2023 Squad, Signings and Rumours Thread

[Hail Sezer]

Hello friends. Welcome to season 2023.

Will keep this updated.

2023 Squad

Top 30

Fullback:
AJ Brimson
Jayden Campbell
Keano Kini

Wing:
Phil Sami
Lofi Khan-Pereira
Ken Maumalo

Centre:
Brian Kelly
Jojo Fifita
Treymain Spry
Aaron Schoupp

Halves:
Kieran Foran
Tanah Boyd
Toby Sexton
Tom Weaver

Hooker:
Sam Verrills
Chris Randall

Middles:
Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
Moeaki Fotuaika
Isaac Liu
Jaimin Joliffe
Sam Mcintyre
Erin Clark
Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui

Back Row:
David Fifita
Beau Fermor
Klese Haas
Joe Stimson
Joe Vuna
Jacob Alick

Total confirmed: 29/30

In: Kieran Foran, Sam Verrills, Joe Stimson, Aaron Schoupp, Treymain Spry, Ken Maumalo

2023 NRL Development Players (full-time with NRL, eligible for selection after round 11):
Tony Francis (Centre)
Josiah Pahulu (Middle)
Seth Nikotemo (Backrower)

Re-signed: Jojo Fifita (2025), Josiah Pahulu (2025), David Fifita (2026)

Off Contract end of 2023:
Jacob Alick (CO), Brian Kelly, Sam Mcintyre, Joe Vuna

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[DIEHARD]

Our recruitment has been small scale but I think Foran and Verrills will have a big impact. Finally some experience and organisation in the spine, which was far too green in 2022.

Thanks for starting the thread HS. New car smell.

[coreythompson]

Erin Clark should be in hooker category
He is a hooker

[hungryjacks]

Is our club still looking at Kobe Hetherington for 2024 or a player similar to him?

- - - Updated - - -

Also for everyones fancy, when talking about player signing for the future we have to look at the players off contract in 2023. According to zero tackle this is the list to choose from.


CENTRE
Paul Alamoti, Grant Anderson, Jake Averillo, Zane Bijorac, Waqa Blake, Jed Cartwright, Stephen Crichton, Brendan Elliot, Oliver Gildart, Morgan Harper, Patrick Herbert, Peta Hiku, Hymel Hunt, Matt Ikuvalu, Thomas Jenkins, Brian Kelly, Marcelo Montoya, Tesi Niu, Brad Parker, Will Penisini, Adam Pompey, Jesse Ramien, Billy Smith, Harley Smith-Shields, Jenson Taumoepeau, Valynce Te Whare, Enari Tuala, Dominic Young

28 players off contract

FULLBACK
Corey Allan, Jesse Arthars, Adam Doueihi, Trai Fuller, Bailey Hodgson, Albert Hopoate, William Kennedy, Daine Laurie, Moses Mbye, Nick Meaney, Latrell Mitchell, Sean Russell, Siteni Taukamo, Kaeo Weekes

14 players off contract

FIVE-EIGHTH
Dylan Brown, Matt Frawley, Ben Hampton, Jackson Hastings, Adam Keighran, Kurt Mann, Paul Turner, Cody Walker

8 players off contract

HALFBACK
Jakob Arthur, Bailey Biondi-Odo, Luke Brooks, Jake Clifford, Adam Clune, Kyle Flanagan, Dean Hawkins, Cody Hunter, Drew Hutchison, Shaun Johnson, Lachlan Miller, Cory Paix, Jonah Pezet, Brad Schneider, Blake Taaffe, Braydon Trindall, Sam Walker, Tyran Wishart

18 players off contract

HOOKER
Jayden Berrell, Damien Cook, Joshua Cook, Lachlan Croker, Jake Granville, Siliva Havili, Kobe Hetherington, Jacob Liddle, Soni Luke, Andrew McCullough, Jayden Nikorima, Chris Randall, Mitch Rein, Reece Robson

14 players off contract

LOCK
Nathan Brown, Tyrone Peachey, Victor Radley, Hame Sele, Mason Teague, Jazz Tevaga, Connor Watson

7 players off contract

PROP
Bunty Afoa, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Renouf Atoni, Eddie Blacker, Ethan Bullemor, George Burgess, Thomas Burgess, JJ Collins, Thomas Flegler, Jordan Grant, Wiremu Greig, Emre Guler, David Hollis, Royce Hunt, Corey Jensen, Tui Kamikamica, Josh Kerr, Josh King, David Klemmer, Liam Knight, Blake Lawrie, Spencer Leniu, Tepai Moeroa, Chris Patolo, Aaron Pene, Ava Seumanu***ai, Tukimihia Simpkins, Toafofoa Sipley, Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, Luke Thompson, Alec Tuitavake, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Aaron Woods

33 players off contract

SECOND-ROW
Fletcher Baker, Billy Burns, Egan Butcher, Bryce Cartwright, Michael Chee-Kam, Ben Condon, Mitchell Dunn, Tom Eisenhuth, David Fifita, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Brendan Frei, Tyson Frizell, Tyrell Fuimaono, Jacob Host, Josh Jackson, Jack Johns, Brodie Jones, Shaun Lane, Liam Martin, Sam McIntyre, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Jeremiah Nanai, Keenan Palasia, Riley Price, Alex Seyfarth, Tariq Sims, Bayley Sironen, Chris Smith, Scott Sorensen, Joe Stimson, Siosifa Talakai, Ben Trbojevic, Joseph Vuna, Corey Waddell, Teig Wilton

35 players off contract

WING
Braidon Burns, Herbie Farnworth, Jojo Fifita, Reuben Garrick, Dean Ieremia, George Jennings, Sione Katoa, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Edward Kosi, Greg Marzhew, Laitia Moceidreke, Corey Oates, Jayden Okunbor, Jordan Pereira, Ethan Quai-Ward, Jordan Rapana, Jason Saab, Taniela Sadrugu, Maika Sivo, Charlie Staines, Brian To'o, Setu Tu, Daniel Tupou, Will Warbrick

24 players off contract

[coreythompson]

I think we should sign Luke Brooks

[Hail Sezer]

Is our club still looking at Kobe Hetherington for 2024 or a player similar to him?

