Hooker

[Fordy20]

Jake Simpkins looks like he's a few years away, Farah looks likely to retire and Liddle remains unsigned. The club sees the position as a problem because we were sniffing around Brandon Smith earlier in the year. James Segeyaro went to the Broncos, Karl Lawton has been re-signed by the Warriors and the Cowboys have snapped up Reece Robson.

Matt Parcell really showed some form before leaving for ESL. He's nearing the end of his contract with the Rhinos and currently on loan to Hull HR. Billy Britain and Tom Starling look like the pick of Canterbury Cup. Harry Grant is signed until the end of next year.

Who do think we should be looking at?

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

Of that lot I’d have to think about billy Britain but I’m not too upset with Liddle.

Billy is still fresh to the nrl at 25, but on the cusp of good things.

A Cody Walker in drag.

 

[Tigerm]

None of know what's going on behind the scenes, but I think if they thought Liddle was worth it, they would have signed him long before now, also I am not aware of any other club chasing as well. I hope Robbie retires, but I don't think he will leave the club in a hole if they don't want him to go.

 

[Perth Tiger]

None of know what's going on behind the scenes, but I think if they thought Liddle was worth it, they would have signed him long before now, also I am not aware of any other club chasing as well. I hope Robbie retires, but I don't think he will leave the club in a hole if they don't want him to go.

Yeah I am starting to get a strong Mania Cherrington vibe with Liddle

 

[The Rosco]

Yeah I am starting to get a strong Mania Cherrington vibe with Liddle

Yeah, it was only 2 errors in 2 games . . . but they were jaw dropping !

 

[tiger102]

What about Ben Hampton? Can Five-eighth, Halfback, Fullback, Hooker, Centre. Could make a good utility player for us, helping Liddle & coving the outbacks.

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

Lichaa is off contract at the dogs.

We all know he is generally a 4/10 player, but he has the odd day out and perhaps Madge and Robbie can help him improve and find consistency.

He’s battle hardened and affordable.

No spare cash at the moment, so we need basic nrl calibre players capable of learning and doing what they are told.

 

[OldSchoolTiger]

Lots of people talk about the great coming of Liddle and how is the best thing the club has since sliced bread. But it seems he can't play 80 mins yet. Given that , there's two questions to be asked
1} Are we a good enough team to waste a forward spot on the bench to carry a second hooker for Liddle 2} Is he that good that we should do this. The answer to both questions seems to be a resounding no !

 

[Pezz70]

I think Liddle will be ok, but he has either got to be in the side or out. Two hookers in 17 is no good.

 

[Tiger05]

Lots of people talk about the great coming of Liddle and how is the best thing the club has since sliced bread. But it seems he can't play 80 mins yet. Given that , there's two questions to be asked
1} Are we a good enough team to waste a forward spot on the bench to carry a second hooker for Liddle 2} Is he that good that we should do this. The answer to both questions seems to be a resounding no !

The problems with this analysis is that Robbie is playing worse than Liddle and struggling with the game time he is getting.

I think Robbie needs to go and we need to give Liddle as much game time as possible.

We can play Mbye or Taylor there if Liddle needs a rest. Mbye into 9 and MCK into the centres or ET into 9. Surely he'd only need a 20 minute break every so often.

 

[Perth Tiger]

The problems with this analysis is that Robbie is playing worse than Liddle and struggling with the game time he is getting.

I think Robbie needs to go and we need to give Liddle as much game time as possible.

We can play Mbye or Taylor there if Liddle needs a rest. Mbye into 9 and MCK into the centres or ET into 9. Surely he'd only need a 20 minute break every so often.

That's Sheenius!

 

[leaguelegend21]

The problems with this analysis is that Robbie is playing worse than Liddle and struggling with the game time he is getting.

I think Robbie needs to go and we need to give Liddle as much game time as possible.

We can play Mbye or Taylor there if Liddle needs a rest. Mbye into 9 and MCK into the centres or ET into 9. Surely he'd only need a 20 minute break every so often.

You’ve missed the mark with this one mate - ET passes the ball at people’s heads. Only on planet maniac would he be a better option than a Robbie.

Don’t get me started on shifting 4 positions too... crikey

 

[Tiger05]

You’ve missed the mark with this one mate - ET passes the ball at people’s heads. Only on planet maniac would he be a better option than a Robbie.

Don’t get me started on shifting 4 positions too... crikey

So you stick with two hookers then ? I'm okay with it if they are both playing well but I think it's not working for either of them.

 

[leaguelegend21]

So you stick with two hookers then ? I'm okay with it if they are both playing well but I think it's not working for either of them.

I tend to agree it’s not working at its best at the moment however it hasn’t really been our biggest problem of late. I’d keep Liddle on the bench for a bit rotating with Robbie - our main issue relates to a lack of spark in the backs and limited forward grunt which neither Robbie or Liddle can fix.

I know this thread is about hookers but I will digress - id say about 5 of our starting 17 are first grade players at most other clubs. Mbye, Thompson, Esan, Benji, Robbie and Matterson. You could throw Brooks and Twal in but they haven’t been great in the past month so I’m a tad off them. And of the previous 6 I just mentioned, Esan and Mbye are terribly out of form.

All things considered we are doing very well but our main issues relate to having very few good backs and almost NO strong middle forwards.

