Tigers and Storm Player Loan Swap

[JC99]

"I have got to look after the Storm," Grant said.

"I don’t want to be selfish and leave when they are looking for a back-up hooker with Brandon out."

That is the end of that IMO.

For those of you saying he might still come after week 4-6....that would be pointless for a one season rental. It would take a hooker a month to even learn the sets and calls.

Looks like Mbye to 9 then.

At least Moses is going to earn those big $$$ playing in the middle every week.

So Smith could be back round 2 or 3. Considering that if storm were going to release him it would have to be after round 1 there’s not that much of a difference, maybe he comes a week later.

It’s not even guaranteed that Grant will get a bench spot - Bellamy used four forwards off the bench last year in the same situation.

Overall I think the chances of getting him are slim but in no way is it pointless or completely done. He himself said he’s still negotiating with the tigers.

 

[Sco77y]

"I have got to look after the Storm," Grant said.

"I don’t want to be selfish and leave when they are looking for a back-up hooker with Brandon out."

That is the end of that IMO.

For those of you saying he might still come after week 4-6....that would be pointless for a one season rental. It would take a hooker a month to even learn the sets and calls.

Looks like Mbye to 9 then.

At least Moses is going to earn those big $$$ playing in the middle every week.

Why not Walters? I'd lean more toward it being him if Benji stays fit.

Walters is probably a better choice, but Moses is captain and I doubt Madge will leave out one of his leaders.

With Momo staying, center looks well covered now
Momo / Talau
BJ / Johns

Seems no need for Mbye at center.

Thus presuming he will play 9 (Madge said he has trained there all off season)

True. Let's hope he's trained well at 9. Looking at our team we do have centre covered quite well, possibly even without Momo.

 

[colinbh]

"I have got to look after the Storm," Grant said.

"I don’t want to be selfish and leave when they are looking for a back-up hooker with Brandon out."

That is the end of that IMO.

For those of you saying he might still come after week 4-6....that would be pointless for a one season rental. It would take a hooker a month to even learn the sets and calls.

Looks like Mbye to 9 then.

At least Moses is going to earn those big $$$ playing in the middle every week.

Why not Walters? I'd lean more toward it being him if Benji stays fit.

Walters is probably a better choice, but Moses is captain and I doubt Madge will leave out one of his leaders.

With Momo staying, center looks well covered now
Momo / Talau
BJ / Johns

Seems no need for Mbye at center.

Thus presuming he will play 9 (Madge said he has trained there all off season)

True. Let's hope he's trained well at 9. Looking at our team we do have centre covered quite well, possibly even without Momo.

Forget Talau for this year. Needs a lot of work on his defence.

Johns is a smokey. The lad looks to be the real deal. Could be anything.

 

[Geo]

Johns is not in the NRL squad nor is he a development player...would have to get upgraded to play NRL..we do have 1 spot left...

 

[colinbh]

Johns is not in the NRL squad nor is he a development player...would have to get upgraded to play NRL..we do have 1 spot left...

I think he may well be picked for the weekend.

 

[Geo]

Johns is not in the NRL squad nor is he a development player...would have to get upgraded to play NRL..we do have 1 spot left...


I think he may well be picked for the weekend.

Could well do Col...players from outside the NRL squad can play trials..

 

[Tiggerman]

Johns is not in the NRL squad nor is he a development player...would have to get upgraded to play NRL..we do have 1 spot left...


I think he may well be picked for the weekend.

Strong runner but whoever plays outside him this year won’t see any ball. Never looked like passing to Cini in the first half. Then our wingers get accused of being ordinary - contrast the Panthers on the weekend.

 

[tony soprano]

https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/02/25/grant-ready-to-do-the-tough-stuff-in-smiths-absence/

Grant talks about wanting the bench spot for Melbourne seeing as B Smith is out, but also says negotiations with tigers over a loan deal are ‘ongoing’.

