Rumours (signings, sackings & other NRL stuff)

[Nutz]

If flanno wanted RCG, he must have something left.

He won the 2024 Ken Thornett Medal which is Parramatta's NRL player of the year award so he has been playing better than OK.
I've been saying no to signing him purely because I think 3 years is not only a risk due to his age but it would also tie up our cap.
I think the length of the contract and available space are the sticking points and not $. I don't think paying him either 600k or 750k is an issue.
If we could get him for 2 years it would give us some breathing space if he and Bird left together.
We also have to release some players first so I don't think the stars are aligning.

 

[Nutz]

RCG Bargain for the tigers at that money (700k)for two years with a mutual option for a third.

I'd even go higher if it meant we could get him for a mutual 3rd year.
It's the term and available spots that are the sticking points imo.

 

[glockers]

I had a friend suggest play Latu Fainu at centre to fit him in alongside Galvin and Luai. He pointed out how Burton played centre at Penrith as an example of sitting a half in the centres to connrct to wingers.

To be honest I didn't hate the suggestion. That way you can have a second rower who can cover centre in the squad (either starting second rower or bench). That creates position flexibility for potential injuries. You can still have two hookers as well.

 

[Tiger Ted]

He won the 2024 Ken Thornett Medal which is Parramatta's NRL player of the year award so he has been playing better than OK.
I've been saying no to signing him purely because I think 3 years is not only a risk due to his age but it would also tie up our cap.
I think the length of the contract and available space are the sticking points and not $. I don't think paying him either 600k or 750k is an issue.
If we could get him for 2 years it would give us some breathing space if he and Bird left together.
We also have to release some players first so I don't think the stars are aligning.

Apparently RCG called Benji last wk.He wants 3yrs at 850k/yr hence Benji rightfully said NO

 

[Nutz]

Apparently RCG called Benji last wk.He wants 3yrs at 850k/yr hence Benji rightfully said NO

Yeh no way. I wish I new where I read where RCG said unequivocally "no" to the Tigers.
If that was a true statement then I don't want him but it could have been another club beat up. A manager wouldn't say that and a player would be a fool to have said that.
Anyway, his contract for next year at Eels was around 750k so I doubt very much if he'd accept anything less.

 

[Fordy20]

Apparently RCG called Benji last wk.He wants 3yrs at 850k/yr hence Benji rightfully said NO

If it was 850k over 3yrs then I'd probably be ok with it, but 3yrs @ 850k/yr is a joke.

I think To'a could be the right centre. I think it's out of him and Bird but Bird might be better as an edge backrower.

I liked what To'a showed in the centres. I like Bird off the bench as second row/centre utility with two props and TDS. It's a little light, but Api shouldn't be playing 80 anyway.

Whispers of Lodge.

I think he’s exactly what we need.

He couldn’t have done more to make good and these days, his character is better than excellent.

It depends how long and how much he wants. These were his comments to AAP.

"Best-case scenario someone believes in me and does a couple-of-year deal," he told AAP recently in regards to his future.

"But it's probably hard here, because since I got to Manly it's been an unlucky run.

"It's up in the air (where I end up) because I am not signed and the club (Manly) was talking about trying to make some room. I love it here. (But) at the end of the day people have got to understand I have four kids and have to pay the bills.

"I had a team in juniors and I played there my whole life. But this is different, it puts food on the table for the family and we put our bodies through a lot."

If it was Bird deal, then it'd probably be ok. If he asking what RCG was then he can go to buggery.

 

[Nutz]

If it was 850k over 3yrs then I'd probably be ok with it, but 3yrs @ 850k/yr is a joke.

It depends how long and how much he wants. These were his comments to AAP.

I guess you meant 750k for RCG, I'd agree with that for 2 yrs plus 1 year mutual option.
As far as Lodge goes, he's dumped us before then went on to embarrass us over in the states with a pathetic assault charge...Na he can keep walking.

 

[Tiger Ted]

I guess you meant 750k for RCG, I'd agree with that for 2 yrs plus 1 year mutual option.
As far as Lodge goes, he's dumped us before then went on to embarrass us over in the states with a pathetic assault charge...Na he can keep walking.

Plus the only time Lodge decides to pull his finger out & have a dig is when he needs a new contract

 

[Nutz]

Plus the only time Lodge decides to pull his finger out & have a dig is when he needs a new contract

Yeh that too. I just don't like him. Cats and dogs feeling...he's the cat.
Can you go tell him that for me Tiger

 

[TheDefinitionOfMadness]

Whispers of Lodge.

I think he’s exactly what we need.

He couldn’t have done more to make good and these days, his character is better than excellent.

If they sign him they can have my membership back.

