We are changing; for the better. It's tough now, but the right decisions are being made to undo all the previous bad management.

[upthetigers]

If these young guys keep their heads up and form a posse like the Penrith guys or the Smith, Cronk Slater combo at Storm, WT will be strong again. If they get down and start looking elsewhere, it's SNAFU and more cookware. Benji has to find a way to keep them keen as they develop, to stay focused and learn from each loss.

If we lose Pole/Fainus I am done as a supporter. Pole immediately offered an extension if Stef leaves surely that's the priority as @Demps said we can build a pack around him.

 

[Tom Shines]

If we lose Pole/Fainus I am done as a supporter. Pole immediately offered an extension if Stef leaves surely that's the priority as @Demps said we can build a pack around him.

they need to keep Pole … this decision should be independent of what happens with Stef …

not sure what’s going on …he said he wants to stay …and they could do with some positive news

 

[BAGNF05]

they need to keep Pole … this decision should be independent of what happens with Stef …

not sure what’s going on …he said he wants to stay …and they could do with some positive news

Not much to sell to Pole currently though, bring in some reinforcements then lock him up too.

 

[twentyforty]

Youre tainting new management with the decisions of old.

We havent let go of anyone except Papali, who hasn't lived up to expectation.

As for Stef, if he goes, we didn't have a choice. Previous management negotiated a horrible contract.

And I don't think we had the ability to pull in the RIGHT assistant coaches at the start of 2024, there was too short of a runway before the season started.

I have it on good authority the young players genuinely believe they can turn the club around.

We've got new management? Are you referring to the CEO and Coach?
We've had 9 new coaches since 2005.

 

[Squater]

If these young guys keep their heads up and form a posse like the Penrith guys or the Smith, Cronk Slater combo at Storm, WT will be strong again. If they get down and start looking elsewhere, it's SNAFU and more cookware. Benji has to find a way to keep them keen as they develop, to stay focused and learn from each loss.

I think the older guys were bringing the younger ones down with thier attitude and Richo knew it. The addition of loui next next will pump the boys up.he is a real leader.

 

[Squater]

I think that response is a little convenient …Penrith don’t need to be signing downhill skiers and Cleary has proven to be a good judge of talent after he left here …

Paps is a good player.we just had shit half's for him. He left to early we should have kept him.

 

[mtd#2]

We've got new management? Are you referring to the CEO and Coach?
We've had 9 new coaches since 2005.

the back office.

 

[twentyforty]

the back office.

Who is new in the back office?
New Chair is about it. But he's not all that new having been in the job a few years back.
Still 3 seats to fill no doubt be taken by HBG board members.
The WT board still report to the HBG don't they?

 

[hank37w]

If you were Galvin would you stay? The guy deserves better. A shot at the title at least. Wont happen from the bottom of the ladder.

Why does he deserve better?

Would not of had an opportunity to play NRL from the first game of the season anywhere else, would be a complete imbecile to think about going anywhere before he gets to play a season with Luai and seeing where that leads.

 

[hank37w]

Agreed. But I think we have unique circumstances; Bateman isn't going to get any better playing in a team that is struggling like we are this year for Season 2024. We lose nothing from it and gain an extra $100k in the cap. Maybe that's being used to keep Stef? Who knows.
I believe Bateman will be back, just what I've heard.

😢

 

[hank37w]

I think that response is a little convenient …Penrith don’t need to be signing downhill skiers and Cleary has proven to be a good judge of talent after he left here …

Agree, Cleary must have learnt from the horrific mistakes that he made when he was here.

 

[Halbrowne61]

Agree. Robbie was not a qualified assistant coach and should never have been there. Dumb wasn't it. What does that say about Benji, as he could not be considered a 'qualified' assistant coach, let alone head coach. I am very happy we have decent halves for next year, but we need some forwards to go with them. We have been looking "up" for years. To be honest, I think if Benji does not produce early near year he will get his marching orders. Who knows, maybe Sam Burgess might consider linking with his old CEO.

