Rumoured & Confirmed Signings - Part 5

[Iamback]

Isaiah Papali'i granted early release from the Tigpies.

Thoughts anyone?

He is a starter for us but not elite.

$600k for him. Gives us $400k to get another forward.

Replacing Fish with 2 starting quality forwards is a decent outcome

 

[Red&BlackBear]

I dont think Dallin is the right fit, but with Turuva leaving and May's future in jeopardy an outside back is 100% a priority.

Blaize Talagi wants to play center according to NRL 360 and is a free agent.

 

[Iamback]

In his game last year in NRL I remember him being lightning fast and a weapon in attack but poor defense. But defens takes time to learn.

He was picked at centre but had been on the wing in NSW Cup.

Perfect for replacing Turuva but need some depth regardless

 

[Iamback]

Blaize Talagi wants to play center according to NRL 360 and is a free agent.

Dragons will go harder and he will want to start. Taylan will be an unknown for a while yet

I think we are better off locking in Alamoti longer term. And getting a couple of fringe guys to put pressure on and depth

 

[Kilkenny]

On Papa I reckon 400- 450 gets him

Fairly significant pay cut.

No one generally enjoys pay cuts, most regardless of what occupation you are in is looking apt pay increases.

If I were him, I would be backing myself, to get back to somewhere near my best and look towards getting a three year deal on money similar to he is on now.

If he really is on $650k for season 2025 why wouldn’t you just stay with the Tigers and back your own ability.

 

[Whino]

Blaize Talagi wants to play center according to NRL 360 and is a free agent.

His manager is Isaac Moses. Ivan won't deal with him.

 

[Whino]

On Papa I reckon 400- 450 gets him

Other clubs will likely push that figure higher. Dragons have money to burn. Our only chance is if he wants a good club.

 

[BossleyPanther]

Be good if true but so much BS around.

 

[Kilkenny]

Dragons will go harder and he will want to start. Taylan will be an unknown for a while yet

I think we are better off locking in Alamoti longer term. And getting a couple of fringe guys to put pressure on and depth

The Taylan May situation may become a little clearer after his court appearance on the 28th May When we may know more about whether the alleged victim is supportive of pursuing the criminal proceedings.

 

[BossleyPanther]

With the rumour of Garner swapping with Papali'i, that would move Sorenson on the Bench and would be so much better for us.

 

[kinghippo]

I would much prefer Angus, hopefully he and Martin hit it off in the blues squad and he comes to Penrith to play at the pinnacle.
Papali'i would look good on the bench.

 

[age.s]

Itd be nice to have another Kiwi rep forward around Origin time.

 

[Original Name]

@Blade23 Isaiah Papali'i? Suddenly he is free to enter the market. Timing!

What’s everyone’s opinion on him?

Even when he was killing it he was (relatively) lazy in defence. Even the year Eels made the gf people were giving them shit for the defence on their edges. More than the centres and wingers it comes down to a half going deep into the line near players like Papali'i because teams identified him as a target who sometimes wouldn't put in the extra effort to put pressure the half into playing earlier.

What he can do with the ball even at his height isn't worth that kind of stuff. Keeping players like that is like building a house on sand.

 

[Iamback]

The Taylan May situation may become a little clearer after his court appearance on the 28th May When we may know more about whether the alleged victim is supportive of pursuing the criminal proceedings.

That is just when he is mentioned. From there sentencing will start in Sept/Oct.

Talagi will be signed somewhere by then

 

[maple_69]

Like others Id be happy with the signing for around $500K. He would improve our edge for sure but he’s not in the tier of ‘replacing the quality of Fish’ like a Crichton potentially would. For that cash though, upgrading the front row or halves with a Willison, Weekes or Thompson could be possible which could get us back in the hunt and improve the balance of the 17 a bit.

 

[Iamback]

Like others Id be happy with the signing for around $500K. He would improve our edge for sure but he’s not in the tier of ‘replacing the quality of Fish’ like a Crichton potentially would. For that cash though, upgrading the front row or halves with a Willison, Weekes or Thompson could be possible which could get us back in the hunt and improve the balance of the 17 a bit.

Lets use the $950k for Fish that has been used.
May's cap we get back but that needs to be delayed before that is counted.

If the $600k for Papalli is correct.

Instead of looking at backs for $200k we can get a better one and improve the team as a whole

 

[age.s]

Just on outside backs, Staines is the kind of signing we should be looking at:
Would come cheap
Known quantity to the club
Would be ok as backup/depth if May is retained
First grade quality if May is let go

As an aside, I really rate him defensively. Routinely makes good, quick decisions.

 

[GowersDallyM]

Bit off topic but I bet Teddy plays fullback game 1...blues will lose then Edwards will get thrown in game 2 and have a blinder.

 

[Original Name]

A couple of people asked about Trent Toelau. Higlights video just dropped. Keep in mind this is mostly from last year.

 

[GowersDallyM]

A couple of people asked about Trent Toelau. Higlights video just dropped. Keep in mind this is mostly from last year.

Looks like Cleary when he was younger.. little frame with a quick step and speed plus a sharp short kicking game. Would look alright as a fullback in afew years with more size.

I think Schnider should have first crack at the 6 with Nathan next year. Could easily have him running the ball more and he also has a good kicking game plus is a worker and doesn't give up.