Starting team 2021

[Jedi_Tiger]

Doeiehi is a talented footballer,and looks to have bulked up,but I,ve always seen him as a centre or a back up player in the Mybe category.I said in earlier posts that with Madden and Simkin playing we would have a far faster platform with the variation in attack that we need.I think both Doeihie and Liddle will do a good job,but eventually Mads and Simps will get the jobs.

I think by season end
9 Simpkins
7 Brooks
6 Jock Madden (goal kicker)

not sure where that leaves AD don't think JTJ or Joey L will go the season uninjured so maybe reserves or centre

 

[Moh]

Interesting snippet in the Daily Rubbish :


WESTS TIGERS PLAYERS URGE COACH TO PICK 82KG BUSHIE

Wests Tigers players are urging coach Michael Maguire to catapult rookie No.6 Jock Madden into their starting side for the NRL season opener, with teammates praising his “wow factor” during a training camp in Tamworth this week.
Still only 20, Madden has performed so strongly throughout summer Tigers players are now pitching for him to make his NRL debut against the Canberra Raiders in Round One.
While Maguire has already indicated Adam Doueihi is his preferred choice to partner halfback Luke Brooks this year, the 22-year-old will miss the season opener due to a lingering suspension.

Enter Madden.

Speaking with The Daily Telegraph in Tamworth on Tuesday, Tigers fullback Moses Mbye suggested the Scone product was his five-eighth pick for the Raiders clash.
“Jock Madden has just got that wow factor,” Mbye said.
“If there was anyone I had to endorse over summer, it’s him. He’s been super impressive.
“And obviously you never really know about a player until they get out onto the field, but he’s looking really good.

“So if I had to pick a Round One team with Adam Doueihi suspended, I’d put him in.
“And whether that actually happens or not, I don‘t know. It’s the big fella (Maguire) who decides that.
“But if I was picking a side, Jock would be in.”

Weighing just 82kg, Madden will be among the game’s lightest players if he debuts against the Raiders.
“But geez he’s got a big heart,” Mbye continued.
“He’s only little, but so tenacious.
“Competes.
“At this level everyone knows how to play the game – if you didn’t, you wouldn’t be here – but with Jock it’s all the small things that capture your attention.
“Like his maturity, and ability to pick his plays.
“He’s one of those halves that likes to play deep into the line, too.
“You see in the past, quality players like Kieran Foran who play deep into the line and take those hits.
“And Jock, he keeps getting back up.
“He’s a tough boy.”

Despite suggestions it would be Mbye shifting to five-eighth for week one, with new Penrith recruit Daine Laurie earning a start at fullback, the former Tigers captain said Madden had earned himself the role after an outstanding summer training campaign.
Tigers halfback Luke Brooks also agreed recently that the bush boy was ready for the rigours of the NRL.
“He’s got great game management, kicking game and he runs the ball,“ Brooks said.

“He’s really tough too. A couple of the big boys get into him at training and knock him around and he always gets back up.
“Jock is going really well, he’s a great player. He didn’t get to play any footy last year because reserve grade was cancelled so I know he’s itching to get out there.”

I haven't seen too much of Jock, what I have seen I never really understood. But this really sounds encouraging, Mbye has footy smarts so its an opinion I would trust.

 

[sleeve]

The size of the forwards this year is a huge benefit.We lacked size and power last year.From 10 mtrs out the inside ball to Stef,Tamou,Offa all 118kg will create plenty of opportunities,the same with Lucy on the edge.

 

[Speed2burn]

The size of the forwards this year is a huge benefit.We lacked size and power last year.From 10 mtrs out the inside ball to Stef,Tamou,Offa all 118kg will create plenty of opportunities,the same with Lucy on the edge.

It has the rumblings of the souffs pack that won the comp in 2014, a few big boppers lumped in with experience / guys on the fringe of rep selection (Luciano, Twal?)

Honestly I think the guy who will benefit most from a powerful pack is Liddle. Don't underestimate his explosiveness from dummy half if he can stay injury free off the back of quick PTB

 

[bathursttiger1]

Doeiehi is a talented footballer,and looks to have bulked up,but I,ve always seen him as a centre or a back up player in the Mybe category.I said in earlier posts that with Madden and Simkin playing we would have a far faster platform with the variation in attack that we need.I think both Doeihie and Liddle will do a good job,but eventually Mads and Simps will get the jobs.

