Whats Doing
Rep Player
JJ was also in the best form of his career before getting injured and considerably better than last year.
2024 Squad, Signings and Rumours Thread
- Thread starter Hail Sezer
- Start date
5 Year Contract
Rep Player
I would say a large majority of squad has progressed and I think if you were to look out our errors and penalties they are probably down (or at least feel like it). However players like Kelly, Lofi, Liu etc I think we have seen their ceiling and everything they offer. For example for me Kelly’s best is not worth the absolute game killing low IQ plays he makes (even if he can string some absolute great games it’s just not consistent).
However look at your Clark, Randall, JJ, Kini and even minus injuries JCs and they have had career years. I think the issue is that we have retained a number of players where their best isn’t getting us over the hump and the worst loses us games. We weren’t active in the market we more just re signed what we had. I still think if we can turn your fringe young players (Pahulu, Alick, Francis, De Groots etc into genuine first graders then you won’t need your Kelly’s etc).
That said Palasia is garbage and a complete miss recruitment wise
hungryjacks
Junior
I figured out the persistence in keeping lo-fi in the team.
Most defensive systems are predicated on the fullback or half being able to slide across and defend the extra gap outwide so the other players can jam in, I think Des sees lo-fi as a way of being able to beat this in most systems. Just a theory.
Most defensive systems are predicated on the fullback or half being able to slide across and defend the extra gap outwide so the other players can jam in, I think Des sees lo-fi as a way of being able to beat this in most systems. Just a theory.
MaroonTitan
QLD Cup
Can we make Tony a centre option in the offseason as well? I understand his value as a big winger but if both he and Jojo can play centre, it's great cover for injuries and could well work out as our best centre pairing long-term.
And I agree with everything HS and 5 year say above, except I'm not prepared to call "dud" on Palasia just yet. He's been really poor for us compared to the way he played up the road but maybe he's carrying injury or Des is still trying to work out what makes him tick. I think we've all seen this with good players and there's always a reason why.
It might be the same with young Iszac. I thought he would feature more this year.
And I agree with everything HS and 5 year say above, except I'm not prepared to call "dud" on Palasia just yet. He's been really poor for us compared to the way he played up the road but maybe he's carrying injury or Des is still trying to work out what makes him tick. I think we've all seen this with good players and there's always a reason why.
It might be the same with young Iszac. I thought he would feature more this year.
Cowabunga
Rep Player
Can't disagree at all with anyone but I'm probably thinking down the lines of HS last statement with coaching being the lesser of the two along with a few of them finally being healthy and stringing games together or getting more minutes, Even Jaimin I feel has shown that potential before, Maybe not as good as this year but I've always had him neck and neck with Moe, He's just keeps getting injured the last 2 years when he really starts getting on a run. Verrills is finally stringing more then a few games together with a bung shoulder and looks healthy, I think it's more that because earlier in the year a lot of people wanted him dropped.
Guess that's what's exciting about Carter Gordon transitioning over.
9.2 errors a game this year which is 2nd best, Last year 9.6 at 4th best. Penalties is 2nd best 4.5 down from 8th and 5.4. Our completion rate is the second best in the comp but we were 3rd last year so it's not as big of a difference as it seems, It might have been made up once Holbrook was fired.
I agree that Lofi and BK to a lesser extent imo are the big issues because it looks like like the team is playing the footy Des wants which makes me question why he keeps picking them when they are clearly a major issue in the team now for a while but keeps persisting with them when it's clear they aren't winning players. I can cop BK more because he at least brings effort areas that do help the team like early runs in sets, Lofi might be the biggest liability in the league if he's not 10m from the tryline with ball in hand.
Guess that's what's exciting about Carter Gordon transitioning over.
9.2 errors a game this year which is 2nd best, Last year 9.6 at 4th best. Penalties is 2nd best 4.5 down from 8th and 5.4. Our completion rate is the second best in the comp but we were 3rd last year so it's not as big of a difference as it seems, It might have been made up once Holbrook was fired.
