Wests Tigers sign James Roberts till 2022

[Tigers4ever]

Welcome to the Wests Tigers James. Great to see you joined us. Looking forward to seeing you in our colours. Hearing many great reports about you Mate. 🛩

 

[BAGNF05]

Absolute crap, flies in the face of the culture that we have been led to believe was being created by Madge, ownership, growth, accountability, just words, when a broken down has been becomes available.
I'm sorry lads, I'm usually positive about signings, not this one, isn't he managed by Isaac Moses! They never mention his name, just his manager. Five clubs in a decade, all immediate releases, should tell you something about the quality of the injury prone cc player we just brought, and to make matters worse we just helped the bunnies salary cap. Jeez we are such fools

You’re right mate, he won’t show up to training, other players will get disgruntled when he still gets picked, he’ll be injured a lot and the Tigers will be in the media for the wrong reasons, making it harder to attract talent with all the salary cap space for 2022. It’s so Wests Tigers. Having said all that, I hope by some miraculous phenomenon, he changes his ways and we make the eight due to his attacking prowess.

Good luck.

I guess when you see that the Roosters .....Melbourne aren't interested in this $5 lucky dip prize says a lot ..says a lot about the WT's ....great pick up IF he gets over achilles injury , mental health issues , fact he has not finished ONE contract ..... we take too many chances on too many big risks

Yep, the whole of game perception is that we are unprofessional. And it’s hurting us. Cant see how this signing got the approval of the coach, football Manager and CEO. And board if they get involved? honestly think Madge will quit this year.

All current media perception of this is on the basis of previous oversights or miscalculations and the narrative will never change until we have onfield success. So James Roberts alone won't be the reason why we will or won't make the 8 but he adds to our squad's needs.

Your other comments on him is a little discriminatory towards mental health.
It's unfair to judge his commitment and professionalism given his (mental health and) injury history. I like that the club appear supportive in helping with his welfare - it helps reduce stigma and promotes the culture of mental health and wellbeing in the game. Only mentioned a few backs back that I'd love the club show more involvement seeing as Lawrence is now retired from footy, and was a great ambassador for Beyond Blue.
This could very much backfire on us but when you weigh the pros and cons, and what Madge and the club's goal is for the team and what the team actually needs to improve - a player of his ability only enhances this. Plus every player who puts their body on the line runs the risk of injury really.
Waiting for young players to develop is placing too much expectation and pressure on them, so this is far from ideal for their development. So I think the club are showing professionalism with protecting our youth.
If all turns pear shaped at least we can take comfort in knowing it'll be of minimal damage ....but either way I don't think the critics will be going away any time soon. We've still got a ways to go into having a finals ready team but anything that takes us closer to our goal is better than standing still - realistically we're probably 1 or 2 quality players short.
We're always gonna be in the media spotlight but it doesn't hurt as much if you can ignore it.

Won’t get into the mental health stuff because it’s too controversial and our views are not going to align, my argument is that the club needs to give Madge a squad capable of competing or he’ll walk soon. Bring on Sirro and more of the quality players you speak of.

 

[the_third]

Repeat after me...
Talau is not a lock
BJ is not a second rower

BJ definitely not a second rower. But Talau I would give it a crack. Just don’t think he has the speed to be a centre, but supposedly has some ball playing skills. I would give him a shot.

Madge plays locks as props. He’s just not big enough (yet)

Put speed outside him and he’s be a fine centre, or a big bodied 5/8 - never seen him kick though

Talau screams edge backrower to me . Power . Speed , ball skills. He needs to bulk up , but I definitely see it .

Power, speed, ball skills... sounds like a centre to me. He’s 92 kegs, if he puts on 10-20kgs he will lose what speed he has.

That’s not true . You can develop muscle mass and maintain speed. Outside of Usain Bolt , how many sprinters are beanpoles . They all look like edge backrowers. Anyways , he belongs on an edge whether it’s in 11 or 3 , all it means is your run the in ball or the out ball and defend either side of your half . It’s not much difference in today’s game

Xerri has more in common with huge sprinters than talau when it comes to body weight and speed

Besides bolt is the heaviest sprinter in history at 94kgs and he’s a giant at 195cms.

Talau is 1.89 and 92 kegs, he will slow down.

Fifita looks plenty fast enough . So does Sonny Bill , considering his position was outside centre in union . Garner bulked up and looks to be plenty fast enough .

You lost me now. comparing talau to fafita then sonny bill and finally throwing garner into that mix. Talk about throwing names out there and hoping.

You are spot on about 3 and 11 being the same though. 11 needs to be a better defender to cover for halves and centres who can’t tackle hhaha

What ? They were all wingers and centres prior to moving to the back row. That’s why I mentioned them .

