2025 prediction

[Nutz]

Easier said than done Nutz. I see us as similar to where Canterbury were at 3 years ago when when Burton played his first year. Having said that I'd say we're ahead of them at that stage simply because we have far better spine players.

Anyway, it took the dogs 3 years to get their defence right, and that's with a gun defensive coach setting up the system, and adding great players years on year. As you pointed out, we don't have that in our coaching.

I try not to get bent out of shape too much over trials though, especially one with only 1 player who's guaranteed to play regular 1st grade.

I'd like to know the points diff for the dogs compared to us over the last 3 years.
I agree about the trials but what I can't fathom is we went all out to pay big dollars for attack but nothing has been promoted regarding defence, the biggest problem by far. We got 3 spoons for crap D and as far as I'm aware, Morris is still our D coach.

 

[Tigerm]

Dudes -


I've consistently been stating we win the comp this year. Buckle in boys and girls good times are coming.

Yep, we’re gunna make their eyes bleed.

 

[Nutz]

My rd 1 team line-up prediction is:

1. Jahream Bula (if fit)
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Starford Toa
4. Adam Doueihi
5. Jeral Skelton
6. Lachlan Galvin
7. Jarome Luai
8. Terrell May
9. Tristan Hope ( Late edit)
10. Fonua Pole
11. Alex Seyfarth
12. Samuela Fainu
13. Jack Bird
14. Latu Fainu
15. Kit Laulilii / Justin Matamua
16. Tristan Hope
17. Alex Twal

Notable inclusions/exclusions:

Adam Doueihi gets a gig at centre. He had a solid hit out and is a good goal kicker. I've been saying for ages now he'll play and I think he will.
Justin Olam injured his knee and missed both trials. He needs to be eased back into the NRL until he's busting at the seams and/or if we have more centre issues.
Another centre with impressive trial form was Faataape but I just think To'o has more strings to his bow especially if he's in form and fit. Remember To'a was injured last year so he's basically starting all over again...time will tell.
Faataape is on a development contract so it won't be the last we'll see of him.
Heamasi Makasini will take the place of the lowest denominator later on in the season.

Justin Matamua and Kit Laulilii appear to be ready. If Benji thinks otherwise, Sione Fainu will get the nod.

Royce Hunt got a shoulder burner in the opening exchanges of the Indigenous v Maori game and he looked like he was sore after his short minutes in yesterday's trial. I saw him twice trying to rotate his shoulder and he was in discomfort. I don't want him in our side unless he's 100% fit, committed able to at least play 20min of solid footy each half.

Tallyn DaSilva was off his game in both trials especially yesterday, and I'd like to see Hope, if he's awarded a contract, a run at dummy half when Api needs a spell.
I'm unsure what the club's plan is for this guy but why would you give him 2 trial games if they have no intention of keeping him or upgrading him.

David Klemmer is outski after not getting a run in both trials and with reports he maybe swapping with Molo it could be the last we see of him.

Heath Mason was very solid in both trials but he has too much in front of him atm. He's still young and has a future with us if he's patient. He could play in rd1 if Bula is not ready from surgery.

Rueban Porter will play KOE Cup whilst on a development contract because atm he's not a physical presence. He needs to put some muscle on an be more imposing.

Luke Laulilii is one of my favs but something is telling me he'll be a late bloomer this year with Makasini.

Alex Lobb, another development player, is very honest but will only play if injuries occur.

There you go guys, fire away. What's your squad for rd1.

 

[Tigerm]

My rd 1 team line-up prediction is:

1. Jahream Bula (if fit)
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Starford Toa
4. Adam Doueihi
5. Jeral Skelton
6. Lachlan Galvin
7. Jarome Luai
8. Terrell May
9. Api Koroisau
10. Fonua Pole
11. Alex Seyfarth
12. Samuela Fainu
13. Jack Bird
14. Latu Fainu
15. Kit Laulilii / Justin Matamua
16. Tristan Hope
17. Alex Twal

Notable inclusions/exclusions:

Adam Doueihi gets a gig at centre. He had a solid hit out and is a good goal kicker. I've been saying for ages now he'll play and I think he will.
Justin Olam injured his knee and missed both trials. He needs to be eased back into the NRL until he's busting at the seams and/or if we have more centre issues.
Another centre with impressive trial form was Faataape but I just think To'o has more strings to his bow especially if he's in form and fit. Remember To'a was injured last year so he's basically starting all over again...time will tell.
Faataape is on a development contract so it won't be the last we'll see of him.
Heamasi Makasini will take the place of the lowest denominator later on in the season.