I agree that Lofi and BK to a lesser extent imo are the big issues because it looks like like the team is playing the footy Des wants which makes me question why he keeps picking them when they are clearly a major issue in the team now for a while but keeps persisting with them when it's clear they aren't winning players. I can cop BK more because he at least brings effort areas that do help the team like early runs in sets, Lofi might be the biggest liability in the league if he's not 10m from the tryline with ball in hand.
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indoallstars
QLD Cup
Wonder if there is anyway we can release some players or trade them for next year to have a better balanced team and more money to extend Kini and JC.
Would much rather get another big body prop for the bench if it's possible.
There's a few clubs short on outside backs right now so it could be an ideal time to swap a Sami or BK who are more of our higher paid backs (controversial I know...).
If it could snag us a Xavier Willison or a Tuku Hau Tapuha, or a gamble on NAS.
Eels about to do a clean out and Knights about to do a clean out - both clubs need outside backs. Both have forwards they are willing to part with.
Just throwing some left field ideas out there...I know a lot of you would be against this idea, especially with Sami. But I truly think with Jojo, Francis, Gordon, AJ, Alofi (I'm not giving up on him yet). We have enough cattle there in the backs and we need to strengthen our forwards (especially big aggressive forwards) to balance our pack.
Would much rather get another big body prop for the bench if it's possible.
There's a few clubs short on outside backs right now so it could be an ideal time to swap a Sami or BK who are more of our higher paid backs (controversial I know...).
If it could snag us a Xavier Willison or a Tuku Hau Tapuha, or a gamble on NAS.
Eels about to do a clean out and Knights about to do a clean out - both clubs need outside backs. Both have forwards they are willing to part with.
Just throwing some left field ideas out there...I know a lot of you would be against this idea, especially with Sami. But I truly think with Jojo, Francis, Gordon, AJ, Alofi (I'm not giving up on him yet). We have enough cattle there in the backs and we need to strengthen our forwards (especially big aggressive forwards) to balance our pack.
The Birdman
First Grader
BK and Lofi on the left makes me sad. The two biggest weak links in our starting 13
Titanic
Immortal
Tino, JJ and the emerging Hau and Iszac should give us the size we need ... I like NAS and reckon he has a lot more to offer but our cap is already stretched.
MaroonTitan
QLD Cup
I feel your pain mate. I start wincing when I see them in the team on Tuesdays.
I'm waiting for Sami to stake his claim at centre for biggest liability though. To be fair, the other two are hard to beat. And maybe, Des is the Sami (at centre) whisperer.
Who am I kidding - that's water into wine stuff.
The Birdman
First Grader
I agree with most of that, though Sami has been better than I expected the last few weeks at right centre. Jojo at right centre with Sami on the right wing seems like a no-brainer to me though.
I feel we either need to put Kini on the left wing/AJ at fullback or AJ at left centre/Kini at fullback for now to get at least one of BK or Lofi's stinkiness out of the team. Francis on the left wing is also something I'd like to give a chance once he has recovered from injury.
DIEHARD
Administrator
I feel that Des really has brought a lot more out of players. Clark, JC, Verrills, Randall. It has been satisfying to watch, after we saw players arrive and drop off.
Love the debate and sharing of opinions. Give everyone some space for their ideas, and we will have a great time.
Love the debate and sharing of opinions. Give everyone some space for their ideas, and we will have a great time.
Cowabunga
Rep Player
Run at me DH you handbraking cat. 
BK as much as he annoys all of me and I guess all of us at points with his IQ and defence, There's not many centres in the league that are actually good at defending right now and there's probably an argument that Crighton is the only good defensive centre, All the origin centres and Herbie at club level get beaten pretty often and scored on, Gagai, Best and Holmes have been poor this year defensively and the rest of the league isn't creeping on their heels, Half the fullbacks get mentioned before centres in origin convos and teams are attacking more often on edges which adds to the issues.