You’ve compared TT to Some illustrious company here. Those guys (less garner) and Uasin bolt. If he’s that good he can pick his position and I’ll gladly eat humble pie. No wonder Bellamy wants him

 

[Deleted member 3518]

Repeat after me...
Talau is not a lock
BJ is not a second rower

BJ definitely not a second rower. But Talau I would give it a crack. Just don’t think he has the speed to be a centre, but supposedly has some ball playing skills. I would give him a shot.

Madge plays locks as props. He’s just not big enough (yet)

Put speed outside him and he’s be a fine centre, or a big bodied 5/8 - never seen him kick though

Talau screams edge backrower to me . Power . Speed , ball skills. He needs to bulk up , but I definitely see it .

Power, speed, ball skills... sounds like a centre to me. He’s 92 kegs, if he puts on 10-20kgs he will lose what speed he has.

That’s not true . You can develop muscle mass and maintain speed. Outside of Usain Bolt , how many sprinters are beanpoles . They all look like edge backrowers. Anyways , he belongs on an edge whether it’s in 11 or 3 , all it means is your run the in ball or the out ball and defend either side of your half . It’s not much difference in today’s game

Xerri has more in common with huge sprinters than talau when it comes to body weight and speed

Besides bolt is the heaviest sprinter in history at 94kgs and he’s a giant at 195cms.

Talau is 1.89 and 92 kegs, he will slow down.

Fifita looks plenty fast enough . So does Sonny Bill , considering his position was outside centre in union . Garner bulked up and looks to be plenty fast enough .

You lost me now. comparing talau to fafita then sonny bill and finally throwing garner into that mix. Talk about throwing names out there and hoping.

You are spot on about 3 and 11 being the same though. 11 needs to be a better defender to cover for halves and centres who can’t tackle hhaha

What ? They were all wingers and centres prior to moving to the back row. That’s why I mentioned them .

You’ve compared TT to Some illustrious company here. Those guys (less garner) and Uasin bolt. If he’s that good he can pick his position and I’ll gladly eat humble pie. No wonder Bellamy wants him

You’re being obtuse , knowing full well I was explaining body types and that you can move from 1 position to the other with minimal effect, using more well known examples and 1 close to home . And I didn’t compare him to Usain bolt I said Usain Bolt body type wasn’t high muscle mass , actually not comparing him at all . But way to abnoxious to try and prove a point you’re clearly wrong about .

 

[Alex Seyfarth's #1 Fan]

Brooks start practicing those early kicks for the jet mate

I want to see him full speed

Melbourne have that play. Munster or Cam Smith around the 35m mark down the left side to Addo-Carr. Usually anywhere from 1st to 3rd tackle. I'd love to see our halves have that option too.

 

[BirchgroveTigers]

Absolute crap, flies in the face of the culture that we have been led to believe was being created by Madge, ownership, growth, accountability, just words, when a broken down has been becomes available.
I'm sorry lads, I'm usually positive about signings, not this one, isn't he managed by Isaac Moses! They never mention his name, just his manager. Five clubs in a decade, all immediate releases, should tell you something about the quality of the injury prone cc player we just brought, and to make matters worse we just helped the bunnies salary cap. Jeez we are such fools

You’re right mate, he won’t show up to training, other players will get disgruntled when he still gets picked, he’ll be injured a lot and the Tigers will be in the media for the wrong reasons, making it harder to attract talent with all the salary cap space for 2022. It’s so Wests Tigers. Having said all that, I hope by some miraculous phenomenon, he changes his ways and we make the eight due to his attacking prowess.

Good luck.

I guess when you see that the Roosters .....Melbourne aren't interested in this $5 lucky dip prize says a lot ..says a lot about the WT's ....great pick up IF he gets over achilles injury , mental health issues , fact he has not finished ONE contract ..... we take too many chances on too many big risks

Yep, the whole of game perception is that we are unprofessional. And it’s hurting us. Cant see how this signing got the approval of the coach, football Manager and CEO. And board if they get involved? honestly think Madge will quit this year.

All current media perception of this is on the basis of previous oversights or miscalculations and the narrative will never change until we have onfield success. So James Roberts alone won't be the reason why we will or won't make the 8 but he adds to our squad's needs.

Your other comments on him is a little discriminatory towards mental health.
It's unfair to judge his commitment and professionalism given his (mental health and) injury history. I like that the club appear supportive in helping with his welfare - it helps reduce stigma and promotes the culture of mental health and wellbeing in the game. Only mentioned a few backs back that I'd love the club show more involvement seeing as Lawrence is now retired from footy, and was a great ambassador for Beyond Blue.
This could very much backfire on us but when you weigh the pros and cons, and what Madge and the club's goal is for the team and what the team actually needs to improve - a player of his ability only enhances this. Plus every player who puts their body on the line runs the risk of injury really.
Waiting for young players to develop is placing too much expectation and pressure on them, so this is far from ideal for their development. So I think the club are showing professionalism with protecting our youth.
If all turns pear shaped at least we can take comfort in knowing it'll be of minimal damage ....but either way I don't think the critics will be going away any time soon. We've still got a ways to go into having a finals ready team but anything that takes us closer to our goal is better than standing still - realistically we're probably 1 or 2 quality players short.
We're always gonna be in the media spotlight but it doesn't hurt as much if you can ignore it.

