2024 Squad, Signings and Rumours Thread

[MaroonTitan]

I don't think the Lofi comparison to Alex Johnstone is fair. Alex has played some decent fb for his country, will still do that at the back end of his career and worked hard on his defence and can run a line. I'm not sure Lofi will ever do any of those. Alex can sniff an offload and time his run. Lofi is playing outside Fifita and still can't sniff an offload. I would say BK too, but too many of his go to ground.

And JC is better than Weekes. He hasn't played much 6, so we need to give him time. He will need time at 7 too but he's got the RL magic running through his veins.

What about swapping Lofi for Reimis Smith?

I'm not going to like AJ again until he plays some great footy for us six weeks in a row and consistently says, "I'll play wherever is best for the team". I like the idea of him as a 6 in future with JC and Kini but he has to work on his kicking game so JC doesn't get mobbed every time.

 

[Hail Sezer]

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.

This group hasn't got it done consistently, Something needs to change and we've done the coach stuff.

Yes really. Your entire point was about spines, that’s why it might be relevant if he moves to 13? Strongly disagree re Galvin and I’m familiar with Bula’s athleticism but it’s clear he’s got some shortcomings as a fullback at NRL level and that’s more than just his passing/playmaking. You’re the one who compared them mate - I’m just pointing out I don’t agree with your comparison haha

Yeah but what’s your solution to our spine? I get that you’re not on the JC/AJ/Kini thing, but what are you suggesting we do instead?

I agree AJ’s deal could’ve waited

Edit - sorry Cowa I think you’ve edited it again but just to touch on the plan A/B/C thing, I’m not sure how viable that realistically is with the constraints of a roster and salary cap. I guess it’s more just a conversation of roster depth and capability in that depth. Plus, with Foz still here we kind of have a few alternative scenarios that can exist in the short term. Right now he’s still in Plan A. Or just sign a union player and hope for the best lol

 

[Cowabunga]

I never said I wasn't for Kini/AJ/JC, I'm just skeptical about it actually being as good as thought/hoped and I'd also like to know what the plan is for 2025 because whoevers sitting on the bench won't be happy. If it all works out well and good that's great but also when does that ever happen at the club? I'm not trying to be a **** hahaha, I actually don't think AJ and JC together will work, I'd be stoked if does but what I don't think I'VE seen any evidence it will work. It's the same way about CG being named over current 17, IMO I need to see JC play at 7 and it look good to say it's the way forward, Right now I'm fine with him staying at 6 if that's what he is.

If JC is just a natural 6 why not get a 7 was basically my point and the AJ contract cooks me haha,

With Aj re-signing what can we do in the spine? Every other spine member is a rookie or junior. He's the main one where none of us seem to have any idea where he fits. I'd chuck him at 14 playing 9/13 like I've mentioned but everyone keeps saying centre which I personally don't like. I don't think the spine or any of the guys mentioned are close to the issue that is Lofi, I'd be starting a Randal cloning/mating clinic as well.

 

[willhelm]

Manu and Graham are just as good as Crichton in D if not better. Tago goes alright too but it’s hard to say how much is him and how much is just being a cog in the Panthers machine. Timoko is underrated too.

 

[The Birdman]

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 also want to reiterate further that JC/Kini/AJ are by far the most talented combination of young/prime key position players we've ever had and all three of them are eyes up, natural footballers. We aren't going to replace them with players of similar talent, we just won't.

If we can't figure it out it's on the club and coaches not the players.

 

[The Birdman]

Also unless Weaver or Harrison kill it where is our magic 7 coming from? If we lose one of Kini/AJ/JC you know we won't be compensated for it equally on a talent basis.

NRL releases don't return quality in most instances. It would be on some compassionate/opportunity grounds BS.

 

[RavShamrock]

I never said I wasn't for Kini/AJ/JC, I'm just skeptical about it actually being as good as thought/hoped and I'd also like to know what the plan is for 2025 because whoevers sitting on the bench won't be happy. If it all works out well and good that's great but also when does that ever happen at the club? I'm not trying to be a **** hahaha, I actually don't think AJ and JC together will work, I'd be stoked if does but what I don't think I'VE seen any evidence it will work. It's the same way about CG being named over current 17, IMO I need to see JC play at 7 and it look good to say it's the way forward, Right now I'm fine with him staying at 6 if that's what he is.

If JC is just a natural 6 why not get a 7 was basically my point and the AJ contract cooks me haha,

With Aj re-signing what can we do in the spine? Every other spine member is a rookie or junior. He's the main one where none of us seem to have any idea where he fits. I'd chuck him at 14 playing 9/13 like I've mentioned but everyone keeps saying centre which I personally don't like. I don't think the spine or any of the guys mentioned are close to the issue that is Lofi, I'd be starting a Randal cloning/mating clinic as well.

I think you're on the money here Cowa where I can see AJ becoming the strategic 14.
Super big contract to be a professional bench warmer though

 

[Mini GF]

I think you're on the money here Cowa where I can see AJ becoming the strategic 14.
Super big contract to be a professional bench warmer though

Insert my usual comment about the quartet rarely being all available

 

[Mini GF]

Weaver has never had a bad game in first grade and still has no contract for next year.

 

[Titanic]

Weaver has never had a bad game in first grade and still has no contract for next year.

You’re right and you’ve got to feel for him. He’s in a difficult place with Foz extended, the team going well and a couple of good kids coming through. I think this is a case of trusting Des’ roster management, a bit like AJ.