For as much talk as someone like Katoni Staggs gets similar level players, BKs stats are up there with the best centres in the league and defensively they all get caught and BK is probably on way less (Him and Sami are not in anyway on big coin). I can cop him in the team for now way over Lofi, BK has his issues but the spot around the league does and I think having a winger that could offer way more would be massive which is where other teams make it up.
Lofis the one in this whole thing I can't get because I think we'd all agree there's amazing natural talent there but all the coaches for years now seem know he's a liability to the point they have always told him to stay on the wing and haven't tried anything different with him and he keeps being picked, Willy I'm guessing was joking but who not have Lofi around the middle with offloads ever or have him roam? Bears had at least one play for him that had him come in we've never seen and it would cook.
When guys around the league way smaller and less athletic then Lofi are going in and making more of an effort constantly with run metres, It's at some point the coaches imo. Lofi should be doing way more and that's purely effort areas on hit ups and stuff. Lofi gets compared to Johnson at Rabbitohs and it's right, The issue it's AJ now... Not when he was 22 when NRL was also different.
www.nrl.com
www.titans.com.au
If Gagai played all Souths games he'd probably be above everyone, Whenever I see try scorer mentioned I role my eyes as if all of us on the sub couldn't score of our left side attack. Franchise might miss a couple because of speed or just run over them like we've seen but he would add way more in every other aspect.
BK as much as he annoys all of me and I guess all of us at points with his IQ and defence, There's not many centres in the league that are actually good at defending right now and there's probably an argument that Crighton is the only good defensive centre, All the origin centres and Herbie at club level get beaten pretty often and scored on, Gagai, Best and Holmes have been poor this year defensively and the rest of the league isn't creeping on their heels, Half the fullbacks get mentioned before centres in origin convos and teams are attacking more often on edges which adds to the issues.
For as much talk as someone like Katoni Staggs gets similar level players, BKs stats are up there with the best centres in the league and defensively they all get caught and BK is probably on way less (Him and Sami are not in anyway on big coin). I can cop him in the team for now way over Lofi, BK has his issues but the spot around the league does and I think having a winger that could offer way more would be massive which is where other teams make it up.
Lofis the one in this whole thing I can't get because I think we'd all agree there's amazing natural talent there but all the coaches for years now seem know he's a liability to the point they have always told him to stay on the wing and haven't tried anything different with him and he keeps being picked, Willy I'm guessing was joking but who not have Lofi around the middle with offloads ever or have him roam? Bears had at least one play for him that had him come in we've never seen and it would cook.
When guys around the league way smaller and less athletic then Lofi are going in and making more of an effort constantly with run metres, It's at some point the coaches imo. Lofi should be doing way more and that's purely effort areas on hit ups and stuff. Lofi gets compared to Johnson at Rabbitohs and it's right, The issue it's AJ now... Not when he was 22 when NRL was also different.
Jacob Gagai
The NRL profile of Jacob Gagai including career statistics, season stats, games, tries, goals, tackles and fantasy scores.
www.nrl.com
Alofiana Khan-Pereira
The NRL profile of Alofiana Khan-Pereira including career statistics, season stats, games, tries, goals, tackles and fantasy scores.
www.titans.com.au
If Gagai played all Souths games he'd probably be above everyone, Whenever I see try scorer mentioned I role my eyes as if all of us on the sub couldn't score of our left side attack. Franchise might miss a couple because of speed or just run over them like we've seen but he would add way more in every other aspect.
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Cowabunga
Rep Player
While I'm ranting....
It seems like the people in the football department don't know what they want or are heading. The AJ contract makes no sense unless a call has been made on his spot but he's out here talking about fullback and 5/8th but hasn't been told anything, JC and Kini look like they should be in those spots going forward but an injury prone AJ is the one signed till 2030 off a 2-8 start and no actual plan if JC or Kini came good eventually and now we're all wondering where they all fit in even with injuries because who knows how Ryder or Zane hopefully goes at some point because then it's back up again the convo.