Justin Matamua and Kit Laulilii appear to be ready. If Benji thinks otherwise, Sione Fainu will get the nod.

Royce Hunt got a shoulder burner in the opening exchanges of the Indigenous v Maori game and he looked like he was sore after his short minutes in yesterday's trial. I saw him twice trying to rotate his shoulder and he was in discomfort. I don't want him in our side unless he's 100% fit, committed able to at least play 20min of solid footy each half.

Tallyn DaSilva was off his game in both trials especially yesterday, and I'd like to see Hope, if he's awarded a contract, a run at dummy half when Api needs a spell.
I'm unsure what the club's plan is for this guy but why would you give him 2 trial games if they have no intention of keeping him or upgrading him.

David Klemmer is outski after not getting a run in both trials and with reports he maybe swapping with Molo it could be the last we see of him.

Heath Mason was very solid in both trials but he has too much in front of him atm. He's still young and has a future with us if he's patient. He could play in rd1 if Bula is not ready from surgery.

Rueban Porter will play KOE Cup whilst on a development contract because atm he's not a physical presence. He needs to put some muscle on an be more imposing.

Luke Laulilii is one of my favs but something is telling me he'll be a late bloomer this year with Makasini.

Alex Lobb, another development player, is very honest but will only play if injuries occur.

There you go guys, fire away. What's your squad for rd1.

Sorry bud, but I don't think Api is available for R1?

 

[Perth Tiger]

Sorry bud, but I don't think Api is available for R1?

And pretty sure Hope can’t play until round 11 unless he gets elevated to a top 30 contract beforehand

 

[Nutz]

And pretty sure Hope can’t play until round 11 unless he gets elevated to a top 30 contract beforehand

Yep that's what I said, if he gets a contract. He'll replace Api.

 

[Nutz]

Sorry bud, but I don't think Api is available for R1?

More Hope ha ha.
I've said a couple of times now that Latu Fainu has played dummy half, notably the world cup. I wonder if that could be a master-stroke for Benji to consider. Could have done it in the trials.

 

[Nutz]

I think it was Tm who said the journos bashing us and the club infighting stops with a win.
DAY 1 and counting.

 

[Tiger05]

@Nutz - I reckon that is the basically the team that will be picked.

I think the bench will be Sione Fainu, Royce Hunt, Bird and Latu. I think they'll play like the last trial with Twal starting at 13.
I also reckon TDS plays ahead of Hope but I reckon Hope deserves the spot. He was great in the trials.

 

[Tigerm]

More Hope ha ha.
I've said a couple of times now that Latu Fainu has played dummy half, notably the world cup. I wonder if that could be a master-stroke for Benji to consider. Could have done it in the trials.

Pretty sure TDS will get the gig.
We have a glut of promising 9's coming through, young Jared Haywood is one.
So, I don't think Hope has a future here, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have one in the NRL, I think a few clubs would have noticed him.

 

[Nutz]

@Nutz - I reckon that is the basically the team that will be picked.

I think the bench will be Sione Fainu, Royce Hunt, Bird and Latu. I think they'll play like the last trial with Twal starting at 13.
I also reckon TDS plays ahead of Hope but I reckon Hope deserves the spot. He was great in the trials.

Sounds good.
Hasn't Alex Twal come along in leaps and bounds. Last year he developed an offload as he's so strong in his upper body. He and the other Alex are my fav WT players.
Another favourite is Kit. His pathway form, especially in 2022 was outstanding and I'm confident he is another Pole in the making.
Imagine Kit getting that good that when Pole comes off for a breather, Kit comes on and continues to run riot.

 

[Nutz]

Pretty sure TDS will get the gig.
We have a glut of promising 9's coming through, young Jared Haywood is one.
So, I don't think Hope has a future here, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have one in the NRL, I think a few clubs would have noticed him.

Yeh true, but why give him two trials then? A favour?
By making him Captain last week backs up your theory but still, I'm a bit bewildered. Maybe they have long term plans for him but that doesn't fit either due to his age.

 

[Tigerm]

Yeh true, but why give him two trials then? A favour?
By making him Captain last week backs up your theory but still, I'm a bit bewildered. Maybe they have long term plans for him but that doesn't fit either due to his age.

The "like" button just comes and goes, without notice.
Maybe they are thinking about keeping him here for this season, obviously we have no idea.
The only thing I can think of, is TDS will be the utility for FG this year.