 

[willhelm]

Given that Tanah will likely go, only reason I can think of for not having Weaver signed is that we’re confident of keeping Harrison.

 

[mitchdox]

Hoping that the Club isn't looking at Corey Horsburgh as a potential signing. Although he's only 26, I don't see him as an upgrade on any of our forwards and would rather Isaac or Alick take Lius Spot off the bench

 

[Whats Doing]

Nathan Brown has gone back to the Eels. Was hoping he would sign for us particularly as he had just moved to the Gold Coast as he would have been a great asset for the club

 

[RavShamrock]

You’re right and you’ve got to feel for him. He’s in a difficult place with Foz extended, the team going well and a couple of good kids coming through. I think this is a case of trusting Des’ roster management, a bit like AJ.

History would suggest not to leave it entirely up to Des mate

 

[Titanic]

You’re right Ravs but I’m not sure we’ve got too much more unless the Club reaches out to the LoT voices of reason

 

[T0ken]

Weaver has never had a bad game in first grade and still has no contract for next year.

He’s had some pretty bad games in cup tbh. He was run at a lot at by the front rowers, so he’s been found out defensively quite a bit imo

could also be tweeds cattle and defensive systems too but I was expecting a lot more from them this year with weaver at the helm

 

[indoallstars]

I think after last night it proves even when Tino comes back, we are one big and aggressive forward short.

Our small ball strategy works on some packs but not all, I think with Tino and another big body in the middle it should sure up our options to compete with all teams.

Hope Des goes to the market in the off-season. Don't know how our salary cap is looking, but Des has a habit to bring in new players to strengthen the team.

Can we not find some 6'4, 115kg thug of a prop from Logan or somewhere to take on that collision and be our enforcer? I know they are out there.....

 

[willhelm]

There’s a big angry ranga available

 

[Mini GF]

I think after last night it proves even when Tino comes back, we are one big and aggressive forward short.

Our small ball strategy works on some packs but not all, I think with Tino and another big body in the middle it should sure up our options to compete with all teams.

Hope Des goes to the market in the off-season. Don't know how our salary cap is looking, but Des has a habit to bring in new players to strengthen the team.

Can we not find some 6'4, 115kg thug of a prop from Logan or somewhere to take on that collision and be our enforcer? I know they are out there.....

I think a prop rotation of Tino, Mo, Joliffe, Palasia, Pahulu and Clark (Iszak?-what happened?) are adequate for size. The first 4 anyway are big enough.

2nd rowers rotation is DF, Fermor, Klese but after that it does seem to fall away. I just don’t get to see lower grades so I’m not sure about Hau, I liked how he went in his trial way back. Stimpson is there but is so no frills.
Klese like I said last night has been probably our biggest improver under Des however when he stinks it up he will lose you a game of footy on his own in the first half. He’s done that twice now.
I could throttle Klese when he does some dumb arse thing and then has a look on his face like he’s a victim.
So I guess I’m saying that maybe a move I’d like to see is to get an extra 2nd rower and try and move on Liu and Stimpson probably to England if they are willing.

I think our improvement has been adequate enough and as always we offer our location and now Des himself is enough of an enticement for us to be a player in the market to fill needs and not pay overs.

Of course the genius of our club is we will do business and the Murdoch Inbreds of Badel, Meyne, Hooper, Buzz etc never get wind of what we are doing which drives them crazy so maybe discussions are already taking place.

 

[Whats Doing]

I think a prop rotation of Tino, Mo, Joliffe, Palasia, Pahulu and Clark (Iszak?-what happened?) are adequate for size. The first 4 anyway are big enough.

2nd rowers rotation is DF, Fermor, Klese but after that it does seem to fall away. I just don’t get to see lower grades so I’m not sure about Hau, I liked how he went in his trial way back. Stimpson is there but is so no frills.
Klese like I said last night has been probably our biggest improver under Des however when he stinks it up he will lose you a game of footy on his own in the first half. He’s done that twice now.
I could throttle Klese when he does some dumb arse thing and then has a look on his face like he’s a victim.
So I guess I’m saying that maybe a move I’d like to see is to get an extra 2nd rower and try and move on Liu and Stimpson probably to England if they are willing.

I think our improvement has been adequate enough and as always we offer our location and now Des himself is enough of an enticement for us to be a player in the market to fill needs and not pay overs.

Of course the genius of our club is we will do business and the Murdoch Inbreds of Badel, Meyne, Hooper, Buzz etc never get wind of what we are doing which drives them crazy so maybe discussions are already taking place.

Apart from Tino, I agree with Indoolstars we are short of a big middle who will win the collision on both sides of the ball. It is not so much size being the issue, but the impact our middles have.

Mo and JJ were completely dominated by the Sharks middles and this has not been the 1st time particularly with Mo.

Mo appears to try and find a gap often running sideways to find a gap rather than running straight and hard and engaging the defender . In defence he tends to wrap up the defender rather than using his shoulder and hitting hard.

This overrall strategy allows Mo to conserve energy and play long minutes but does not fatigue the opposition by failing to win the collusion. Having a lightweight lock in Randall who also does a ton of good work but also does not win the collusion and control the ruck just compounds the problem.

With Fonua Blake joining the Sharks next year, they will have an abundance of good hard straight running front rowers and they didnt play Uele last night.

Would be happy to get any one of them to support Tino next year or even Tapuha. We just need a big impact front rower who can perform for 30 minutes.