I don't think this club has any actual idea about what's going on and are guessing every step even with Dessie.... It wouldn't shock me if AJ came and took 6/1 whenever he comes back and the problem is back. The JDG signing and only playing fullback makes me think AJ is moving somewhere else but we also just chuck guys in at NRL even if they haven't been playing that position.
It seems like the people in the football department don't know what they want or are heading. The AJ contract makes no sense unless a call has been made on his spot but he's out here talking about fullback and 5/8th but hasn't been told anything, JC and Kini look like they should be in those spots going forward but an injury prone AJ is the one signed till 2030 off a 2-8 start and no actual plan if JC or Kini came good eventually and now we're all wondering where they all fit in even with injuries because who knows how Ryder or Zane hopefully goes at some point because then it's back up again the convo.
I don't think this club has any actual idea about what's going on and are guessing every step even with Dessie.... It wouldn't shock me if AJ came and took 6/1 whenever he comes back and the problem is back. The JDG signing and only playing fullback makes me think AJ is moving somewhere else but we also just chuck guys in at NRL even if they haven't been playing that position.
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NZTITAN
QLD Cup
Yeah I don't disagree mate, finding a two-way centre has always been a crown jewel at recruitment level, and even then, teams tend to move them to 1 or 6 after handing them a big big deal.Run at me DH you handbraking cat.
BK as much as he annoys all of me and I guess all of us at points with his IQ and defence, There's not many centres in the league that are actually good at defending right now and there's probably an argument that Crighton is the only good defensive centre, All the origin centres and Herbie at club level get beaten pretty often and scored on, Gagai, Best and Holmes have been poor this year defensively and the rest of the league isn't creeping on their heels, Half the fullbacks get mentioned before centres in origin convos and teams are attacking more often on edges which adds to the issues.
For as much talk as someone like Katoni Staggs gets similar level players, BKs stats are up there with the best centres in the league and defensively they all get caught and BK is probably on way less (Him and Sami are not in anyway on big coin). I can cop him in the team for now way over Lofi, BK has his issues but the spot around the league does and I think having a winger that could offer way more would be massive which is where other teams make it up.
Lofis the one in this whole thing I can't get because I think we'd all agree there's amazing natural talent there but all the coaches for years now seem know he's a liability to the point they have always told him to stay on the wing and haven't tried anything different with him and he keeps being picked, Willy I'm guessing was joking but who not have Lofi around the middle with offloads ever or have him roam? Bears had at least one play for him that had him come in we've never seen and it would cook.
I'm not interested in BK's stats at all. I think he can produce at times, and I think he is one of the very few guys on this team that can pull a rabbit out of the hat... but his footy IQ is easily top 5 lowest we've had and his worst games genuinely cost the team. None of that shows up on the statsheet, but he does not pass the eye test as a high floor performer that gets the job done and doesn't have god-tier brain explosions.
It's not size, it's that Lofi Khan-Pereira has no real idea how to play rugby league. Will never be a very effective player at this level, said it when he was at Burleigh. Definitely fun to watch in full flight though but my most hated Titan ever anywhere else on the field. Our best bet is that some team loves his speed and we can flip him for value.
Agree with this pretty heavily, I'm way lower on the AJ deal now, and i'm firmly in the camp of just persisting with Kini at 1 and JC at 6/7. I hope and pray us handing AJ this deal and forcing ourselves to fit him in at 1 doesn't strangle the development of Kini, who will in almost every world become the far superior fullback.
The Birdman
First Grader
Strongly disagree with the call that Kini/AJ/JC isn't the makings of a dominant spine. They just need to get the opportunity to play together.
Cowabunga
Rep Player
Couldn't we say that about all the spines in the league? Why are our guys better or more deadly then any of the others? The 2 spines below us cook us when healthy when Luai arrives at the tigers IMO unless JC keeps really jumping with Kini.\.
