Obviously every club would love to have Haas or Tino in their pack, both and you’d be doing pretty well. But let’s assume neither are likely to come to Wests Tigers, a pretty good assumption to make I’d think, so what player(s) would you target looking at 2027?
Here’s a few I think we should try to get over here:
Firstly I’d throw as much as I could to get Koloamatangi to the club. I doubt I’d even look at any other big names if I could get him. He’d be 29 in 2027 and played about 150 games. A 3 year deal would be ideal imo. He’d bring size and mobility to our front row as well as experience. Bring through Tapau-Moors and one or two other young props and go from there.
2. Hamish Stewart from the Dragons. I’m surprised he’s still not signed up over there but they’re probably looking at it and maybe someone like NAS before knowing exactly what can be done. He’s big, young and plays middle (13), could really develop into that mobile prop over time.
3. Josh Curran, I think he’d be about 27 or 28 but only in that 150 game range. Plenty of mobility, fit and experienced, could add plenty value to the bench.
4. Billy Burns, will also be about 27 in two years so his best is probably about now and next 5 years. Can play middle & edge or just add value to the bench. Another big, mobile forward, ideal for the modern game.
Moses Leota is a dream Front row partner for TDM
Another would be an absolute gun 2nd rower like Haumole Olakau'atu.
Just imagine him and Samuela
@enumerator Hamuole and Samuela would absolutely tear up an opposition defence. Imagine Luai/Latu/Bula playing off the back of them. That would probably be more effective than adding another middle to what we already have. KPP as depth off the bench. Sam could also cover the middle in a pinch.
I actually see Samuelas development path following Hamuoles. They would feed off each other on the field.
Haumole & Leota would be nice but both contracted for at least another 2 years. Was mainly thinking about players off contract end of 2026 & available for 2027.
Liam Henry is another who would be a good addition. I don’t know Suli Pole’s situation at the Storm or Ativalu Lisati but both are worth looking at. Would love Suli as he’s a big, young guy who has plenty going for him. But I suspect the Storm very keen on him and Cooper Clarke. Would be nice to pick up a young prospect from the Storm though.
When I look at Koloamatangi I see some similarities to AFB. But I would say right now there’s more upside to Koloamatangi. AFB is 3 years older than Koloamatangi and has played 80 more games. Koloamatangi also offers more mobility and some versatility. I don’t think he won’t re-sign with Souths but if he tests the market November than hopefully we can have crack.
I agree that we should have a real crack at Koloamatangi. Having said that if Both Hunt and Pole can pull their fingers out and with May, Sione, Twal, Bunty and potentially Roberts (who I see as a middle) and perhaps Kit becoming that damaging Leniu style player than we may not really need anyone.
*assuming Bunty does well and gets extended into 27
Yes, plenty of “ifs” there. I just get the feeling they’ve looked at what’s available this season & decided better to wait until Nov’ to have a crack at a middle hence short term deals for a couple of guys. And I think Richo knows that one top class middle who could start with Terrell might just give us the opportunity to take that step towards top 4. I might be nowhere near the mark but we’ll see over the next month or so.I agree that we should have a real crack at Koloamatangi. Having said that if Both Hunt and Pole can pull their fingers out and with May, Sione, Twal, Bunty and potentially Roberts (who I see as a middle) and perhaps Kit becoming that damaging Leniu style player than we may not really need anyone.
*assuming Bunty does well and gets extended into 27
