THE 4......THREAD

[Regan]

This is all pretty silly…........would all these rumours be happening if we were winning?

And given Brooks has pretty much done nothing since that very first appearance and Moses has gone backwards since the backend of last year and Brooks especially has been critised by commentators about his form, I just don't see anyone doing what we have done in the past and pay overs.

Woods, I can't see leaving unless a dump trunk full of cash turns up like that 1 mill a year rumour and Teddy knocked back the Raiders, why would they both go to the Dogs who appear to be a bit of a basket case themselves with their own coach up in the air?

The whole thing is getting ridiculous and all I can see going on is a manager trying to raise prices on 2 out of form players and bumping up the other 2.

Teddys seen a lot go on here since the Raiders contract, some of which, may have changed his mind about a few things. I hope that Cleary gets to have a talk with him, as he doesn't seem to be very happy at the moment, they stuffed around with his last contract and it looks like it's happening all over again.the club should concentrate on him.
If the others go , I don't think that it will be a big loss. Whereas Losing Tedesco will be losing the one real star that we have.
And the one person who can change a game .

Teddy was a big fan of Taylor and said in an interview the other week that he felt he played his best football under him

 

[goldcoast_tiger]

This is all pretty silly…........would all these rumours be happening if we were winning?

And given Brooks has pretty much done nothing since that very first appearance and Moses has gone backwards since the backend of last year and Brooks especially has been critised by commentators about his form, I just don't see anyone doing what we have done in the past and pay overs.

Woods, I can't see leaving unless a dump trunk full of cash turns up like that 1 mill a year rumour and Teddy knocked back the Raiders, why would they both go to the Dogs who appear to be a bit of a basket case themselves with their own coach up in the air?

The whole thing is getting ridiculous and all I can see going on is a manager trying to raise prices on 2 out of form players and bumping up the other 2.

Teddys seen a lot go on here since the Raiders contract, some of which, may have changed his mind about a few things. I hope that Cleary gets to have a talk with him, as he doesn't seem to be very happy at the moment, they stuffed around with his last contract and it looks like it's happening all over again.the club should concentrate on him.
If the others go , I don't think that it will be a big loss. Whereas Losing Tedesco will be losing the one real star that we have.
And the one person who can change a game .

Teddy was a big fan of Taylor and said in an interview the other week that he felt he played his best football under him

Players say a lot of things when it comes to Coaches.
Teddy hasn't had a decent Coach since he hit first grade, I'd say his knowledge of who's a first grade Coach is almost Zilch. He's only had Potter and Taylor. Both bottom of the barrel when it comes to first grade.

 

[Guest]

about the whole fab 4 contract situation is the lack of passion from any of the players for the club.

There has been no mention of "I really hope to stay at the Tigers" or "I love the club" or "my first preference is to sign with Wests", "I want to win a premiership with the club".

No consideration has been given to the fans of the club. It is all about doing what is best for me, playing finals football, letting my manager sort it out.

We need more leadership particularly from club captain Woods on this front.

Players need to understand it is the fans that ultimately pay their wages and that it is a tribal game. We want the boys to breath passion for the black white and gold.

Get behind the club boys. At least give token support if you can't be arsed to do anything else.

Sorry but this simply isn't true. The game is not tribal, it's professional and I wouldn't give two thoughts to the fans if I was Woods, Moses, Brooks or Teddy. They say they want to play finals footy or whatever, well guess what, they're not going to do that at the Tigers this season. And yes, it is about what's best for them. That's the reality of the situation. Can you see any of these players sitting down and sorting out a contract by themselves? Hell no. If we hang on to two of them we'll be doing well.

 

[sideline_eye]

If the "Big Four" think that this team isn't strong enough to play finals footy, they can do two things. Firstly play as though they actually want to get to the finals and second, please advise us which players need to be shown the door. After all, they play alongside these players each week, so they should be able to identify the weak links. I'd bet that none of them would admit that they should/could do a bit better themselves.

I say this tongue in cheek as I don't see either of these things happening since they seem to be sulking and that includes Tedesco who is capable of far better than he has shown this season. Come on you four, play the game with some intent, lift the players around you and you never know, you might just get your finals wish.

 

[bonstonker]

finals talk is a load of crap.

the finals were there for the taking last year,but they lost 3 of the final 4 games.

 

[Fade_To_Black]

about the whole fab 4 contract situation is the lack of passion from any of the players for the club.

There has been no mention of "I really hope to stay at the Tigers" or "I love the club" or "my first preference is to sign with Wests", "I want to win a premiership with the club".

No consideration has been given to the fans of the club. It is all about doing what is best for me, playing finals football, letting my manager sort it out.

We need more leadership particularly from club captain Woods on this front.

Players need to understand it is the fans that ultimately pay their wages and that it is a tribal game. We want the boys to breath passion for the black white and gold.

Get behind the club boys. At least give token support if you can't be arsed to do anything else.

