I wonder if we will go with round 2 if everyone is fit etc
Api plays 80
Latu Fainu on bench and cover
at some point in the game galvin moves to lock role and that enables latu fainu to come into the game, in halves it might solve our 13 dilema
As for TDS throw him captaincy for magpies
I wonder if we will go with round 2 if everyone is fit etc
Api plays 80
Latu Fainu on bench and cover
at some point in the game galvin moves to lock role and that enables latu fainu to come into the game, in halves it might solve our 13 dilema
As for TDS throw him captaincy for magpies
Playing Api for 80 would be a mistake.
In memory of Geoff Chisholm (1965-2022)
TDS plays 14 to play 15-20 min a game.
Galvin plays 6 for 80
Fainu develops in reserves
TDS plays 14 to play 15-20 min a game.
Galvin plays 6 for 80
Fainu develops in reserves
I think there’s a chance both TDS and Latu are on the bench, along with Hunt and Pole.
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TDS plays 14 to play 15-20 min a game.
Galvin plays 6 for 80
Fainu develops in reserves
I think there’s a chance both TDS and Latu are on the bench, along with Hunt and Pole.
You can't afford to do that.
I’m not saying it’s what I’d do necessarily, but I think it’s a chance of happening.
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TDS plays 14 to play 15-20 min a game.
Galvin plays 6 for 80
Fainu develops in reserves
I think there’s a chance both TDS and Latu are on the bench, along with Hunt and Pole.
You can't afford to do that.
I’m not saying it’s what I’d do necessarily, but I think it’s a chance of happening.
Would be an extremely dumb decision.
In memory of Geoff Chisholm (1965-2022)
I think you change Latu and TDS as the 14 when needed. They both need a mix of long minutes and playing in the top grade
I thought Naden had a very solid hit out yesterday. To me he is now the leading centre to pair with Olam.
Tigers enforcer Samuela Fainu wants to be part of the first trio of brothers to win an NRL premiership together since the Burgess brothers did it for Souths in 2014.
It is a lofty goal given the Tigers are coming off the back of three straight wooden spoons and are in the midst of the longest finals drought in the NRL stretching back to 2011.
Samuela (21) and younger brother Latu (19) are in the second year of their four year deals with the Tigers after switching from Manly last season, while older brother Sione (23) recently signed a two-year extension with the club, meaning all three will be at the Tigers until 2026 at least.
Two years may not be enough time to bring the Tigers a first premiership since 2005, but after a spate of quality signings in the off-season there is renewed hope of success at the club.
“It’s definitely a huge goal for us,” Fainu told foxsports.com.au.
“There is a long way to go to get to that, but it would be a very special feeling to bring a premiership back to the Tigers and to do it with my brothers would be even better.”
Fainu had a breakout season for the Tigers in 2024 with five tries in 23 games after playing five matches in his rookie campaign with Manly in 2023.
Latu Fainu scored two tries in nine games in his rookie season last year, while older brother Sione played 12 matches scoring two tries of his own.
The trio are at the start of their NRL journeys and Samuela says the feeling of playing professional sport with his brothers is unique.
“Me and my little brother (Latu), we both stay at home with our parents still,” Fainu said.
“Sione my older brother has moved out, so we see him at training.
“We don’t really hang out together at training. We already see each other enough.
“But it’s a great feeling playing with your brothers. I actually can’t describe it, there’s no words for it.”
So is there a pecking order amongst the brothers with the older ones pulling rank over the younger siblings?
“No, not now, when we were younger we were always driving each other crazy,” Fainu said.
“Now that we’re a bit older and we’re more mature, it’s different now.”
The Tigers have lost some back-rowers in Isaiah Papali’i and John Bateman over the off-season, so Fainu is set for an even bigger role in 2025, but he will be careful not to overplay his hand.
“I don’t feel the pressure to step up, just more in doing my job for the team,” Fainu said.
“No matter where I’m playing on the field, whether it’s middle or back row. It’s just about doing my job and doing what’s best for the team.”
Helping Fainu will be a number of star recruits in the forward pack led by Royce Hunt, Terrell May and Jack Bird.
The two front-rowers have brought a lot to the squad and helped Fainu develop his game, but he couldn’t resist a cheeky dig at Bird.
“They have brought a lot of experience to the team,” Fainu said.
“With Royce, he’s helped me with my back row job. The way he plays in the middle and he’s given me tips about how to defend that back row by connecting with the middle. So he’s definitely helped me a lot and so has Terrell May.
“And Birdy... I can’t say much about Birdy (laughing).”
Given the departures in the back row, it is assumed Bird will feature at lock or second row, but Fainu revealed the former Dragons star has been training in a variety of positions.
“He’s been everywhere,” Fainu said.
“He’s been playing a few different roles at lock, second row and centre, so he gives us a lot of options.”
Also assisting Fainu in developing his craft as a hole runner has been coach Benji Marshall, who has been teaching him how to play off the back of his halves.
Asked if Marshall had taken him under his wing, the man mountain couldn’t help but laugh given their size difference.
“Taken me under his wing, not so much,” Fainu joked.
“But just the way he knows how to move forwards around the field as a playmaker.
“When I see him direct back rows and as a back-rower you’re pretty much going off your half.
“He’s been giving me tips on how to run my lines and my holes, with my timing and all that stuff, so it has helped me a lot.”
Fainu will be running holes off star recruit and new skipper and halfback Jarome Luai in 2025 and already he has noticed the improvements in their training sessions since he arrived.
“There is actually so many ways to describe him,” Fainu said.
“He’s been everything ever since he’s rocked up.
“Day one he was loud. When he rocked up on day one our intensity in our training just lifted through the roof.
“And ever since he’s been at the club our training and everything has just been more upbeat and focused.”
The Tigers have adopted a youth policy with a number of exciting youngsters set to get an opportunity to impress in the coming seasons.
Fainu earmarked two young guns, who are set for breakout seasons in 2025.
“Of the younger boys coming through Luke Laulili has been massive at training,” Fainu said.
“Heamasi Makasini has also been awesome at training, so I’m expecting them to take their chances this year.”
Fullback Laulili scored two tries in five games for the Tigers last year, while centre Heamasi Makasini is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in the game after shunning rugby union to sign a three-year deal with the Tigers last year.
After three seasons of finishing last, the Tigers might consider getting out of the bottom four a win this season, but Fainu believes the club are aiming much higher than that on the back of an improved forward pack.
“I think we have got mad forward pack this year,” Fainu said.
“It’s just a different feel compared to last year. We are much fitter this year and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us this year.”
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BREAKING: Latest on Tigers injuries:
Luai 💯 for round 1, could have played this weekend but not risking it.
Bula same, is doing full contact
Olam unlikely, maybe round 2
Turuva 50/50
The Mole
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