- - - Updated - - -

Also for everyones fancy, when talking about player signing for the future we have to look at the players off contract in 2023. According to zero tackle this is the list to choose from.


CENTRE
Paul Alamoti, Grant Anderson, Jake Averillo, Zane Bijorac, Waqa Blake, Jed Cartwright, Stephen Crichton, Brendan Elliot, Oliver Gildart, Morgan Harper, Patrick Herbert, Peta Hiku, Hymel Hunt, Matt Ikuvalu, Thomas Jenkins, Brian Kelly, Marcelo Montoya, Tesi Niu, Brad Parker, Will Penisini, Adam Pompey, Jesse Ramien, Billy Smith, Harley Smith-Shields, Jenson Taumoepeau, Valynce Te Whare, Enari Tuala, Dominic Young

28 players off contract

FULLBACK
Corey Allan, Jesse Arthars, Adam Doueihi, Trai Fuller, Bailey Hodgson, Albert Hopoate, William Kennedy, Daine Laurie, Moses Mbye, Nick Meaney, Latrell Mitchell, Sean Russell, Siteni Taukamo, Kaeo Weekes

14 players off contract

FIVE-EIGHTH
Dylan Brown, Matt Frawley, Ben Hampton, Jackson Hastings, Adam Keighran, Kurt Mann, Paul Turner, Cody Walker

8 players off contract

HALFBACK
Jakob Arthur, Bailey Biondi-Odo, Luke Brooks, Jake Clifford, Adam Clune, Kyle Flanagan, Dean Hawkins, Cody Hunter, Drew Hutchison, Shaun Johnson, Lachlan Miller, Cory Paix, Jonah Pezet, Brad Schneider, Blake Taaffe, Braydon Trindall, Sam Walker, Tyran Wishart

18 players off contract

HOOKER
Jayden Berrell, Damien Cook, Joshua Cook, Lachlan Croker, Jake Granville, Siliva Havili, Kobe Hetherington, Jacob Liddle, Soni Luke, Andrew McCullough, Jayden Nikorima, Chris Randall, Mitch Rein, Reece Robson

14 players off contract

LOCK
Nathan Brown, Tyrone Peachey, Victor Radley, Hame Sele, Mason Teague, Jazz Tevaga, Connor Watson

7 players off contract

PROP
Bunty Afoa, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Renouf Atoni, Eddie Blacker, Ethan Bullemor, George Burgess, Thomas Burgess, JJ Collins, Thomas Flegler, Jordan Grant, Wiremu Greig, Emre Guler, David Hollis, Royce Hunt, Corey Jensen, Tui Kamikamica, Josh Kerr, Josh King, David Klemmer, Liam Knight, Blake Lawrie, Spencer Leniu, Tepai Moeroa, Chris Patolo, Aaron Pene, Ava Seumanu***ai, Tukimihia Simpkins, Toafofoa Sipley, Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, Luke Thompson, Alec Tuitavake, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Aaron Woods

33 players off contract

SECOND-ROW
Fletcher Baker, Billy Burns, Egan Butcher, Bryce Cartwright, Michael Chee-Kam, Ben Condon, Mitchell Dunn, Tom Eisenhuth, David Fifita, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Brendan Frei, Tyson Frizell, Tyrell Fuimaono, Jacob Host, Josh Jackson, Jack Johns, Brodie Jones, Shaun Lane, Liam Martin, Sam McIntyre, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Jeremiah Nanai, Keenan Palasia, Riley Price, Alex Seyfarth, Tariq Sims, Bayley Sironen, Chris Smith, Scott Sorensen, Joe Stimson, Siosifa Talakai, Ben Trbojevic, Joseph Vuna, Corey Waddell, Teig Wilton

35 players off contract

WING
Braidon Burns, Herbie Farnworth, Jojo Fifita, Reuben Garrick, Dean Ieremia, George Jennings, Sione Katoa, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Edward Kosi, Greg Marzhew, Laitia Moceidreke, Corey Oates, Jayden Okunbor, Jordan Pereira, Ethan Quai-Ward, Jordan Rapana, Jason Saab, Taniela Sadrugu, Maika Sivo, Charlie Staines, Brian To'o, Setu Tu, Daniel Tupou, Will Warbrick

24 players off contract

Thank you for this mate. Just to clarify for anyone reading that this list is showing players off-contract end of 2023 and thus available for 2024 season.

Re Hetherington - I'm not sure of the clubs pursuit of him for 2024 but I do think a player like Hetherington would be a valuable addition and not too costly on the cap. He'd need a release for 2023, though.

Personally I think an outside back (ideally winger) with some defensive IQ, experience and a tall/athletic profile is needed as a priority too. If they can kick goals, that'd be best case scenario. Off-contract 2023 options don't offer much there though so the club is going to have to get creative if they're targeting that sort of player.

It's been speculated but it looks as if the club is actively trying to offload Sam Lisone and replace that roster spot too:
https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/sam-lisone-wakefield-trinity-titans-25197788

[Whats Doing]

From our current roster I am of the view we need urgently for 2023 a starting/1st change Prop, back up hooker to Verrills and as HS suggests a goal kicking winger

[The Birdman]

From our current roster I am of the view we need urgently for 2023 a starting/1st change Prop, back up hooker to Verrills and as HS suggests a goal kicking winger

I agree we badly need those three types of players. Though I'd say winger OR centre with goal kicking ability would be ideal.

[Whats Doing]

I agree we badly need those three types of players. Though I'd say winger OR centre with goal kicking ability would be ideal.

Agree with either a winger or centre providing they also a NRL standard goal kicker.