We can thank Ivan for buying literal lemons on huge cash - if it wasn’t for Benji and Robbie our side would be up merkin creek because it would have not only limited talent but limited experience. This year those two, along with a few others, have saved us from looking like the Titans or Dogs.

 

[Tigerm]

I tend to agree it’s not working at its best at the moment however it hasn’t really been our biggest problem of late. I’d keep Liddle on the bench for a bit rotating with Robbie - our main issue relates to a lack of spark in the backs and limited forward grunt which neither Robbie or Liddle can fix.

I know this thread is about hookers but I will digress - id say about 5 of our starting 17 are first grade players at most other clubs. Mbye, Thompson, Esan, Benji, Robbie and Matterson. You could throw Brooks and Twal in but they haven’t been great in the past month so I’m a tad off them. And of the previous 6 I just mentioned, Esan and Mbye are terribly out of form.

All things considered we are doing very well but our main issues relate to having very few good backs and almost NO strong middle forwards.

We can thank Ivan for buying literal lemons on huge cash - if it wasn’t for Benji and Robbie our side would be up merkin creek because it would have not only limited talent but limited experience. This year those two, along with a few others, have saved us from looking like the Titans or Dogs.

Good post, unfortunately, some others just don't get it.

 

[Front-Rower]

Good post, unfortunately, some others just don't get it.

Robbie Farah in 2018/19 a first grade standard player? Please, if it wasn’t for Benji who begged Cleary to bring him back he’d either be in NSW Cup or sitting on a beach somewhere enjoying retirement.

 

[Tigerm]

Robbie Farah in 2018/19 a first grade standard player?

What happened, did Robbie pinch your lollies? You bring the same argument every post, move on.

However, I think Madge disagrees with you, moreso he may be back again next year. Personally I hope he does retire, but unless we have someone who can take his place, I think he will be wanted.

 

[Front-Rower]

What happened, did Robbie pinch your lollies? You bring the same argument every post, move on.

However, I think Madge disagrees with you, moreso he may be back again next year. Personally I hope he does retire, but unless we have someone who can take his place, I think he will be wanted.

Madge doesn’t disagree, the club forces his hand. Just have to look at what happened at Souths.

And it’s a bit hypocritical to accuse me of bringing the same argument to the table all time. Farah supporters do the same. Club legend, good bloke blah blah. Too afraid to try anything different. I suppose that’s why our clubs went by the wayside and if things don’t change, Wests Tigers will just be making up the numbers, if we aren’t already.

 

[Tigerm]

Madge doesn’t disagree, the club forces his hand. Just have to look at what happened at Souths.

And it’s a bit hypocritical to accuse me of bringing the same argument to the table all time. Farah supporters do the same. Club legend, good bloke blah blah. Too afraid to try anything different. I suppose that’s why our clubs went by the wayside and if things don’t change, Wests Tigers will just be making up the numbers, if we aren’t already.

The club forces his hand, you are kidding. It appears you don't have a clue.

 

[Tiger05]

I tend to agree it’s not working at its best at the moment however it hasn’t really been our biggest problem of late. I’d keep Liddle on the bench for a bit rotating with Robbie - our main issue relates to a lack of spark in the backs and limited forward grunt which neither Robbie or Liddle can fix.

I know this thread is about hookers but I will digress - id say about 5 of our starting 17 are first grade players at most other clubs. Mbye, Thompson, Esan, Benji, Robbie and Matterson. You could throw Brooks and Twal in but they haven’t been great in the past month so I’m a tad off them. And of the previous 6 I just mentioned, Esan and Mbye are terribly out of form.

All things considered we are doing very well but our main issues relate to having very few good backs and almost NO strong middle forwards.

We can thank Ivan for buying literal lemons on huge cash - if it wasn’t for Benji and Robbie our side would be up merkin creek because it would have not only limited talent but limited experience. This year those two, along with a few others, have saved us from looking like the Titans or Dogs.

I see it a bit differently. I think Robbie has been poor for most of the year. Yes he has had some good games and he isn't the problem but he hasn't been good. Benji has had one of his best seasons. Sure his running game is now average but he has been doing everything else really well.

I think our middle forwards are coming together well. Eisenhuth, Twal, Aloiai and Mikaele are doing pretty well. ET is also a great defensive player in the middle. Robbie's poor service and lack of spark is hurting the middles though.

Our backrow is decent. Matterson is quality. Lawrence is quality but due to his injuries and lack of game time is well below his best. Chee-Kam is doing exceptionally well.

I also think Brooks has been decent. He would easily make the majority of first grade teams in the comp.

Our outside backs have been ordinary. Nofo has been good. Thompson has been good. These guys aren't though like Ponga or Tedesco. Mbye has been poor. Marsters beyond ordinary. Jenning just as bad. Momo has been okay but he isn't really a first grader.

I think we need to fix the outside backs as our no priority and then hooker and then find a replacement for Benji. I don't think Reynolds is the answer. His body is shot.

Our biggest problem though is our cap because we've signed some players to long term deals that are killing us. If we fix the cap we should be able to recruit or develop and retain some players that can fill the holes in our roster.

The tough questions will be what to do with Mbye and Marsters. Can they turn their form around and become quality options in the centres for us ? Do we need to move them on.