I think by season end
9 Simpkins
7 Brooks
6 Jock Madden (goal kicker)

not sure where that leaves AD don't think JTJ or Joey L will go the season uninjured so maybe reserves or centre

9 Simpkin

 

[Needaname]

Doeiehi is a talented footballer,and looks to have bulked up,but I,ve always seen him as a centre or a back up player in the Mybe category.I said in earlier posts that with Madden and Simkin playing we would have a far faster platform with the variation in attack that we need.I think both Doeihie and Liddle will do a good job,but eventually Mads and Simps will get the jobs.

I think by season end
9 Simpkins
7 Brooks
6 Jock Madden (goal kicker)

not sure where that leaves AD don't think JTJ or Joey L will go the season uninjured so maybe reserves or centre

I’m not prepared to right off too experienced players for a rookie half.
Still I guess Douehi isn’t NRL experienced at 5/8 yet so not much difference.
If Jock does force his way into the 17. Could Douehi become that ball playing lock that were crying out for?
Start him in the 14, Twal at 13 and after 40-50 minutes bring Twal into the front row and Douehi into the game and slowly increase that game time till he builds up a tolerance for the work rate. We all know he’d be big enough for the role, but just needs his body to get used to the front line contact, which he’ll get from starting the season at 5/8.

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

Doeiehi is a talented footballer,and looks to have bulked up,but I,ve always seen him as a centre or a back up player in the Mybe category.I said in earlier posts that with Madden and Simkin playing we would have a far faster platform with the variation in attack that we need.I think both Doeihie and Liddle will do a good job,but eventually Mads and Simps will get the jobs.

I think by season end
9 Simpkins
7 Brooks
6 Jock Madden (goal kicker)

not sure where that leaves AD don't think JTJ or Joey L will go the season uninjured so maybe reserves or centre

I’m not prepared to right off too experienced players for a rookie half.
Still I guess Douehi isn’t NRL experienced at 5/8 yet so not much difference.
If Jock does force his way into the 17. Could Douehi become that ball playing lock that were crying out for?
Start him in the 14, Twal at 13 and after 40-50 minutes bring Twal into the front row and Douehi into the game and slowly increase that game time till he builds up a tolerance for the work rate. We all know he’d be big enough for the role, but just needs his body to get used to the front line contact, which he’ll get from starting the season at 5/8.

Douhie is not that experienced anyway as you said. Doubie as a ball playing lock or maybe next year Talau to lock and Douehie in centres

 

[twentyforty]

Interesting snippet in the Daily Rubbish :


WESTS TIGERS PLAYERS URGE COACH TO PICK 82KG BUSHIE

Wests Tigers players are urging coach Michael Maguire to catapult rookie No.6 Jock Madden into their starting side for the NRL season opener, with teammates praising his “wow factor” during a training camp in Tamworth this week.
Still only 20, Madden has performed so strongly throughout summer Tigers players are now pitching for him to make his NRL debut against the Canberra Raiders in Round One.
While Maguire has already indicated Adam Doueihi is his preferred choice to partner halfback Luke Brooks this year, the 22-year-old will miss the season opener due to a lingering suspension.

Enter Madden.

Speaking with The Daily Telegraph in Tamworth on Tuesday, Tigers fullback Moses Mbye suggested the Scone product was his five-eighth pick for the Raiders clash.
“Jock Madden has just got that wow factor,” Mbye said.
“If there was anyone I had to endorse over summer, it’s him. He’s been super impressive.
“And obviously you never really know about a player until they get out onto the field, but he’s looking really good.

“So if I had to pick a Round One team with Adam Doueihi suspended, I’d put him in.
“And whether that actually happens or not, I don‘t know. It’s the big fella (Maguire) who decides that.
“But if I was picking a side, Jock would be in.”

