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Season 2025

Messages
779
I don't understand what Benji and the coaching staff are hoping to achieve out of these trial games. I hope they have a plan and this isn't another 'go out there and play footy' situation.

I'm still trying to get my ahead around AD at 7.
 

WA Tiger

Bench
Messages
4,812
AD at 1/2 is prob a token gesture. Nothing to lose from it..
Kits impact was 100% attitude nothing else and that’s all some of these players need to make an impression.
That Hope guy.. you know some players may not seem to be first or 2nd ranked but every time they play they show something. Enough that you just have to pick them. Good luck to him and his family.
 
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Nutz

First Grade
Messages
5,611
Just seen Naden is having a run, and he deserves it imo.
That turn and chase tackle to stop the try probably surpasses Satler's effort...debatable?
Then, minutes later, he nearly scored himself down the other end.
 

Tigerm

Coach
Messages
11,342
Just seen Naden is having a run, and he deserves it imo.
That turn and chase tackle to stop the try probably surpasses Satler's effort...debatable?
Then, minutes later, he nearly scored himself down the other end.
Agree, Benji has always said, preseason effort will reflect the R1 team.
 

Tiger05

First Grade
Messages
9,865
This is interesting, if true.

I think this is a good decision for us even though we can use him. The problem is you have to balance the cap and Klemmer on big dollars next year is a bad deal for us.

It's the contract extension that is the issue.

I suppose the question is if we get another player and do we need another middle for depth.

If we could get a marquee centre or edge backrower it'd be unreal for us but a couple of injuries to our middles and that is going to happen is going to hurt us.
 

Tigerm

Coach
Messages
11,342
I think this is a good decision for us even though we can use him. The problem is you have to balance the cap and Klemmer on big dollars next year is a bad deal for us.

It's the contract extension that is the issue.

I suppose the question is if we get another player and do we need another middle for depth.

If we could get a marquee centre or edge backrower it'd be unreal for us but a couple of injuries to our middles and that is going to happen is going to hurt us.
I think if he were to go, we should look at a like for like replacement.
 

Vic Mackey

Referee
Messages
25,522
Nice & helpful summary for people like myself who didn’t watch trial.The Laulilii brothers have both got big futures in front of them.I have a big wrap on Luke & It won’t surprise me if both Luke & Kit are regulars in our NRL team by end of season.I hope Sukkar has put on some size as he has the potential to make it in the NRL.A little disappointing that TDS didn’t shine in this match albeit it’s just a trial & we’ve seen that the kid has all the traits to excel in the NRL.

Did Latu Fainu play in this trial ?

Ive always been bigger on Luke then Kit, thought Kit was too small and struggled in D. Like I said Sunday was the best Ive seen him play in what was a slightly better then nsw cup standard. Hopefully the sign of good things.

Latu played the first half and about 5-10 mins of the second, he looked like hes put on a bit of size, if I didnt see the 7 on his back youd assume he was a forward. He was fairly quiet as Galvin got about 75% of the ball and tbh I thought hogged it a bit. He generally ran when he got it and defended soundly. I couldnt read into much at all as he didnt touch the ball alot.
 

Nutz

First Grade
Messages
5,611

This is awesome. I really hope these three build a dynasty at Wests Tigers along with youngsters Luke Laulilii and Makasini.
For once we have something to look forward to.
I just refuse to believe this year will be a flop. We have enough winners in the squad now to change the whole culture of the club.
 

Vic Mackey

Referee
Messages
25,522
This is awesome. I really hope these three build a dynasty at Wests Tigers along with youngsters Luke Laulilii and Makasini.
For once we have something to look forward to.
I just refuse to believe this year will be a flop. We have enough winners in the squad now to change the whole culture of the club.

We have some good backs in the lowers worth keeping an eye on. Makasani is likely going to the bets however also:

Tino Tavana - Flegg aged fullback playing nsw cup. Similar style to Bula but with a more natural passing game
Logan Deininger - Balmain Ball fullback we brought down from QLD. Insane running game, reminds me of Reece Walsh
Ali Karnib - Wests Ball fullback/winger - I think hes more of a winger, good runner who will fill out
James Lanyon - Wests Matts winger - only 3 games so far but unbelievable athlete, big watch on this guy
Thomas Goodfield - Wests Matts fullback - I havent seen as much of this guy but know club hold him in high regard
 

Nutz

First Grade
Messages
5,611
I'm at a loss with AD trialling at ½.
What in pray tell is this all about.
Mason is a half through and through He played in pathways in that position and is wasted at fullback. Imo he is too short and seems in no man's land under the high ball.
Heath maybe should have trialled at ½ as we know roughly what he can do at the back.
Our new winger Turuva is an exceptional fullback so we have the depth in that position.
On the other hand, AD should be fit enough to trial at fullback as a backup. I know what your going to say as he wasn't too good a few seasons ago at the back but if we are going to keep this guy, which I don't think we will, he should have trained all off season at the back to cover Bula or at centre and be fit, fast and tackling better......
If he can't do that in a trial then offski.
We have a plethora of halves so why are we trialling a 6' plus guy at ½.
What am I missing here guys?
 
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