They still don’t need until c Smith Goes down he plays the 80

 

[gallagher]

Johns is not in the NRL squad nor is he a development player...would have to get upgraded to play NRL..we do have 1 spot left...


I think he may well be picked for the weekend.

Strong runner but whoever plays outside him this year won’t see any ball. Never looked like passing to Cini in the first half. Then our wingers get accused of being ordinary - contrast the Panthers on the weekend.

Was a winger ever in a better position than Johns to receive the ball? I can't recall a time he hogged it.

 

[Tiggerman]

Johns is not in the NRL squad nor is he a development player...would have to get upgraded to play NRL..we do have 1 spot left...


I think he may well be picked for the weekend.

Strong runner but whoever plays outside him this year won’t see any ball. Never looked like passing to Cini in the first half. Then our wingers get accused of being ordinary - contrast the Panthers on the weekend.

Was a winger ever in a better position than Johns to receive the ball? I can't recall a time he hogged it.

And just how many times did he pass it? Cini has speed - wasn’t given an opportunity to show it. Leading try scorer in Flegg last year. Johns looked more like a strong running forward to me.

If he wasn’t in a better position to pass it, I then worry about his speed as a centre. Exactly how fast is he? Has he been timed?

 

[Fraze23]

I doubt Walters can last 80 in the middle and is still a very inexperienced player at the top level.

I'd have Momo in the centres, Mbye at 9 and Walters coming off the bench to spark the attack.

 

[gallagher]

Johns is not in the NRL squad nor is he a development player...would have to get upgraded to play NRL..we do have 1 spot left...


I think he may well be picked for the weekend.

Strong runner but whoever plays outside him this year won’t see any ball. Never looked like passing to Cini in the first half. Then our wingers get accused of being ordinary - contrast the Panthers on the weekend.

Was a winger ever in a better position than Johns to receive the ball? I can't recall a time he hogged it.

And just how many times did he pass it? Cini has speed - wasn’t given an opportunity to show it. Leading try scorer in Flegg last year. Johns looked more like a strong running forward to me.

If he wasn’t in a better position to pass it, I then worry about his speed as a centre. Exactly how fast is he? Has he been timed?

I've only seen him play once. But I'm a believer that you only pass it to someone in a better position than you. I didn't see an instance where he went against that.

 

[Tiggerman]

Johns is not in the NRL squad nor is he a development player...would have to get upgraded to play NRL..we do have 1 spot left...


I think he may well be picked for the weekend.

Strong runner but whoever plays outside him this year won’t see any ball. Never looked like passing to Cini in the first half. Then our wingers get accused of being ordinary - contrast the Panthers on the weekend.

Was a winger ever in a better position than Johns to receive the ball? I can't recall a time he hogged it.

And just how many times did he pass it? Cini has speed - wasn’t given an opportunity to show it. Leading try scorer in Flegg last year. Johns looked more like a strong running forward to me.

If he wasn’t in a better position to pass it, I then worry about his speed as a centre. Exactly how fast is he? Has he been timed?

I've only seen him play once. But I'm a believer that you only pass it to someone in a better position than you. I didn't see an instance where he went against that.

Ok - I thought he had a strong game to be honest and was a standout. I just would like to see us get it wide occasionally - as Tigers fans we’ve all been whingeing (myself included) that we lack speed. Nofa cops it as do others. Whatever we’re doing is not working - things need to change. Tommy might not be that quick (could be though) but he can attract several players and offload.

Johns could be a hard nosed runner in the forwards that would suit me. He looks like he’s got the mongrel in him which I like.

 

[WT2K]

Johns is not in the NRL squad nor is he a development player...would have to get upgraded to play NRL..we do have 1 spot left...


I think he may well be picked for the weekend.

Strong runner but whoever plays outside him this year won’t see any ball. Never looked like passing to Cini in the first half. Then our wingers get accused of being ordinary - contrast the Panthers on the weekend.

