Bula

[Nutz]

potentially but mielikemp and Moses have a good relationship, Shaun mentioned this in his first interview

I’ll be fairly shocked if Bula leaves unless he gets a ‘can’t refuse’ offer elsewhere

Agree. Everything indicates that Benji wants him, the fans want him, and so does the head office at a mutual right price.
I've got a feeling Moses hasn't played his last card. He might be waiting for that 'can't refuse offer' from Perth but they just signed Meaney which is good for us.
Wests Tigers 2026-27, PNG 2028????

 

[Vic Mackey]

I think he’s gone. I’m guessing Benji doesn’t want him for whatever combination of reasons. He’s been around enough fullbacks to make an informed decision on Bulla. at such a critical time in his coaching career. Big balls. Big call. I’m all for it. M won’t overrule Benji.

I don’t think he’s gone, the club rate him but don’t want to overpay. Where does he sit in NRL fullback rankings? The absolute top tier of fullbacks would be Walsh, Edwards, Teddy and Ponga who are all on $1m+ Next you’d have Hammer and Turbo (with them if fit) with Latrell moving to centre and Paps leaving Bula is probably on the next line with Kaeo Weeks, Keano Kini. Below them would be young guys like Longi, Gray etc and guys who have probably reached their peak like Gutho, Kennedy, Drinkwater. So he’s a mid level 7th-10th ranked 1.

IMO you don’t pay $900k for a mid range fullback, Kaeo Weekes recently resigned with the raiders on a reported $600-$650k. There’s exciting young guys like Chevy Stewart, Sua Faalongo, Connor Votano, Liam Ison who have tasted first grade you could get for around $250-$300k just like Weekes, Longi, Gray were. Or you could look at guys like Koula, Cobbo, Savage, Brimson etc who plays their growing up but are currently playing other positions.

As mentioned we’ve signed Jack Attard who was penriths NSW cup fullback and trained with first grade. He’s just turned 20 and was the Australian school boys fullback.

He also now has Issac Moses who always drags negotiations out, there’s a good chance saints have zero interest and this is a media plant from him.

 

[Tiger05]

Kaeo Weekes recently resigned with the raiders on a reported $600-$650k

That is a steal.

I really hope we keep Bula. I think he is pretty close to Weekes level. I don't think Turbo is at that level based on his performances over the last couple of seasons. In form Turbo is as good as anyone but will he ever get back to top form.

 

[Nutz]

I don’t think he’s gone, the club rate him but don’t want to overpay. Where does he sit in NRL fullback rankings? The absolute top tier of fullbacks would be Walsh, Edwards, Teddy and Ponga who are all on $1m+ Next you’d have Hammer and Turbo (with them if fit) with Latrell moving to centre and Paps leaving Bula is probably on the next line with Kaeo Weeks, Keano Kini. Below them would be young guys like Longi, Gray etc and guys who have probably reached their peak like Gutho, Kennedy, Drinkwater. So he’s a mid level 7th-10th ranked 1.

IMO you don’t pay $900k for a mid range fullback, Kaeo Weekes recently resigned with the raiders on a reported $600-$650k. There’s exciting young guys like Chevy Stewart, Sua Faalongo, Connor Votano, Liam Ison who have tasted first grade you could get for around $250-$300k just like Weekes, Longi, Gray were. Or you could look at guys like Koula, Cobbo, Savage, Brimson etc who plays their growing up but are currently playing other positions.

As mentioned we’ve signed Jack Attard who was penriths NSW cup fullback and trained with first grade. He’s just turned 20 and was the Australian school boys fullback.

He also now has Issac Moses who always drags negotiations out, there’s a good chance saints have zero interest and this is a media plant from him.

Great post mate, very informative.
Weekes is dynamic and ahead of Bula at this stage imo so 700-750k seems reasonable for Bula.
We don't know the TPA's involved so that could be a factor.
I'd prefer Bula to have a 3 year deal or even 4 because he's developing.
We shouldn't entertain 2 years just so he can take up a big deal somewhere else later, especially if he gets injured again and we are left with crumbs.

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

I think Benji will go for his “finals window” and seek to pay the overs.

But that it hasn’t been done already, suggests some points of difference.

As Richo used to say, a marquee leaving gives us a nice wad of “cash in hand.”

As Vic says, we’ve got a veritable conga line of potential fullbacks.