Weighing just 82kg, Madden will be among the game’s lightest players if he debuts against the Raiders.
“But geez he’s got a big heart,” Mbye continued.
“He’s only little, but so tenacious.
“Competes.
“At this level everyone knows how to play the game – if you didn’t, you wouldn’t be here – but with Jock it’s all the small things that capture your attention.
“Like his maturity, and ability to pick his plays.
“He’s one of those halves that likes to play deep into the line, too.
“You see in the past, quality players like Kieran Foran who play deep into the line and take those hits.
“And Jock, he keeps getting back up.
“He’s a tough boy.”

Despite suggestions it would be Mbye shifting to five-eighth for week one, with new Penrith recruit Daine Laurie earning a start at fullback, the former Tigers captain said Madden had earned himself the role after an outstanding summer training campaign.
Tigers halfback Luke Brooks also agreed recently that the bush boy was ready for the rigours of the NRL.
“He’s got great game management, kicking game and he runs the ball,“ Brooks said.

“He’s really tough too. A couple of the big boys get into him at training and knock him around and he always gets back up.
“Jock is going really well, he’s a great player. He didn’t get to play any footy last year because reserve grade was cancelled so I know he’s itching to get out there.”


Says a lot about Mbye that he talks up a young kid in a position that might be Mbye's only shot of getting Rd 1.

I’m thinking he’s just supporting Madge’s decision. Ok, we have a couple of trials to influence who wears the 6 in rnd1, but surely there’s been some open discussion about this and other relevant matters concerning the makeup of rnd1 team?
Mbye is a very good player and a decent bloke, who appears very supportive of his coach. Just wish he never had a near death experience. It causes a re-evaluation of priorities.

 

[Guest]

Doeiehi is a talented footballer,and looks to have bulked up,but I,ve always seen him as a centre or a back up player in the Mybe category.I said in earlier posts that with Madden and Simkin playing we would have a far faster platform with the variation in attack that we need.I think both Doeihie and Liddle will do a good job,but eventually Mads and Simps will get the jobs.

I think by season end
9 Simpkins
7 Brooks
6 Jock Madden (goal kicker)

not sure where that leaves AD don't think JTJ or Joey L will go the season uninjured so maybe reserves or centre

I’m not prepared to right off too experienced players for a rookie half.
Still I guess Douehi isn’t NRL experienced at 5/8 yet so not much difference.
If Jock does force his way into the 17. Could Douehi become that ball playing lock that were crying out for?
Start him in the 14, Twal at 13 and after 40-50 minutes bring Twal into the front row and Douehi into the game and slowly increase that game time till he builds up a tolerance for the work rate. We all know he’d be big enough for the role, but just needs his body to get used to the front line contact, which he’ll get from starting the season at 5/8.

Douhie is not that experienced anyway as you said. Doubie as a ball playing lock or maybe next year Talau to lock and Douehie in centres

Doueihi won't be playing lock.

 

[Tiger5150]

Interesting snippet in the Daily Rubbish :


WESTS TIGERS PLAYERS URGE COACH TO PICK 82KG BUSHIE

Wests Tigers players are urging coach Michael Maguire to catapult rookie No.6 Jock Madden into their starting side for the NRL season opener, with teammates praising his “wow factor” during a training camp in Tamworth this week.
Still only 20, Madden has performed so strongly throughout summer Tigers players are now pitching for him to make his NRL debut against the Canberra Raiders in Round One.
While Maguire has already indicated Adam Doueihi is his preferred choice to partner halfback Luke Brooks this year, the 22-year-old will miss the season opener due to a lingering suspension.

Enter Madden.

Speaking with The Daily Telegraph in Tamworth on Tuesday, Tigers fullback Moses Mbye suggested the Scone product was his five-eighth pick for the Raiders clash.
“Jock Madden has just got that wow factor,” Mbye said.
“If there was anyone I had to endorse over summer, it’s him. He’s been super impressive.
“And obviously you never really know about a player until they get out onto the field, but he’s looking really good.

“So if I had to pick a Round One team with Adam Doueihi suspended, I’d put him in.
“And whether that actually happens or not, I don‘t know. It’s the big fella (Maguire) who decides that.
“But if I was picking a side, Jock would be in.”

