SMH:
according to sources speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the confidential nature of the talks, Marshall has been given the power to pursue a short-term deal to bring Sezer back from the English Super League.
Fulton, who was brought to the club earlier this year without the knowledge of coach Tim Sheens or his current assistant Marshall, had wanted to pursue Penrith’s back-up halfback Jack Cogger, who is seven years Sezer’s junior and has been understudy to Nathan Cleary this year.
But the parties agreed Marshall’s preference would take priority and the Tigers will now work to sign 32-year-old Sezer from Leeds.
https://wwos.nine.com.au/videos/nrl/gus-confirms-fainu-visit/clk6powb0000z0jl7smwezrv7
Gus sniffing around the Fainu’s. Just “mentoring” at this stage apparently…..
He is 32, as long as we pair him with a 6 that has some spark, we will improve immensely. Sezar doesn’t have to be electric, just move the team around and have a good kicking game. Also Sezar at 32 is a few years younger than DCE, younger than Hunt and Pearce and same age as Townsend, so age shouldn’t be a problemAs a 7, I can't agree, Brooks at 6 yes, but at 7 Brooks just doesn't have the skillset or game awareness to execute the role, surely watching him for 10 years tells you thisNo glasses mate, I have seen Brooks try to play 7 for 10 years, I stand by my comment, Sezar is a better 7, maybe it's you have the blinkers on regarding BrooksAs a 7 Sezar is better than Brooks, so therefore that is an upgrade, obviously not the one we were hoping for thoughsome wanted anyone but brooks
this is who we can get Aiden Sezer lol
This is the clubs aggressive recruitment drive.
not an upgrade on Brooks take your hate blinkers off mate
Johnson, Pearce, Moses yes upgrades but not Sezer or Croft or Clune etc
Sezer was better 4 years ago (marginally) but I would MUCH rather Brooks in 2024 than Sezer.
Sure, I can accept that but what makes you think a 34yo who couldnt get a gig in the NRL, spent 4 years in UK Super League, will do better?
Chammas: Aidan Sezer has been spoken about as someone Benji wants to bring to the club. Is that going to happen?
Hagipantelis: Look, it would be in appropriate to reference any particular players just in case they do or don’t come to this club. That will be discussed internally by Scott and the list management committee, of which Benji and Tim Sheens sit.
Chammas: What about Latu Fainu – the young gun from Manly? Are you confident he’s coming to the Wests Tigers.
Hagipantelis: I’m confident we’ve put forward a very attractive proposal. I’m confident we’ve been able to put forward as a vision of what this club has to offer for both he and Samuela, his brother.
Confirming we're in for the Fainu brothers (immediately after claiming it'd be inappropriate to comment on specific players).
He is 32, as long as we pair him with a 6 that has some spark, we will improve immensely. Sezar doesn’t have to be electric, just move the team around and have a good kicking game. Also Sezar at 32 is a few years younger than DCE, younger than Hunt and Pearce and same age as Townsend, so age shouldn’t be a problem
The most important question - is Sezer faster than Hastings?
Top 8 2023
My first post so Hi All, Am I missing something in all the Cogger vs Sezer crap that's going on at the club....why wouldn't we make both an offer and bring them across (assuming we can get them)? Sezer looks like he is going for a 1 year with a 2nd year club option and Cogger will get a year to continue to develop with some decent time in 1st grade to develop his game. We are starting from zero in terms of halves going into 2024 as AD looks to be sitting out the whole year, this way we get an old experienced head to steer the team and help develop the younger guys coming through (which Benji should be almost 100% focused on). Latu Fainu seems to have some big wraps and he is a quality junior, however probably 2-3 years from making a mark in 1st grade and we have Galvin who looks the goods a year behind him, so I'm not overly fussed if we sign the Fainu boys and in no way should we get in a bidding war and pay overs for them. Latu is too young and inexperienced for a full year of 1st grade in 2024, just look at what happened to Oloapu at the dogs, was out of his depth and the experience will likely have hit his confidence.
