The Rumours Thread

[Crush]

Wait till a medical is done first

8 posts since creating account, every one of them about the failed volkman signing.
Do you have thoughts and opinions on other NRL matters?
The medical gag is getting a bit old.

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

I read this with interest;



If it’s true, you’d like to think that Kyle will be across everything his dad wants to do and less inclined to throw caution to the wind. Sticking to the game plan!

It might also be a nod to folks like me that think that after all these years, Ben still hasn’t partaken of the dragons DNA and he’s toxic culturally.


No one wants his signature defiling any club merch that’s for sure. A jersey would be worth more without it.

Anyway, I think Kyle coaching under his dad will bring the absolute best out in him. He’s just got to find his own consistency.

Give him simple tasks and ask him to do them well. As he accomplishes these, he can build.

I said it about wt, the objective is to try to play better each week. Not fall flat, stay competitive. Wins will come, especially with Flanno.

 

[Parko1310]

‘I wasn’t pushed out’: Faitala-Mariner says controversial Bulldogs exit was his call​

ByAdrian Proszenko​

February 3, 2024 — 6.30pm
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Raymond Faitala-Mariner says his decision to leave Canterbury, just 12 months after being appointed club captain, to join St George Illawarra was his alone.
“They weren’t pushing me out the door at all,” Faitala-Mariner said. “It was just this opportunity that arose. I thought about it, spoke to my partner, to my family and parents, [and] they said maybe a change was what I needed. I took their advice and I’m glad I did.



Play Video
https://archive.md/99olT#

​

​

Play video
1:27

Sea Eagles impress in scrimmage with Dragons​

The Sea Eagles took on the Dragons in an opposed training session that came as a warning to Saints supporters.
“Now that I was in camp with the Dragons this week, I can see why the change was needed.”
After the best part of a decade at the Bulldogs, and with two years remaining on his contract, Faitala-Mariner opted for a fresh start. The move ended six months of speculation about his future after this masthead revealed he was on the outer at Belmore.

The shift is significant for both parties. Faitala-Mariner will arrive at the Dragons as one of new coach Shane Flanagan’s first recruits, while Canterbury no longer have any players at the club from the top-30 squad they named in 2021.
“I’ve heard that a few times and the boys text me saying, ‘You’re gone! You were the last man standing!’” Faitala-Mariner said in his first interview since changing clubs.

Raymond Faitala-Mariner is making a fresh start at the Dragons.CREDITRAGONS MEDIA
“That’s footy. The club has a vision and they have to do what they need to do to get what they want. If that’s the direction they’re going in, then I’m all for it. I’ve got nothing but respect and love for that club.
“Where I am at in my career, a change was needed for me to hopefully take my game to the next level.


“It does sadden me to leave the club that I really love; Belmore is my second home. It was very hard to say goodbye and leave, but I have to look at the opportunity for myself and my future.
“That’s what I did, I put myself and my family first.

‘Cameron Ciraldo is doing a good job at the joint … There’s no malice towards the club from my end.’
Raymond Faitala-Mariner

“One thing I do wish we had when I was there is a bit of success. Hopefully, they do well this year and in the years to come.
“From the summer I had there, it seems to be heading in that direction. [Coach] Cameron Ciraldo is doing a good job at the joint, culture wise, and the standard he is setting, it’s very elite.

“There’s no malice towards the club from my end.”
Faitala-Mariner’s last season at the Bulldogs was a rocky one. He contracted pneumonia, was hampered by a hamstring injury and, in September, was officially granted permission to speak with other clubs. The 30-year-old was a notable absentee when pre-season training started in November – “it was just a miscommunication”, he said – as speculation swirled that he was on the outer.

Raymond Faitala-Mariner had a difficult final season at the Bulldogs.CREDIT:GETTY IMAGES
“[Reports were] saying they didn’t want me there, but every time something came out in the media, I’ve always had a conversation with Ciraldo and Gus [Canterbury general manager of football Phil Gould]. They always confirmed with me that it wasn’t true,” said Faitala-Mariner, who missed Friday’s scrimmage against Manly due to a minor hamstring issue.
“I don’t know where it came from. Whenever things were out in the media saying they were shopping me around and whatnot, I would always go to the coach, and Gus would be there at times, and they gave me their word, they said it wasn’t true and didn’t know where it was coming from.