Was a winger ever in a better position than Johns to receive the ball? I can't recall a time he hogged it.

And just how many times did he pass it? Cini has speed - wasn’t given an opportunity to show it. Leading try scorer in Flegg last year. Johns looked more like a strong running forward to me.

If he wasn’t in a better position to pass it, I then worry about his speed as a centre. Exactly how fast is he? Has he been timed?

I've only seen him play once. But I'm a believer that you only pass it to someone in a better position than you. I didn't see an instance where he went against that.

Ok - I thought he had a strong game to be honest and was a standout. I just would like to see us get it wide occasionally - as Tigers fans we’ve all been whingeing (myself included) that we lack speed. Nofa cops it as do others. Whatever we’re doing is not working - things need to change. Tommy might not be that quick (could be though) but he can attract several players and offload.

Johns could be a hard nosed runner in the forwards that would suit me. He looks like he’s got the mongrel in him which I like.

Gus Gould replying to @JoshColeman99 about Johns..
https://twitter.com/PhilGould15/status/1229944786456498176?s=19
Like him. Late maturing footballer. In process of transitioning from outside back to edge or middle back row. I think he will develop into a regular NRL player. Great attitude. Good heart.

 

[05TIGZZ]

The crazineess is well and truly back. Meltdowns over Nines and trial losses, now we need to throw the kitchen sink, including the captaincy to a player whose played less than 50 games because he scored two tries in a Mickey Mouse game. I’m not above making stupid comments, but I feel like Frank Grimes, reading this tripe the last week.

If you can't see that Brandon Smith is already a superstar, then I don't know what to say to you mate...

Captaincy? Yes, and I said that as he has mongrel and leadership skills.

Because of two tries in a 'mickey mouse game'? No...because of two seasons now of elite level footy when on the field.

Anyone who can’t see how good a player Brandon Smith, must not know much about footy.

 

[Tiger_Steve]

Johns is not in the NRL squad nor is he a development player...would have to get upgraded to play NRL..we do have 1 spot left...


I think he may well be picked for the weekend.

Strong runner but whoever plays outside him this year won’t see any ball. Never looked like passing to Cini in the first half. Then our wingers get accused of being ordinary - contrast the Panthers on the weekend.

Was a winger ever in a better position than Johns to receive the ball? I can't recall a time he hogged it.

And just how many times did he pass it? Cini has speed - wasn’t given an opportunity to show it. Leading try scorer in Flegg last year. Johns looked more like a strong running forward to me.

If he wasn’t in a better position to pass it, I then worry about his speed as a centre. Exactly how fast is he? Has he been timed?

I've only seen him play once. But I'm a believer that you only pass it to someone in a better position than you. I didn't see an instance where he went against that.

Ok - I thought he had a strong game to be honest and was a standout. I just would like to see us get it wide occasionally - as Tigers fans we’ve all been whingeing (myself included) that we lack speed. Nofa cops it as do others. Whatever we’re doing is not working - things need to change. Tommy might not be that quick (could be though) but he can attract several players and offload.

Johns could be a hard nosed runner in the forwards that would suit me. He looks like he’s got the mongrel in him which I like.

Watched Talau last week twice step off his right foot and jink back infield. I thought bloody hell its Marsters all over again. I just want to see a centre back himself and try to beat his opponent on the outside

 

[TheDaBoss]

Johns is not in the NRL squad nor is he a development player...would have to get upgraded to play NRL..we do have 1 spot left...


I think he may well be picked for the weekend.

Strong runner but whoever plays outside him this year won’t see any ball. Never looked like passing to Cini in the first half. Then our wingers get accused of being ordinary - contrast the Panthers on the weekend.

Was a winger ever in a better position than Johns to receive the ball? I can't recall a time he hogged it.

And just how many times did he pass it? Cini has speed - wasn’t given an opportunity to show it. Leading try scorer in Flegg last year. Johns looked more like a strong running forward to me.

