I’d really like to put Tim Johannssen in the team as I think he’s going to have a big year.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.
I’d rather play Da Silva at lock. Leave Api to do what Api does best.Left field suggestion…Api at lock?
I’d really like to put Tim Johannssen in the team as I think he’s going to have a big year.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.
After the Skelton signing, we've still got around $1.5m+ to spend for next year, so I would hope that we do more than just add Kaufusi. We should be adding at least a couple of genuine FG options in the pack.
All the hand wringing and consternation about players and their positions is a reflection of our lack of success over the last few years. We have some great talent in the team and coming through that will deliver a change of fortune for us over the coming seasons. The questions about TDS, Latu, Galvin and now Mason are actually quite refreshing as in the past it has always been who do we have rather than where do we play them. Mason has had a few good outings and I really like his acceleration and step, however for me Bula is great and has more upside. I also have high hopes for Latu and have been impressed by what I have seen so far, however Galvin at the moment has a mortgage on the 6 and Luai the 7. Having said that let's see how things shake out over the coming months and into the first few rounds of 2025. We have 3 players in Latu, TDS and Mason that will be keeping the first graders honest and focused and who can easily step in and cover rep duties or injuries. I also do not think too many teams will poach them with a guarantee of playing regular first grade that would be much better than us. Latu is on good coin and has his brothers at the club. TDS is playing under one of the best hookers in the comp and with his mates and Galvin also looks like he is having some fun and still has 2 years to go on his contract, whilst also playing with his mates. So things are looking up for us WT supporters....finally!
I also don't agree with playing the kids at lock, maybe for short stints here and there, or as a strategy against certain teams that have a smaller set of middles, however to say Galvin or Latu or TDS should become a lock is not right for a number of reasons. We do need a specialist in that role with a bit of experience as well, who is a great defender, the attacking requirement will be covered by Api/Laui/Galvin etc..
Yes, I mentioned Lane if released by Eels as could cover edge & middle, plenty experience, played in GF.I’d really like to put Tim Johannssen in the team as I think he’s going to have a big year.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.
After the Skelton signing, we've still got around $1.5m+ to spend for next year, so I would hope that we do more than just add Kaufusi. We should be adding at least a couple of genuine FG options in the pack.
Feldt leaving Cows. Big chance he’ll go to UK but I’d take him for a year if price ok. Top class winger who is great in the air & can kick goals. A terrific pro. Keep developing Luke, maybe give him opportunities as they come next year. Maybe he could teach Luke a lot as well especially as Luke transitioning from fullback.
And mentally tough.Feldt leaving Cows. Big chance he’ll go to UK but I’d take him for a year if price ok. Top class winger who is great in the air & can kick goals. A terrific pro. Keep developing Luke, maybe give him opportunities as they come next year. Maybe he could teach Luke a lot as well especially as Luke transitioning from fullback.
Would try to release Naden, Alaimalo, Faataape & probably Lobb. Keep Star, Doueihi & Feledy, Saukuru as back up centres. Staines & Luke as back up wingers. Decent depth in outside backs with Heath also there. Those guys probably only on minimum to $300,000And mentally tough.Feldt leaving Cows. Big chance he’ll go to UK but I’d take him for a year if price ok. Top class winger who is great in the air & can kick goals. A terrific pro. Keep developing Luke, maybe give him opportunities as they come next year. Maybe he could teach Luke a lot as well especially as Luke transitioning from fullback.
This deal should really be the ultimate take it or leave it. I would be fine with a year or maybe 2 depending on the money but he is not worth haggling over.
This deal should really be the ultimate take it or leave it. I would be fine with a year or maybe 2 depending on the money but he is not worth haggling over.
bud has same manager as bird doesn't he ? we need to try and move on bud contract, richo needs to play some ball here
I have my doubts it was ever really on. Just seems a bit of backtracking by the journos.
Interesting little interview. I was thinking today as the news of Feldt leaving the Cows came through about experienced players & where we are as a club. We definitely pushed through some players that I’m sure we would’ve liked to give more time, Luke, Miller & one or two others. Ideally it’d be good to give them a season or two learning in the lower grades before debuting but not to be this year. I also wondered if by adding to the experienced guys currently in the top 30 how much that might help Benji. He seemed to rely heavily on Api this year although he no doubt also gave some responsibility to Klemmer & Bateman. Sometimes the relationship between coach & player breaks down as it seems to have with Benji & Bateman. But with Luai coming, Api there, Klemmer, Olam & maybe one or two more it surely will help. It’s the main reason I like Feldt despite his age. A true NRL professional like him who understands what it takes to be at your best week in week out is the perfect example of what we need & would help Benji enormously in my opinion. They’re just not all that easy to find.Wests Tigers CEO- Shane Richardson 26/08/24 - SEN League | Podcast on Spotify