Whilst it would never happen, it would be fantastic to get as a package deal: Lenui (Prop), Stephen Crighton ( Centre, goal kicker) and Soni Luke ( Hooker). All Polynesians so they will feel like home and all are outstanding players in their respective positions.

One can only dream

[Upthetits]

I was really hoping spry would get a wing spot, with marzhew or alofiana khan getting the other one

[Titanic]

Give Rat Rogers a title, a kicking tee and a brief to manufacture a kicker out of Marzhew or any other hopeful starter.

[Hail Sezer]

Pains me to use the Mole as a source but here I am:

https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/mole-curtis-rona-eyeing-nrl-return-gone-missing-london-irish/68f839d1-2b05-40cd-9a7a-5a5cb56ade56

Apparently we're favourites for Curtis Rona who could be returning to the NRL

Likes: 6'4 and gives us a body shape we are in desperate need of in the outside backs. Would be a cheap contract. Experienced albeit with a while out of the game.
Dislikes: It's not 2016 any more and he's 30. Doesn't solve our goal kicking dilemma

He was playing top div RU in the UK for London Irish. Most recent highlight tape: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJLHMNWI3Jg&t=100s

[Whats Doing]

Pains me to use the Mole as a source but here I am:

https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/mole-curtis-rona-eyeing-nrl-return-gone-missing-london-irish/68f839d1-2b05-40cd-9a7a-5a5cb56ade56

Apparently we're favourites for Curtis Rona who could be returning to the NRL

Likes: 6'4 and gives us a body shape we are in desperate need of in the outside backs. Would be a cheap contract. Experienced albeit with a while out of the game.
Dislikes: It's not 2016 any more and he's 30. Doesn't solve our goal kicking dilemma

He was playing top div RU in the UK for London Irish. Most recent highlight tape: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJLHMNWI3Jg&t=100s

Unless he is a goal kicker which he isnt, then it makes no sense and has more downsize and very little upsize.

[Hail Sezer]

Unless he is a goal kicker which he isnt, then it makes no sense and has more downsize and very little upsize.

For a cheap contract I can see the logic when you look at our current wing options being Sami (first choice), Spry (unproven), Lofi (unproven and needs signifcant defensive improvement to play NRL), Marzhew (defensive liability), Francis (unproven), Jojo (probably start at centre), Herbert (ACL).

A capable goal kicking winger/centre would be amazing but there isn't exactly a heap of them around let alone off-contract and available unless we can get another club to release someone.

[willhelm]

I don’t think we have a goalkicking dilemma because I think Tanah will be our 7 :)

I’m ok with signing Rona. He’s not bad, complements our current roster of backs, and wouldn’t be on huge coin.

[MaroonTitan]

I agree with you WD. Signing Rona doesn't make any sense to me. Why not upgrade Francis and show another junior the faith we have in them?

I used to like Rona as a player but that's a long time ago. How quick and fit is he now? It's easier to look good with all the stoppages and slowpokes in rah rah.

HS - I would say Rona is unproven at current NRL level and while he might be cheap, so would a junior in his place. I hope you're right and if we sign him, he brains it but Francis sounds like he's very close to ready and while it was only one trial, he looked like he belonged. I think signing Rona would send the wrong message to some of our young guys on the way up.

Thanks for the new thread. I'm happy to see Spry get another shot and those Development players upgraded.

[Hail Sezer]

I agree with you WD. Signing Rona doesn't make any sense to me. Why not upgrade Francis and show another junior the faith we have in them?

I used to like Rona as a player but that's a long time ago. How quick and fit is he now? It's easier to look good with all the stoppages and slowpokes in rah rah.

HS - I would say Rona is unproven at current NRL level and while he might be cheap, so would a junior in his place. I hope you're right and if we sign him, he brains it but Francis sounds like he's very close to ready and while it was only one trial, he looked like he belonged. I think signing Rona would send the wrong message to some of our young guys on the way up.

Thanks for the new thread. I'm happy to see Spry get another shot and those Development players upgraded.

I think there's a few misunderstandings here with the roster makeup..

To answer your first Q, Francis was already contracted on an NRL development deal for '23 and it makes little sense to upgrade him from that when he's already in the NRL picture and able to compete for a spot (albeit not week 1). I'm a big fan of his but he's still a work in progress based on his Qcup form. If they made the decision to upgrade him, you're giving up another top 30 spot occupied by someone without a single NRL game, and in a position that's already skinny on experience.

Most clubs seem pretty comfortable recruiting from rugby union and I'd be really disappointed if we took the approach of choosing not to because it's an apparent inferior sport. If NRL clubs can recruit out of Qcup, NSW Cup and Schoolboy footy straight into NRL rosters, I'd think by the same process a club could make a fair assessment of whether a professional Rugby Union player who's played NRL was worthy of competing for a spot.

I'm not sure if you think by signing another outside back we're in turn sacrificing a junior because that's not the case. We needed more depth in the outside backs regardless - winger and centre - and we really needed that with some experience. We aren't losing any juniors by potentially signing him, they're still there, it's just adding a different dynamic to the group to compete for a spot. It absolutely shouldn't send the wrong message because the guys on the way up haven't proven anything and should have to compete for a spot, not walk into it. Think of signing Rona as a bit of extra motivation for these guys to prove themselves, and a bit of a cushion in the instance they don't..really just a direct replacement for CT with a bit of height :?)

I know it sounds like I'm going in to bat for a guy that in all honesty I hope (if signed) plays little NRL for us anyway because I'm hopeful our younger guys earn a spot, but I'm just trying to give a bit of perspective as to how I assume they're approaching building the roster to create competition with consideration for cost, experience, player profile, term (i.e. how long the player is projected to be with us) and opportunity cost. It's a short-term gap filler if anything while there isn't much else available on the market to fill that need.

[Titanic]

Yep, in these days of having to have news every day, any and all recruitments will get some sort of attention-grabbing headline ... hardly a blip on the radar.