Weighing just 82kg, Madden will be among the game’s lightest players if he debuts against the Raiders.
“But geez he’s got a big heart,” Mbye continued.
“He’s only little, but so tenacious.
“Competes.
“At this level everyone knows how to play the game – if you didn’t, you wouldn’t be here – but with Jock it’s all the small things that capture your attention.
“Like his maturity, and ability to pick his plays.
“He’s one of those halves that likes to play deep into the line, too.
“You see in the past, quality players like Kieran Foran who play deep into the line and take those hits.
“And Jock, he keeps getting back up.
“He’s a tough boy.”

Despite suggestions it would be Mbye shifting to five-eighth for week one, with new Penrith recruit Daine Laurie earning a start at fullback, the former Tigers captain said Madden had earned himself the role after an outstanding summer training campaign.
Tigers halfback Luke Brooks also agreed recently that the bush boy was ready for the rigours of the NRL.
“He’s got great game management, kicking game and he runs the ball,“ Brooks said.

“He’s really tough too. A couple of the big boys get into him at training and knock him around and he always gets back up.
“Jock is going really well, he’s a great player. He didn’t get to play any footy last year because reserve grade was cancelled so I know he’s itching to get out there.”


Says a lot about Mbye that he talks up a young kid in a position that might be Mbye's only shot of getting Rd 1.


I’m thinking he’s just supporting Madge’s decision. Ok, we have a couple of trials to influence who wears the 6 in rnd1, but surely there’s been some open discussion about this and other relevant matters concerning the makeup of rnd1 team?
Mbye is a very good player and a decent bloke, who appears very supportive of his coach. Just wish he ***never had a near death experience***. It causes a re-evaluation of priorities.

I havent heard of this, can you expand?

 

[TheDaBoss]

Interesting snippet in the Daily Rubbish :


WESTS TIGERS PLAYERS URGE COACH TO PICK 82KG BUSHIE

Wests Tigers players are urging coach Michael Maguire to catapult rookie No.6 Jock Madden into their starting side for the NRL season opener, with teammates praising his “wow factor” during a training camp in Tamworth this week.
Still only 20, Madden has performed so strongly throughout summer Tigers players are now pitching for him to make his NRL debut against the Canberra Raiders in Round One.
While Maguire has already indicated Adam Doueihi is his preferred choice to partner halfback Luke Brooks this year, the 22-year-old will miss the season opener due to a lingering suspension.

Enter Madden.

Speaking with The Daily Telegraph in Tamworth on Tuesday, Tigers fullback Moses Mbye suggested the Scone product was his five-eighth pick for the Raiders clash.
“Jock Madden has just got that wow factor,” Mbye said.
“If there was anyone I had to endorse over summer, it’s him. He’s been super impressive.
“And obviously you never really know about a player until they get out onto the field, but he’s looking really good.

“So if I had to pick a Round One team with Adam Doueihi suspended, I’d put him in.
“And whether that actually happens or not, I don‘t know. It’s the big fella (Maguire) who decides that.
“But if I was picking a side, Jock would be in.”

Weighing just 82kg, Madden will be among the game’s lightest players if he debuts against the Raiders.
“But geez he’s got a big heart,” Mbye continued.
“He’s only little, but so tenacious.
“Competes.
“At this level everyone knows how to play the game – if you didn’t, you wouldn’t be here – but with Jock it’s all the small things that capture your attention.
“Like his maturity, and ability to pick his plays.
“He’s one of those halves that likes to play deep into the line, too.
“You see in the past, quality players like Kieran Foran who play deep into the line and take those hits.
“And Jock, he keeps getting back up.
“He’s a tough boy.”

Despite suggestions it would be Mbye shifting to five-eighth for week one, with new Penrith recruit Daine Laurie earning a start at fullback, the former Tigers captain said Madden had earned himself the role after an outstanding summer training campaign.
Tigers halfback Luke Brooks also agreed recently that the bush boy was ready for the rigours of the NRL.
“He’s got great game management, kicking game and he runs the ball,“ Brooks said.

“He’s really tough too. A couple of the big boys get into him at training and knock him around and he always gets back up.
“Jock is going really well, he’s a great player. He didn’t get to play any footy last year because reserve grade was cancelled so I know he’s itching to get out there.”


Says a lot about Mbye that he talks up a young kid in a position that might be Mbye's only shot of getting Rd 1.