“I took their word for it and that was that. There was nothing more or less, we just carried on with training.
“Going through the tough times has prepared me for this year. It’s made me more resilient, more prepared for whatever comes my way. Nothing can break me.”
There was also debate about whether “RFM” is better suited in the front or back row, a decision that now falls to Flanagan.
Asked if he can get back to the form that resulted in him representing New Zealand and Samoa, Faitala-Mariner said: “I know you hear this a lot, but truly, and I’m saying this wholeheartedly, yes I can.
“Being just in camp with the Dragons for a week has ignited something in me. Being in a place for so long, sometimes you can get comfortable.

“The change was needed for me. Now I’ve stepped out of my home, so to speak, and am out there testing the waters and being exposed and vulnerable, it’s something I needed.
“Being around a place I’m not so familiar with is bringing the best out of me. Being under Shane Flanagan, an experienced premiership-winning coach, with the conversations we’ve already had, gives me a lot of confidence.
“He’s making me feel a priority and when you make a player feel that way, he tells you to jump and you say how high. I would run through a brick wall for a coach like that.”

I like those comments right at the end there.

 

[jak]

‘I wasn’t pushed out’: Faitala-Mariner says controversial Bulldogs exit was his call​

ByAdrian Proszenko​

February 3, 2024 — 6.30pm
Save

​

Share
Normal text sizeALarger text sizeAVery large text sizeA


Raymond Faitala-Mariner says his decision to leave Canterbury, just 12 months after being appointed club captain, to join St George Illawarra was his alone.
“They weren’t pushing me out the door at all,” Faitala-Mariner said. “It was just this opportunity that arose. I thought about it, spoke to my partner, to my family and parents, [and] they said maybe a change was what I needed. I took their advice and I’m glad I did.



Play Video
https://archive.md/99olT#

​

​

Play video
1:27

Sea Eagles impress in scrimmage with Dragons​

The Sea Eagles took on the Dragons in an opposed training session that came as a warning to Saints supporters.
“Now that I was in camp with the Dragons this week, I can see why the change was needed.”
After the best part of a decade at the Bulldogs, and with two years remaining on his contract, Faitala-Mariner opted for a fresh start. The move ended six months of speculation about his future after this masthead revealed he was on the outer at Belmore.

The shift is significant for both parties. Faitala-Mariner will arrive at the Dragons as one of new coach Shane Flanagan’s first recruits, while Canterbury no longer have any players at the club from the top-30 squad they named in 2021.
“I’ve heard that a few times and the boys text me saying, ‘You’re gone! You were the last man standing!’” Faitala-Mariner said in his first interview since changing clubs.

Raymond Faitala-Mariner is making a fresh start at the Dragons.CREDITRAGONS MEDIA
“That’s footy. The club has a vision and they have to do what they need to do to get what they want. If that’s the direction they’re going in, then I’m all for it. I’ve got nothing but respect and love for that club.
“Where I am at in my career, a change was needed for me to hopefully take my game to the next level.


“It does sadden me to leave the club that I really love; Belmore is my second home. It was very hard to say goodbye and leave, but I have to look at the opportunity for myself and my future.
“That’s what I did, I put myself and my family first.

“One thing I do wish we had when I was there is a bit of success. Hopefully, they do well this year and in the years to come.
“From the summer I had there, it seems to be heading in that direction. [Coach] Cameron Ciraldo is doing a good job at the joint, culture wise, and the standard he is setting, it’s very elite.

“There’s no malice towards the club from my end.”
Faitala-Mariner’s last season at the Bulldogs was a rocky one. He contracted pneumonia, was hampered by a hamstring injury and, in September, was officially granted permission to speak with other clubs. The 30-year-old was a notable absentee when pre-season training started in November – “it was just a miscommunication”, he said – as speculation swirled that he was on the outer.

Raymond Faitala-Mariner had a difficult final season at the Bulldogs.CREDIT:GETTY IMAGES
“[Reports were] saying they didn’t want me there, but every time something came out in the media, I’ve always had a conversation with Ciraldo and Gus [Canterbury general manager of football Phil Gould]. They always confirmed with me that it wasn’t true,” said Faitala-Mariner, who missed Friday’s scrimmage against Manly due to a minor hamstring issue.
“I don’t know where it came from. Whenever things were out in the media saying they were shopping me around and whatnot, I would always go to the coach, and Gus would be there at times, and they gave me their word, they said it wasn’t true and didn’t know where it was coming from.

“I took their word for it and that was that. There was nothing more or less, we just carried on with training.
“Going through the tough times has prepared me for this year. It’s made me more resilient, more prepared for whatever comes my way. Nothing can break me.”
There was also debate about whether “RFM” is better suited in the front or back row, a decision that now falls to Flanagan.
Asked if he can get back to the form that resulted in him representing New Zealand and Samoa, Faitala-Mariner said: “I know you hear this a lot, but truly, and I’m saying this wholeheartedly, yes I can.
“Being just in camp with the Dragons for a week has ignited something in me. Being in a place for so long, sometimes you can get comfortable.