[DIEHARD]

I think the NRL needs to sign more union players. The NRL with 16 and now 17 and soon 18 clubs needs more talent. I'd probably prefer signing younger union talent and juniors though.

I don't know much about him, but it'll be an interesting experiment. He has some experience in rugby league.

Of course, you can't beat building a first class juniors system though and we have the raw materials for that.

[MaroonTitan]

Thanks HS. I hope you're right and our young guys step up and our best outside backs stay fit until at least Round 11. I might be unreasonable wanting NRL quality across our entire 30. There are guys in the 17 for lots of clubs that are lucky to be called first graders.

[coreythompson]

I think we should get the Trejbovic brothers
We already have Foran

[Hail Sezer]

Thanks HS. I hope you're right and our young guys step up and our best outside backs stay fit until at least Round 11. I might be unreasonable wanting NRL quality across our entire 30. There are guys in the 17 for lots of clubs that are lucky to be called first graders.

Yeah me too. The salary cap and nature of recruitment these days means that having a top 30 full of players who would start at most NRL clubs is just impossible. You've got to have players who are on minimum or near minimum salaries to round it out, and the reality is if they were undoubted NRL starting quality then they'd be attracting higher salaries than this at other clubs. These depth/fringe guys should complement your roster of stars, starters, and up and comers.

[Hail Sezer]

Rona off to Japan to play union, where the $$ are probably a bit more friendly than a minimum NRL deal

Interesting to see where the club turns their attention to next, not much out there

[willhelm]

Rona off to Japan to play union, where the $$ are probably a bit more friendly than a minimum NRL deal

Interesting to see where the club turns their attention to next, not much out there

I wonder if Reuben Garrick is happy with what's going on at Manly

[Hail Sezer]

I wonder if Reuben Garrick is happy with what's going on at Manly

I mean, hypothetically he'd be the #1 target for a winger that meets everything we need (assuming he isn't chasing a fullback spot or a fullback salary)...would need a release though

[Titslover]

I mean, hypothetically he'd be the #1 target for a winger that meets everything we need (assuming he isn't chasing a fullback spot or a fullback salary)...would need a release though

Des just got sacked so I'm sure he wouldn't be too happy about that hahah. I agree though, I think if Garrick were to leave Manly it would be for fullback coin.

[willhelm]

McLean re-signed with the Cows for another year so we need to look elsewhere

[Whats Doing]

Rona off to Japan to play union, where the $$ are probably a bit more friendly than a minimum NRL deal

Interesting to see where the club turns their attention to next, not much out there

Thats good. He has a reputation of not sticking around at clubs and could have been our next Will Smith if he signed.

[Hail Sezer]

Thats good. He has a reputation of not sticking around at clubs and could have been our next Will Smith if he signed.

I don't care to defend Curtis Rona but that's just simply not true...let's not speculate.

He left London Irish abruptly but we know zero about that situation. It's worth noting for context that the entire English Premiership is a financial mess with clubs going into administration.

Otherwise he's transitioned between clubs in a completely normal way. Cows > Bulldogs > Force (who got dissolved) > Waratahs > London Irish.

He does not have a reputation for not sticking around at clubs.

[The Birdman]

Interesting to see where the club turns their attention to next, not much out there
At this point we might be better off preserving cap space and roster spots so we can see who becomes available from other clubs during the off-season and into the start of next season

You can usually pick up a few players not providing value to their current clubs with the old club picking up the slack on their freight. There's nothing much out there worth wasting resources on at the moment.

[Hail Sezer]

At this point we might be better off preserving cap space and roster spots so we can see who becomes available from other clubs during the off-season and into the start of next season

You can usually pick up a few players not providing value to their current clubs with the old club picking up the slack on their freight. There's nothing much out there worth wasting resources on at the moment.

I agree

[Whats Doing]

I don't care to defend Curtis Rona but that's just simply not true...let's not speculate.

He left London Irish abruptly but we know zero about that situation. It's worth noting for context that the entire English Premiership is a financial mess with clubs going into administration.

Otherwise he's transitioned between clubs in a completely normal way. Cows > Bulldogs > Force (who got dissolved) > Waratahs > London Irish.

He does not have a reputation for not sticking around at clubs.

What we do know is that he was under contract with his Irish club and after 3 or 4 rounds decided to leave. Clubs having financial difficulty is not a reason to quit a club whilst under contract unless he wasnt getting paid which did not appear to be the case.

[Hail Sezer]

What we do know is that he was under contract with his Irish club and after 3 or 4 rounds decided to leave. Clubs having financial difficulty is not a reason to quit a club whilst under contract unless he wasnt getting paid which did not appear to be the case.

How do you know that though? Without knowing the ins and outs of this situation, I think it's pretty bold to form such an opinion on him as a person when there's nothing else in his history that suggests as such. Players ask for releases from NRL contracts all the time, in fact I think I've seen you suggest we target some players who are contracted elsewhere. Do they then have the same reputation?

[Whats Doing]

HS - You really transgress with your posts. If you go back and look at my original post, you will see I was referring specifically to Will Smith who you remember did not turn up for training and failed to meet his contractual obligations as he moved back to Sydney. He was subsequently released after some weeks of no show on the Gold Coast and early in the season. It was a wasted use of a top 30 contracted player.

With Rona, he went missing for a week, did not turn up for training and not even club officials or the coach knew where he was or could contact him. This was after just 3 games with the Irish union side. It was obvious he was exploring other opportunities whilst not meeting his contractual obligations.

My referencing with Smith is that we do not want to go down that path again with Rona and waste a top 30 spot where the circumstances were similar. Players can ask for an early release which i don't have a problem with providing they are doing the right thing by their current club and meeting their current contractual obligations. There is a difference.

Anyway, seeing he has gone to Japan, i wont be commenting on this subject again.