Sorry but this simply isn't true. The game is not tribal, it's professional and I wouldn't give two thoughts to the fans if I was Woods, Moses, Brooks or Teddy. They say they want to play finals footy or whatever, well guess what, they're not going to do that at the Tigers this season. And yes, it is about what's best for them. That's the reality of the situation. Can you see any of these players sitting down and sorting out a contract by themselves? Hell no. If we hang on to two of them we'll be doing well.

All good if those 4 didn't give 2 thoughts for the fans….in fact I'm more excited about getting rid of those 4 than anything else now TBH. Get rid of 4 blokes who want to use the club as a stepping stone and in all probability replace them with 6 or 7 hungry, committed players in their place...you beaut I would be up for that.

 

[NT_Tiger]

To be honest I'd be surprised if we keep any of them with the possible exception of Brooks.
Moses will chase the money, pure and simple. He'll have Unca-benny in his ear.
My thoughts are that Woods and Tedesco would probably have stayed but the salary cap disaster has just dragged on for too long. There aren't enough other players in the side and they'll be getting tired of carrying the leftovers. Too many players are here on potential. If we can see it, they can see it. Why bust a gut or get injured when others aren't pulling their weight?
The new coach (Cleary?) may come in full of promise but I think Tedesco and Woods are beyond reassurances. By now they'd have to be thinking; 'A change is as good as a holiday!'
I hope I'm wrong.

 

[Trisdar]

I've been a supporter all my life. Ups and downs are part of being a fan. Recent years we've been patchy at best. Yes we should've made finals last year but Teddy got hurt and honestly that was that all over.
If any player (big 4 or others) leave yes it hurts but life goes on. It's footy.

 

[supercoach]

Telecrap today are running a article that states the salary cap rise in 2018 will be no where near what the clubs were expecting. Maybe the not so big four have made a big mistake not accept a offer from us or another club.

Also could be a very good time to have plenty of cap space as plenty of clubs might have to off load some big contracted players.

The old saying a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

 

[Geo]

Telecrap today are running a article that states the salary cap rise in 2018 will be no where near what the clubs were expecting. Maybe the not so big four have made a big mistake not accept a offer from us or another club.

Also could be a very good time to have plenty of cap space as plenty of clubs might have to off load some big contracted players.

The old saying a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

If that is accurate there will be quite a few Clubs that have signed players on the proviso of the large increase in the Cap…Gus for one will be spewing...

It has been mentioned in passing a few times on NRL 360 that this will be the case and Clubs that have over commited based on what they believe the Cap will be will need to shed players before a ball is kicked but the problem will be most other Clubs are in the same boat...Squads will also increase to Top 30 so you will still need fillers in those spots..

Having basically only 7 contracted players now Paseka has been released could work in our favour for once...

 

[jirskyr]

finals talk is a load of crap.

the finals were there for the taking last year,but they lost 3 of the final 4 games.

Totally agree. We've come 9th or 10th 7 times in 17 seasons, that's a story of being not quite good enough to convert opportunities.

 

[Harvey]

The thing I have found disappointing about the big 4 (can maybe exclude Brooks as he does not seem to be trying to invite bidders via the media) is the complete lack of acknowledgment they have shown the club.
I understand that it is a business these days and players could leave for money, opportunities, to play under a coach, the weather in Canberra etc, but I would have liked to have seen the big 4 provide some positive comments around the club. Things like I would like to stay, this club gave me my opportunity has developed me and so on.
I am pretty sure that at least 3 of the 4 have been supported by the club through at least a season off with injury.

 

[Telltails]

Watching Sirro - who is good mates with our 4 '- play in such an impressive Manly win last night wont help our cause.
I just think Teddy and Woods are not prepared to listen to empty promises anymore. Unless Cleary can work some magic I cant see them staying.
Sort of think Teddy doesnt want to be the player that you build a team around - I think he just wants to do his job in a good team.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

Watching Sirro - who is good mates with our 4 '- play in such an impressive Manly win last night wont help our cause.
I just think Teddy and Woods are not prepared to listen to empty promises anymore. Unless Cleary can work some magic I cant see them staying.
Sort of think Teddy doesnt want to be the player that you build a team around - I think he just wants to do his job in a good team.

If we can announce McQueen and Matulino that won't be an empty promise. We've been handcuffed for years, and they've been one of the reasons for it. Now we can see the light at the end of the tunnel and have the funds to really strengthen and they pack up and leave?

 

[Telltails]

Watching Sirro - who is good mates with our 4 '- play in such an impressive Manly win last night wont help our cause.
I just think Teddy and Woods are not prepared to listen to empty promises anymore. Unless Cleary can work some magic I cant see them staying.
Sort of think Teddy doesnt want to be the player that you build a team around - I think he just wants to do his job in a good team.