“The change was needed for me. Now I’ve stepped out of my home, so to speak, and am out there testing the waters and being exposed and vulnerable, it’s something I needed.
“Being around a place I’m not so familiar with is bringing the best out of me. Being under Shane Flanagan, an experienced premiership-winning coach, with the conversations we’ve already had, gives me a lot of confidence.
“He’s making me feel a priority and when you make a player feel that way, he tells you to jump and you say how high. I would run through a brick wall for a coach like that.”

I like those comments right at the end there.

thanks for posting mate

 

[TheRev]

Hopefully those injuries arent going to be an ongoing issue, but yep I think hes a good pickup so close to the season start.. and if he can also play in the middle, he could be twice as useful.

 

[Mojo]

I read this with interest;

View attachment 83833

If it’s true, you’d like to think that Kyle will be across everything his dad wants to do and less inclined to throw caution to the wind. Sticking to the game plan!

It might also be a nod to folks like me that think that after all these years, Ben still hasn’t partaken of the dragons DNA and he’s toxic culturally.


No one wants his signature defiling any club merch that’s for sure. A jersey would be worth more without it.

Anyway, I think Kyle coaching under his dad will bring the absolute best out in him. He’s just got to find his own consistency.

Give him simple tasks and ask him to do them well. As he accomplishes these, he can build.

I said it about wt, the objective is to try to play better each week. Not fall flat, stay competitive. Wins will come, especially with Flanno.

It’s not the Benny Hill show any more …

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

Flanno making the players feel individually important is interesting.

Reminds me a bit of Wayne Bennet.

Not sure about the dogs and their “elite culture” It hasn’t worked so far. The Rome that is Penrith wasn’t built in day.

 

[kit66]

Hopefully those injuries arent going to be an ongoing issue, but yep I think hes a good pickup so close to the season start.. and if he can also play in the middle, he could be twice as useful.

I think he started 2023 coming off the bench as a lock which would enable us to rotate him with JDB and use Sele as a prop either starting or bench. Giving JDB less minutes can only be a good thing, I mean it's great he can play 80 minutes if needed (did it a lot last year) but at 33 years old (come March) it's not ideal. We can also then use the better Couchman as a bench second rower, ease him into it, keeping in mind he's still only a 20yr old.
It's great that we now have 3 experienced locks in JDB, Sele and RFM and who can play other roles in the pack equally as well.

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

“ Elite culture” at the dogs, fmd,try as they might, they can’t turn a pigs ear into a silk purse.

Even their ball boys used to have to go through those metal detectors and be frisked before they were allowed to collect the tees at training.

A mate of mine behind the bar refused Willie Mason a drink at the Sydney casino once. He karened on no end. He calmed down and staff regretted it because they couldn’t have him chucked out.

SGI will need a new mascot now.

Heres my regrettable effort;



ST George Bank have been a good sponsor so far as I know. But you’d think a merger with Westpac would be a good reason not to abandon these important community and social links.

Sponsoring an NRL club is a nice fat tax deduction, it’s value all the way.

 

[Victoire]

Apparently Saints have signed Brandon Mansfield-Webster. He was in our Top 30 this year but was released before Xmas. Hard running back rower with an offload. Played some really good games in NSW cup last year and I think he’s the type of guy who could play NRL.
Few highlights of him from our Flegg side back in 21

His initials might be BMW, but if he couldn't crack it for a start in the wooden spoon team I suspect he may be more of a Daihatsu Charade

 

[possm]

One of the big problems of recruiting players for our top 30 this late in the pre-season, is that the player has not gone through our pre-season fitness and training program.

I'd like to see such players made to work on their fitness and skill set until they reach the level desired by Coach Flannagan before being considered for selection in the NRL team.

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

One of the big problems of recruiting players for our top 30 this late in the pre-season, is that the player has not gone through our pre-season fitness and training program.

I'd like to see such players made to work on their fitness and skill set until they reach the level desired by Coach Flannagan before being considered for selection in the NRL team.

I was just reading about that young Manly guy allegedly seems to have died from heatstroke.

So I’m getting a worried about training now and maybe it’s time we looked closely at air conditioned gyms until the outside temp is more moderate.

The modern player, a lot of it is mind over matter and they don’t know their limits and that puts their health at severe risk.

This is going to change the game I think.