 

[Nutz]

We also have to remember that his sprint times have have improved over the off season under sprint coach Roger Fabri.
According to reports from Zero Tackle this work resulted in an improvement of about 4 metres over 100 m sprint distance compared to his previous baseline — roughly equating to faster flat speed.
One quoted example suggested his 100 m time might have shifted from something like 11.50 s to around 11.10 s after that focused off-season work — a gain of about 0.40 seconds across 100 m.

Bula speaks on Tigers speculation ahead of 2026

He is one of the hottest names on the open market.

www.zerotackle.com

Nutz fantasy equation:
4m equates to 4 x $175k =$700k. That's all he's getting, not a penny more!

 

[Tigerm]

I think Benji will go for his “finals window” and seek to pay the overs.

But that it hasn’t been done already, suggests some points of difference.

As Richo used to say, his leaving gives us a nice wad of cash in hand.

He’s no Walshy.

No he isn't, but Walsh isn't available.
Bula has only had 2 full seasons (including injuries) and really, has played behind a beaten pack most of the time.
I wouldn't think the drags offer him anything except more cash.
I hope he stays and look at him this year with probably the best team we've had in a decade.

 

[Tigerm]

We also have to remember that his sprint times have have improved over the off season under sprint coach Roger Fabri.
According to reports from Zero Tackle this work resulted in an improvement of about 4 metres over 100 m sprint distance compared to his previous baseline — roughly equating to faster flat speed.
One quoted example suggested his 100 m time might have shifted from something like 11.50 s to around 11.10 s after that focused off-season work — a gain of about 0.40 seconds across 100 m.

Bula speaks on Tigers speculation ahead of 2026

He is one of the hottest names on the open market.

www.zerotackle.com

Nutz fantasy equation:
4m equates to 4 x $175k =$700k. That's all he's getting, not a penny more!

I think they will offer $7 - 800k.
Is anyone available who's better?

 

[Nutz]

I think they will offer $7 - 800k.
Is anyone available who's better?

We're just throwing stones at an imaginary target. I reckon we have the attributes if a good journo.
Second thoughts, we're not devious, liars, or unscrupulous villians.

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

No he isn't, but Walsh isn't available.
Bula has only had 2 full seasons (including injuries) and really, has played behind a beaten pack most of the time.
I wouldn't think the drags offer him anything except more cash.
I hope he stays and look at him this year with probably the best team we've had in a decade.

Dragons are anxious to build and previously promising players haven’t been able to handle their roles.

I also think they want more positional options for Gutho which makes total sense.

I’d want him closer to the line in the mix.

Signing Keon was a coup, so they are on the march.

 

[WA Tiger]

I don’t think he’s gone, the club rate him but don’t want to overpay. Where does he sit in NRL fullback rankings? The absolute top tier of fullbacks would be Walsh, Edwards, Teddy and Ponga who are all on $1m+ Next you’d have Hammer and Turbo (with them if fit) with Latrell moving to centre and Paps leaving Bula is probably on the next line with Kaeo Weeks, Keano Kini. Below them would be young guys like Longi, Gray etc and guys who have probably reached their peak like Gutho, Kennedy, Drinkwater. So he’s a mid level 7th-10th ranked 1.

IMO you don’t pay $900k for a mid range fullback, Kaeo Weekes recently resigned with the raiders on a reported $600-$650k. There’s exciting young guys like Chevy Stewart, Sua Faalongo, Connor Votano, Liam Ison who have tasted first grade you could get for around $250-$300k just like Weekes, Longi, Gray were. Or you could look at guys like Koula, Cobbo, Savage, Brimson etc who plays their growing up but are currently playing other positions.

As mentioned we’ve signed Jack Attard who was penriths NSW cup fullback and trained with first grade. He’s just turned 20 and was the Australian school boys fullback.

He also now has Issac Moses who always drags negotiations out, there’s a good chance saints have zero interest and this is a media plant from him.

Benji has got 12 months to have a look.. He’s going to at least use that before he commits. If Bulla threatens to jump ship I still think will give the new guy Attard all the time he needs to prove himself at fullback. If he’s good enough then there’s enough $$ to have a gun fullback maybe somewhere closer to the top tier (we’re long over due) and another marque close to a mill to really get things moving. That’s the clever move.
I know everyone loves bulla but love at a cost we’ve all been there.Bullas important but Benji knows that keeping him now regardless is not necessarily the move that will save his career… and where’s Bulla going to play if Attard is the second coming..

 

[Nutz]

Dragons are anxious to build and previously promising players haven’t been able to handle their roles.

