Off Contract Players - Who would you sign?

[CrazyMatt]

I be been seeing a few tweets and news clipping about Lewis joining sharks, I don't know how much truth are in them or are we having a pull on Gould. Though if wwe got him, where would we play him

And you thought he was pissed when we got Gordon, if we ever did sign Luke Lewis, he'd have the voodoo people in putting curses on our club.

 

[josh11223344]

He's not off contract I don't think but james roberts from the rabbits. Of all the young exciting back prospects out there he is up with the best. He's only 19 and eligible for NYC again next year. Souths have a heap of outside backs on the books aswell.

This is a pipe dream as he re signed last year but loko from parra, turning 20 and absolutely massive.

 

[Matty C of the Shire]

And you thought he was pissed when we got Gordon, if we ever did sign Luke Lewis, he'd have the voodoo people in putting curses on our club.

Yeah it would be nuts if we did and rub salt into Gus more.. Since he became CEO panther he is a complete FW

 

[sharks2010]

What do you mean "since"
He was always a wanker

 

[ABshark]

If we end up keeping Best I'd like us to sign Mosese Pangai from NQ as his replacement for later in 2013 or in 2014. He's one of the Idris/Folau breed of enormous centre, but he's got some footwork and skill to match his size. If it weren't for Hurrell last year he would have been the 'big name' centre being talked up by everyone.

I've been keeping an eye on him in the Qld Cup- its not hard to, he stands out- and I don't think he's quite ready for NRL yet though. He still looks very shy and meek playing against men and probably hasn't realised how to use his frame yet- a bit like T-Rex did before last year. When he matures he'll be a real weapon and someone who would suit our style well.

Best would be a good mentor too. Similar build, both left side players with good passes and offloads. If Pangai could develop the same skill level as Best he'd be a rep player without a doubt.

 

[Born&bred]

If we end up keeping Best I'd like us to sign Mosese Pangai from NQ as his replacement for later in 2013 or in 2014. He's one of the Idris/Folau breed of enormous centre, but he's got some footwork and skill to match his size. If it weren't for Hurrell last year he would have been the 'big name' centre being talked up by everyone.

I've been keeping an eye on him in the Qld Cup- its not hard to, he stands out- and I don't think he's quite ready for NRL yet though. He still looks very shy and meek playing against men and probably hasn't realised how to use his frame yet- a bit like T-Rex did before last year. When he matures he'll be a real weapon and someone who would suit our style well.

Best would be a good mentor too. Similar build, both left side players with good passes and offloads. If Pangai could develop the same skill level as Best he'd be a rep player without a doubt.

I actually got him as a cheapie in my supercoach team at the start of the season, thinking he might get a start this year.

Haven't watched too many Qld cup games this year, but have read the write-ups on the games - he is regularly mentioned & is scoring heaps.

He's sidelined with broken ribs atm.

 

[Blix]

Just noticed on the Chooks website that Lama Tasi is still supposably off contract.

Source :
http://www.thechookpen.com.au/forum/showthread.php?11858-Re-sign-or-let-go


Not a bad signing for mine. Only just 22 and has been going well given limited minutes. What do people think? For mine we have struggled with Ross and Gibbs off we could do with one more prop I reckon. Taga seems to be FAR more potent as a fringe forward then tight

(Also just read he made the 2012 emerging origin squad!) - I really am surprised they have left him off contract, as can be seen by that above link, all the forum members believe he should be a priority signing.

 

[Blix]

Just noticed on the Chooks website that Lama Tasi is still supposably off contract.

Source :
http://www.thechookpen.com.au/forum/showthread.php?11858-Re-sign-or-let-go


Not a bad signing for mine. Only just 22 and has been going well given limited minutes. What do people think? For mine we have struggled with Ross and Gibbs off we could do with one more prop I reckon. Taga seems to be FAR more potent as a fringe forward then tight

(Also just read he made the 2012 emerging origin squad!) - I really am surprised they have left him off contract, as can be seen by that above link, all the forum members believe he should be a priority signing.

Ignore this post have read a couple of different thread where they state he is under contract for next season. Funny to think though that he said supposably to someone on twitter that he is off contract mext season, ALSO, that it says he is off on zerotackle website.