I’m thinking he’s just supporting Madge’s decision. Ok, we have a couple of trials to influence who wears the 6 in rnd1, but surely there’s been some open discussion about this and other relevant matters concerning the makeup of rnd1 team?
Mbye is a very good player and a decent bloke, who appears very supportive of his coach. Just wish he ***never had a near death experience***. It causes a re-evaluation of priorities.

I havent heard of this, can you expand?

SOO he had a allergic attack in a hotel room if i recall

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

Doeiehi is a talented footballer,and looks to have bulked up,but I,ve always seen him as a centre or a back up player in the Mybe category.I said in earlier posts that with Madden and Simkin playing we would have a far faster platform with the variation in attack that we need.I think both Doeihie and Liddle will do a good job,but eventually Mads and Simps will get the jobs.

I think by season end
9 Simpkins
7 Brooks
6 Jock Madden (goal kicker)

not sure where that leaves AD don't think JTJ or Joey L will go the season uninjured so maybe reserves or centre

I’m not prepared to right off too experienced players for a rookie half.
Still I guess Douehi isn’t NRL experienced at 5/8 yet so not much difference.
If Jock does force his way into the 17. Could Douehi become that ball playing lock that were crying out for?
Start him in the 14, Twal at 13 and after 40-50 minutes bring Twal into the front row and Douehi into the game and slowly increase that game time till he builds up a tolerance for the work rate. We all know he’d be big enough for the role, but just needs his body to get used to the front line contact, which he’ll get from starting the season at 5/8.

Douhie is not that experienced anyway as you said. Doubie as a ball playing lock or maybe next year Talau to lock and Douehie in centres

Doueihi won't be playing lock.

if he doesn't play lock that's fine just don't think he is necessarily the answer to 6
Jock Madden could be if he kills it round 1 or Brooks and not sure where then besides centres that leaves Doueihi

 

[Russell]

https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2021-tigers-best-17-luke-brooks-james-roberts-joey-leilua-jacob-liddle-tommy-talau-billy-walters-teams/news-story/92d88330cf7e540e036f9fb459a0c895

**It’s now or never for Luke Brooks as Michael Maguire unleashes Fab Five: Tigers best 17**

Mark St John - February 3, 2021 7:17am

Source: FOX SPORTS


The Tigers have a new look spine in 2021 with Luke Brooks now the driver of the ship and it is up to him to unleash a dangerous outside back contingent. For so long the knock on Brooks is that he constantly deferred to club greats Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah, but with both no longer at the club it is the No.7s time to make the team his own.

Brooks was the 2019 Dally M Halfback of the Year, but his form fell away dramatically last year to the point he was dropped to the bench.


**Round 1**

Part of Michael Maguire’s tough call to let club legend Marshall leave was to give Brooks a long-awaited chance to drive the teams’ attack.

The club have also lost hooker Harry Grant, who returned to the Storm and five-eighth Josh Reynolds has moved to the Super League.

That means that Brooks will form a new halves partnership with makeshift No.6 Adam Doueihi, which gives the halfback even more responsibility to lead the teams’ direction.


The club has had one of the biggest turnover of players in the competition, with 11 players moving on and six players joining, while four players had their contracts upgraded.

Apart from Grant other notable losses were Josh Aloiai to Manly, Sam McIntyre to the Titans, Matt Eisenhuth and Robert Jennings to the Panthers and Chris Lawrence to retirement.

However the Tigers made some shrewd recruitment moves in picking up James Roberts from the Rabbitohs, James Tamou from the Panthers, Joe Ofahengaue from the Broncos and rookie Stefano Utoikamanu from the Eels.

Tamou and Ofahengaue in particular provide much needed starch to the Tigers’ pack, which has been accused of going missing at times in recent seasons.

Roberts provides priceless speed and attacking strike, while Utoikamanu has the potential to be a game-breaker off the bench as he matures.

On paper the Tigers are probably a star fullback and a seasoned five-eighth and hooker away from consistently matching the top sides in the push for a premiership.

However they will be exciting to watch and if they can stay on the park and build combinations this just might be the year the longest finals drought in the NRL, stretching back to 2011 comes to an end.

**THE STRENGTH**

Back five. The Tigers have a potentially devastating back five as long as their halves and hooker can get them plenty of good, clean and early ball.