If he wasn’t in a better position to pass it, I then worry about his speed as a centre. Exactly how fast is he? Has he been timed?

I've only seen him play once. But I'm a believer that you only pass it to someone in a better position than you. I didn't see an instance where he went against that.

Ok - I thought he had a strong game to be honest and was a standout. I just would like to see us get it wide occasionally - as Tigers fans we’ve all been whingeing (myself included) that we lack speed. Nofa cops it as do others. Whatever we’re doing is not working - things need to change. Tommy might not be that quick (could be though) but he can attract several players and offload.

Johns could be a hard nosed runner in the forwards that would suit me. He looks like he’s got the mongrel in him which I like.

Watched Talau last week twice step off his right foot and jink back infield. I thought bloody hell its Marsters all over again. I just want to see a centre back himself and try to beat his opponent on the outside

I think that's what made momo so good at centre

His step was lethal and he experimented

 

[Geo]

**'I need to play footy': Grant asks Storm for release to join Tigers**

Adrian Proszenko
By Adrian Proszenko
February 26, 2020 — 2.06pm

Grant was poised to be part of an historic "loan" arrangement that would have resulted in a player swap with Tigers centre Paul Momirovski for the 2020 season before the players returned to their original clubs in November. However, the NRL blocked the move, ruling the Storm didn’t have the salary cap space required to make it happen.

**Grant officially requested a release from the Storm on Monday, with a view to returning to the club at the end of the season. However, the timing isn’t likely to help his cause.**

Brandon Smith, the back-up rake to first-choice hooker Cameron Smith, is expected to miss the start of the season with a facial fracture. The Kiwi international suffered the injury during his man-of-the-match performance in Saturday’s All Stars game and is likely to be sidelined for four to six weeks.

The Storm have yet to come back to Grant with a definitive call, but there is little chance he will be let go while Brandon Smith is unavailable.

Melbourne will need to tread carefully with Grant given his delicate contract situation. The 22-year-old is signed with the Victorian outfit until the end of 2022, although he has a get-out clause that he can activate if Cameron Smith opts to play on next year. The situation will place pressure on the former Queensland and Australian captain to make an early call or the club will risk losing his likely replacement.

Grant is frustrated that the presence of Cameron and Brandon Smith has limited him to just two NRL appearances. The Rockhampton product is considered one of the best young dummy halves and was hoping to join the Tigers to develop his game while unable to consistently crack the Storm side.

"For my development, I believe the next step for me is to play NRL and unfortunately I won’t get too many games at Melbourne," Grant told the Herald last week. "I’m hoping for [a release]. As selfless as it would be for the club, long-term it would benefit the club.

'I had my bags packed': hooker at centre of aborted player swap opens up
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"I’m open to it, the Tigers are open to it but whether the Storm is, I’d have to sit down and have a chat with [coach] Craig Bellamy and [CEO] Dave [Donaghy]. I don’t know how it works, if I go now they might have to sign a new player and be in the same boat (with the salary cap).

"What I need now development-wise is to play footy at a higher level at NRL. I might have to chase that elsewhere and the Tigers is a good opportunity for both parties."

If the Storm block Grant's request, Walters is the favourite to get first crack at wearing the No.9 jersey vacated by Robbie Farah. The presence of Moses Mbye and Josh Reynolds - the latter free to play after police dropped domestic violence charges against him - will give coach Michael Maguire some depth in the position.

 

[JC99]

Surely they won’t release him until Brandon Smith is fit and healthy

 

[Demps]

Johns is not in the NRL squad nor is he a development player...would have to get upgraded to play NRL..we do have 1 spot left...


I think he may well be picked for the weekend.

Strong runner but whoever plays outside him this year won’t see any ball. Never looked like passing to Cini in the first half. Then our wingers get accused of being ordinary - contrast the Panthers on the weekend.

Yeah, I don't think that's a big deal..
Backed himself.
If he trusted his winger which will come in time hell be OK.

He's a real hitta imo.