 

[ABshark]

Yeah, I'd love him here. Huge talent. Hits hard too.

 

[Blix]

Yeah, I'd love him here. Huge talent. Hits hard too.

I am not so sure he is signed actually. No where can I see it recorded in the news and on different websites people are saying he is still off contract.

Maybe they didnt seal the deal pre season???

 

[josh11223344]

Would be a great bench pickup, as fa'aoso would of been.

 

[ABshark]

I am not so sure he is signed actually. No where can I see it recorded in the news and on different websites people are saying he is still off contract.

Maybe they didnt seal the deal pre season???

Maybe.

I've been thinking about this lately. I had thought that what we need was another big mobile prop like Tasi, but I'm starting to think that we need a big mobile second rower instead.

Obviously out forward pack is our strength and backs are the recruitment priority but I feel as if there are still some areas where the pack could be improved. What stands out to me are:

1) Control of the ruck when most of our starting ruck players (Ross, Gibbs, Smith, De Gois) go off the field.

2) Some size/impact off the bench on the fringe of the ruck. Apart from Pom, we lack that punch on each side of the field. Lots of toilers, not many gamebreakers.

The first problem can be partly addressed with what we already have. If Gal starts at prop, pushing Gibbs or Ross to the bench, then our bench prop situation is fixed and we've got one of the most experienced ruck contingents in the comp. Gal, Smith, Gibbs, Ross and Fifita split the 240 minutes of ruck work.

In that case recruitment would mean a fringe player for depth who we could hopefully develop alongside Viiga/Coates/Tubbs/Hill to eventually replace Ross. Not sure who.

But there's still the bench hooker queston. De Gois doesn't seem suited to 80 mins- his style is too physical, so we have J-Mo off the bench who's been okay but not outstanding. Given his age, I think its a good opportunity to get some fresh blood in.

What we need is someone who is:
a) Can manage the ruck and keep our intensity up with De Gois off the field
b) Can start at hooker if De Gois is injured
c) Has some versatility- can tackle as a backrower (with Graham and Bukuya covering the halves/backs)

I've been beating the Tyrone Peachey for bench utility drum as long as anyone but it seems that the club doesn't see him as that player- he isn't playing there in reggies. They seem to be molding him as an edge player only, which is fair enough given his size. I like the look of Sam Duggan, and Lichaa will make it eventually, but not yet.

IMO what we need is a Hinchcliffe-style player to fill that gap and also play some minutes at tight back row when needed. There are two on the market as far as I can see- Nathan Peats (Souths) and Rory Kostjasyn (Storm). They're both fantastic competitors and tough which would suit our culture. I'm a huge Peats fan in particular and Kostjasyn has been very good for our NSW Cup side at hooker and lock when he's been there. A good talker and a smart player.

If they want a more attacking bench hooker then Tom Humble would probably be worth a look.

As for the second issue, it may not be an issue at all if Tupou or Tagataese can find form, even so their pay packets may see either or both moved on some time soon regardless. Taga is a talent but you've got to wonder- he's at his third Club after early releases from his first two, he's in footballing middle-age and he still can't put a whole season together.

What I would love to have is a really large/tall edge runner for Carney to work with on the right edge. Cooper and Sims pose a real threat running off JT at the Cowboys, Ellis for the Tigers, Hoffman for the Storm, Pritchard at the Dogs, Guerra at the Roosters etc. T-Rex is the hottest of the lot at the moment. They also offer an extra big body for donkey work (something we sometimes lack against the big (not best) packs like Souths, the Warriors and the Roosters.

The idea would be to spell Bukuya and get some of his edge back rather than replace him.

You don't get guys like that cheap unless they're injured or unproven so I would take a low-price punt on a big bodied youngster or two and treat it as a development project. My No. 1 target would be Sio Siua Taukeiaho at the Warriors. They upgraded him to a NRL contract for 2012 but he started the year in NYC before getting injured. He started his NYC career on the wing and has played lots of centre but is an edge backrower over the long term (much like Williams actually). A big, bullocking runner with very good ball skills.