He is 32, as long as we pair him with a 6 that has some spark, we will improve immensely. Sezar doesn’t have to be electric, just move the team around and have a good kicking game. Also Sezar at 32 is a few years younger than DCE, younger than Hunt and Pearce and same age as Townsend, so age shouldn’t be a problemAs a 7, I can't agree, Brooks at 6 yes, but at 7 Brooks just doesn't have the skillset or game awareness to execute the role, surely watching him for 10 years tells you thisNo glasses mate, I have seen Brooks try to play 7 for 10 years, I stand by my comment, Sezar is a better 7, maybe it's you have the blinkers on regarding BrooksAs a 7 Sezar is better than Brooks, so therefore that is an upgrade, obviously not the one we were hoping for thoughsome wanted anyone but brooks
this is who we can get Aiden Sezer lol
This is the clubs aggressive recruitment drive.
not an upgrade on Brooks take your hate blinkers off mate
Johnson, Pearce, Moses yes upgrades but not Sezer or Croft or Clune etc
Sezer was better 4 years ago (marginally) but I would MUCH rather Brooks in 2024 than Sezer.
Sure, I can accept that but what makes you think a 34yo who couldnt get a gig in the NRL, spent 4 years in UK Super League, will do better?
Age is a massive problem. We are not buying a 32 yo, we are buying a 34yo. Sezer will be 34 during his first season with the Wests Tigers. DCE, Hunt and Pearce are elite halves. Sezer is a half that couldnt get a gig in the NRL and had to spend 4 years in UK. One of these things is not like the others.
The fact that we are considering Sezer and the fact that some fans are talking themselves into the idea that a 34yo washed up player is the answer, he doesnt need to be dynamic, he will just "steer us around" and sprinkle magic old man dust on everything says all you need to know about where this club is.
This is where the club is right now. They are holding crisis meetings to fight for the ability to sign up a 34yo who couldnt get a gig in the NRL. That is where we are, let that sink in.
https://wwos.nine.com.au/videos/nrl/gus-confirms-fainu-visit/clk6powb0000z0jl7smwezrv7
Gus sniffing around the Fainu’s. Just “mentoring” at this stage apparently…..
Hope it wasn’t a conjugal visit
Sezar born 24th June 1991, is 32, will turn 33 next year, and Brooks tried for 10 years to steer us around and failed, so whats your pointHe is 32, as long as we pair him with a 6 that has some spark, we will improve immensely. Sezar doesn’t have to be electric, just move the team around and have a good kicking game. Also Sezar at 32 is a few years younger than DCE, younger than Hunt and Pearce and same age as Townsend, so age shouldn’t be a problemAs a 7, I can't agree, Brooks at 6 yes, but at 7 Brooks just doesn't have the skillset or game awareness to execute the role, surely watching him for 10 years tells you thisNo glasses mate, I have seen Brooks try to play 7 for 10 years, I stand by my comment, Sezar is a better 7, maybe it's you have the blinkers on regarding BrooksAs a 7 Sezar is better than Brooks, so therefore that is an upgrade, obviously not the one we were hoping for thoughsome wanted anyone but brooks
this is who we can get Aiden Sezer lol
This is the clubs aggressive recruitment drive.
not an upgrade on Brooks take your hate blinkers off mate
Johnson, Pearce, Moses yes upgrades but not Sezer or Croft or Clune etc
Sezer was better 4 years ago (marginally) but I would MUCH rather Brooks in 2024 than Sezer.
Sure, I can accept that but what makes you think a 34yo who couldnt get a gig in the NRL, spent 4 years in UK Super League, will do better?
Age is a massive problem. We are not buying a 32 yo, we are buying a 34yo. Sezer will be 34 during his first season with the Wests Tigers. DCE, Hunt and Pearce are elite halves. Sezer is a half that couldnt get a gig in the NRL and had to spend 4 years in UK. One of these things is not like the others.
The fact that we are considering Sezer and the fact that some fans are talking themselves into the idea that a 34yo washed up player is the answer, he doesnt need to be dynamic, he will just "steer us around" and sprinkle magic old man dust on everything says all you need to know about where this club is.
This is where the club is right now. They are holding crisis meetings to fight for the ability to sign up a 34yo who couldnt get a gig in the NRL. That is where we are, let that sink in.