Free of the captaincy, Moses Mbye returns to fullback in 2021 after an up and down stint in the centres for the Tigers over the last two seasons.

David Nofoaluma is coming off a season where he scored 17 tries in 20 games, while 20-year-old Tommy is set for a bright future.

In Joey Leilua and star recruit James Roberts the Tigers have potentially one of the best centre pairings in the NRL, but there is a big caveat.

Leilua needs to cut the dirty play out of his game and focus on running hard and tackling even harder, while Roberts will be hoping for a better run with injuries at his new club.

Provided their forward pack and halves can do their jobs this back five should score plenty of tries in 2021.

**THE PRESSURE IS ON**

Luke Brooks. The 26-year-old has been given the keys to the team after the departures of club greats Robbie Farah and Benji Marshall in consecutive seasons and it is his time to show what he can do as a chief playmaker.

Harry Grant’s return to the Storm means that much of the Tigers’ attack will come down to Brooks’ ability to create try-scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Adding to the pressure will be the fact Brooks will be partnered by a rookie five-eighth in Adam Doueihi at the scrumbase and their combination will take time to develop.

Brooks has now scored 39 tries in 148 games for the Tigers and is at the age where playmaker’s come into their own.

However Brooks can no longer defer to Marshall and needs to be assertive and take the game by the scruff of the neck in order set his speedsters out wide free and create opportunities for himself as well.

**THE RISING STAR**

Tommy Talau. The 20-year-old son of Bulldogs great Willie Talau scored eight tries in just 12 games last year after debuting in 2019.

Talau is a lot bigger than his old man and has the potential to be an excellent centre down the track.

For now he is caught behind Joey Leilua and James Roberts in the pecking order, but it could be a blessing in disguise playing on the end of this backline.

Talau will learn plenty from his centres and no doubt add to his impressive try-scoring tally in 2021, which can only help his development as a centre down the line.

**THE UNLUCKY ONES**

Paul Momirovski and Billy Walters. If everyone is fit and firing it is hard to see Walters and Momirovski getting a spot in the 17.

After his swap deal with the Storm’s Harry Grant, Momirovski has been agitating for a release to join the Panthers or the Bulldogs after being told he will not be a starter at the Tigers.

Given the Tigers’ strong centre pairing and wingers it is understandable that Momirovski will find it difficult to break into the starting backline.

Walters is bidding to return from a knee injury and Jacob Liddle looks set to be handed first crack at the hooker role, while Doueihi will block his claims to the No.6 jersey.

Depending on how much game time Liddle can manage after a series of long-term injuries, Walters could be used as a utility off the bench, but he will have to make up for lost time when he returns and hope a spot opens up.

**IT’S A BIG YEAR FOR**

James Roberts. The 27-year-old is coming off a tough 2020 campaign that saw him spend time in a rehabilitation clinic to deal with anxiety and depression.

Roberts scored just one try in six games for the Rabbitohs before he mutually parted ways with the club one year before his contract expired.

If Roberts can overcome the off-field issues and stay injury-free he is every chance to return to the form that saw him represent the Blues in 2018.


The veteran journeymen centre has scored 74 tries in 149 games in the NRL for the Rabbitohs, Panthers, Titans and Broncos and at full fitness he is one of the fastest players in the competition.

Roberts has the potential to form a devastating centre combination with Joey Leilua and by all reports is in a strong frame of mind to repay the faith the Tigers have shown in him.

If he can maintain fitness of mind and body then the sky is the limit for Roberts in 2021.

**TIGERS BEST 17**

1 Moses Mbye

2 David Nofoaluma

3 Joey Leilua

4 James Roberts

5 Tommy Talau

6 Adam Doueihi

7 Luke Brooks

8 Joe Ofahengaue

9 Jacob Liddle

10 James Tamou

11 Luke Garner

12 Luciano Leilua

13 Alex Twal

14 Michael Chee-Kam

15 Shawn Blore

16 Thomas Mikaele

17 Stefano Utoikamanu

**2021 squad**: Shawn Blore, Kane Bradley, Luke Brooks, Michael Chee-Kam, Zac Cini, Adam Doueihi, Luke Garner, Asu Kepaoa, Joey Leilua, Luciano Leilua, Jacob Liddle, Jock Madden, Moses Mbye, Thomas Mikaele, Paul Momirovski, Zane Musgrove, David Nofoaluma, Joe Ofahengaue, Russell Packer, James Roberts, Jake Simpkin, Tommy Talau, James Tamou, Alex Twal, Stefano Utoikamanu, Billy Walters