Others I would look at are Anthony Cherrington and Brad Takairangi at the Roosters. Cherrington has had injury after injury but resembles a young Mason when he actually gets out on the field. Takairangi is one of the most underrated players around IMO- he's very tall but still very good on his feet and he's a bit of a ball player. Another plus is he played his junior footy for Cronulla-Caringbah. Only problem is he's got another year left on his deal at the Roosters, but with SBW seemingly on the way he might get a release.

Scott Bolton up at the Cowboys would be an intelligent signing for whoever gets him. He's far too good for Qld Cup and can play prop or backrow. Consistent performer in first grade and not too old.

The only other issue with the pack might be a bit of a lack of depth with Friz leaving and Bukuya under a permanent injury cloud. I imagine that's where the interest in Halatau sprung from.

Anyway, I think with a couple of smart signings- Kostjasyn and Taukeiaho for instance- we could really improve the squad for a number of years without it eating up much of the salary cap.

8) B. Gibbs
9) I. De Gois
10) P. Gallen (c)
11) J. Smith
12) J. Bukuya
13) W. Graham

14) A. Fifita
15) B. Ross
16) A. Tupou/S. Taukeiaho
17) R. Kostjasyn

 

[teflon77]

Maybe.

I've been thinking about this lately. I had thought that what we need was another big mobile prop like Tasi, but I'm starting to think that we need a big mobile second rower instead.

Obviously out forward pack is our strength and backs are the recruitment priority but I feel as if there are still some areas where the pack could be improved. What stands out to me are:

1) Control of the ruck when most of our starting ruck players (Ross, Gibbs, Smith, De Gois) go off the field.

2) Some size/impact off the bench on the fringe of the ruck. Apart from Pom, we lack that punch on each side of the field. Lots of toilers, not many gamebreakers.

The first problem can be partly addressed with what we already have. If Gal starts at prop, pushing Gibbs or Ross to the bench, then our bench prop situation is fixed and we've got one of the most experienced ruck contingents in the comp. Gal, Smith, Gibbs, Ross and Fifita split the 240 minutes of ruck work.

In that case recruitment would mean a fringe player for depth who we could hopefully develop alongside Viiga/Coates/Tubbs/Hill to eventually replace Ross. Not sure who.

But there's still the bench hooker queston. De Gois doesn't seem suited to 80 mins- his style is too physical, so we have J-Mo off the bench who's been okay but not outstanding. Given his age, I think its a good opportunity to get some fresh blood in.

What we need is someone who is:
a) Can manage the ruck and keep our intensity up with De Gois off the field
b) Can start at hooker if De Gois is injured
c) Has some versatility- can tackle as a backrower (with Graham and Bukuya covering the halves/backs)

I've been beating the Tyrone Peachey for bench utility drum as long as anyone but it seems that the club doesn't see him as that player- he isn't playing there in reggies. They seem to be molding him as an edge player only, which is fair enough given his size. I like the look of Sam Duggan, and Lichaa will make it eventually, but not yet.

IMO what we need is a Hinchcliffe-style player to fill that gap and also play some minutes at tight back row when needed. There are two on the market as far as I can see- Nathan Peats (Souths) and Rory Kostjasyn (Storm). They're both fantastic competitors and tough which would suit our culture. I'm a huge Peats fan in particular and Kostjasyn has been very good for our NSW Cup side at hooker and lock when he's been there. A good talker and a smart player.

If they want a more attacking bench hooker then Tom Humble would probably be worth a look.

As for the second issue, it may not be an issue at all if Tupou or Tagataese can find form, even so their pay packets may see either or both moved on some time soon regardless. Taga is a talent but you've got to wonder- he's at his third Club after early releases from his first two, he's in footballing middle-age and he still can't put a whole season together.

What I would love to have is a really large/tall edge runner for Carney to work with on the right edge. Cooper and Sims pose a real threat running off JT at the Cowboys, Ellis for the Tigers, Hoffman for the Storm, Pritchard at the Dogs, Guerra at the Roosters etc. T-Rex is the hottest of the lot at the moment. They also offer an extra big body for donkey work (something we sometimes lack against the big (not best) packs like Souths, the Warriors and the Roosters.

The idea would be to spell Bukuya and get some of his edge back rather than replace him.

