I get the feeling Bird is incoming. I wonder if Naden or Sullivan go the other way? Or maybe a Matamua?
Sullivan could also be a Sharks target, it appears to me like they could do with some depth in the halves.
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Both had solid games with limited opportunities as it was mainly played through the middle. A few good carries from Masi & some nice touches from Onitoni. Player together on left edge, Onitoni at centre giving a nice little pass for Masi to stroll over first half. Both very athletic looking players, Masi quite big for a 17 year old, probably tallest of the Wests Flegg boys. Guessing he’d be about 6’3 and 90+ kgs so will be quite imposing in a year or two.Makasini and Large played Flegg for the first time today. The former scored, and they had a win.
Both only 17 and obviously some conjecture over their future(s) but you'd hope we'll keep at least one of them. As such we'll need a spot or two in the top squad come 2026 or 27. So wouldn't expect much in the way of senior signings this summer in the backs.
any colour from anyone around how they played?
Interesting to see where we play these guys if they debut next year and if they are in the elite category that can make an impact from a young age. We would have Luallili, Bula, Taruva, Galvin, Latu, Makasini, Large, mason all competing for spots in the back line. That’s before you even consider the next level of player like Feledy etc. you can see how we could end up with the panthers conveyor belt of players in a few years if we can convince them all the hang around.
I’d think there’s no need to rush either Large or Makasini, not even sure when they turn 18 and will be eligible to play. But both could debut at some point.Interesting to see where we play these guys if they debut next year and if they are in the elite category that can make an impact from a young age. We would have Luallili, Bula, Taruva, Galvin, Latu, Makasini, Large, mason all competing for spots in the back line. That’s before you even consider the next level of player like Feledy etc. you can see how we could end up with the panthers conveyor belt of players in a few years if we can convince them all the hang around.
1. Bula
2. Taruva
3. Bird
4. Olam
5. Skelton
6. Galvin
7. Luai
8. Jamayne Taunoa- Brown
9. Api
10.Twal
11. Klese Haas
12. Sam Fainu
13. Sione Fainu
14. Latu
15. Pole
16. Klemmer
17. J. Chan
we just need to offload a few players, which may be hard to do.
Only Masi scored, the announcer got the 2nd one wrong, it was the fullback Canaan who scored, announcer realised mistake later & corrected himself.Makasini and Large played Flegg for the first time today. The former scored, and they had a win.
Both only 17 and obviously some conjecture over their future(s) but you'd hope we'll keep at least one of them. As such we'll need a spot or two in the top squad come 2026 or 27. So wouldn't expect much in the way of senior signings this summer in the backs.
Been a bit of talk about Royce Hunt but I’d be looking at Kaufusi & Williams at the Sharks. It’s the middles they might not want to lose that interest me, not the one they do.
1. Bula
2. Lualilli
3. Taruva
4. Olam
5. Skelton
6. galvin
7. Luai
8. Horsburgh
9. Api
10.klemmer
11. Bird
12. Sam Fainu
13. Sione Fainu
14. Latu
15. Pole
16. Hunt
17. Seyfarth
not bad. Not sure what the plan would be for Bird, but I assume we want him to replace Bateman. Lock remains an issue for us, I don’t think you really want to be turning Latu into a 13 just yet but perhaps you can go down that path if we sign Galvin to a long term deal. Sione seems to have potential in the link/extra middle role but I just hope if they are going to turn someone into a lock they spend the entire off season practicing that structure rather than the constant rotation we have seen over the past few years. I haven’t minded Seyfarth on the edge of recent weeks but prefer him coming on to bring energy from the bench. I also prefer Pole as a bench prop to come on and use his footwork and power after 20 min rather than being bashed around early as he isn’t the biggest guy. I kind of like the idea of Sione and Latu rotating in the 13 role, mixing up the temper as the game progresses (maybe stat Sione and being Latu on late first half) and that gives Latu a chance to play some first receiver and push Luai and Galvin wider as the game opens up. Nice to have some selection headaches.
Need to have TDS on the bench as we are over playing API.
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@garry If the club does buy the right couple of forwards that are defensive Api’s work load would significantly drop , TDS should be playing reserve grade weekly as having him on the bench is a waste for a 15min cameo he would be much better served in the long run to ply his trade weekly .I think Latu at 14 has more upside can fill multiple positions !TDS would be a bench warmer …
@russtutty63 I feel hunt is overweight and lazy just the vibe I get not really the type that is required TBH . The team needs forwards that put in big minutes with effect not a tabby you might get a good 10 mins out off .
Hunt has two hit ups and hands on hips no thanks .. Kaufusi on the other hand come on down !
Bula
Skelton
Turuva
Olam
Staines/Laulilii
Galvin
Luai
Latu
Samuela
Seyfarth
Klemmer
Api
Kaufusi
Twal, Sione, Pole, TDS
- Also hope we add another player, Shaun Lane would do.
Put Latu in for GarryBula
Skelton
Turuva
Olam
Staines/Laulilii
Galvin
Luai
Latu
Samuela
Seyfarth
Klemmer
Api
Kaufusi
Twal, Sione, Pole, TDS
- Also hope we add another player, Shaun Lane would do.
Left field suggestion…Api at lock?
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Left field suggestion…Api at lock?
With respect Joel, I think this is crazy and I am hearing various different similar comments throughout the forum, no doubt all part of the "pick you best 17 players" mantra.
Maybe, maybe you pick your best 17, but even of you do, you have to pick the best players in their best positions.
Api is close to the best 9 in the comp and borderline the best 9 we have ever had at the Tigers. Its an important position, dont weaken it. Bula is our best fullback, put him there. Ive even heard suggestions of Galvin at 13....he is the best 6 we have had for a long time and he is going to be a first class player.
Im sympathetic to the issue of getting Latu and even Mason in the team, but people have to also calm down and remember that all of these guys are 19. In almost every other club they would not be playing first grade. IMO Latu is the most important to keep in NRL. Mason, if we can find a place for him, then good but otherwise, he is 19for gods sake and it is no crime for him to spend time in NSW cup to cut his teeth.