2021 gains: James Roberts (Rabbitohs), Stefano Utoikamanu (Eels), Paul Momirovski (loan return from Storm), James Tamou (Panthers), Joe Ofahengaue (Broncos), Tuki Simpkins (Cowboys). Jock Madden, Kane Bradley, Jake Simpkin, Zac Cini (all upgraded)

2021 losses: Harry Grant (loan return to Storm), Josh Aloiai (Sea Eagles), Chris Lawrence (retirement), Sam McIntyre (Titans), Matt Eisenhuth, Robert Jennings (both Panthers), Benji Marshall (Rabbitohs), Josh Reynolds (Hull), Oliver Clark, Elijah Taylor, Dylan Smith (all unsigned)

Why do these guys keep putting Chee-Kam in the 17?

Shame about CheKam,build,speed,step,has everything it takes,.If he only took that next step he could be anything.

Whatever ever happened to The Chee-Kam Beast fan club?

Where is tacky when you need him, it was him that ran that fan club wasn't it?

Michael Chee-Kam has been a favourite of mine in the past and have to say he certainly has a good head for football.

Can recall a couple of Falcons at crucial times in the past.

Most memorable one was the Falcon that led to the game winning Cory Thompson try with a minute and a half to go against the Rorters in Round 1 2018 at ANZ.

From memory I think the Badge was officiating that day as well.

He is a beast, looking forward to see if he can put it on the field?
 https://forums.leagueunlimited.com/attachments/upload_2021-2-2_14-0-38-png.45629/

Chee-Kam is a lot of things.

Some say he could be anything.

However a beast he was not, is not and never will be.

It is just a shame that Tacky (wherever he went) did not take MCK with him.

 

[Speed2burn]

Interesting snippet in the Daily Rubbish :


WESTS TIGERS PLAYERS URGE COACH TO PICK 82KG BUSHIE

Wests Tigers players are urging coach Michael Maguire to catapult rookie No.6 Jock Madden into their starting side for the NRL season opener, with teammates praising his “wow factor” during a training camp in Tamworth this week.
Still only 20, Madden has performed so strongly throughout summer Tigers players are now pitching for him to make his NRL debut against the Canberra Raiders in Round One.
While Maguire has already indicated Adam Doueihi is his preferred choice to partner halfback Luke Brooks this year, the 22-year-old will miss the season opener due to a lingering suspension.

Enter Madden.

Speaking with The Daily Telegraph in Tamworth on Tuesday, Tigers fullback Moses Mbye suggested the Scone product was his five-eighth pick for the Raiders clash.
“Jock Madden has just got that wow factor,” Mbye said.
“If there was anyone I had to endorse over summer, it’s him. He’s been super impressive.
“And obviously you never really know about a player until they get out onto the field, but he’s looking really good.

“So if I had to pick a Round One team with Adam Doueihi suspended, I’d put him in.
“And whether that actually happens or not, I don‘t know. It’s the big fella (Maguire) who decides that.
“But if I was picking a side, Jock would be in.”

Weighing just 82kg, Madden will be among the game’s lightest players if he debuts against the Raiders.
“But geez he’s got a big heart,” Mbye continued.
“He’s only little, but so tenacious.
“Competes.
“At this level everyone knows how to play the game – if you didn’t, you wouldn’t be here – but with Jock it’s all the small things that capture your attention.
“Like his maturity, and ability to pick his plays.
“He’s one of those halves that likes to play deep into the line, too.
“You see in the past, quality players like Kieran Foran who play deep into the line and take those hits.
“And Jock, he keeps getting back up.
“He’s a tough boy.”

Despite suggestions it would be Mbye shifting to five-eighth for week one, with new Penrith recruit Daine Laurie earning a start at fullback, the former Tigers captain said Madden had earned himself the role after an outstanding summer training campaign.
Tigers halfback Luke Brooks also agreed recently that the bush boy was ready for the rigours of the NRL.
“He’s got great game management, kicking game and he runs the ball,“ Brooks said.

