The Dogs recruitment strategy so far is an interesting one. They’ve acquired an elite edge back rower & centre, both were entering the prime of their careers, about 25 years old and 100 or so games so both were going to give value. They also acquired a very good 9 also about to enter the best 5 or 6 years of his career. The same could be said about Burton although he was younger. It seems more about the age of the player & how much value they could get out of them as much as how good they are or might become. They’ve now done the same with Tupouniua who will be 28 next season but has played only 99 games so he should provide some value the next 3 years. It appears less risk involved in this strategy than acquiring guys over 30 years old and who might’ve played 200 games or more. There will always be players in that over 30 category who are value but higher risk.
If you were to follow a similar path to what the Dogs are doing there are some players off contract this year who could provide value, notably Jack Williams, Oregon Kaufusi from Sharks, Blake Wilson from the Dogs & perhaps Isaiah Tass from Souths.The Dogs recruitment strategy so far is an interesting one. They’ve acquired an elite edge back rower & centre, both were entering the prime of their careers, about 25 years old and 100 or so games so both were going to give value. They also acquired a very good 9 also about to enter the best 5 or 6 years of his career. The same could be said about Burton although he was younger. It seems more about the age of the player & how much value they could get out of them as much as how good they are or might become. They’ve now done the same with Tupouniua who will be 28 next season but has played only 99 games so he should provide some value the next 3 years. It appears less risk involved in this strategy than acquiring guys over 30 years old and who might’ve played 200 games or more. There will always be players in that over 30 category who are value but higher risk.
The Dogs recruitment strategy so far is an interesting one. They’ve acquired an elite edge back rower & centre, both were entering the prime of their careers, about 25 years old and 100 or so games so both were going to give value. They also acquired a very good 9 also about to enter the best 5 or 6 years of his career. The same could be said about Burton although he was younger. It seems more about the age of the player & how much value they could get out of them as much as how good they are or might become. They’ve now done the same with Tupouniua who will be 28 next season but has played only 99 games so he should provide some value the next 3 years. It appears less risk involved in this strategy than acquiring guys over 30 years old and who might’ve played 200 games or more. There will always be players in that over 30 category who are value but higher risk.
Good post. Gould has said the first thing he looks for in a potential recruit is attitude. Players that appeal to him are the ones who want to compete on every play and never give up. You would say that about Mahoney, Kikau, Chrichton, Salmon, Sexton. It seems a lower risk play than taking on older players who are getting the push such as RCG.
Another thing Gould has said is that he recruits players who are rugby league fans ie who think about and watch NRL. I think this is also a good marker of attitude and desire to be better rather than just being an athlete performing a role
Yes, attitude so important at struggling clubs that’s one reason Luai & Turuva should improve the team. Also a reason a few of us here like Williams, seems a competitor & very fit. The only player in that 30+ category that interests me at present is probably Lane from the Eels. He’ll be 30 in November and will have about 180 games so is experienced & has a point of difference. His ability to hit a hole & offload very good, not sure how well he’d go on that right edge or about his defence but would probably be an upgrade on Bateman and cheaper. I’d think and a 2 year deal would be enough.The Dogs recruitment strategy so far is an interesting one. They’ve acquired an elite edge back rower & centre, both were entering the prime of their careers, about 25 years old and 100 or so games so both were going to give value. They also acquired a very good 9 also about to enter the best 5 or 6 years of his career. The same could be said about Burton although he was younger. It seems more about the age of the player & how much value they could get out of them as much as how good they are or might become. They’ve now done the same with Tupouniua who will be 28 next season but has played only 99 games so he should provide some value the next 3 years. It appears less risk involved in this strategy than acquiring guys over 30 years old and who might’ve played 200 games or more. There will always be players in that over 30 category who are value but higher risk.
Good post. Gould has said the first thing he looks for in a potential recruit is attitude. Players that appeal to him are the ones who want to compete on every play and never give up. You would say that about Mahoney, Kikau, Chrichton, Salmon, Sexton. It seems a lower risk play than taking on older players who are getting the push such as RCG.
Shaun Lane is an interesting one. Here's a left field thought to ponder....this year Lane has spent some time playing in the middle, I was surprised by how willing he was in the role. He was quite physical. Could it be that with the speed of the game and the point of his career he is at, that a permant move to front row could really invigorate him? I'm thinking back to how Siro prolonged his career by moving to the middle and he actually finished having some of his best and most consistent seasons.
It would be worth going over the video of his play this year in the middle and then having a chat to him to see if that's a role he is excited about.
I hadn’t noticed that but it’s an interesting point. It’s a bit like Samuela who could also play in the middle but has been so good on the edge he can’t be moved. Whatever the case Lane would offer something we need & might provide value. One other point I’ve just thought about is he could also be a target for kicks as well as help defend them, something we are in short supply of.Shaun Lane is an interesting one. Here's a left field thought to ponder....this year Lane has spent some time playing in the middle, I was surprised by how willing he was in the role. He was quite physical. Could it be that with the speed of the game and the point of his career he is at, that a permant move to front row could really invigorate him? I'm thinking back to how Siro prolonged his career by moving to the middle and he actually finished having some of his best and most consistent seasons.
It would be worth going over the video of his play this year in the middle and then having a chat to him to see if that's a role he is excited about.
think for assistant coaches
Brad Arthur is the pick
however
if we can't get him the Jason Demetriou he seems like a good x's and o's assistant
A team of
head coach
Benji Marshall
Assistants
John Morris
Jason Demetriou
can we get both RCG and Lane ?
think for assistant coaches
Brad Arthur is the pick
however
if we can't get him the Jason Demetriou he seems like a good x's and o's assistant
A team of
head coach
Benji Marshall
Assistants
John Morris
Jason Demetriou
One thing Demetriou's relationship with Morris, with what happened last year between them at the Rabbits?
Neil Henry might be a better option.
think for assistant coaches
Brad Arthur is the pick
however
if we can't get him the Jason Demetriou he seems like a good x's and o's assistant
A team of
head coach
Benji Marshall
Assistants
John Morris
Jason Demetriou
One thing Demetriou's relationship with Morris, with what happened last year between them at the Rabbits?
Neil Henry might be a better option.
Where has Henry between since he was punted by the Titans?
What happened to Garth Brennan?
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers!
Henry did a bit of rep footy coaching think that's been it?
can we get both RCG and Lane ?
I'm all for getting a couple of teammates - from the right club though. Would prefer say NAS and Welch coming from a super-successful system.
can we get both RCG and Lane ?
why? Are they better than current options? RCG is on as much or more than Klem