You don't get guys like that cheap unless they're injured or unproven so I would take a low-price punt on a big bodied youngster or two and treat it as a development project. My No. 1 target would be Sio Siua Taukeiaho at the Warriors. They upgraded him to a NRL contract for 2012 but he started the year in NYC before getting injured. He started his NYC career on the wing and has played lots of centre but is an edge backrower over the long term (much like Williams actually). A big, bullocking runner with very good ball skills.

Others I would look at are Anthony Cherrington and Brad Takairangi at the Roosters. Cherrington has had injury after injury but resembles a young Mason when he actually gets out on the field. Takairangi is one of the most underrated players around IMO- he's very tall but still very good on his feet and he's a bit of a ball player. Another plus is he played his junior footy for Cronulla-Caringbah. Only problem is he's got another year left on his deal at the Roosters, but with SBW seemingly on the way he might get a release.

Scott Bolton up at the Cowboys would be an intelligent signing for whoever gets him. He's far too good for Qld Cup and can play prop or backrow. Consistent performer in first grade and not too old.

The only other issue with the pack might be a bit of a lack of depth with Friz leaving and Bukuya under a permanent injury cloud. I imagine that's where the interest in Halatau sprung from.

Anyway, I think with a couple of smart signings- Kostjasyn and Taukeiaho for instance- we could really improve the squad for a number of years without it eating up much of the salary cap.

8) B. Gibbs
9) I. De Gois
10) P. Gallen (c)
11) J. Smith
12) J. Bukuya
13) W. Graham

14) A. Fifita
15) B. Ross
16) A. Tupou/S. Taukeiaho
17) R. Kostjasyn

You know your **** AB. I'm not a Kastjasyn fan because like you the answer goes by the name of Peachey and his career is being ****ed over. Scott Bolton is an excellent player. He seems to be out of favour at the moment as Cooper has taken over that left edge running short of Thurston this year. They have been playing him as a prop but he is a class act and would be terrific for us. I can't see us getting him though because Flano just doesn't seem to look outside the square IMO and his ability to identify talent is very, very questionable. I can't take another year of John Morris and Jeff Robson.

 

[Blix]

Quality post....

I can see where you are going, for mine there is 2 directions we can go in.

1) Yours, which means Gal to prop, and instead of a prop we need a second rower....I am actually thinking no matter what I want to see Taga reverted back to fringe forward, he was good there last season and has been rubbish as a tight forward, if he continues being rubbish in the second row, then for mine he doesnt have a position. As for Morris, I would like to see Peachey trialled, if Peachey isnt an option I would be very happy with Kostjasyn.

2) Pack stays as is. Taga gone and we get a prop. This would mean Tasi could be an option if available. Once again we still have the Morris issue, so the bench would be 14) Fifita 15) Graham (What a waste) 16) Peachey/Kostjasyn 17) Prop.



Looking at it that way it really does seam that the first option is better as it give Graham heaps more minutes. Also it alleviates the issue we have at the moment when both Ross & Gibbs are off the field. Also I thought I would mention Tasi can play both prop and second rower, so no matter what I reckon he would be a quality buy if they were stupid enough not to tie him up!

Also I definately agree that a couple of young signings would be awesome, but it seems like since Flanno came in we havent really bought NYC talent. We really could do with a couple of promising juniors.

 

[Blix]

I can't take another year of John Morris and Jeff Robson.

Another year of Robson??? he has been very good

 

[teflon77]

Another year of Robson??? he has been very good

It's a myth. Just because he hasn't been god awful doesn't make him very good. Take Carney out of the equation and he is back to the Jeff Robson we saw against the Bulldogs. He has had 2 or 3 good games and his short kicking game has been great but he still isn't more than an average player. It's no secret I can't stand him as a player and he is only getting in the way of Townsend's development. Townsend/Carney would be a more dangerous proposition.

 

[Thresher]

Good post AB, I've got two words to contribute, Greg and Bird

 

[Great White Shark]

Greg Bird to come home/. Jarryd Hayne is off contract. Bog dollars. Flash to the wing.

 

[Gumby]

I wish Birdy would come back!!

 

[JakeTheSnake]

Ive heard Bird will be back in Newie within the next 2-3 years to finish his career off.. This was told to me the other night after a mate went to a wedding up in Newie and was talking to one of Birds uncles... As much as i would love him to come back to the Sharks i cant see it happening..