He is 32, as long as we pair him with a 6 that has some spark, we will improve immensely. Sezar doesn’t have to be electric, just move the team around and have a good kicking game. Also Sezar at 32 is a few years younger than DCE, younger than Hunt and Pearce and same age as Townsend, so age shouldn’t be a problemAs a 7, I can't agree, Brooks at 6 yes, but at 7 Brooks just doesn't have the skillset or game awareness to execute the role, surely watching him for 10 years tells you thisNo glasses mate, I have seen Brooks try to play 7 for 10 years, I stand by my comment, Sezar is a better 7, maybe it's you have the blinkers on regarding BrooksAs a 7 Sezar is better than Brooks, so therefore that is an upgrade, obviously not the one we were hoping for thoughsome wanted anyone but brooks
this is who we can get Aiden Sezer lol
This is the clubs aggressive recruitment drive.
not an upgrade on Brooks take your hate blinkers off mate
Johnson, Pearce, Moses yes upgrades but not Sezer or Croft or Clune etc
Sezer was better 4 years ago (marginally) but I would MUCH rather Brooks in 2024 than Sezer.
Sure, I can accept that but what makes you think a 34yo who couldnt get a gig in the NRL, spent 4 years in UK Super League, will do better?
Age is a massive problem. We are not buying a 32 yo, we are buying a 34yo. Sezer will be 34 during his first season with the Wests Tigers. DCE, Hunt and Pearce are elite halves. Sezer is a half that couldnt get a gig in the NRL and had to spend 4 years in UK. One of these things is not like the others.
The fact that we are considering Sezer and the fact that some fans are talking themselves into the idea that a 34yo washed up player is the answer, he doesnt need to be dynamic, he will just "steer us around" and sprinkle magic old man dust on everything says all you need to know about where this club is.
This is where the club is right now. They are holding crisis meetings to fight for the ability to sign up a 34yo who couldnt get a gig in the NRL. That is where we are, let that sink in.
it was just poor planning the club thought they could low ball a player, he left and then we scramble for another player.
We then scramble to sign a player from ESL, you couldn't make this stuff up.
Rumour around about Metcalf. A month ago I was a big no, he looked clunky, passing average and put pressure on his outside men. But Webster stuck with him and his confidence is sky high. He would be a great foil for Sezer and also adds the possibility of him moving to 7 once Sezer is done. So I've swung around and really hope the rumour is true.
Sezar born 24th June 1991, is 32, will turn 33 next year, and Brooks tried for 10 years to steer us around and failed, so whats your pointHe is 32, as long as we pair him with a 6 that has some spark, we will improve immensely. Sezar doesn’t have to be electric, just move the team around and have a good kicking game. Also Sezar at 32 is a few years younger than DCE, younger than Hunt and Pearce and same age as Townsend, so age shouldn’t be a problemAs a 7, I can't agree, Brooks at 6 yes, but at 7 Brooks just doesn't have the skillset or game awareness to execute the role, surely watching him for 10 years tells you thisNo glasses mate, I have seen Brooks try to play 7 for 10 years, I stand by my comment, Sezar is a better 7, maybe it's you have the blinkers on regarding BrooksAs a 7 Sezar is better than Brooks, so therefore that is an upgrade, obviously not the one we were hoping for thoughsome wanted anyone but brooks
this is who we can get Aiden Sezer lol
This is the clubs aggressive recruitment drive.
not an upgrade on Brooks take your hate blinkers off mate
Johnson, Pearce, Moses yes upgrades but not Sezer or Croft or Clune etc
Sezer was better 4 years ago (marginally) but I would MUCH rather Brooks in 2024 than Sezer.
Sure, I can accept that but what makes you think a 34yo who couldnt get a gig in the NRL, spent 4 years in UK Super League, will do better?
Age is a massive problem. We are not buying a 32 yo, we are buying a 34yo. Sezer will be 34 during his first season with the Wests Tigers. DCE, Hunt and Pearce are elite halves. Sezer is a half that couldnt get a gig in the NRL and had to spend 4 years in UK. One of these things is not like the others.
