Who do we need to recruit in 2018?

[Bazal]

Bit light for a prop. Maybe tigers are gonna look to bulk him up

103kg at 20 is pretty big when you're not one of the kids blessed with Godzilla's genes like a Pauli Pauli. He'll get bigger, he's still growing.

Disappointed and slightly surprised to see him go, he's a really good prospect IMO. In an age where a lot of the NYC standouts in the pack are kids who are just freakishly big, he's always been the hardest working player out there. Reminds me a lot of a young Nathan Cayless or Tim Mannah. Good pick up

 

[Tiger05]

Interesting signing. We are definitely active in the market. I hope he is up to first grade.

 

[Incorrect]

3 year deal for a youngster yet to play NRL is surprising. Someone at the Tigers must be really keen on him - Cleary might have seen a fair bit of Twal watching junior reps seeing he is similar age to Nathan??

Good pick up for the Tigers, he was one I thougth we'd be hanging on to...

 

[Clifferd]

103kg at 20 is pretty big when you're not one of the kids blessed with Godzilla's genes like a Pauli Pauli. He'll get bigger, he's still growing.

Disappointed and slightly surprised to see him go, he's a really good prospect IMO. In an age where a lot of the NYC standouts in the pack are kids who are just freakishly big, he's always been the hardest working player out there. Reminds me a lot of a young Nathan Cayless or Tim Mannah. Good pick up

We have similar prospects at the same age at around 110-115kg mark (Tatola and Felise).But as long as he has ability it should be a good pick up, to be fair haven't seen much of him but I have seen him play before

 

[sensesmaybenumbed]

Bit light for a prop. Maybe tigers are gonna look to bulk him up

A bit light? Listed as 190cm, 103kg and only 20?
TBH, I'd say that's a good sign - he looks like he isn't carrying loads of extra weight and that's what you'd want - he can grow into his frame over a couple of years, which is far better than having to battle to lose weight,

 

[Clifferd]

A bit light? Listed as 190cm, 103kg and only 20?
TBH, I'd say that's a good sign - he looks like he isn't carrying loads of extra weight and that's what you'd want - he can grow into his frame over a couple of years, which is far better than having to battle to lose weight,

It's still on the lighter side, in comparison to other props. But definitely still has age on his side

Your stock standard props are generally around that 110-115kg mark and are battering rams with the exception of Matt prior

Our 2 young props in tatola and Felise are around 115-120

 

[Tiger Ted]

Remember Hodgson, Richards and Elford were stuck in reserves before we signed them. Sometimes quality can be found there.

There's no doubt there's a number of quality future nrl players currently playing state cup & IC will attract them to concord.

 

[sensesmaybenumbed]

It's still on the lighter side, in comparison to other props. But definitely still has age on his side

Your stock standard props are generally around that 110-115kg mark and are battering rams with the exception of Matt prior

Our 2 young props in tatola and Felise are around 115-120

He'll grow for certain, and a leaner build is one sign of better endurance. Given the move to reduce interchanges during a game, that's a big plus

 

[RazorRam0n]

maybe blocker can take him under his wing, could do with a feed

 

[Vic Mackey]

103kg at 20 is pretty big when you're not one of the kids blessed with Godzilla's genes like a Pauli Pauli. He'll get bigger, he's still growing.

Disappointed and slightly surprised to see him go, he's a really good prospect IMO. In an age where a lot of the NYC standouts in the pack are kids who are just freakishly big, he's always been the hardest working player out there. Reminds me a lot of a young Nathan Cayless or Tim Mannah. Good pick up

Appreciate the info, admit I've never heard of him. Must be a chance of pushing for a bench spot next year.

 

[Old Time Tiger]

This alone should be what impresses any player who is in discussion with the Tigers and IC.

Ivan Cleary said he looked forward to working with Twal in 2018 and unlocking the full potential of his game

Includes the guys already on the books but have not had their potential unlocked, Brooks for example, or had theiir key thrown away after locking their potentia by a previous coachl, Brooks for example.

This kid Twai, Suli, Gamble plus whoever else IC is talking to. Gee even Grace Jones on the wing

 

[Tiger05]

I reckon we have a good team on paper now. I think if we can jag a few more players we can have a decent team next year but we will be hopefully free from drama and have a coach in charge who can come up with winning game plans and get the most out of the players.

I also think we won't have any superstars in the team and that may work for us.

 

[Hoofhearted]

Warrior's Tui Lolohea to meet with Wests Tigers' Ivan Cleary
3:16 PM Wednesday May 3, 2017

Warriors utility Tuimoala Lolohea. Photosport/Renee McKay
Out of favour Warrior Tui Lolohea is set to meet with Tigers coach Ivan Cleary this week, as the race for his signature hots up.

The Warriors have granted Lolohea a release from his current contract, which was due to expire at the end of next season.