Won’t get into the mental health stuff because it’s too controversial and our views are not going to align, my argument is that the club needs to give Madge a squad capable of competing or he’ll walk soon. **Bring on Sirro and more of the quality players you speak of.**

Where's this news coming from? As I haven't seen it yet, and is there any truth to it?

Thanks as I also think it's too delicate to talk about.
Don't think the NRL really advocate Mental health awareness as much as it should. I feel more initiative could be taken toward involving mental health professionals and programs for clubs. We've had players forced into retirement way too early and even if you look at Jarrod Mullen, maybe if these type things are established in the NRL, it could make a huge difference to their well-being and lives post footy.

"Wests Tigers are also considering making a play for a Curtis Sironen homecoming as part of a potential swap deal between Manly and Sironen’s former club.

The move could mean Sironen returns to the Tigers which would allow disgruntled prop Josh Aloiai to switch to the Sea Eagles immediately. The Tigers are steadfast in their belief they will not release Aloiai unless they find a suitable replacement and expect him back at training on November 30.

Tigers back-rower Luke Garner could also be part of any trade deal although Tigers officials are adamant he will fulfil the final two years of his deal.

Sironen is off-contract at the end of next year and it is understood the Sea Eagles would consider an opportunity for the 27-year-old to return to the Tigers on a long-term deal."

From the Herald Sun today - who knows how much truth there it to it though.

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-2020-james-roberts-signs-with-wests-tigers-on-2-year-contract-sports-confidential/news-story/62ce703f3aa84169e028a03bd03e5759

 

[Lauren]

Cheers @BirchgroveTigers.

 

[BirchgroveTigers]

Cheers @BirchgroveTigers.

All g - Christian Nicolussi from SMH also tweeted it, though looks like he could just be referring to article above. Would good IMO - feel like Siro for Aloiai would improve the squad.

https://twitter.com/mrchrisnico/status/1329329824456839169

 

[BAGNF05]

Absolute crap, flies in the face of the culture that we have been led to believe was being created by Madge, ownership, growth, accountability, just words, when a broken down has been becomes available.
I'm sorry lads, I'm usually positive about signings, not this one, isn't he managed by Isaac Moses! They never mention his name, just his manager. Five clubs in a decade, all immediate releases, should tell you something about the quality of the injury prone cc player we just brought, and to make matters worse we just helped the bunnies salary cap. Jeez we are such fools

You’re right mate, he won’t show up to training, other players will get disgruntled when he still gets picked, he’ll be injured a lot and the Tigers will be in the media for the wrong reasons, making it harder to attract talent with all the salary cap space for 2022. It’s so Wests Tigers. Having said all that, I hope by some miraculous phenomenon, he changes his ways and we make the eight due to his attacking prowess.

Good luck.

I guess when you see that the Roosters .....Melbourne aren't interested in this $5 lucky dip prize says a lot ..says a lot about the WT's ....great pick up IF he gets over achilles injury , mental health issues , fact he has not finished ONE contract ..... we take too many chances on too many big risks

Yep, the whole of game perception is that we are unprofessional. And it’s hurting us. Cant see how this signing got the approval of the coach, football Manager and CEO. And board if they get involved? honestly think Madge will quit this year.

All current media perception of this is on the basis of previous oversights or miscalculations and the narrative will never change until we have onfield success. So James Roberts alone won't be the reason why we will or won't make the 8 but he adds to our squad's needs.

Your other comments on him is a little discriminatory towards mental health.
It's unfair to judge his commitment and professionalism given his (mental health and) injury history. I like that the club appear supportive in helping with his welfare - it helps reduce stigma and promotes the culture of mental health and wellbeing in the game. Only mentioned a few backs back that I'd love the club show more involvement seeing as Lawrence is now retired from footy, and was a great ambassador for Beyond Blue.
This could very much backfire on us but when you weigh the pros and cons, and what Madge and the club's goal is for the team and what the team actually needs to improve - a player of his ability only enhances this. Plus every player who puts their body on the line runs the risk of injury really.
Waiting for young players to develop is placing too much expectation and pressure on them, so this is far from ideal for their development. So I think the club are showing professionalism with protecting our youth.
If all turns pear shaped at least we can take comfort in knowing it'll be of minimal damage ....but either way I don't think the critics will be going away any time soon. We've still got a ways to go into having a finals ready team but anything that takes us closer to our goal is better than standing still - realistically we're probably 1 or 2 quality players short.
We're always gonna be in the media spotlight but it doesn't hurt as much if you can ignore it.