I also think they want more positional options for Gutho which makes total sense.

Have the Dragons got cap space now that they've signed Keaon Koloamatangi?
I believe it's over $5mil, their largest contract in history me finks

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

Have the Dragons got cap space now that they've signed Keaon Koloamatangi?
I believe it's over $5mil, their largest contract in history me finks

I think it’s ok because he’s the real deal marquee.

The five year is a vote of confidence plus Keon has a massive personal fan base amongst those interested in him.

They have the cap space I’d say.

Whether he could handle Flanno is another proposition.

Flansterini is not a cuddly powder puff who puts on stern face like Benji.

It’s like he hates players sometimes, he’s f**king awesome.

I think the red v boys on the forum should still be partying hard over keon signing, they are way too quiet.

It was a miracle signing. Ask @getsmarty

 

[Nutz]

I think it’s ok because he’s the real deal marquee.

The five year is a vote of confidence plus Keon has a massive personal fan base amongst those interested in him.

They have the cap space I’d say.

Whether he could handle Flanno is another proposition.

He’s not a cuddly powder puff who puts on stern face like Benji.

Are you guessing?
Probably have to release Gutho

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

Are you guessing?
Probably have to release Gutho

lol, Gutho is moving up to the halves is the whisper.

Bula would have to play his best footy at the dragons or get beaten to death.

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

Which makes me wonder why some players go really well under Benji and others crash.

Stefano played better at the storm, he suddenly found his inner footy player.

But my hero, more or less consistently outstanding under Benji. Made Robbo look foolish and incompetent if that was the only measure.

Rugby League is a very fascinating endeavour. Nobel prize to whoever understands the f**king thing!

 

[Vic Mackey]

Which makes me wonder why some players go really well under Benji and others crash.

Stefano played better at the storm, he suddenly found his inner footy player.

But my hero, more or less consistently outstanding under Benji. Made Robbo look foolish and incompetent if that was the only measure.

Rugby League is a very fascinating endeavour. Nobel prize to whoever understands the f**king thing!

Im not having a shot at the dragons, but we’ve only ever lost players we want to keep to ‘good clubs’

Teddy - Easts who were minor premiers and had been top 4 for a number of years

Woods - Dogs who had been in 2 of the previous 4 grand finals

Stefano - Storm who were in the grand final

Galvin - Dogs who were first at the time

Every other player who left we willingly let go. There is no upside for an established player to go from Wests to Saints unless it’s $$$. If it was easts/panthers/storm etc after him then yeah I’d be worried, but unless we’re blown out of the water contract wise he won’t leave for them.

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

Im not having a shot at the dragons, but we’ve only ever lost players we want to keep to ‘good clubs’

Teddy - Easts who were minor premiers and had been top 4 for a number of years

Woods - Dogs who had been in 2 of the previous 4 grand finals

Stefano - Storm who were in the grand final

Galvin - Dogs who were first at the time

Every other player who left we willingly let go. There is no upside for an established player to go from Wests to Saints unless it’s $$$. If it was easts/panthers/storm etc after him then yeah I’d be worried, but unless we’re blown out of the water contract wise he won’t leave for them.

SGI are re-inventing their roster, solid clean out, a number of contracts coming to an end after this season.

Daniel Anderson in command r&r and his speciality, peering into the crystal ball of youngsters becoming genuine talent.

We know from his initial SGI interview that Daniel places a lot of emphasis on defence. Jahreem has been improving slowly, still a little unsettled.

So It’s an interesting question as to how much financial pain they will endure and risk assessment.

There’s pros and cons to sticking their necks out.

Assuming that he’s fit, you’d have to think that he’s got some solid years and growth immediately ahead of him. Age 23, you’d think as a back, hes still on the up, entering a golden phase.

For the overs, I think it could get down to their impression of his tackling and defence. That will be an assessment of his decisions and skills at the individual event level. So a lot of tape will be viewed by the SGI High Command. Can his defence reach Flannos expectations?

And if I was SGI, I would require a 3 year minimum, because they need to see the fruits of their labours.

If it doesn’t work, then he should have a fair resale value, but they looking poised for many adventures in recruitment over the next couple of seasons.

 

[WA Tiger]

The dragons are prob staring at him going do you think he’s capable of putting on muscle.. he must know you can’t just pray it on .. not sure if he’s willing to feel that pain....everyone else there is muscled up from from end of 25

 

[WA Tiger]

T