He’ll we could of offered 1.5 but we’d still be left with a player learning how to play fullback in his first year with no money to sign any complementary players.

Right...so just sign up Addo-Carr for $300,000, then Mitchell for $900,000?

This is not only ruthless...this is genius...

 

[rustycage]

People getting excited about paying half of Mbyes salary to play elsewhere need to realise that we need to buy a more effective player than him for $400K otherwise we are in the same or worse position.

Its possible but not a sure thing.

According to the forum he’s the worst player on planet earth so that shouldn’t be hard ?

In all seriousness I don’t see a negative towards letting him go to titans. Even if that money is split up to keep some of our current boys or sign a young guy it’s worth it. Best case scenario it goes towards a top level player.


If that $400K is split up to increase other salaries, you still need to sign a new player to the roster which in minimum is still around $100K. I cant see how it significantly strengthens our roster or relieves cap pressure.

Madge will be happy to sign another young fella if he needs to.

***Not having $850k a season tied up in Mbye*** for another two seasons is a massive win. He’s not worth that at all, to free up half of that to use however you want just makes sense.

How the money is used will determine just how good a deal it is, but for me it will be a win for us either way. He’s not an integral part of our team, we have Momirovski back next year who can play centre. The money should be used for a hooker if we are smart.

We would have $400-450K wrapped up in Mbye for another two seasons. You are not signing a good hooker for $400K

We already have a good hooker. That's not the problem area.

Madge seems to have faith in Liddle. Simpkin meant to be good and is in our top 30 next year - they’ll try keep Harry as well.

Simpkin has huge wraps on him, and he has a build to handle the NRL, he will be our 9 moving forward, unless Harry hangs around

Prefer Liddle myself. Simpkin is a good back up though.

How many times have you seen Simpkin play?

You might be on to something there, a blindspot perhaps.
A 17 year old Jake playing U/18 Queensland Cup last year, he played for Wests earlier this year before it was cancelled, I think he could handle the grind of NRL, and so do many good judges.
https://www.qrl.com.au/news/2019/04/02/what-a-weapon---jake-simpkin/
https://www.qrl.com.au/news/2019/04/02/what-a-weapon---jake-simpkin/

I found that highlights package kind of underwhelming. He doesn't like to pass much.

 

[851]

Brooks is in his 8th season now . Does that mean nrl will chip in $200k for him next year? On top of a car?

As the line goes from Highlander, "there can be only one"

So whether its Benj, Nofo or Brooksy, we get it (once only), so that gives us an effective $10.1m cap for 2021

Yep, the one amount, split however many ways you like, I say split it between Nofa and Brooks to lighten the load, send Benji packing

 

[851]

People getting excited about paying half of Mbyes salary to play elsewhere need to realise that we need to buy a more effective player than him for $400K otherwise we are in the same or worse position.

Its possible but not a sure thing.

According to the forum he’s the worst player on planet earth so that shouldn’t be hard ?

In all seriousness I don’t see a negative towards letting him go to titans. Even if that money is split up to keep some of our current boys or sign a young guy it’s worth it. Best case scenario it goes towards a top level player.


If that $400K is split up to increase other salaries, you still need to sign a new player to the roster which in minimum is still around $100K. I cant see how it significantly strengthens our roster or relieves cap pressure.

Madge will be happy to sign another young fella if he needs to.

***Not having $850k a season tied up in Mbye*** for another two seasons is a massive win. He’s not worth that at all, to free up half of that to use however you want just makes sense.

How the money is used will determine just how good a deal it is, but for me it will be a win for us either way. He’s not an integral part of our team, we have Momirovski back next year who can play centre. The money should be used for a hooker if we are smart.

We would have $400-450K wrapped up in Mbye for another two seasons. You are not signing a good hooker for $400K

We already have a good hooker. That's not the problem area.

Madge seems to have faith in Liddle. Simpkin meant to be good and is in our top 30 next year - they’ll try keep Harry as well.

Simpkin has huge wraps on him, and he has a build to handle the NRL, he will be our 9 moving forward, unless Harry hangs around

Prefer Liddle myself. Simpkin is a good back up though.

How many times have you seen Simpkin play?

You might be on to something there, a blindspot perhaps.
A 17 year old Jake playing U/18 Queensland Cup last year, he played for Wests earlier this year before it was cancelled, I think he could handle the grind of NRL, and so do many good judges.
https://www.qrl.com.au/news/2019/04/02/what-a-weapon---jake-simpkin/
https://www.qrl.com.au/news/2019/04/02/what-a-weapon---jake-simpkin/


I found that highlights package kind of underwhelming. He doesn't like to pass much.

It wasn't a highlights package, it was one game from QRL website

 

[Tigers_Tigers]

I would honestly fork out the 500k for mbye to leave the team, It would be the best investment ill ever make. hopefully we sing tpj as well but I highly doubt it. And if he did he would probably play like 5 games and be suspended for the rest.

 

[Russell]

We currently have 21 for 2021 being Aloia, Blore, Brooks, Chee Kam, Douehi, Garner, Kepao, BJ Leilua, L Leilua, Liddle, Mbye, Mikaele, Momo, Musgrove, Nofo, Packer, Reynolds, Talau, Twal, Walters, Uto

Estimated at $8.2m leaving $1.7m for 9 players (2021 Cap is $9.9m, no penalty anymore)

Assume at least 3 development players at $115k each and McIntyre upgraded to $200k and we’re at $1.2m left for 5 players
Get Benji for FREE with the veteran allowance and it’s still $1.2m for 4 players
Assume further that any saving on the 2020 cap (est. $500k) was used to bring forward future dollars and it could potentially be as much as $1.7m for 4 players
I’d take Eiso for $200k, then it’s $1.5m for 3 players

Mbye or JRey leave with us paying half and it’s an extra $0.4m each
Let’s assume we offload one and we have $1.9m for 4 players

It’s not far off Teddy23 numbers above so you get an idea of what we could go for

Teddy23 suggested the following and I don’t mind any of them but maybe I’d prefer Welch’s stability over TPJs rollercoaster
• JAC (500k)
• Kyle Flanagan (500k) OR CHT
• Panga Jr (650 k) OR Christian Welch
• Brandon Smith (if grant goes back) (600k) OR Harry

$1.7 million for next season seems incredibly generous.