Won’t get into the mental health stuff because it’s too controversial and our views are not going to align, my argument is that the club needs to give Madge a squad capable of competing or he’ll walk soon. **Bring on Sirro and more of the quality players you speak of.**

Where's this news coming from? As I haven't seen it yet, and is there any truth to it?

Thanks as I also think it's too delicate to talk about.
Don't think the NRL really advocate Mental health awareness as much as it should. I feel more initiative could be taken toward involving mental health professionals and programs for clubs. We've had players forced into retirement way too early and even if you look at Jarrod Mullen, maybe if these type things are established in the NRL, it could make a huge difference to their well-being and lives post footy.

A journo tossed up the Sirro swap today, can’t remember his name. Not sure what NRL welfare programs are like but agree they are very important. A footy club is a very macho environment and many would be battling in private.

 

[Lauren]

Cheers @BirchgroveTigers.

All g - Christian Nicolussi from SMH also tweeted it, though looks like he could just be referring to article above. Would good IMO - feel like Siro for Aloiai would improve the squad.

https://twitter.com/mrchrisnico/status/1329329824456839169

I've been too caught up on Robert's signing.
Have already received a screenshot (from a GF) of a WT supporter coming to his defence on the NRL sub reddit?

Most definitely and really hope it eventuates. Fingers crossed.

 

[larry2005]

wont get through pre season....waste of money like all the rejects before. happy to be proved wrong. will he play wing?

 

[Magpieger]

Yeah James did his achilles, I dunno what its like for football players but I know from basketball most cases you never have the movement you used to have. Hope for his sake he can get speed again, anything's possible

Even if he loses a bit of speed, he's probably still quicker than most. Plus he's fairly strong and I can't believe he's still only 27.
Welcome Jimmy and hope you enjoy your stay.

 

[Geo]

Yeah James did his achilles, I dunno what its like for football players but I know from basketball most cases you never have the movement you used to have. Hope for his sake he can get speed again, anything's possible

I don't know where this comes from..yes he had an Achillies injury in 2018..it was never a full rupture and never required surgery..it was managed ..missed a few games..Played through at the time Origin with it..

 

[JayT]

Yeah James did his achilles, I dunno what its like for football players but I know from basketball most cases you never have the movement you used to have. Hope for his sake he can get speed again, anything's possible

I don't know where this comes from..yes he had an Achillies injury in 2018..it was never a full rupture and never required surgery..it was managed ..missed a few games..Played through at the time Origin with it..

Ah k I thought that's why he looked slow since. My mistake!

 

[JayT]

Id take Curtis Sironen for Josh for sure. I'd be happy to!

 

[PabloX]

Absolute crap, flies in the face of the culture that we have been led to believe was being created by Madge, ownership, growth, accountability, just words, when a broken down has been becomes available.
I'm sorry lads, I'm usually positive about signings, not this one, isn't he managed by Isaac Moses! They never mention his name, just his manager. Five clubs in a decade, all immediate releases, should tell you something about the quality of the injury prone cc player we just brought, and to make matters worse we just helped the bunnies salary cap. Jeez we are such fools

You’re right mate, he won’t show up to training, other players will get disgruntled when he still gets picked, he’ll be injured a lot and the Tigers will be in the media for the wrong reasons, making it harder to attract talent with all the salary cap space for 2022. It’s so Wests Tigers. Having said all that, I hope by some miraculous phenomenon, he changes his ways and we make the eight due to his attacking prowess.

Good luck.

I guess when you see that the Roosters .....Melbourne aren't interested in this $5 lucky dip prize says a lot ..says a lot about the WT's ....great pick up IF he gets over achilles injury , mental health issues , fact he has not finished ONE contract ..... we take too many chances on too many big risks

Melbourne and the roosters love a lucky dip. Brenko Lee and the Morris twins....

 

[TigerSJ]

Always felt that when Sirro left it wasn’t under very good terms, with a bit if bad feelings, so it would surprise me that he would want to come back to the Tigers. He has certainly improved as a player whilst at Manly and would fill a void in our back row. I still like the Schuster trade better if it’s at all possible. Get the feeling that he is going to be a great player and would be an enormous addition to the young guys coming through.

 

[bigsiro]

I actually think this is a brilliant signing.
We needed pace and got a quality speedster at a bargain price. Roberts at his best is a game breaker.
The task now will be getting him back to that level.
This was a low-risk, high-reward signing. If it doesn’t work out no biggie, but if it does then it is a stroke of genius.
Nice work Tigers. Keep em coming.

 

[TCL]

Welcome to the club! Nice to have some genuine pace. Could be a great signing for the club and for all of us long suffering supporters sakes, I hope it is.