[MaroonTitan]

Shame about McLean. I was really keen on him. How about Aussie Jim Tamou or Marty Taupau?

In terms of outside backs, Tommy Talau looks to be unsigned and Journeyman Kev Naiqama could do for us what he did for the Roosters for the same money. I'd have either of those over Rona anyway, unless I'm missing something.

I'd strongly support signing the Turbo/Jurbo/Burbos if they have some kind of Deslove clause in their contracts but not sure we'd have room under the cap. I'd also take Des but I'd keep Holbrook over the coke and chips, Birdman.

[Hail Sezer]

HS - You really transgress with your posts. If you go back and look at my original post, you will see I was referring specifically to Will Smith who you remember did not turn up for training and failed to meet his contractual obligations as he moved back to Sydney. He was subsequently released after some weeks of no show on the Gold Coast and early in the season. It was a wasted use of a top 30 contracted player.

With Rona, he went missing for a week, did not turn up for training and not even club officials or the coach knew where he was or could contact him. This was after just 3 games with the Irish union side. It was obvious he was exploring other opportunities whilst not meeting his contractual obligations.

My referencing with Smith is that we do not want to go down that path again with Rona and waste a top 30 spot where the circumstances were similar. Players can ask for an early release which i don't have a problem with providing they are doing the right thing by their current club and meeting their current contractual obligations. There is a difference.

Anyway, seeing he has gone to Japan, i wont be commenting on this subject again.

Thanks for the feedback on my posts WD. If I was to do that I'd say your posts are ignorant and unsubstantiated.

Again, you're using false information to try and make your point. Curtis Rona did not play 3 games for the London Irish union side. He played 72. And has been there since 2019. Honestly mate, Wikipedia?

You're using one single Australian media article to determine what is apparently "obvious" but in reality you are just making assumptions from limited information, and then reaching for some conclusion that is really just speculation. I know what you're referencing with Smith. I'm well aware of why he went and how that situation went down. But you're making a point that Rona could be an equivalent because he "has a reputation of not sticking around clubs" which is something you've really just made up.

If you took it a step further to reserve your opinion until substantiating that what you're saying is likely correct, you'd find that in addition to his history of having no problem sticking with clubs, since the Australian WWOS article (that you seem to be referencing), there has been multiple articles in the UK providing an alternative perspective that isn't as sensationalised and dramatic as the initial one suggested. In fact, judging by what I've observed in relation to the release, it's been a professional, positive and respectful response from the club, Curtis, other players, and fans.

I doubt anyone here is overly invested in Curtis Rona's career and nor does anyone really care but please be mindful that with unsubstantiated speculation or gossip posing as fact it can be consequential for the forum when it becomes about a Titans player or staff member.

[willhelm]

Shame about McLean. I was really keen on him. How about Aussie Jim Tamou or Marty Taupau?

In terms of outside backs, Tommy Talau looks to be unsigned and Journeyman Kev Naiqama could do for us what he did for the Roosters for the same money. I'd have either of those over Rona anyway, unless I'm missing something.

I'd strongly support signing the Turbo/Jurbo/Burbos if they have some kind of Deslove clause in their contracts but not sure we'd have room under the cap. I'd also take Des but I'd keep Holbrook over the coke and chips, Birdman.

Tamou has signed with the Cows and I think I read Naqaima is going back to ESL. Tapau I’m not sure. Manly fans didn’t seem upset to lose him.

[Titans83]

Just looking at the off contract list…spare a thought for booth and fuller. Both had very bad leg injuries and it must suck being in their situation.

[willhelm]

Jojo will apparently re-sign beyond 2023

[The Birdman]

Jojo will apparently re-sign beyond 2023

Awesome news!

[willhelm]

Awesome news!

I think he's going to make a career for himself as an impenetrable defensive centre. Watching him this year, he made the right read 9 times out of 10 and has those finer details down, like wrapping up the ball and preventing the grounding. He's exactly what we've always needed and what we've never had.

[Upthetits]

I really hope jojo re signs, he's a gun for such a young player he very rarely got out played.

He's got to be in the top 17 moving forward, preferably at centre. Him with spry outside him is juicy

[Upthetits]

Liam Martin is available for negotiation November 1. Club should enquire about him incase fifita decides to leave

[Titslover]

I think he's going to make a career for himself as an impenetrable defensive centre. Watching him this year, he made the right read 9 times out of 10 and has those finer details down, like wrapping up the ball and preventing the grounding. He's exactly what we've always needed and what we've never had.

Agreed mate, and the fact he's played union his whole life (correct me if I'm wrong guys) makes it even more impressive, imagine what he'll be like after a few years getting used to league structures. Keen to see him get more opportunities in attack too, has great speed and strength

[Whats Doing]

Thanks for the feedback on my posts WD. If I was to do that I'd say your posts are ignorant and unsubstantiated.

Again, you're using false information to try and make your point. Curtis Rona did not play 3 games for the London Irish union side. He played 72. And has been there since 2019. Honestly mate, Wikipedia?

You're using one single Australian media article to determine what is apparently "obvious" but in reality you are just making assumptions from limited information, and then reaching for some conclusion that is really just speculation. I know what you're referencing with Smith. I'm well aware of why he went and how that situation went down. But you're making a point that Rona could be an equivalent because he "has a reputation of not sticking around clubs" which is something you've really just made up.

If you took it a step further to reserve your opinion until substantiating that what you're saying is likely correct, you'd find that in addition to his history of having no problem sticking with clubs, since the Australian WWOS article (that you seem to be referencing), there has been multiple articles in the UK providing an alternative perspective that isn't as sensationalised and dramatic as the initial one suggested. In fact, judging by what I've observed in relation to the release, it's been a professional, positive and respectful response from the club, Curtis, other players, and fans.

I doubt anyone here is overly invested in Curtis Rona's career and nor does anyone really care but please be mindful that with unsubstantiated speculation or gossip posing as fact it can be consequential for the forum when it becomes about a Titans player or staff member.