I was thinking the same way T.
Now Bennett has taken the South’s job, don’t be surprised if Burgess’ name pops up again in the future. The old mates network is strong !

 

[Stevec]

I believe Bateman won't be back
He had a very poor 15 min period against Souths and I watched carefully
Seems 2 "adults " Benji and Bateman can't have a civilised discussion about it and he's off to the UK because of a blow up between them .
Robbie who was never in a position to be anything more than a part time assistant coach has also called it quits probably due to differences of opinions with Benji
Benji is putting all his chips on youth to turn the club around without much respect for long time experience .
Benji is becoming an angry coach which is very different to the 2 greats Bellamy and Bennett.
The fact that Luke Laulilii survived after his shocker last week is evidence of the youth only policy .
For success its essential to have a happy dressing room .
The good coaches find a way to talk to and correct player weaknesses without having blow ups .
I believe Stephano will go probably to the Storm because its attractive to play under Bellamy . He's one Benji wants because he's only 24
Benji is stressed and becoming rash imo
He should have only become a head coach after at least a full year as assistant under one of the good coaches as did Jason Ryles ,Josh Hannah and Craig Fitzgibbon
Its not changing for the better ! They are fixing some problems and creating a whole lot of new ones .All above is just my humble opinion !

 

[Halbrowne61]

Agree, Cleary must have learnt from the horrific mistakes that he made when he was here.

Maybe we could check if he’d like to come back and sort out this mess !

 

[Halbrowne61]

We've got new management? Are you referring to the CEO and Coach?
We've had 9 new coaches since 2005.

And still haven’t found the right one for Our needs. Doesn’t mean you stop looking !

 

[jadtiger]

Maybe we could check if he’d like to come back and sort out this mess !

He would probably try to talk Packer out of retirement and get M'Bye back both on 4 year contracts again

 

[Spacecub]

Who are the players jumping ship? So far its just Papali.

I actually heard a little rumour yesterday that he could actually see we were heading in the right direction and wanted to stay, but was tapped on the shoulder, he also said don't believe a thing Shane richo says, got a feeling he's had something to do with him in the past

 

[Halbrowne61]

He would probably try to talk Packer out of retirement and get M'Bye back both on 4 year contracts again

Now see JT , imo that’s just a silly thing to say and it surprises me from a man with your smarts.That was then and this is now ! Let it go mate, it’s history.
Realistically speaking we’d be over the moon if we snared any one of the Big 4 coaches.
Only a dream but a dream is better than our current reality, which is total crap !

 

[colinbh]

Paps is a good player.we just had shit half's for him. He left to early we should have kept him.

No way.

 

[Tiger_heart]

Since 2005, several NRL teams have finished in the bottom four multiple times. Here are some of the key teams and their finishes:

1. Knights: They have often struggled, with several bottom four finishes, including winning the wooden spoon in 2015, 2016, and 2017.
2. Titans: The Titans have frequently ended up in the bottom four, including in 2011, 2019, and 2022.
3. Eels: They have also faced challenges, finishing last in 2012, 2013, and 2018.
4. Wests Tigers: The Tigers have had multiple bottom four finishes, including in 2013 and 2021.
5. Raiders: The Raiders have had some poor seasons, finishing in the bottom four in 2005 and 2014.
6. Rabbitohs: The Rabbitohs had a tough period in the mid-2000s, finishing in the bottom four in 2006 and 2007.
7. Dragons: The Dragons have had sporadic bottom four finishes, such as in 2013 and 2019.
8. Dogs: They have also faced difficulties, finishing last in 2021 and close to the bottom in other seasons.
9. Warriors: They have struggled occasionally, with bottom four finishes in recent years including 2020.

These teams have seen varying degrees of success and challenges over the years, with some experiencing periods of rebuilding and others facing ongoing struggles. So retrospectively, it's not like 2 spoons is setting a record. 3 in a row will be though to beat, though. In isolation, should we be more disappointed than an Eels fan, based on this year performance? Key difference all the other clubs have managed to get off the canvas - we, on the other hand, are punch drunk.