Seyfarth, Clark, Taylor, Smith and Jenninga wouldn’t be on much coin each. The 4 development guys joining the top 30 next season would probably be on the same as Seyfarth and Smith at the very least. McQueen is the only guy leaving who’s on decent money.

If McIntyre and Eiso are extended I would expect them to be on around $250-$300k each. We will have some cap space - but no where near $1.7million. Probably more around a million or less. Some guys may earn more this year compared to last year as well.

Wow, goodness me. Your going to spend 300k on a player that has played less than 10 first grade games?
In comparison.
Isaac Leui and Dale Finucane would probably be on that at the Roosters and the Storm. Have we learnt nothing...

I'd expect $400k combined would be plenty to secure Eiso & McIntyre at this stage of their respective careers

I wouldn't think you would get Eiso for 200, McIntyre maybe.

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

flanagan at the right price would be good 7 for Brooks 6

 

[Russell]

Not sure about Flanagan. Not sure he’s the game managing control halfback we need, not to say he’s a bad player but doesn’t seem to have the management skills necessary

Have you not been watching him. His as one dimensional in that area as they come. Hence the roosters problem.

But maybe he is part of the reason Keary has been shining. Could be the same foil for Brooks.

Somehow, I don't think so!

 

[the_third]

Not sure about Flanagan. Not sure he’s the game managing control halfback we need, not to say he’s a bad player but doesn’t seem to have the management skills necessary

Have you not been watching him. His as one dimensional in that area as they come. Hence the roosters problem.

But maybe he is part of the reason Keary has been shining. Could be the same foil for Brooks.

Did you just compare brooks an keary... we’ve all gone mad

 

[Elderslie_Tiger]

Warriors have signed Aitkens and Kane Evans in the last 2 days...

2 players who would easily make our side. So it’s not as if there isn’t any half decent players on the market

Wouldn't take either.

NMN

Well that's going to solve some of their problems
NOT you have one who is a turnstile and one who likes to watch

 

[Roar_Power]

This Mbye to Titans talk going around suggests Madge and Hartigan have some recruitment targets that are probably interested in coming to the Tigers.

I actually think we'll have enough cap room to buy a few decent players if they become available:


I'm guessing if we got rid of Jennings, McQueen, Taylor, Seyfarth and Dylan Smith from this list as well as the $375K we get back for the "cap breach", there could be around $1.5 to 1.6 million to spend.

Add Mbye if we move him on, that's $2 Million. You then need to replace 6 players with $2 million.

Currently, 5 players barely play first grade...we get no NRL game time for the money we pay. We could rebalance the cap by bringing in 4 junior players on minimal contracts.

4 x Juniors = $500,000
2 x Rep/Star players = $1,500,000

Don't forget we're probably paying Doueihi and BJ close to full freight next year. I believe we are only paying some of their contract this year.

We also signed AJ and Stefano, the latter on good coin.

Stefano $266k per season over 3 years

 

[pawsandclaws1]

People getting excited about paying half of Mbyes salary to play elsewhere need to realise that we need to buy a more effective player than him for $400K otherwise we are in the same or worse position.

Its possible but not a sure thing.

According to the forum he’s the worst player on planet earth so that shouldn’t be hard ?

In all seriousness I don’t see a negative towards letting him go to titans. Even if that money is split up to keep some of our current boys or sign a young guy it’s worth it. Best case scenario it goes towards a top level player.


If that $400K is split up to increase other salaries, you still need to sign a new player to the roster which in minimum is still around $100K. I cant see how it significantly strengthens our roster or relieves cap pressure.

Madge will be happy to sign another young fella if he needs to.

***Not having $850k a season tied up in Mbye*** for another two seasons is a massive win. He’s not worth that at all, to free up half of that to use however you want just makes sense.

How the money is used will determine just how good a deal it is, but for me it will be a win for us either way. He’s not an integral part of our team, we have Momirovski back next year who can play centre. The money should be used for a hooker if we are smart.

We would have $400-450K wrapped up in Mbye for another two seasons. You are not signing a good hooker for $400K

We already have a good hooker. That's not the problem area.

Madge seems to have faith in Liddle. Simpkin meant to be good and is in our top 30 next year - they’ll try keep Harry as well.

Simpkin has huge wraps on him, and he has a build to handle the NRL, he will be our 9 moving forward, unless Harry hangs around

Prefer Liddle myself. Simpkin is a good back up though.

How many times have you seen Simpkin play?

You might be on to something there, a blindspot perhaps.
A 17 year old Jake playing U/18 Queensland Cup last year, he played for Wests earlier this year before it was cancelled, I think he could handle the grind of NRL, and so do many good judges.
https://www.qrl.com.au/news/2019/04/02/what-a-weapon---jake-simpkin/
https://www.qrl.com.au/news/2019/04/02/what-a-weapon---jake-simpkin/


I found that highlights package kind of underwhelming. He doesn't like to pass much.

We look at the highlights package but the scouts and I think even Maguire had involvement with his recruitment. Imagine how good he will be in 2 years time which will still be 2 years short of Grant now.