I was referring to the 3 games as of the current season not when he joined the Irish. I was not referring only to WWOS article as you have incorrectly assumed but their are numerous other London articles about the situation that evolved. The fact is, which is substantiated contrary to your misinformed view is that he went AWOL from his contractual obligations after just 3 games into the season to seek opportunities elsewhere. In addition he failed to return phone calls from the club as well as from his team mates. In fact in a London media article, his coach on the day he was released did not know what was happening and thought he was still part of the squad. This was in the coaches media conference at 10.45am and he was released at 4.00pm that day.

I dont resile from the fact that it was pretty poor form to fail to meet your current contractual obligations to seek other opportunities unbeknown to the club after just 3 games into the season.

[Hail Sezer]

I was referring to the 3 games as of the current season not when he joined the Irish. I was not referring only to WWOS article as you have incorrectly assumed but their are numerous other London articles about the situation that evolved. The fact is, which is substantiated contrary to your misinformed view is that he went AWOL from his contractual obligations after just 3 games into the season to seek opportunities elsewhere. In addition he failed to return phone calls from the club as well as from his team mates. In fact in a London media article, his coach on the day he was released did not know what was happening and thought he was still part of the squad. This was in the coaches media conference at 10.45am and he was released at 4.00pm that day.

I dont resile from the fact that it was pretty poor form to fail to meet your current contractual obligations to seek other opportunities unbeknown to the club after just 3 games into the season.

"Has a reputation for not sticking around at clubs" is sounding like more and more of a reach from you now isn't it?

WD, yet again you're showcasing your ability to observe limited information, interpret it in a way that's convenient for your agenda, and then regurgitating your preferred version as if it's indisputable fact. You're filling in gaps in reported information with your own assumptions that suit whatever point it is you're trying to make, and as a result you're again just drawing false conclusions.

It's ok to admit you could be wrong, mate. Or just ill-informed. No big deal.

If you want to continue this chat just PM me. It's derailing the thread.

[Hail Sezer]

I think he's going to make a career for himself as an impenetrable defensive centre. Watching him this year, he made the right read 9 times out of 10 and has those finer details down, like wrapping up the ball and preventing the grounding. He's exactly what we've always needed and what we've never had.

Young outside backs so often come into the league with a heap of attacking prowess but struggle with a lot of the defensive demands. For a 19 year old with limited RL experience, Jojo is really an anomaly in that respect. He'll only get better too.

I've been nervous for a while about his contract status because we seem to have a habit of extending prematurely but have somehow let Jojo drag out to two weeks before November 1 when he can hit the market. Really hope something gets done soon.

[indoallstars]

Cameron Ferguson from Sea Eagles is our new Head of Physical Performance.

Anyone know anything about him?

[Blade07]

Just a thought why don’t we try sign Bateman and play Fifita at lock with Clarke off the bench

[coreythompson]

Just a thought why don’t we try sign Bateman and play Fifita at lock with Clarke off the bench

This is ridiculous

[GCTTSD]

Keen to see how Foran goes in the world cup can't wait to see the impact he'll have on the rest of our side next year

[MaroonTitan]

I thought Foran was ok this morning but not great. It looked like the Kiwis took Lebanon too lightly.

Atkins wasn't good either. Of the three games I've watched so far, Klein and Atkins have been outshone by the pommy ref who did the Kangaroos v Fiji (Kendall, I think). I have a a feeling the Aussie refs have been conditioned into Vlandysball.

[The Birdman]

Just a thought why don’t we try sign Bateman and play Fifita at lock with Clarke off the bench

Fifita is a below average defender with a questionable motor. There's no way he plays lock.

[Blade07]

After losing some depth in the forwards with ESE Ese, Wallace and Proctor even though most of us are happy to see the last two gone we still need some depth. I understand we have some good young guys coming through but we are probably two nrl standard forwards short I feel. A few names that are off contract after this season are Kobe Hetherington, Teig Wilton, Hame Sele, David Klemmer and Egan Butcher. I think Kobe would be the pick of the bunch and can start lock with Clarke on the bench to strengthen that defensive line. A line up of 1. Campbell 2. Marzhew 3. Fifita 4. Brimson 5.Sami 6. Foran 7. Sexton/ Boyd 8. Mo 9.Verrills 10. Tino 11. Fermor 12.Fifita 13.Hetherington 14. Clarke 15. Joliffe 16.Haas 17. Liu

[Randomologist]

Is Klemmer actually free? He seemed pretty good when he was playing this year.

[Upthetits]

I think Kobe would be a good pick up, really hits hard defensively. Bring Clarke on with fast footwork to get quick ptb once the forwards tire abit. I like it

[DM13]

Nathan Brown would be a good get imo seems like parra are keen to get rid of him so there could be the possibility they’ll be willing to chip in for some of his salary next year as mentioned above we are really light for middle forwards in our squad I’ve been pretty surprised they haven’t signed anyone that will replace the dead wood middles we’ve moved on from this year.

[Titanic]

As long as our recruitment guys don't confuse the Browns then I would definitely take the Parra player version and not the Parra "nepotism" whistle blower version.

[The Birdman]

I agree a subsidised Nathan Brown would be a good depth middle signing.

[coreythompson]

I think we might get Cooper Johns

[GCTTSD]

We should sign rhys Martin from Leeds kicked 41 goals in a row at the moment

[hungryjacks]

never understood why we didnt sign him when he was a the bulldogs and we had zero backrowers at all.

[willhelm]

never understood why we didnt sign him when he was a the bulldogs and we had zero backrowers at all.

Probably the same reasons other NRL clubs didn't sign him

[Upthetits]

Article in the CM about David fifita testing the open market. Apparently dolphins have pulled out, I think we offered him 700k a year but he's turned it down.

