Tigers announce new signings/ re-signing

Silky_Johnson

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Wests Tigers have today announced the additions of forwards Rod Griffin and William McConnachie, as well as the re-signing of Jack Buchanan, as the Club continues to strengthen its playing roster for the 2016 season.

Griffin and McConnachie will join the Club on one-year deals, while Buchanan has also re-signed on a one-year deal that will secure him at Wests Tigers until the end of 2016.

Since making his first-grade debut for Wests Tigers in Round 1, 2013, Buchanan has played 39 games for the Club, with 12 NRL appearances in season 2015.

A front-row forward, Buchanan came through the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and St. George-Illawarra junior systems before signing with Wests Tigers in 2013, where he started in Round 1 as the youngest prop forward in the competition.

Griffin and McConnachie join Wests Tigers from the Ipswich Jets, with the duo featuring in the Jets’ recent National Club Championship victory over the Newcastle Knights.

Yet to make his first-grade debut, the 28-year-old Griffin has represented Papua New Guinea on six occasions in his career, including three games at the 2008 Rugby League World Cup. The Atherton Roosters junior can play either front row or second row, and recently won Ipswich’s Best and Fairest Award following a memorable season.

McConnachie, who was named Man of the Match in the Jets’ Intrust Super Cup Grand Final win over the Townsville Blackhawks, can play either front row or second row forward, with the 25-year-old also yet to make his first-grade debut.

Wests Tigers NRL Head Coach Jason Taylor said that the inclusion of the three players was an important move to help consolidate the Club’s depth next season.

“We’re always looking to strengthen our squad, and having these three players on board for next season will really help us do that,” Taylor said. “I’m looking forward to working with both Rod and William, and again with Jack, to help grow our team moving forward.

“All three have plenty of potential to assist us next year and will challenge the rest of the squad for playing time, which is a really positive thing for this Club.”

Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe echoed Taylor’s sentiments, saying that the trio’s addition will increase the competition for spots in the NRL team next season.

“The greater the depth at this Club, the stronger it will be in the years ahead, and that’s precisely what adding these three players will help provide,” Pascoe said.

“As a Club, we want all of our players to improve both individually and collectively, and having enhanced competition for spots in the team will only further help that happen.”

Griffin, McConnachie and Buchanan will all join the rest of Wests Tigers NRL squad for the start of pre-season training in early November.
 
Sorry mate didnt see your post.. I deleted mine … Here's the rest

Player Profiles
Rod Griffin

Date of Birth: 05-01-1987

Position: Front Row, Second Row

Junior Club: Atherton Roosters

FG Debut: Yet to make NRL debut.

Rep. Honours: Papua New Guinea (2008,10)
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William McConnachie

Date of Birth: 16-07-1990

Position: Front Row, Second Row

Junior Club: Townies Leagues Club

FG Debut: Yet to make NRL debut.
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Jack Buchanan

Date of Birth: 10-04-1992

Position: Front Row

Junior Club: Culburra Dolphins

FG Debut: Wests Tigers vs. Newcastle, Hunter Stadium, 11/3/2013 (Rd.1)

Rep. Honours: NSW Residents (2014)
 
Really happy about griffin.

The bloke is a workhorse who impressed the hell out of me on grand final day.

Would like to see how he handles the step up to first grade.

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The club is showing that it is being positive despite their limited budget and the turmoil they have been going through. The trick for 2016 is to get the team playing as a dedicated team. They may well finish up beating teams made up of stars.
 
Ive seen Rod Griffin play one game, the interstate championship on grand final day and he absolutely killed it. Was easily man of the match, playing 80 minutes at prop and the commentators were saying that surely an NRL side could use his services next season with the cut in interchanges.

Also the fact that he was the best player for the best team in reserve grade in 2015 in a position we are lacking is enough for me to support his signing.

If he impresses in pre-season I could easily see him coming off the bench in round 1 and killing it as an impact player.

The name McConnachie doesn't ring any bells which means he didn't really stand out in that state championship. Probably going to be playing more reserve grade then NRL matches. Still not bad for depth considering we severely need forwards heading into 2016.
 
@innsaneink said:
Wasnt Rod Griffin playing for BRET like 25 years ago?

Is McConnachie the Danny Williams wannabe?

Yea he played around 2006 he use to come to my North Ryde games all the time coz he lived with a few of the flegg boys who played in our team

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Rod Griffin is a great pick up , watched a fair bit of this guy in the intrust Cup this year and he goes great guns with a great work rate .
Hopefully he kills it , that's put a smile on the dial.
 
http://www.qrl.com.au/news/2015/10/04/nrl_sc_highlights_je.html

Above is the link to the video highlights of the state championship game on grand final day

1:15 - McConnachie's barge over try

3:55 - McConnachie's big hit

5:00 - Griffin's barge over try

These are just the highlights from this specific game.

McConnachie received the MOM in the Intrust Super Cup grand final off the bench and Griffin received the Ipswhich Jets player of the year award in their championship season.
 
@foreveratiger said:
Rod Griffin is a great pick up , watched a fair bit of this guy in the intrust Cup this year and he goes great guns with a great work rate .
Hopefully he kills it , that's put a smile on the dial.

And here you were tut-tutting just yesterday…. :wink:

As far as signings go these 2 blokes looking for a shot at NRL are good ones...mature aged guys who run the ball hard and tackle hard who were amongst the best players that won the QLD comp and State Challenge...they are better than our normal go-lo bargin bin purchases...good recruits...

McConnachie to me has a Taupau feel about it...may not have long to wait for a new affair/avatar after all... :smiley:
 
@innsaneink said:
Wasnt Rod Griffin playing for BRET like 25 years ago?

Is McConnachie the Danny Williams wannabe?

Griffin played Flegg & Premier League for Balmain back in the day. Not that WT would acknowledge that in any way, it was pre-independent directors so that time doesn't exist

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