Which 4 -5 players would make us a serious contender ?

[Tassie Devil]

Just also read back on this same Facebook post that Madge/Tigers are keen as to get him, Brandon's dad said to this guy that you don't know how close tigers came to nabbing him before he commited to storm... We offer a big deal he'd be ours

But ... we signed a hooker in the preseason. And we haven't even tried to see if he could fill in the position. Would we go out for a hooker now? I think we need one, but would the club make that their priority?

 

[bradyk]

But ... we signed a hooker in the preseason. And we haven't even tried to see if he could fill in the position. Would we go out for a hooker now? I think we need one, but would the club make that their priority?

It is a massive priority. Katoa was the third string hooker at the Panthers (before they signed Koroisau). He should be given a chance but he almost certainly isn't the answer moving forward. Hooker and left centre are probably the positions we need to address the most.

 

[Tassie Devil]

It is a massive priority. Katoa was the third string hooker at the Panthers (before they signed Koroisau). He should be given a chance but he almost certainly isn't the answer moving forward. Hooker and left centre are probably the positions we need to address the most.

Yes. I think we can all see we need a hooker. But would the club see it that way? Especially when Katoa hasn't even been given a chance to show what he's worth. Though I guess, as you said, he could be simply the backup and other hookers we currently have are let go?

I'd argue that 5/8 or half is the most important position to address atm though.

 

[bradyk]

Yes. I think we can all see we need a hooker. But would the club see it that way? Especially when Katoa hasn't even been given a chance to show what he's worth. Though I guess, as you said, he could be simply the backup and other hookers we currently have are let go?

I'd argue that 5/8 or half is the most important position to address atm though.

Katoa wasn't the hooker we wanted (it was Koroisau and plenty of other hookers before that) and he actually contacted us/Pay to sign him -desperate. I think JMK will be our utility moving forward. That's the best role for him (it might of been five-eighth but I think we've ruined that with persisting with him at hooker for so long).

The problem with five-eighth or halfback is there isn't much available. Besides Milford I find it hard to give you a name. I think if we're not able to get Milford it's almost better to just re-sign Foran on a massively reduced deal or use within with Averillo, Lewis or Cogger until something is available. I don't mind giving Wakeham an extra year or two to improve and develop into a first grade halfback (again, when considering the options available).

 

[Rodzilla]

4 players is not enough for us to win the title unless we are talking unrealistic things like superman

 

[CrittaMagic69]

But ... we signed a hooker in the preseason. And we haven't even tried to see if he could fill in the position. Would we go out for a hooker now? I think we need one, but would the club make that their priority?

If hooker isn't a priority then everyone currently involved in recruitment needs to be sacked.

 

[Dogna88]

Hooker is the tip of the spear for attack ajd defense.

Our current options just dont cut it.

 

[sgodllubsti]

the hooker handles the ball more than any other player on the field, having a good hooker one that can read the game, is smart, good passing, short kicking game, has a running game when needed is a priority , jmk is a dud, lewis at hooker is a big no

 

[CrittaMagic69]

Hooker is the tip of the spear for attack ajd defense.

Our current options just dont cut it.

We should've given Cogger a crack if we weren't going to recruit anyone of note, offensively I think he could offer a lot, nippy enough, has the vision and can pass a ball...defence would obviously be an issue but it's not as if he's scared and couldn't improve over time and became more conditioned to the role. I'd rather see us working on something like that and failing than persisting with JMK and going absolutely no where.

 

[Dogna88]

We should've given Cogger a crack if we weren't going to recruit anyone of note, offensively I think he could offer a lot, nippy enough, has the vision and can pass a ball...defence would obviously be an issue but it's not as if he's scared and couldn't improve over time and became more conditioned to the role. I'd rather see us working on something like that and failing than persisting with JMK and going absolutely no where.

I have always said why not try cogger there. He has footy brains.

And who knows. He might be better defending close to the ruck (usually two or three in a tackle) rather than out wide where its usually defending againts a faster attacker who has alot more momentum, one on one)

 

[CrittaMagic69]

I have always said why not try cogger there. He has footy brains.

And who knows. He might be better defending close to the ruck (usually two or three in a tackle) rather than out wide where its usually defending againts a faster attacker who has alot more momentum, one on one)

All possibly true, probably never going to happen under Pay.

 

[Dogna88]

All possibly true, probably never going to happen under Pay.

Pay for President

 

[Turvey Chip and Chase]

I’d probably have a look at Welch and what money he’s after. Tolman isn’t getting younger.

 

[B-Train]

I’d probably have a look at Welch and what money he’s after. Tolman isn’t getting younger.

Welch is a really good prop but two ACL injuries for someone who naturally carries a lot of weight is a worry.

 

[bradyk]

4 players is not enough for us to win the title unless we are talking unrealistic things like superman

First step is top eight. I really don't think we're going to be a premiership threat until 2024 (anything is possible, just I wouldn't be expecting it). That's when we're able to renegotiate contracts (mainly those of players we payed overs for - our 2021 recruits) and add a couple more top players to the squad for what they're worth.

 

[Tassie Devil]

If hooker isn't a priority then everyone currently involved in recruitment needs to be sacked.

Agree. But why sign Katoa then?

I'd actually say we need to solve our halves problem first and foremost. Hooker is probably second in line though maybe even a centre before that?

 

[CrittaMagic69]

Agree. But why sign Katoa then?

I'd actually say we need to solve our halves problem first and foremost. Hooker is probably second in line though maybe even a centre before that?

We have two young talented halves and there's absolutely nothing available, as I've said before I'm more than happy to go with them. Hooker currently has both Friend and Mahoney unsigned for next season while we have absolute shit available at the club. Why did we sign Katoa? Because we bottled the Api deal.

 

[TwinTurbo]

Agree. But why sign Katoa then?

He's the back up to the back up hooker and his contract reflects that. If he plays to his potential then he might just earn a better contract and be promoted to the back up hooker position. Consider it half a step up from a development player, it's just not worth wasting time on the subject, it is the least of our problems.

Go Dogs

 

[Bazildog]

And that’s the key difference

We look at the market and say ‘nobody available’

The likes of Roosters,Broncos and Souths look at their roster and think ‘who do we need’

Then they get their man regardless of the contract they currently have, they make it happen

This is a key point.. I dont know that we (the club) dont think this way, but it certainly is how a winner thinks. You dont wait for it to come to you, you go and get it.

 

[Tassie Devil]

He's the back up to the back up hooker and his contract reflects that. If he plays to his potential then he might just earn a better contract and be promoted to the back up hooker position. Consider it half a step up from a development player, it's just not worth wasting time on the subject, it is the least of our problems.

Go Dogs

Agree with that. And hope the club agrees with you also