Perhaps it’s no coincidence that Noffa’s demise came to a head just after the new short kickoff rule is installed.If there was consultation with coaches and officialdom,as was reported,you’d have to think that he was always going to be on the outer.In one sense it might be said that he’s a victim of circumstance,coupled with the fact that he’s not getting any faster or younger.Noffa’s ability to leap and contest the high ball has him squarely behind the 8 ball and now,depending on how this new rule is utilised,would make the deep kick-return less of a factor,and one of his strengths.
I imagine it’s a bitter pill to swallow for Noffa,and to one that he hasn’t reacted too brilliantly.Simple fact is in NRL,when you’re no longer a commodity you’re on your own,contract or no contract.Having said that Noffa deserves recognition for his time at WTs,he was a good,robust winger with lovely hands,a great finisher and often seemingly our only point of attack.It wasn’t his fault that he was overpaid.I think Super League beckons.
On a lighter note there will be no more of his excruciating pre game pressers.Hallelujah..but good luck Noffa.and you’ll be remembered for the rare times you got to pound on an upturned plastic bin post-match,and howl your head off….
coincidence?
Not when you still have Staines as a starting winger. He’s no towering giant.
True CQ,no towering giant but no dwarf either at 184cm according to his bio.
As far as speed goes I reckon Charlie would put Noffa into the Ian Herron class of flyers these days,lol.
True CQ,no towering giant but no dwarf either at 184cm according to his bio.
As far as speed goes I reckon Charlie would put Noffa into the Ian Herron class of flyers these days,lol.
Lets hope Charlie hasn’t lost any speed after the injury.
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers!
‘I’ve got something to prove’: Ex-Storm star Olam embracing the challenge at Wests Tigers
Justin Olam has arrived at Wests Tigers with a body on the mend and a desire to prove himself all over again.
“Last season was basically not my best,” said the club’s latest recruit. “I’m not going to give any excuses, but my body wasn’t 100 per cent ready to play. I had ongoing injuries that I played with, I didn’t give myself a chance to compete.
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“I’m working on that, my health, to get back on track. I want to get back to that [top] form, that’s what I’m focused on. I feel I can do it. I still feel I have something still left to prove.
“Stuff like this is always a challenge, and I’m looking forward to it. I’m ready to compete, I just needed to get my body right – that’s my goal at the moment. I’m taking it one step at a time and that’s to be healthy first. The Tigers have a lot of faith in me because I wasn’t 100 per cent healthy when they talked to me.
“I want to repay them and get better so I can go out there and compete.”
The journey from premiership heavyweights Melbourne to the two-time wooden spooners isn’t as far or as bold as Olam’s trek from Gon, a small village in Papua New Guinea’s mountainous Chimbu province, to chase his NRL dream. It is still, however, a leap of faith for a superstar who has achieved everything in the game, from winning a premiership to earning Dally M centre of the year honours.
New Wests Tigers recruit Justin Olam.Credit:Wests Tigers
Olam is one of the fiercest tacklers and ball runners in the NRL, a reputation he is looking to reestablish after being dropped for the first time last year during an injury-interrupted season with the Storm.
Last year began badly after he broke his forearm in a trial and then a knee injury prevented the 30-year-old from representing his beloved PNG in the Pacific Championships. Tigers coach Benji Marshall looked past those setbacks to secure Olam as part of a player swap with Shawn Blore.
“Benji told me what he wants to do,” Olam said. “It was a bit tough for me last year and a tough decision to make. I guess it’s a business at the end of the day, that’s about it.
“It’s a challenge, and I love challenges. The people here are so welcoming and the boys have made it easy for me to transition. It’s been good so far.
Justin Olam with Storm teammates and the premiership trophy in 2020.CREDIT:GETTY
“The Tigers have got some good young players now and it would be good for me to show the way as a senior player, to guide the young boys. I’m looking forward to it as well.
“My first thing is to get healthy first, play consistent footy week in and week out.
“Benji had faith in me and brought me here. I want to win and I know the boys here want to win as well. I want to get healthy so I can go out there and play with them, earn their trust and compete.”
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It took Olam time to adapt to life in Melbourne after growing up in PNG, with the transition to Sydney something he is still getting used to.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know the city,” he said. “I need to know my way around; I’ve got to be careful with the traffic lights.
“The Tigers have a massive fan base and that comes with a massive responsibility for everyone at the club.”
In memory of Geoff Chisholm (1965-2022)
I’m a big Olam fan and I like Justin’s optimism in the article,but the slightly concerning thing for me is that he’s not referring to his injury issues in the past tense,rather as something he still has to get right.Bit of a red flag,but whatever the case I sincerely hope he can be 100%,and that we haven’t been sold a pup by Bellamy Inc.
I’m a big Olam fan and I like Justin’s optimism in the article,but the slightly concerning thing for me is that he’s not referring to his injury issues in the past tense,rather as something he still has to get right.Bit of a red flag,but whatever the case I sincerely hope he can be 100%,and that we haven’t been sold a pup by Bellamy Inc.
That worries me as well.
In memory of Geoff Chisholm (1965-2022)
Seems from some of the reporting (Chammas among others), that the club had more than enough to terminate Nofo's contract without any payout or repercussions. Hence why he was more than happy to take 30c in the dollar in his payout, as it's better than nothing.
Seems from some of the reporting (Chammas among others), that the club had more than enough to terminate Nofo's contract without any payout or repercussions. Hence why he was more than happy to take 30c in the dollar in his payout, as it's better than nothing.
Sounds like the payout may have been to look after Nofa more than any obligation which I don't have an issue with.
In memory of Geoff Chisholm (1965-2022)
Seems from some of the reporting (Chammas among others), that the club had more than enough to terminate Nofo's contract without any payout or repercussions. Hence why he was more than happy to take 30c in the dollar in his payout, as it's better than nothing.
Sounds like the payout may have been to look after Nofa more than any obligation which I don't have an issue with.
Absolutely. End of the day, he seems in a bad way so I'm glad we've looked after him.
@garry I would not be surprised if we don't see Olam in the team for a few rounds based on his comments about "getting healthy" as his first priority. Doesn't sound like healthy is just a couple of training sessions away.
Are we going to see another repeat of the Bateman episode of last year where he came over under done and didn’t play the early rounds?
Appears he only came back after Christmas.
It’s a big concern. I just hope he can get his body right and we get some value out of the signing.I’m a big Olam fan and I like Justin’s optimism in the article,but the slightly concerning thing for me is that he’s not referring to his injury issues in the past tense,rather as something he still has to get right.Bit of a red flag,but whatever the case I sincerely hope he can be 100%,and that we haven’t been sold a pup by Bellamy Inc.
That worries me as well.
Off topic I know but it's BACK TO THE FUTURE!
SMH reporting Luciano has asked for an immediate release from NQ and the Dragons want him.
Off topic I know but it's BACK TO THE FUTURE!
SMH reporting Luciano has asked for an immediate release from NQ and the Dragons want him.
Going back to where he struggled for form and fitness.
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers!
Fun to laugh at Dragons for pinching Luciano but its a bad result for the Tigers. It is going to provide a lot of cap relief for Cowboys and I had thought they were vulnerable to losing one of their good young second rowers that I thought we were chasing.