“He’s really tough too. A couple of the big boys get into him at training and knock him around and he always gets back up.
“Jock is going really well, he’s a great player. He didn’t get to play any footy last year because reserve grade was cancelled so I know he’s itching to get out there.”


Says a lot about Mbye that he talks up a young kid in a position that might be Mbye's only shot of getting Rd 1.


I’m thinking he’s just supporting Madge’s decision. Ok, we have a couple of trials to influence who wears the 6 in rnd1, but surely there’s been some open discussion about this and other relevant matters concerning the makeup of rnd1 team?
Mbye is a very good player and a decent bloke, who appears very supportive of his coach. Just wish he ***never had a near death experience***. It causes a re-evaluation of priorities.

I havent heard of this, can you expand?

He had an Anaphylactic shock in origin camp last year, was lucky he was just right around the corner from the physios room to get the adrenaline shot

 

[TheDaBoss]

Looks like trial agaibst rorters is going tp be streamed on nrl app, as well as a few other trials

 

[balmain boy]

Looks like trial agaibst rorters is going tp be streamed on nrl app, as well as a few other trials

I thought WT said it wouldn't be streamed?

 

[Tiger19]

Looks like trial agaibst rorters is going tp be streamed on nrl app, as well as a few other trials

I thought WT said it wouldn't be streamed?

Apparently NRL are streaming it themselves now.

Weird considering it seems like it’s only an opposed session and not a full trial.

 

[Tigers_Wests]

Looks like trial agaibst rorters is going tp be streamed on nrl app, as well as a few other trials

I thought WT said it wouldn't be streamed?

Apparently NRL are streaming it themselves now.

Weird considering it seems like it’s only an opposed session and not a full trial.

It says on nrl.com that it will only be players who played 12 games or less in 2020. I wouldn't have thought they would stream it. Happy about it though...a good chance to see a lot of the younger blokes coming through and an opportunity for the train and trial players to show what they've got.

 

[TYGA]

Ok now that we have Laurie .. pick your team as per round 2:

1. Laurie
2. Nofa
3. Roberts
4. Leilua
5. Talau
6. Doueihi
7. Brooks
8. Tamou
9. Liddle
10. Musgrove
11. Leilua
12. Blore
13. Ofahenguae
14. Twal
15. Utoikamanu
16. Mikaele
17. Moses / Simpkin

Agree that’s our best team by far but I’d have Simpkin over Mbye just for the sake of getting experience. He needs game time.

I’m going to wait until round 1. Or if the trial is televised to make a judgement on Mbye. The dudes got talent , and there’s no way Laurie supplants him, unless Mbye does smelly pop in the bed during the trials .
I think that’s the most logical answer , no matter how you feel.

He’s been poor for long enough.

 

[innsaneink]

Doeiehi is a talented footballer,and looks to have bulked up,but I,ve always seen him as a centre or a back up player in the Mybe category.I said in earlier posts that with Madden and Simkin playing we would have a far faster platform with the variation in attack that we need.I think both Doeihie and Liddle will do a good job,but eventually Mads and Simps will get the jobs.

I think by season end
9 Simpkins
7 Brooks
6 Jock Madden (goal kicker)

not sure where that leaves AD don't think JTJ or Joey L will go the season uninjured so maybe reserves or centre

I’m not prepared to right off too experienced players for a rookie half.
Still I guess Douehi isn’t NRL experienced at 5/8 yet so not much difference.
If Jock does force his way into the 17. Could Douehi become that ball playing lock that were crying out for?
Start him in the 14, Twal at 13 and after 40-50 minutes bring Twal into the front row and Douehi into the game and slowly increase that game time till he builds up a tolerance for the work rate. We all know he’d be big enough for the role, but just needs his body to get used to the front line contact, which he’ll get from starting the season at 5/8.

Douhie is not that experienced anyway as you said. Doubie as a ball playing lock or maybe next year Talau to lock and Douehie in centres

Doueihi won't be playing lock.

They're just thinking out loud (or in text to be spacific)