Rumours and Stuff

[Lemon Squash]

Considering we have no first grade quality edges and we have the cap space available I think we would be silly to not at least entertain the idea.

People see Fifita play and because he doesn’t run over the top of 6 defenders every time he has the ball (because he is capable of it) say that he is lazy/overrated etc

I think from game to game he can be a little inconsistent however generally I think kind of like Hayne in his prime he is marked extra hard because of his raw ability. In terms of god given physique and athleticism there’s no one even in his ballpark.

Fifita was one of the NRL backrowers of the year in 2023, he was outstanding and a lot of that was on effort and huge output, not just the explosive stuff.

He’s also been a member of a team and a club generally that have been perennial underachievers pretty much their entire existence.

I think a fresh environment with a point to prove and without paying a stupid amount he could be a great gamble.

 

[emjaycee]

What about Dunster ???

Dunster was my stop gap until Lomax is back only.

 

[Das Hassler]

Would have been interesting if they asked Bellamy just after Munster told the club he was signing elsewhere after the Storm had invested so much time in him and expected that he would be there for years. Much like the Eels he would have answered with, yes of course I’m interested in good 5/8s.

Maybe..maybe not. I think it's pretty clear looking back that Bellamy doesn't have much wiggle room for troublesome players or managers...and certainly none for hot/ cold primadonas.

 

[Soren Lorenson]

Roosters and Penrith where pretty interested not that long ago.

 

[Chipmunk]

Fifita on the right edge with Moses, Lomax and Simmonson could be deadly

This is David "Coach, I only play on the Left" Fifita?

 

[RustedonEel]

This is David "Coach, I only play on the Left" Fifita?

And one game per season if you're lucky.

 

[Delboy]

This is David "Coach, I only play on the Left" Fifita?

Somehow Lane played on the left for years,Some games eoutside Moses ,more outside Dylbro. May be worth giving Fifita his favourite side .

 

[Das Hassler]

Roosters and Penrith where pretty interested not that long ago.

They were...chooks have blacklisted him after he reneged on them

 

[Barry O'Speedwagon]

You mean like the ones we currently have, would suggest his skill level and potential game breaking ability is worth the punt.

For the right price sure. But he's going to come with a price tag that takes a big chunk out of your budget for other new players.
I'm all for spending 800k + on a backrower. But I'd think more than twice about spending that on a player with his history of being a sook. It would seem to be the antithesis of the culture that JR is apparently trying to build.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Maintaining the status quo is even riskier.

Every year is different, so there is no status quo. All the youngsters (and the seniors) will be a year older, Galvin might be at the club. Moses and Lomax could even play every game next year. It’s very exciting.

 

[Barry O'Speedwagon]

Maintaining the status quo is even riskier.

That's not the only option though is it? If the choice is Fifita or don't replace our existing players....sure....but that is not the situation we are in. There are (or will be) other players become available, and signing Fifita on a very large contract reduces your budget for others (obviously). Not a problem if he works out. If he doesn't, we'll have even more money running around in Reggies.

 

[chiefy1]

Yep, what are we paying Matto and Lane this year?? They have offered zero so far.

Because previously there was bush coach pulling the strings

 

[The Predictor]

Do you play him on an edge or as a middle?

Edges

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Because previously there was bush coach pulling the strings

They played their best footy under him.

 

[Noise]

That's not the only option though is it? If the choice is Fifita or don't replace our existing players....sure....but that is not the situation we are in. There are (or will be) other players become available, and signing Fifita on a very large contract reduces your budget for others (obviously). Not a problem if he works out. If he doesn't, we'll have even more money running around in Reggies.

Any player might not work out. Better to take a risk on one of the best in the game. His whole career has been good defensively (over 90% tackle efficiency his whole career) , at the very least we get a good defender.

 

[Twizzle]

He is a talented but lazy player, I think we all agree on that including the bit where some epoeple say he is better than what we have.

It will all be down to the fact that does JR think he is worth the big bucks when it comes to fitting in with our club, team culture thingy. JR has Matto and Carty playing in Cup for a reason, so will he think Fifita is worth another gamble ? I'd like to be a fly on the wall during that conversation.

 

[Eelementary]

Considering we have no first grade quality edges and we have the cap space available I think we would be silly to not at least entertain the idea.

People see Fifita play and because he doesn’t run over the top of 6 defenders every time he has the ball (because he is capable of it) say that he is lazy/overrated etc

I think from game to game he can be a little inconsistent however generally I think kind of like Hayne in his prime he is marked extra hard because of his raw ability. In terms of god given physique and athleticism there’s no one even in his ballpark.

Fifita was one of the NRL backrowers of the year in 2023, he was outstanding and a lot of that was on effort and huge output, not just the explosive stuff.

He’s also been a member of a team and a club generally that have been perennial underachievers pretty much their entire existence.

I think a fresh environment with a point to prove and without paying a stupid amount he could be a great gamble.

My two cents - I call him "lazy" because I have seen him, many times, actively drift away from his defensive assignment, to let a teammate make the tackle.

He is a dynamic attacking player, and would transform our side.

I would hope that his attitude would be up to what Ryles is building here.

 

[Twizzle]

 

[Matty Bhoy]

V’landys… getting sht done. Good for Rugba Leeg.

 

[Twizzle]

go the Pandas

the WA premier is a big NRL fan which helped tremendously, big question now is, who is the coach to lead them on this new adventure ?