Some things don't deserve a second chance. Death threats against kids after you've broken into their home is one of those things.

The NRL should never have let him back. That he isn't doing 20 years in Rikers Island is all the good fortune he deserves.

 

[gordsy]

Skelton is good in attack but not great in defence imo. Seems like a less shit version of Tane Milne

 

[Nutz]

kelton is good in attack but not great in defence imo. Seems like a less shit version of Tane Milne

Slelton?
He's solid 1 on 1 but he is a bit sus in making decisions on who to tackle in sweeping backs raids. We don't need another Noffa.
What we need urgently is a first class defense coach.
Morris maybe doing something right but for our team to leak so many points with tries in the corner has to stop!
There's two sides of this.
1. Players working hard on the inside covering and defending the inside shoulder, which allows .....
2. Wingers to have faith with the inside support to make their tackle so he can stay on his man.
Skelton is young and needs to develop good tackling techniques and habits now...we must get a very good assistant coach NOW before preseason starts.
This should be a top priority.

 

[WA Tiger]

Apparently RCG called Benji last wk.He wants 3yrs at 850k/yr hence Benji rightfully said NO

I’m guessing if RCG rang Benji then he’s flexible.. Who wouldn’t be on those dollars as a starting point

 

[Nutz]

Former Hull FC boss set to land NRL coaching role in 2025​

Brett Hodgson was head coach of Super League side Hull FC between 2021 and 2022

Former Hull FC head coach Brett Hodgson has been linked with a return to the NRL as an assistant coach to Benji Marshall at Wests Tigers

Wests Tigers life member, Brett Hodgson is among the coaches being ‘considered’ as Marshall looks to bolster his assistant ranks ahead of 2025.
Hodgson has previously been an assistant coach at the Tigers.
The 46-year-old, who played alongside Marshall in the Tigers’ 2005 Grand Final win, was appointed as defence coach of the Wallabies in March 2023. (I wouldn't be putting this on his regime ha ha.)
The following article also reaffirms that the Warrington Wolves have confirmed John Bateman is returning to the Wests Tigers.
As far as another assistant coaches goes, I'd be trying to bring Ben Gardiner home from the Panthers. I really rate the guy and he could bring back some new training methods from Penrith.
Ben could then take over from Benji's if he moves on.

Former Hull FC boss set to land NRL coaching role in 2025

Former Hull FC head coach Brett Hodgson has been linked with a return to the NRL as an assistant coach to Benji Marshall at Wests Tigers.

www.loverugbyleague.com

 

[macnaz]

WTF... please stop this clown show

 

[Nutz]

I don't think Benji wants anyone who could pose a threat to his authority. Maybe he should get Ozzie Ostrich

 

[Old Time Tiger]

The only ‘former’ coach or player id want is Andrew Webster.

 

[WA Tiger]

Former Hull FC boss set to land NRL coaching role in 2025​

View attachment 94371
Brett Hodgson was head coach of Super League side Hull FC between 2021 and 2022

Former Hull FC head coach Brett Hodgson has been linked with a return to the NRL as an assistant coach to Benji Marshall at Wests Tigers

Wests Tigers life member, Brett Hodgson is among the coaches being ‘considered’ as Marshall looks to bolster his assistant ranks ahead of 2025.
Hodgson has previously been an assistant coach at the Tigers.
The 46-year-old, who played alongside Marshall in the Tigers’ 2005 Grand Final win, was appointed as defence coach of the Wallabies in March 2023. (I wouldn't be putting this on his regime ha ha.)
The following article also reaffirms that the Warrington Wolves have confirmed John Bateman is returning to the Wests Tigers.
As far as another assistant coaches goes, I'd be trying to bring Ben Gardiner home from the Panthers. I really rate the guy and he could bring back some new training methods from Penrith.
Ben could then take over from Benji's if he moves on.

Former Hull FC boss set to land NRL coaching role in 2025

Former Hull FC head coach Brett Hodgson has been linked with a return to the NRL as an assistant coach to Benji Marshall at Wests Tigers.

www.loverugbyleague.com

I’ll stick my neck out and say Hodgson will be the missing link..His timing is pretty good with the team that’s been assembled.
He was assistant I think with Madge but was let go. But he’s pushed on gone out and done some good stuff if I’m not mistaken

 

[macnaz]

Is there anyone left from the 2005 team that hasnt been given a gig here of some sorts

 

[Das Hassler]

Is there anyone left from the 2005 team that hasnt been given a gig here of some sorts

If '05 certified is the minimum ( and maximum) qualification to be an assistant then I'd have either Shayne Elford and / or Ben Galea as D ....Scott Prince attack / structure/ Captain coaching (as in coaching the captain in his captaining)