New Signings coming.

[Tigerm]

If the new signings are good depth, they can't come quick enough, looking at our lower grade results.

 

[macnaz]

We have arguably the worlds biggest pool of juniors, But we have the shittest talent scouts in the NRL . Havnt found a worthwhile talent that has gone on to any great heights since probably Robbie Farah or Chris Lawrence, its pathetic!

 

[Nutz]

We have arguably the worlds biggest pool of juniors, But we have the shittest talent scouts in the NRL . Havnt found a worthwhile talent that has gone on to any great heights since probably Robbie Farah or Chris Lawrence, its pathetic!

I would like to debate this.......................................................................................YOU WIN!

 

[Tigerm]

Yep ok...all good points. If he continues to improve under Bennett and holds his first grade spot then it seems logical that he'd be offered a contract at souths ( to stay)

Can he be offered a contract while he’s already under contract with us?

 

[glockers]

I would like to debate this.......................................................................................YOU WIN!

What do you mean?

They identifed Brooks.

They got us to lock down Ryan Hoffman, Josh Addo Carr, Ryan Papenhayzen to long term contracts.

 

[Nutz]

What do you mean?

They identifed Brooks.

They got us to lock down Ryan Hoffman, Josh Addo Carr, Ryan Papenhayzen to long term contracts.

No idea, talk to the originator.

 

[Das Hassler]

Can he be offered a contract while he’s already under contract with us?

Good point...but assuming permission is given which it probably would without hesitation. I think he takes up a good chunk of our cap (?) if he returns

 

[Tigerm]

Good point...but assuming permission is given which it probably would without hesitation. I think he takes up a good chunk of our cap (?) if he returns

I just think if Galvin goes, we will need a reasonable back up.
But yes, he is on good coin, $600k a year from memory.

 

[Nutz]

I just think if Galvin goes, we will need a reasonable back up.
But yes, he is on good coin, $600k a year from memory.

Surely he won't get that at Souths so we'll probably have to pitch in.....business as usual.

 

[Tigerm]

Surely he won't get that at Souths so we'll probably have to pitch in.....business as usual.

Yep and we will still a backup, halves aren't cheap.
In fact the cheapest option I can see, is to keep Galvin here to fulfil his contract in the reserves.
We have some kids who look promising I believe, but imo, probably not ready yet.

 

[Nutz]

Yep and we will still a backup, halves aren't cheap.
In fact the cheapest option I can see, is to keep Galvin here to fulfil his contract in the reserves.
We have some kids who look promising I believe, but imo, probably not ready yet.

We'll end up with Luai and AD with Fainu slotting in.

 

[Tigerm]

We'll end up with Luai and AD with Fainu slotting in.

I'm thinking the other way, Luai and Fainu, with a back up.
TBH, I've been surprised how well AD is travelling ATM.

 

[Nutz]

I'm thinking the other way, Luai and Fainu, with a back up.
TBH, I've been surprised how well AD is travelling ATM.

We'll have the same issue. Luai, Fainu and May are all the same type of players, you just have to read the body language Tm. AD adds a different dimension.

 

[Tigerm]

We'll have the same issue. Luai, Fainu and May are all the same type of players, you just have to read the body language Tm. AD adds a different dimension.

We'll agree to disagree then.

 

[Nutz]

We'll agree to disagree then.

How can we disagree when we know jack shite. I don't disagree with opinions because that's just what they are.
Fainu in my opinion is a half, dummy half if needed and so is Fainu. They are both half's.
The dumbest thing I've ever seen was putting AD at half. He needs to get further from the ruck as he's too big.

 

[Tiger Ted]

We'll end up with Luai and AD with Fainu slotting in.

Mason

 

[Nutz]

Mason

Yep true, forgot about Mason. But he's a half too. Mason was a half in pathways before we threw him at fullback.

 

[TheDefinitionOfMadness]

This is why we need to get Latu into 5/8 for the rest of this season and piss Galvin off to reggies. So many unanswered questions. We're paying Latu good coin and he's come to us very highly rated.

From the limited amount I've seen of him so far he's got a good running game, especially close to the line. Luai likes him, which probably shows that he listens to advice.

10 games with Latu in the team (fingers crossed) and we'll have a good idea of his skillset and if he can be first grade quality, or more.

 

[Nutz]

This is why we need to get Latu into 5/8 for the rest of this season and piss Galvin off to reggies. So many unanswered questions. We're paying Latu good coin and he's come to us very highly rated.

From the limited amount I've seen of him so far he's got a good running game, especially close to the line. Luai likes him, which probably shows that he listens to advice.

10 games with Latu in the team (fingers crossed) and we'll have a good idea of his skillset and if he can be first grade quality, or more.

It can't hurt but he has been injured hey which was untimely. Fainu has to come into the side.
I'd sooner have Fainu at ½ and Luai at ⅝ if we had to.
If we bring AD into ⅝ or ½ again I'll spew.
Surely Benji realizes we need a fast, strong elusive centre like Staggs. May (whilst not a big guy, makes up for it with pure energy) could resurrect the season. Stop the slide.
A lot of people miss the point of what makes a good backline.
A half is different to a ⅝ even though their roles are often inter-twined. A centre is different and the wingers are different.
Most backs have played every position in the line but eventually find the sweetspot due to their body type, dominant hand, speed, strength etc. To change them around is crazy.
To cover injuries.. I get it, but in order to get a well oiled machine, we need specialists playing week in week out with the same team mates. That's how you build a successful team and sometimes a little cheaper even.

 

[Nutz]

If we can get this backline playing every week we will make the finals.
Looks good on paper but I haven't followed Makasini's progress in lower grades. We definitely need this position improved. AD will most likely be there until something develops. He is also got goal kicking role. Last week he got 100%.
It would be good to get some consistency.
Bula - progressing but a lot to learn.
Skelton - been injured.
May - I can't see a downside except for mental health.
If not May then To'a. It will be interesting to see how Benji utilises these two. To'a had been killing it before injury. They hopefully will be our centre pairing until Makasini (yet to debut) gets a run.
Turuva - first time I've seen him overwhelmed last week amongst a side under a barrage of attacking pressure.
Luai - good running game & 5th tackle kicks but needs players to drop under at times, enter Skelton and May.
Fainu - best of the lot as far as left and right passing goes as he plays either side and through the middle corridor.
Luke Laulilii is a star of the future. I'm happy that he wasn't part of that debacle last week. He can keep gaining experience with little cameos now and then.
Charlie has energy and a good sub.
One winger that may come into contention next year is Alex Lobb. Big, tall, and tackles well. Is a handy goal kicker as well. After a full year in KOE and another preseason under his belt we may see him in the NRL....in which team is the question.