I like the way the Tigers go about signing players.
Instead of being linked to a million players off contract for several weeks, we are quiet and single out attainable signings. So without fuss and lots of media speculation, we get players that management want.
Compare this with Souths who open their chequebooks the instant Jul 1 comes around (or as soon as a player is released). Parra and Manly both offer big contracts to a whole bunch of players and its all over the media.
Even last year when Tigers were known to be big in the market for signings, we went about it quietly until players were signed. There were no long drawn out rumours of bidding wars with other clubs, huge contracts offered to big names who were testing the market etc.
People are already negative about the signing of Whatuira. I reckon it was a good move - he is a high quality first grader who wasn't asking a massive massive price. The rumour was small and barely out before we got him.
Also, I think last year showed Sheens understands who we need to rebuild this club. Look at the signatures: Hodgson (one of the best fullbacks in the comp), Sattler (strong experienced leader), Prince (young QLD halfback), Moodie (solid quick signing), Richards (strong and returning to form), Elford (our first choice centre atm), Payten (skilled prop at a small price). Apart from Nick Graham (whom I doubt we paid too highly), how many of the last years signings are wallowing in reserve grade or out for ages with injury.
Furthermore, you are hardly going to sign the best best players in the comp and make it worthwhile (signature vs cost). Look at Lockyer, Johns, Webcke, Barrett, Gower, Orford etc - most of the best players are contracted when they are developing promise and then turn into NRL stars.
Good on yer Sheensie and co. We have a long way to go, but we are continually going in the right direction. To quote Rachel Hunter, it won't happen over night but it will happen.
Instead of being linked to a million players off contract for several weeks, we are quiet and single out attainable signings. So without fuss and lots of media speculation, we get players that management want.
Compare this with Souths who open their chequebooks the instant Jul 1 comes around (or as soon as a player is released). Parra and Manly both offer big contracts to a whole bunch of players and its all over the media.
Even last year when Tigers were known to be big in the market for signings, we went about it quietly until players were signed. There were no long drawn out rumours of bidding wars with other clubs, huge contracts offered to big names who were testing the market etc.
People are already negative about the signing of Whatuira. I reckon it was a good move - he is a high quality first grader who wasn't asking a massive massive price. The rumour was small and barely out before we got him.
Also, I think last year showed Sheens understands who we need to rebuild this club. Look at the signatures: Hodgson (one of the best fullbacks in the comp), Sattler (strong experienced leader), Prince (young QLD halfback), Moodie (solid quick signing), Richards (strong and returning to form), Elford (our first choice centre atm), Payten (skilled prop at a small price). Apart from Nick Graham (whom I doubt we paid too highly), how many of the last years signings are wallowing in reserve grade or out for ages with injury.
Furthermore, you are hardly going to sign the best best players in the comp and make it worthwhile (signature vs cost). Look at Lockyer, Johns, Webcke, Barrett, Gower, Orford etc - most of the best players are contracted when they are developing promise and then turn into NRL stars.
Good on yer Sheensie and co. We have a long way to go, but we are continually going in the right direction. To quote Rachel Hunter, it won't happen over night but it will happen.