JC we legit don't even know if he can play 7 and tbh 6 at a constant high level, He's had 8 games there and half of them been great the other half not that great, Aj who knows if he can stay healthy and Kini is the only one I'm pretty sure on who should be the guy going forward. Who's to say Foz and JC isn't a better combo? I don't think JC and AJ are exactly a guarantee considering where they are being put in everyones spine, They've done it once or twice together but AJ at 5/8th.
At the end of the day is JC not just a bit better Weekes right now? His stats aren't that different game to game, Weekes is actually at 7 with a young 6 though.
JC we legit don't even know if he can play 7 and tbh 6 at a constant high level, He's had 8 games there and half of them been great the other half not that great, Aj who knows if he can stay healthy and Kini is the only one I'm pretty sure on who should be the guy going forward. Who's to say Foz and JC isn't a better combo? I don't think JC and AJ are exactly a guarantee considering where they are being put in everyones spine, They've done it once or twice together but AJ at 5/8th.
At the end of the day is JC not just a bit better Weekes right now? His stats aren't that different game to game, Weekes is actually at 7 with a young 6 though.
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Hail Sezer
Moderator
There is not a world where the tigers spine, even with Luai, cooks us lol. Bula is hardly a fullback, Galvin is prob gonna end up a 13. And we’re assuming that Luai carries his form into that club. Zero proof yet that he will do so - although I think he will.
I really do have confidence in JC/AJ/Kini working out, although those question marks around our spine future are understandable (AJ is the biggest one for me). But if you don’t believe in it, what’s your suggestion/solution?
Edit - sorry Cowa I think you’ve edited your original post since I replied, hope I still make sense
Also - JC and Weekes are different players who bring very different things to a team. Couldn’t care less about whatever stats those are. Watch them play.
I really do have confidence in JC/AJ/Kini working out, although those question marks around our spine future are understandable (AJ is the biggest one for me). But if you don’t believe in it, what’s your suggestion/solution?
Edit - sorry Cowa I think you’ve edited your original post since I replied, hope I still make sense
Also - JC and Weekes are different players who bring very different things to a team. Couldn’t care less about whatever stats those are. Watch them play.
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Cowabunga
Rep Player
Really? I rate Korisau and Luai way over our 9 and 7 by a bit and Galvins shown more then JC consistently imo but even if moves to 13 who cares?? Latu is as rated as they come, Bula is a freak athlete, I don't think he's close to Kini but if he learn how to pass and play make who knows but at the end of the day we're talking about the last team in the league for years, Comparing with them is the issue and to me Galvins shown more then JC this year so far.
I would take their spine next year over ours tbh.
I wouldn't do much different because everyones was signed till 2026 and I'm not at all committed on the AJ/JC/Kini stuff like everyone, I'd never have gave AJ the contract obviously and I'd wait and see who actually deserves them and made a tough decision and just move on potentially.
I'm not getting paid to plan out the team but there's zero evidence that these people have a plan A/B/C. Kini/Aj/JC can be 1 but what's 2/3/4 because I see no evidence of anything other then injuries happening and putting someone in, If not we drop the kid who could actually turn the club around. At the start of the year our Tannah was our 7 and Aj was at centre, It took one game for Des to apparently want AJ back in the middle and re-signed him for 5 years.
I would take their spine next year over ours tbh.
I wouldn't do much different because everyones was signed till 2026 and I'm not at all committed on the AJ/JC/Kini stuff like everyone, I'd never have gave AJ the contract obviously and I'd wait and see who actually deserves them and made a tough decision and just move on potentially.
I'm not getting paid to plan out the team but there's zero evidence that these people have a plan A/B/C. Kini/Aj/JC can be 1 but what's 2/3/4 because I see no evidence of anything other then injuries happening and putting someone in, If not we drop the kid who could actually turn the club around. At the start of the year our Tannah was our 7 and Aj was at centre, It took one game for Des to apparently want AJ back in the middle and re-signed him for 5 years.
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