TDS

[Tigerm]

If this talk is true. I think its a fair request from TDS to want to be starting in two years time.

It would be a mistake to extend Api's contract and lose TDS.

There is a good chance Api will be going downhill fast by 2027, we can't risk it. TDS has far too much potential.

Think about in three, four years time and beyond, TDS all the way!

Love Api but Tigers first.

But TDS is not ready yet, maybe in 2 years, so I agree, but there is a reason he is stuck behind Api, we also can't afford to lose Api now either.

 

[chunk]

But TDS is not ready yet, maybe in 2 years, so I agree, but there is a reason he is stuck behind Api, we also can't afford to lose Api now either.

Isn't APi contracted to the end of next year? Perfect timing?

You're not suggesting Api will spit his dummy now if we don't extend his contract, that will do me. Imagine that.

 

[Nutz]

Isn't APi contracted to the end of next year? Perfect timing?

You're not suggesting Api will spit his dummy now if we don't extend his contract, that will do me. Imagine that.

Api wants three years and there would be clubs lining up for his services. If we lose him I'll spew.
DaSilva is gone, holding hands with Galvin and skipping off into the sunset.
Hope will take DaSilva's bench spot.

 

[Tiger05]

Api wants three years and there would be clubs lining up for his services. If we lose him I'll spew.
DaSilva is gone, holding hands with Galvin and skipping into the sunset.
Hope will take DaSilva's bench spot.

I want Api here for longer and I want him cheap. For some reason I think we'll get a great deal. If TDS has to play elsewhere so be it.

 

[Nutz]

I want Api here for longer and I want him cheap. For some reason I think we'll get a great deal. If TDS has to play elsewhere so be it.

Sounds good.
I'm hesitant signing a retirement package but in Api's case, he's not overweight, his body is ok, and he has the desire.
Normally it's a no for a 32 year old but in his case it's a yes.
We have to have a perfect foil for him to give him a rest and manage his fatigue. I think Hope is perfect if DaSilva goes.
It will all come down to $ and if they are willing to play a support/impact role. I think Hope is glad just to play NRL.
We also have a young N⁰9 coming thru who we just re-committed to in Jared Haywood. It's not like we're desperate for another dummy half.

 

[TheDefinitionOfMadness]

Sounds good.
I'm hesitant signing a retirement package but in Api's case, he's not overweight, his body is ok, and he has the desire.
Normally it's a no for a 32 year old but in his case it's a yes.
We have to have a perfect foil for him to give him a rest and manage his fatigue. I think Hope is perfect if DaSilva goes.
It will all come down to $ and if they are willing to play a support/impact role. I think Hope is glad just to play NRL.
We also have a young N⁰9 coming thru who we just re-committed to in Jared Haywood. It's not like we're desperate for another dummy half.

Where is Haywood at? Reggies or still in junior ranks? It'd be good to re-sign Api, but with TDS going we need to re-start the mentoring process all over again with someone else. Remember that Hope is no spring chicken himself, but as he hasn't played first grade his body should hold out a bit longer. Luckily hooker is the one and only position we've had covered to a very high quality.

Prior to last weeks game I thought Api was just about finished. He has shown he's still got it though.

 

[Nutz]

Where is Haywood at?

I remember him playing well in the second half of this years NRL trial against the Dogs.
The last I read we extended him till 2028 so he won't be going anywhere fast imo.
He has completed the 2025 pre-season with the Western Suburbs Magpies NSW Cup squad and has also taken part in several training sessions with the NRL squad as part of his development.
He is listed in our KOE Cup side but I also read somewhere that said he made the top 30.
He's still developing and should be good to go in 2027.
Faataape and Tu’itupou (formerly Thompson) have not been included in conversions for centres and wings and shouldn't go unnoticed.

Wests Tigers lock in Pathways talent

Wests Tigers are delighted to confirm that two of the club’s brightest young Pathways talents have signed long-term extensions.

www.weststigers.com.au

 

[Nutz]

It has to be said that TDS was groomed to be our long term number 9.
His efforts and development through pathways have simply been outstanding.
He is still developing with more appearances this year in the NRL. We can't lose sight of that. We also shouldn't expect him to be of Api's std, not just yet anyway.
He can kick goals too
I think we would be crazy to not try everything in our powers to retain the lad.
If it's not to be, then we go to plan H.

 

[chunk]

No, have to disagree.

It's clear TDS has some class about him and heaps of potential. He should be starting to hit his straps in 2027.

However, Api, is playing great at the moment but it's too much of a risk. He will be slowing down and could even struggle to keep up in 2027.

Invest in the future, what about in three to five years time?

And Haywood is unproven unlike TDS.

 

[Tigerm]

No, have to disagree.

It's clear TDS has some class about him and heaps of potential. He should be starting to hit his straps in 2027.

However, Api, is playing great at the moment but it's too much of a risk. He will be slowing down and could even struggle to keep up in 2027.

Invest in the future, what about in three to five years time?

And Haywood is unproven unlike TDS.

I'm not sure what they can do, if he's determined to go.
He's not ready yet and should be in another year or two, he's 19 ffs, but these kids are being told they should be the superstars now.
There is no way, I would risk Api (at this stage) to keep TDS.
But I would sign him to a long contract, so he knows he's next cab off the rank.
But if he can't wait, then thankfully we have some good options.

 

[Tiger05]

There is no way, I would risk Api (at this stage) to keep TDS.

I can't justify this either. It doesn't make any sense to us. Will TDS be a breakout player for another team next season ? I doubt it.

 

[Pezz70]

I can't justify this either. It doesn't make any sense to us. Will TDS be a breakout player for another team next season ? I doubt it.

Maybe not next season but this kids the real deal, he is absolutely the best young dummy half in the game has only just turned 20. Injury free with a good off seasons, next couple of years will see him in the top couple of dummy halves in the game. Api is 32 and still going great, with us till 2027 will make him 35 we need to hold on to TDS

 

[Tiger05]

Api is 32 and still going great, with us till 2027 will make him 35 we need to hold on to TDS

Is Api really signed until he is 35 ? I rate TDS highly but he is still developing and he isn't an elite dummy half yet. Api is elite when he is on. This hasn't been his best start to the season but I still have him as one of our best players this season.

May, Bula and Api would be our top players.

To me right now there is a gulf in class between Api and TDS.

I get your point especially with Api's age. Put it this way I can't see why we can't retain both of them for another couple of seasons. They both shouldn't be on top dollar. Api is older and not being picked in rep teams. TDS isn't anywhere near ready yet.

 

[Tigerm]

Maybe not next season but this kids the real deal, he is absolutely the best young dummy half in the game has only just turned 20. Injury free with a good off seasons, next couple of years will see him in the top couple of dummy halves in the game. Api is 32 and still going great, with us till 2027 will make him 35 we need to hold on to TDS

I don't think anyone is arguing that he shouldn't be re-signed, except supposedly TDS and his manager.
He had said only recently he was keen to stay and learn from Api and acknowledged he wasn't fit enough to play a full game. They need to do their apprenticeships ffs, before they get the keys to kingdom.