It's behind a paywall so I can't see it, im just going off comments on reddit

[Titanic]

Don’t have time to post it because it’s a long article that basically states he wants to stay with us but declined 700k, the Dolphins don’t want him and he will deal with it when he comes back. Also the uncredited journo had some sly backhanders at Holbrook.

[The Birdman]

Don’t have time to post it because it’s a long article that basically states he wants to stay with us but declined 700k, the Dolphins don’t want him and he will deal with it when he comes back. Also the uncredited journo had some sly backhanders at Holbrook.

Could you please elaborate on what the journalist was alluding to re Holbrook?

[Titanic]

Could you please elaborate on what the journalist was alluding to re Holbrook? sure he wrote: (1) Holbrook used Fifita poorly; (2) Fifita consulted Bennett rather Holbrook; (3) Holbrook said he would have him signed by 01 Nov but that won’t happen. All of which we all would probably agree with but it’s nasty journalism imho.

[Hail Sezer]

sure he wrote: (1) Holbrook used Fifita poorly; (2) Fifita consulted Bennett rather Holbrook; (3) Holbrook said he would have him signed by 01 Nov but that won’t happen. All of which we all would probably agree with but it’s nasty journalism imho.

CM journo taking a cheap shot at Titans, shocker....sadly this stuff is only going to get worse with Bennett having the journo's up there in his back pocket and the CM association with the Broncos.

I'd love to have Fifita back at the right price and it's clear he has generational talent although I'm yet to ever see him used "well" either up the road, in origin, or with us, after defensive edges started focusing on how to contain him (after year 1 at Brisbane). I think the general expectation on his contribution is a bit off the mark thanks to the talking heads at Fox who seem to think it's reasonable that he should be running for 500m a game, scoring 5 tries and breaking the line every time he touches the ball.

His defensive workrate improved a lot this year although he's still got some holes in that side of his game and his track record with knee injuries doesn't bode well for his a) reliability and b) ability to maximise his biggest asset. In saying that, I think Foran playing inside him (assuming he's the 7, could be wrong) would help his game on both sides of the ball.

Fair of him to test the market with an offer of 700k, IMO. Be nice if he stays but he's certainly replaceable.

[5 Year Contract]

CM journo taking a cheap shot at Titans, shocker....sadly this stuff is only going to get worse with Bennett having the journo's up there in his back pocket and the CM association with the Broncos.

I'd love to have Fifita back at the right price and it's clear he has generational talent although I'm yet to ever see him used "well" either up the road, in origin, or with us, after defensive edges started focusing on how to contain him (after year 1 at Brisbane). I think the general expectation on his contribution is a bit off the mark thanks to the talking heads at Fox who seem to think it's reasonable that he should be running for 500m a game, scoring 5 tries and breaking the line every time he touches the ball.

His defensive workrate improved a lot this year although he's still got some holes in that side of his game and his track record with knee injuries doesn't bode well for his a) reliability and b) ability to maximise his biggest asset. In saying that, I think Foran playing inside him (assuming he's the 7, could be wrong) would help his game on both sides of the ball.

Fair of him to test the market with an offer of 700k, IMO. Be nice if he stays but he's certainly replaceable.

The right price is absolutely spot on. I was critical of Fifita this year but again when you are on 1.2 million dollars outside of the elite playmakers is any forward going to live up to that contract? Fifita can be one of the games best and you only need to look at his play once tannah moved to the halves and he got the ball in a bit more motion. With Verrils at hooker and Foran/Whoever in the halves next year I think we will see close to his best. I think 700k is the perfect offer based on his play last year and certainly if he proves himself this year then I would be happy with a slight increase but as HS if he wants stupid money then he can go get it elsewhere, we still have many holes to fix.

[MaroonTitan]

Well said HS. We should name and shame these Journos. I'm happy with a 700k offer to Fifita and happy for him to test the market. I also tire of the 'SUPERSTAR' commentary that's seemingly thrown at every young player. By round 5, Joey has about 48 players in his Blues team.

I'm interested in what people make of our World Cup players. I watched Jacob Alick with great interest yesterday and he played very big minutes and looked out on his feet at times but still didn't seem to make any glaring errors. This up against the Tongan forward pack and always in the middle. A good preseason could give him extra legs for 2023. The only concern I have is on his initial contact and if there's enough impact but as he's a ball tackler (rather than legs), that may be a trend with all the head knocks? Sometimes in that game, I wished he'd bend his back just a bit more for more effective defence. Easier said than done playing big minutes against Tonga. He looks like he's got a lot of the right stuff though and I'm excited for his future. I'm also excited for PNG, who I'd love to do well in this tournament. They gave a great account of themselves yesterday.

[The Birdman]

Yeah I don't mind David Fifita at $700k. That's fair. If he wants significantly more than that he can feel free to earn it elsewhere.

I feel if anything he owes us a slight discount seeing as though we overpaid him substantially in the last two years.

[JunctionBlock]

Slow news month when announcing a specific player can start negotiations come 1 November. I like him as a player, I haven't heard too many kind words about him as a gentlemen, but with the small improvements we are doing in the middle can only benefit a bloke like that. We used him well his first year he was here.

[GCTTSD]

We'll have to see what impact Foran and verrils can have on him first

[Titslover]

I really hope we keep Fifita, I think Foran and Verills will be absolutely huge for his game. If you watch the way Foran used Olakuatu last season, he is so good at taking the ball to the line and committing defenders before putting his back rower into a hole. Combine that with the great service Foran will be getting off Verills, and Fifita should have more space to work with than ever before. The scrutiny he gets is so unwarranted when you look at the way we used him all year, it was doing my head in how poor Sexton and even Tanah were at just getting him early ball in space.

I just hope a team like the Storm don't offer him around 600 and he decides to chase success with them rather than stay with us for 700. If a basketcase like Dragons offer him 850+ then oh well what can we do

[Upthetits]

Sign his misses to the NRLW side and he will mostly likely stay for abit less. Plus his families here

[Titanic]

Sign his misses to the NRLW side and he will mostly likely stay for abit less. Plus his families here That’s far too logical for our recruitment team.