But it's understood that several clubs would like to gain Lolohea's services this season, and the Warriors are prepared to consider an immediate release.

The Tigers appear to be favourites for his signature. Lolohea has family in Sydney and the attraction of playing alongside Ben Matulino next year would probably appeal.

It's believed that Cleary and Lolohea will meet this week.

It's convenient timing, as the Tongan team have their training base in Campbelltown, which doubles as the Tigers headquarters.

Australian sources have indicated that the Tigers see Lolohea as a possible replacement for James Tedesco next year, but he could also wear the No 6 jersey this season if Mitchell Moses is allowed to depart for Parramatta.

But the Tigers are not the only ones in the hunt for Lolohea.

The Cowboys are also potential suitors, and the possibility of playing behind their impressive forward pack would be a good incentive.

North Queensland also have a proven record of success, and are a stable operation off the field though their halves (Johnathan Thurston and Michael Morgan) and fullback (Lachlan Coote) appear to be locked in for 2018.

The Raiders also loom as a destination for Lolohea.

Coach Ricky Stuart has a high opinion of the 21-year-old, especially given his ability to play in every position across the backline.

Lolohea will need to come to a decision in the next few weeks, as any shift has to be completed before the June 30 deadline.

It seems to be a no-brainer to leave as soon as is feasible, and commence a new career offshore.

He was the first choice right winger at Mt Smart at the start of the season, playing there in the first two games of the season against the Knights and Storm.

Lolohea filled in at fullback against the Bulldogs. when Roger Tuivasa-Sheck was ruled out with concussion, before appearing at five eighth against the Dragons in round four, when Kieran Foran was scratched during the warm-up.

He hasn't been sighted in first grade at the Warriors since.

Lolohea appears to be well down the pecking order at Mt Smart, and like Konrad Hurrell last year, needs to leave New Zealand to both find himself and fulfil his potential.

 

[Clifferd]

Looks like we'll definitely nab him

 

[Old Time Tiger]

Looks like we'll definitely nab him

and if we do, it could be at 5/8 for rest of the year.

TUI THE TIGER

Wests Tigers are making a play for Tui Lolohea to replace James Tedesco at fullback next season.

Market Watch can reveal they’re preparing to table him a two-and-a-half-year deal, which if the Warriors release him before June 30, would see him join the club this season.

As it stands, Stephen Kearney has given the utility permission to speak to rivals for 2018 but it’s understood the Warriors would consider an early release if his deal is dependent on a mid-year move.

If Lolohea can secure an early release, it’s expected he would move into the halves for the rest of the year, where he would partner Luke Brooks.

That would allow Mitchell Moses to finally secure his release to join Parramatta.
Any clarity around this situation is still at least a week away, with Lolohea in camp with the Tongan Test team.

Having unsuccessfully made a play to get Connor Watson out of his deal at the Roosters, the Tigers have now made Lolohea the priority and are likely to set up a meeting with the player next week.

Tigers coach Ivan Cleary is yet to meet Lolohea, with the 22-year-old just a youngster in their junior system during Cleary’s time at the Warriors.

While a starting position is appealing for the New Zealand international, the other thing in the Tigers’ favour is the addition of Ben Matulino to their squad next season.

Lolohea and Matulino are close friends and it’s thought that friendship will help make the move across the ditch easier.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl...r/news-story/a80c04be5dea54843483992d1bbd0f01

 

[Vic Mackey]

Apparently Tui wants to play 5/8, however I think he's going to be hard pressed finding somewhere to do it as most halves pairings seem settled for next year.

From the clubs mentioned to be after him it seems they want him for wing/center whereas we're the only fullback option. Surely he'd much prefer 1 over being stuck wider.

 

[Clifferd]

I have no problems with him playing the remainder of this year as five eight after he's learnt under ic our current systems

But next year Brooks and renoylds are our lock ins with tui able to fill in if an injury occurs

There isn't really much difference between 5/8 and fullback these days in attack anyway

 

[madunit]

I'm not convinced he's a consistent enough performer for the spine. I'd start him on the wing with the idea of giving him the fullback gig if he plays well for 6 weeks.

 

[Tigers Tale]

We are being linked to quite a few players but can anyone confirm if we have signed Taane Milne for next year. The was talk but I didn't see anything offical.

Good solid centre who would tighten our right side defence up.

 

[WT Unity]

We are being linked to quite a few players but can anyone confirm if we have signed Taane Milne for next year. The was talk but I didn't see anything offical.

Good solid centre who would tighten our right side defence up.

I have heard that Milne's future somewhat revolves around the outcome of the Dugan situation. If they keep Dugan it's more likely that Milne will need to leave Kogaragong. But if they lose Dugan (and there is a rumour that the Dogs are moving in big time on Dugan) then Milne may come back into favour at the Dragons. Other players in their stocks of backline players come into the mix as well with Mann and Lafai also both off contract as well as Dugan and Milne.