The fact that we are considering Sezer and the fact that some fans are talking themselves into the idea that a 34yo washed up player is the answer, he doesnt need to be dynamic, he will just "steer us around" and sprinkle magic old man dust on everything says all you need to know about where this club is.
This is where the club is right now. They are holding crisis meetings to fight for the ability to sign up a 34yo who couldnt get a gig in the NRL. That is where we are, let that sink in.
i think that I made my point pretty clearly but in case that the fact that I got his age wrong by less than 12 months has thrown you, let me repeat....
Age is a massive problem. We are not buying a 32 yo, we are buying a 33yo. Sezer will be 33 during his first season with the Wests Tigers. DCE, Hunt and Pearce are elite halves. Sezer is a half that couldnt get a gig in the NRL and had to spend 4 years in UK. One of these things is not like the others.
The fact that we are considering Sezer and the fact that some fans are talking themselves into the idea that a 33yo washed up player is the answer, he doesnt need to be dynamic, he will just "steer us around" and sprinkle magic old man dust on everything says all you need to know about where this club is.
This is where the club is right now. They are holding crisis meetings to fight for the ability to sign up a 33yo who couldnt get a gig in the NRL. That is where we are, let that sink in.
Is that any clearer? How does the fact that "Brooks tried for 10 years to steer us around and failed" mean that a 33yo half that is slow, couldnt get a gig in the NRL and has spent 4 years in UK is automatically the answer?
can't see Metcalfe being released from NZ
Maybe Volkman or most likely TMM being released but again TMM is not a specialist 6 he is a good 14 can cover 6 and 1 but we really need a 6.
Could we offer parramatta Simpkin for Ethan Sanders ? and play 7. Sanders 6. Sezer
SMH reporting Ethan Sanders to raiders apparently
apparently we are looking at Morris or Holbrook as assistant to support benji ?
Several influential player agents are prepared to back the Tigers by encouraging their clients to sign or re-sign with the joint-venture outfit, but only if there is significant investment in the coaching set-up.
The Tigers have already been linked to Justin Holbrook and are expected to pursue the sacked Titans coach. Another potential target is John Morris, the former Sharks head coach currently assisting Jason Demetriou at South Sydney.
Such a move would be made to support, rather than to undermine, Benji Marshall, who is scheduled to take over from Tim Sheens in 2024. Marshall is already taking an increasingly hands-on role as an assistant, but there is a push for the addition of another experienced mentor to the brains trust to help him complete his apprenticeship.
The Tigers have offered the Fainus a four-year deal, comparable to the one tabled by Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins. Latu, a five-eighth, and Samuela, a forward, performed strongly in NSW’s under-19s State of Origin victory last week.
Latu made history when he signed a Manly deal in late 2021 that made him the highest-paid player yet to make his NRL debut. The Sea Eagles want to retain him and Samuela, but have given them permission to explore the market after embarking on a recent signing spree that has put pressure on their salary cap.
The Tigers haven’t got a fit half on their books for 2024 - Adam Doueihi is contracted but is still recovering from knee surgery - prompting a search for playmakers. Aidan Sezer and Brodie Croft, currently playing in the Super League, are two options the club is considering.
There has been a well-publicised difference of opinion between Marshall and new Tigers recruiter Scott Fulton on a raft of recruitment targets. Regardless, several current and prospective players want to see further investment in the Tigers coaching department before making a call on their futures.
Several Tigers players are already heading for the exits, with off-contract utility Daine Laurie linked to a return to Penrith.
In other signing news, teenaged Parramatta playmaker Ethan Sanders has signed a two-year deal with Canberra from 2025.
The Eels were among half a dozen clubs keen to secure Sanders, who was the player of the match in the club’s SG Ball grand final and also starred in the Blues’ under-19s win. However, Sanders is currently stuck behind Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown, who have made long-term commitments to the blue and golds.
While Sanders is contracted to the Eels for 2024, they may opt to release him rather than develop him for a rival. The Raiders would have the salary cap space to take him next year should that be the case.
Canberra have also re-signed Danny Levi. The hooker suffered a fractured jaw in the NSW Cup that will likely rule him out for the season, but will remain in the nation’s capital long term.
In memory of Geoff Chisholm (1965-2022)