It’s important something good arises from it. Terrible terrible thing.

And of course, legal implications.

The game has a long way to go on many fronts.

 

[Dragon David]

I was just reading about that young Manly guy allegedly seems to have died from heatstroke.

So I’m getting a worried about training now and maybe it’s time we looked closely at air conditioned gyms until the outside temp is more moderate.

The modern player, a lot of it is mind over matter and they don’t know their limits and that puts their health at severe risk.

This is going to change the game I think.

It’s important something good arises from it. Terrible terrible thing.

And of course, legal implications.

The game has a long way to go on many fronts.

Well the NRL has reportedly ramped up concussion protocols during training and is considering limiting contact in a bid to reduce risks of brain injuries in the game.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports all clubs must now film every contact training session held throughout the season and that footage will be used to determine any potential concussion risks.

Additionally, there will be more medical staff and concussion spotters on hand and each club must log with the NRL how much time players spend doing physical contact each week, as well as the length of team training sessions.".

So bearing this in mind and whatever the outcome of the Coroner's inquest on the death of poor Keith Tuitmus from heat exhaustion, there will be quite a bit of change in my opinion, some from the Coroner's recommendations, of all training activities and how they will be conducted and recorded and reported. Things like not training when the outside temp is in excess of the maximum desirable conditions, wet and slippery conditions, training in an air conditioned environment, wearing head protecting gear etc.

 

[Nutz]

I was just reading about that young Manly guy allegedly seems to have died from heatstroke.

So I’m getting a worried about training now and maybe it’s time we looked closely at air conditioned gyms until the outside temp is more moderate.

The modern player, a lot of it is mind over matter and they don’t know their limits and that puts their health at severe risk.

This is going to change the game I think.

It’s important something good arises from it. Terrible terrible thing.

And of course, legal implications.

The game has a long way to go on many fronts.

Pathway and fringe nrl players have a point to prove and will push through the boundaries. It's hard because if they put their hand up they fear they'll miss their opportunity.
It's really up to staff to monitor heat related illnesses as the players wear monitors that indicate blood pressure/heart rate and body temp.
I remember a training session the tigers did up at Brisbane Diehards home ground in the middle of a heat wave well it was 34⁰ and close to 100% humidity.
The trainers ran the monitors data through the laptop performance software every hr. Checked 3 times. During each break the lads were shirts off under tent and rehydrating.
Management is what it's all about.

 

[justadragon]

I was just reading about that young Manly guy allegedly seems to have died from heatstroke.

So I’m getting a worried about training now and maybe it’s time we looked closely at air conditioned gyms until the outside temp is more moderate.

The modern player, a lot of it is mind over matter and they don’t know their limits and that puts their health at severe risk.

This is going to change the game I think.

It’s important something good arises from it. Terrible terrible thing.

And of course, legal implications.

The game has a long way to go on many fronts.

I think you will find that most of the modern gym's are AC. Part of WHS.

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

I think you will find that most of the modern gym's are AC. Part of WHS.

Yeah, but I read he was outside.

Im not sure what their contracts say about obeying training instructions.

If he’s approached them saying he’s too hot and they asked him to keep going, that could be a problem.

But also they have to anticipate that youngsters won’t speak up.

I don’t know what symptoms ( if any) he was displaying before hand and a good trainer needs to know when enough is enough.

 

[Nutz]

I think atm it's not appropriate to get all political but to respect the departed and hope that his loved ones and mates are comforted and can eventually come to grips with this tragedy.
Rest in peace son.

 

[redv13]

I think atm it's not appropriate to get all political but to respect the departed and hope that his loved ones and mates are comforted and can eventually come to grips with this tragedy.
Rest in peace son.

Spot on. Let’s leave this topic alone.

 

[Auntie.Gerald]

Brandon Mansfield

The The Knock On Effect NSW Cup profile of Brandon Mansfield including career statistics, season stats, games, tries, goals, tackles and fantasy scores.

www.weststigers.com.au

has anyone confirmed whether old mate is a TT?

Seems like a good low cost project via TT 2024 as he can play edge backrow or centre

186cm
102kg
ex centre
now second row
22yrs old

Released Tiger reportedly picked up by NRL club

He was released in November, 2023.

www.zerotackle.com

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

I think atm it's not appropriate to get all political but to respect the departed and hope that his loved ones and mates are comforted and can eventually come to grips with this tragedy.
Rest in peace son.

We are good friends Nutzster, but I want change yesterday.

Except in the most rare of circumstances, dying of heatstroke at training is one of the most preventable deaths I can think of.

I’m not having any of it my son.