If we can announce McQueen and Matulino that won't be an empty promise. We've been handcuffed for years, and they've been one of the reasons for it. Now we can see the light at the end of the tunnel and have the funds to really strengthen and they pack up and leave?

Thats all good - but can two signings match what is already successfully in place at the Roosters? - (and just used them as an example because I heard they are the most likely )
We have been treading water at out club for so many years and if the motivation is to play finals footy a signature at the Roosters almost guarantees that.
Cleary may be able to talk them around - but he will need to be convincing.
We can be thankful that Teddy did change manager or the deal would probably already be done.
Whatever the outcome - the sooner the better.

 

[colmcd]

Watching Sirro - who is good mates with our 4 '- play in such an impressive Manly win last night wont help our cause.
I just think Teddy and Woods are not prepared to listen to empty promises anymore. Unless Cleary can work some magic I cant see them staying.
Sort of think Teddy doesn't want to be the player that you build a team around - I think he just wants to do his job in a good team.

Can you blame them not listening to promises? I think everyone was watching the Farah saga, thinking "here is a guy who gave his all for our club, now he is on the scrap heap". Sure he may have needed to go or (my option) been retrained to another position. But each of those big 4 are thinking "that could be me!". If we lost both Farah and Lawrence then I would expect each of the 4 to negotiate for opportunity (elsewhere) or money. Farah needed to be handled, but Jt has the personality skills of a turtle and botched it badly.

"I think he just wants to do his job in a good team." Bingo, I think all 4 are young enough that they just want to get on with the job. They don't want to lead the club or have to motivate people forward. Sometimes you get those leaders and sometimes you get those who just want to play. Football players want to play footy and/or make money. I can't see Woods liking the role of Captain, he is far too carefree. Yet we have to make a round peg fit a square hole again.

 

[vlad]

the less than expected rise in the salary cap for 2018 might help us in keeping the big 4
if we are already the highest bidders for them ( as said by paul kent ) then its unlikely that will change now .
If they want to take a paycut to play for club x because club x may play finals football then good luck with that .

 

[Furious1]

Maybe nobody will be forced to move anywhere from other clubs as smart managers and CEOs would have done increases as percentages of cap increase, not fixed price increases

 

[Tommy Magpie]

about the whole fab 4 contract situation is the lack of passion from any of the players for the club.

There has been no mention of "I really hope to stay at the Tigers" or "I love the club" or "my first preference is to sign with Wests", "I want to win a premiership with the club".

No consideration has been given to the fans of the club. It is all about doing what is best for me, playing finals football, letting my manager sort it out.

We need more leadership particularly from club captain Woods on this front.

Players need to understand it is the fans that ultimately pay their wages and that it is a tribal game. We want the boys to breath passion for the black white and gold.

Get behind the club boys. At least give token support if you can't be arsed to do anything else.

Sorry but this simply isn't true. The game is not tribal, it's professional and I wouldn't give two thoughts to the fans if I was Woods, Moses, Brooks or Teddy. They say they want to play finals footy or whatever, well guess what, they're not going to do that at the Tigers this season. And yes, it is about what's best for them. That's the reality of the situation. Can you see any of these players sitting down and sorting out a contract by themselves? Hell no. If we hang on to two of them we'll be doing well.

It is professional for the players but tribal for the fans. The key thing missing from the players is respect. Respect for the fans of the club. Those that pay money for membership, merchandise, tickets, Foxtel subscriptions etc. no fans, no game. Time the players grew up and showed respect for the fans of the club and not come off as money grabbing selfish grubs.

 

[Guest]

about the whole fab 4 contract situation is the lack of passion from any of the players for the club.

There has been no mention of "I really hope to stay at the Tigers" or "I love the club" or "my first preference is to sign with Wests", "I want to win a premiership with the club".

No consideration has been given to the fans of the club. It is all about doing what is best for me, playing finals football, letting my manager sort it out.

We need more leadership particularly from club captain Woods on this front.

Players need to understand it is the fans that ultimately pay their wages and that it is a tribal game. We want the boys to breath passion for the black white and gold.

Get behind the club boys. At least give token support if you can't be arsed to do anything else.

Sorry but this simply isn't true. The game is not tribal, it's professional and I wouldn't give two thoughts to the fans if I was Woods, Moses, Brooks or Teddy. They say they want to play finals footy or whatever, well guess what, they're not going to do that at the Tigers this season. And yes, it is about what's best for them. That's the reality of the situation. Can you see any of these players sitting down and sorting out a contract by themselves? Hell no. If we hang on to two of them we'll be doing well.

It is professional for the players but tribal for the fans. The key thing missing from the players is respect. Respect for the fans of the club. Those that pay money for membership, merchandise, tickets, Foxtel subscriptions etc. no fans, no game. Time the players grew up and showed respect for the fans of the club and not come off as money grabbing selfish grubs.

You summed it up in the first sentence. If you think the players owe us anything then you are sadly mistaken. They owe us nothing, it's a job for them.