Season 2026

[Nutz]

I don't want a representative hooker playing ½ but whatever will be will be.
The others mentioned are behind Latu imo but once again it will depend on who's avail and who is training the house down.

 

[Tiger05]

Not sure if he's eligible to play FG, but he will be a back up if Bula gets injured?

Do you think he is ready ? I personally don't see him as being ready yet but that was just based off last week.

 

[Tigerm]

Do you think he is ready ? I personally don't see him as being ready yet but that was just based off last week.

Bula's here this year, haven't seen enough of him, but the club obviously does.

 

[Tigerm]

I don't want a representative hooker playing ½ but whatever will be will be.
The others mentioned are behind Latu imo but once again it will depend on who's avail and who is training the house down.

I don't either, but you asked earlier who was available besides Madden.
TBH, if it got down to Api as FT 7, then we would be in a bit of trouble.

 

[Tigerm]

 

[Nutz]

I don't either, but you asked earlier who was available besides Madden.
TBH, if it got down to Api as FT 7, then we would be in a bit of trouble.

I think that's why we got Jock hey.

 

[Tiger05]

Bula's here this year, haven't seen enough of him, but the club obviously does.

The club makes bets on a bunch of these younger players regularly. Sometimes they come off. Sometimes they don't.

 

[Tigerm]

The club makes bets on a bunch of these younger players regularly. Sometimes they come off. Sometimes they don't.

Isn't it all a gamble at the end of the day.

 

[Tiger05]

Isn't it all a gamble at the end of the day.

It is but it's the odds that matter.

I want to keep Bula if possible because I think he has proven himself as a quality first grader. I can see him having a breakout year but I can also see To'a doing that. It doesn't mean I'm right.

Assuming Bula stays injury free I think he is a good longer term signing.

I also think Bula isn't getting in the news for dumb stuff. I like Bula as a gamble but of course it depends on the price.

 

[Tigerm]

It is but it's the odds that matter.

I want to keep Bula if possible because I think he has proven himself as a quality first grader. I can see him having a breakout year but I can also see To'a doing that. It doesn't mean I'm right.

Assuming Bula stays injury free I think he is a good longer term signing.

I also think Bula isn't getting in the news for dumb stuff. I like Bula as a gamble but of course it depends on the price.

They have given him updated offer a while ago in fact, for 3 years I believe, I have a feeling it was $800k per season, but I can't confirm that.
It's interesting what is his value to us, it would certainly be higher if he got us into the finals? This is only his 3rd season in FG.
But at the end of the day, there is a salary cap and IMO, he won't get better offer (from us) I think, though there may be incentives, as there are a lot of quality players in our group now.
Not sure why it's dragging on, he has consistently said he wants to stay here.

 

[Nutz]

They have given him updated offer a while ago in fact, for 3 years I believe, I have a feeling it was $800k per season, but I can't confirm that.
It's interesting what is his value to us, it would certainly be higher if he got us into the finals? This is only his 3rd season in FG.
But at the end of the day, there is a salary cap and IMO, he won't get better offer (from us) I think, though there may be incentives, as there are a lot of quality players in our group now.
Not sure why it's dragging on, he has consistently said he wants to stay here.

When you say value Tm I thought straight away that most clubs that have won an NRL, salary cap era premiership, has had a marquee fullback. It's such an important position.
Dylan Edwards
Ryan Papenhuyzen
James Tedesco
Billy Slater
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
Brett Stewart
Anthony Minichiello
Brett Hodgson

I think Bula has got it in him. He was a gun at Keebra Park and now is showing signs of being a star.
Still we're building depth and I'm over worrying about him.
Apparently we are not true supporters if we are not hanging him from the rafters.
My only concern l have at this stage is him not having a voice at the back. He seems to be quiet reserved.
He has to yell and move the D around like pawns as he sees everything from the back.
This comes with confidence and experience. The rest, well he has natural ability to cover most bases.
Whatever we pay him, I hope it doesn't jeopardize other retentions and signings.

 

[Tigerm]

It's only a trial, it feels like a final. Hahaha

 

[Nutz]

It's only a trial, it feels like a final. Hahaha

I still believe To'a is a premier back and we haven't seen the best of him because of injuries.
If he can stay fit all year he'll go great imo 🫰

 

[Tigerm]

I still believe To'a is a premier back and we haven't seen the best of him because of injuries.
If he can stay fit all year he'll go great imo 🫰

Agree, but he does seem to get injured a lot?
Though we certainly have some talent in both attack and defence for a change.

 

[Nutz]

Agree, but he does seem to get injured a lot?
Though we certainly have some talent in both attack and defence for a change.

Yep, I did emphasis injuries. It's a big concern.
Your point about having more available talent in the wings is already being tested with injuries to some key players heading into our second trial.
Benji spoke very well in his latest pod about this....... so let's bring it on Tm.

 

[Tigerm]

Yep, I did emphasis injuries. It's a big concern.
Your point about having more available talent in the wings is already being tested with injuries to some key players heading into our second trial.
Benji spoke very well in his latest pod about this....... so let's bring it on Tm.

I think of all the positions, wing is the most easily covered with a plethora of options.

 

[Vic Mackey]

It's only a trial, it feels like a final. Hahaha

I'm not concerned/excited at all, I just want no injuries. We dont play for three more weeks so I think we get less from this trial then any other teams this weekend. Benji even said during the week we're a week behind other teams with game prep, as long as we look well conditioned I'll be happy.

 

[TheDefinitionOfMadness]

I'm not concerned/excited at all, I just want no injuries. We dont play for three more weeks so I think we get less from this trial then any other teams this weekend. Benji even said during the week we're a week behind other teams with game prep, as long as we look well conditioned I'll be happy.

Agreed. Some teams have already had injury setbacks during the trials so if we can avoid that its mission accomplished.

I just want to see consistent line speed, and a straight line in defence throughout the game.

Although I'm unhappy about missing round 1 we do have the cowboys 1st up and they'll have a massive amount of travel to do which will hamper their prep. Although most teams that played in Vegas have won in round 2 the cowboys are a bit different being so far north.

We really need a good start to the year if we're to continue to improve up ladder.

 

[Tiger05]

I just want to see us smash them 50 to nil and have no injuries. I'll be good with that.

 

[Tiger05]

That trial was good.

Luai, Makasini and a bunch of our middle forwards were great. Makasini looks to be a star.

Bula was really poor. If his manager is holding out for more dollars it could hurt him.

Luke L is a good young player. I wish we had retained him.

Api and AD have too many poor moments. They have to get the poor plays out of their game.