WT's Squad for 2009

[Magpies Forever]

With all the potential goings among players (or tap on shoulder) who exactly are confirmed for our 25 man 2009 squad? I know we have signed some lower grade players for Balmain and Wests plus Ellis but I'm scratching my head trying to figure out the squad. (I'm assuming Payten is gone)

 

[madunit]

According to Big League, the Warriors Wairangi Koopu, Logan Swann and Ruben Wiki haven't yet renewed their contracts or signed elsewhere.

We really need to sign up a decent forward pack. A great pack means we'll able to play a mediocre halfback and get away with it more often than not, unlike this season.

 

[Magpies Forever]

Nothing against Fulton or his efforts but I think his days in the main 17 are numbered. A good defender but he is not versatile whereas Halatau can play well in a few different positions- we can afford 1 good small forward, not 2. Yep, our front row weakness was exposed too often- we need to replace Payten with a good BIG prop.

 

[mean_maori_mean]

According to Big League, the Warriors Wairangi Koopu, Logan Swann and Ruben Wiki haven't yet renewed their contracts or signed elsewhere.

We really need to sign up a decent forward pack. A great pack means we'll able to play a mediocre halfback and get away with it more often than not, unlike this season.

Koopu - has been average every since he had an injury a few years ago. He wouldnt even make the Warriors reserve grade if he didnt have a FG contract.
I like the bloke but he should be playing auckland club footy.

Logan swann is a passenger. A 32 passenger. Well hes not the bad but wouldnt be an improvement on fulton or halatau.

Ruben should have retired last year or the year before. But has been playing good footy last half of the season. Not sure if he could last a whole season.

Though he would be a good option for player/assistant coach. A real good option. Especially if payten is released.

Definately within the realms of possibility of coming to the Tigers. *Connection with Tim Sheens,
*royce simmons crap record as defensive coach
*no. 1 leader/icon amongst kiwi players
*famous for his offfield contributions
*hasnt being promised a job from Warriors
*helping out kiwis at the world cup

 

[ucantseeme]

There won't be major differences between our Rd 26 team this season and our Rd 1 team next season. There must be a change in attitude though in defense. This year they succumbed way too easily.

 

[Magpies Forever]

Any annoucement on the 25 player squad yet? I'd be interested if there are any vacancies left or they have filled it with bringing up players from lower grades.

 

[Estoboy]

^lower grades
we have a whole heap of big fowards and halfbacks there that can do the job

 

[gurstar]

^lower grades
we have a whole heap of big fowards and halfbacks there that can do the job

do you think they will get a run. seems players who dont put in do seem to get dropped that has been the case for a few years now

 

[Estoboy]

i guess sarcasm is hard to express on the net

 

[Magpies Forever]

Well, doing a bit of analysis by trolling the net we have full books and a pathetic squad (for consistent performance or lack of it)- great recruitment and retention!!!!!!!! In fact, if they cant offload Harrison and Galea elsewhere (they seem to be hawking their wares far and wide), they will have to send some of the existing squad to Magpies or Tigers.

Left mid 2008 season:
Youngquest, Harlen (2 players)

Left at end of 2008 season
Hodgson, O’Hara, Metusiela, Head, Flanagan, T’eo (6 players)

Carry over to 2009 season:
Gallant, Tagive, Ryan, Collis, Marshall, Morris, Payten, Tandy, Payne, Halatau, Trimarchi, Hanbury, Galea, Harrison (all signed to end of 2009 season) (14 players)

McDonnell, Tuiaki, Lawrence, Moltzen, Gibbs, Laurie, Farah, Galloway, Fulton, Heighington (all signed to 2010 season or beyond) (10 players)

Signed To 2009 NRL Squad:
Lazarus, Ayshford, Dunley, Hunt, Ellis (5 players)

I hope they let the players whose contracts are ending in 09 know early and then they can actively recruit some players for key positions. I reckon Collis, Marshall, Morris, Payne, Trimarchi, Galea & Harrison will go or be pushed. For the players with extra time on their contracts I hope that Fulton & Gibbs are asked to test the market for an early release of there is anything else around for 2010.

By god, we have got ourselves into a huge hole. Lets see coaching and management put their hands up for some responsibility for the mess.

 

[madunit]

You forgot the signing of Josh Lewis.

I'd be willing to hang onto Marshall if we managed to get a halfback with a good kicking game and at least one prop who is of top quality.

With a mobile forward pack that can handle any side and a good kicker in the 7, Marshall will flourish.

 

[The Gambler]

You forgot the signing of Josh Lewis.

I'd be willing to hang onto Marshall if we managed to get a halfback with a good kicking game and at least one prop who is of top quality.

With a mobile forward pack that can handle any side and a good kicker in the 7, Marshall will flourish.

I would be a very happy fan if we could sign this halfback with a kicking game and one quality prop. It is exactly what the Tigers need to get the ball rolling again in my opinion.

I don't mind if the halfback is one of the juniors, as long as he is quality.

 

[Magpies Forever]

From the Wt press releases Lewis was signed for the Balmain Tigers not the main NRL squad but is a "useful backup".........

Marshall I suspect he will want top dollar and WT's will not be able to afford that and also there is the dangling of rugby dollars too. Unless he has abn absolutely sparkling season and is without injury concerns I think he is beyond WT's.

 

[madunit]

Given his run with injuries, he'll never get the big dollars he should be able to command

 

[Magpies Forever]

What Marshall thinks he is worth and what he is actually offered will be very interesting next year. Yep, his fraility and lack of consistency counterbalances his brilliance when he is "on". On his day you'd happily pay $1 million, when he is off $1 ..................