Rumoured & Confirmed Signings - Part 5

[kinghippo]

Panthers should really think about buying Niwhai Puru back

He has been very good in reserve grade for the sharks, he would be a good buy, as would Tuku Hau Tapuha.
Both seem to have pathways blocked, lots of potential

 

[IcemanCleary]

Panthers have bought well this year with zak clarke, will jacks, austin dias, aj kepau, blaize talagi, potentially ryda talagi and papali

 

[IcemanCleary]

Will craig instead of will jacks sorry

 

[Fangs]

Thoughts on Sione Mata'utia?

Returning to Australia from St Helens. Apparently not to play NRL but for family reasons. But the guy is still only 28 years old. He started very young so it's already a 10 year career.

St Helens recruitment plans explained as Sione Mata'utia exit finalised

Sione Mata'utia will leave St Helens and return to Australia: with the club's other key recruitment decisions likely to shape how they replace the forward.

www.loverugbyleague.com

I haven't had an eye on him in the Super League. But I thought he was very good against us in the 2023 WCC v St Helens.

@Blade23 get on him

 

[maple_69]

I think if we didn't have Garner he'd be a really interesting prospect. Not sure what he'd add to our team given we are set for starting edge forwards (his best position) and we have a great centre/second row utility in Garns. Could be a good pickup for someone though. Guys that can add value as a forward in that 4th bench position but do a very good job covering injuries/HIA elsewhere if needed are so valuable.

 

[Sime_11]

he'd be great for the Tigers, Eels or Manly IMO

where do you fit him with us - Mav has come on better in the 2nd part of the season - would be a backwards step to leave Mav off the bench going into 2025

 

[maple_69]

Unsure how Mav fits onto our full strength bench. Without further signings he'd be a solid first drop. Ivan could slide Sorenson to the edge and Patea (or Eisenhuth if re-signed) as that first drop.
8. Smith 9. Kenny 10. Leota 11. Papali'i 12. Martin 13. Yeo 14. Toelau 15. Henry 16. Sorenson 17. Garner

 

[Chins get the wins]

Unsure how Mav fits onto our full strength bench. Without further signings he'd be a solid first drop. Ivan could slide Sorenson to the edge and Patea (or Eisenhuth if re-signed) as that first drop.
8. Smith 9. Kenny 10. Leota 11. Papali'i 12. Martin 13. Yeo 14. Toelau 15. Henry 16. Sorenson 17. Garner

Garner is our best backrower at this point

 

[Sime_11]

personally something tells me Leota will seek a release to NZ as well in the offseason - i think we will release 1 more forward this offseason unless Sorro retires

 

[maple_69]

Garner is our best backrower at this point

On form this year I don't disagree. Hopefully next year he is our third best. Whether you plonk him in the starting side or the bench, as regards signing an edge/centre utility, it would be redundant because Garner will be somewhere in the 17.

 

[Old and Disgruntled]

personally something tells me Leota will seek a release to NZ as well in the offseason - i think we will release 1 more forward this offseason unless Sorro retires

I have been having the same thoughts.

 

[Kilkenny]

Moses Leota signed a 4 year deal last year so his contract sees him through till end of 2027. Not sure why he would walk away from such a deal. It was a very generous deal on our part.