[Hail Sezer]

Sign his misses to the NRLW side and he will mostly likely stay for abit less. Plus his families here

Seems as if they had a crack but she's wanting to stay at the Dragons and/or has committed to them in advance for future seasons. Was reading a Code article that suggested she's already locked in there for 2023 as well

[Hail Sezer]

Anyone else feel like Jojo Fifita not being extended yet is somewhat concerning?

This club has a tendency to extend everyone early and yet one of our most promising up and comers is one week away from hitting the open market for 2024 and beyond. I'd expect that something has attempted to be done but for whatever reason it hasn't.

Jojo would have no shortage of interest from most of the NRL, as well as the ARU.

[Croc]

Anyone else feel like Jojo Fifita not being extended yet is somewhat concerning?

This club has a tendency to extend everyone early and yet one of our most promising up and comers is one week away from hitting the open market for 2024 and beyond. I'd expect that something has attempted to be done but for whatever reason it hasn't.

Jojo would have no shortage of interest from most of the NRL, as well as the ARU.

Thought I read somewhere he was about to resign with us.. he doesn’t want to leave the coast

[lonegull]

It’s a worry HS why he hasn’t been extended

[Upthetits]

Agreed regarding jojo, club needs to hurry up and get it done. He's a potential starting 17 player for the next 10 years

[JunctionBlock]

Anyone else feel like Jojo Fifita not being extended yet is somewhat concerning?

This club has a tendency to extend everyone early and yet one of our most promising up and comers is one week away from hitting the open market for 2024 and beyond. I'd expect that something has attempted to be done but for whatever reason it hasn't.

Jojo would have no shortage of interest from most of the NRL, as well as the ARU.

Well I am now

[Titanic]

Well I am now Yep me too, thought he was about to be locked-in.

[Upthetits]

Kobe re-signed with broncos

[Bayside Titan]

Maybe Rugby Union are having a crack at him. World Cup not too far ahead.

[Murbahtitan]

Sam Lisone to Leeds Rhinos
https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/leeds-rhinos-new-signing-sam-lisones-amazing-nrl-stats-60942/

[Bayside Titan]

Sam Lisone to Leeds Rhinos
https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/leeds-rhinos-new-signing-sam-lisones-amazing-nrl-stats-60942/

SAM LISONE TO DEPART TITANS

The Gold Coast Titans can confirm forward Sam Lisone has been granted an early release to pursue playing opportunities overseas.

The 28-year-old prop played 48 games for the Titans after joining the club from the New Zealand Warriors.

He’ll join the Leeds Rhinos in 2023 and will depart for England upon the completion of standard visa paperwork and approvals.

The Titans thank Sam for his contribution over the past three seasons.

Email from the Titans.

[hungryjacks]

So we have lost Wallace, Lisone and Ese'Ese, who are their replacements?

[Hail Sezer]

So we have lost Wallace, Lisone and Ese'Ese, who are their replacements?

Three depth players really with two being liabilities and one who showed he's capable only when playing for a contract, so I'm hoping they just hold those few spots open until someone of value becomes available. Keep in mind that Clark is moving to the middle and there is 2x middles coming into the equation on development contracts too who may be in consideration toward the end of the season. Stimson can play middle as a depth option too. As can Klese.

I don't expect them to sign three middles to replace them. Maybe two, but they've gotta be the right fit.

[lonegull]

The first sentence sums it up by HS, I think letting lisone go is a good move as still had a couple of years left and the way the game is evolving he doesn't suit current trends, free up another spot and Cap space

[JunctionBlock]

Good move by the club. Lisone peaked the first year he was here and then probably realised your body doesn't like smacking the ball up that hard week after week.

[MaroonTitan]

Lisone leaving gives us three spots left in the 30 on my count.

Just saw the Roosters have signed Turpin. That's a good call for him. Not sure if we were ever interested.

At the moment we're relying on Boyd, Sam Mac and possibly Clarke as hooker depth. I wish Sam Verills the very best of health for 2023 and beyond.

Tamou officially announced a Cowboy too. I think Marty Taupau is our only good middle option left.

If we lose Jojo, I'll need some counselling.

[Titanic]

So we have lost Wallace, Lisone and Ese'Ese, who are their replacements?Nope, four depth forwards (how quickly Proctor jumped off the radar) with all being liabilities. I don’t want anything to do with Taupau. Tino, Mofo, Jolliffe and Sammy Mac do it for me with the emerging brigade fighting for backrow/lock positions. Fifita, Haas, Stimson, Clark and JB’s lad getting first bites. Players like Alick, mini Tino and the high school graduates provide the next level. I’d also have a good close look at the Kumuls for a hard running, no frills middle and Ipape.

[hungryjacks]

They are smart choices letting those players go but right now our development middles dont even start for Qcup. Maybe Allick is considered a middle too, Stimson can atleast get to A defender faster than all those 3 players let go.

Anyone know how Jai Whitbread is going in England? Just out of curiosity.

[lonegull]

great pickup titanic about proctor totally agree

[MaroonTitan]

Alick was ok at lock for PNG against the Tongan pack. He's definitely got potential. I'd love to sign Ipape - what a player!

What's wrong with Taupau, Titanic?

[Hail Sezer]

Taupau is pretty bad these days

If it was 2014 then I'd be keen for sure

[MaroonTitan]

Not worth a cheap one-year deal for depth? If not, I think Josh Kerr is available and a pretty good human being by the sounds of it. A subsidised Nathan Brown could do it too.

Tommy Talau might be the only outside back left on the shelf for next year.

Without buy-ins, we might have to upgrade Liyou, Francis and Iszac F into the 30 a year earlier.

Young Pahulu has had some year. Too early for a Dev contract for him?

[Hail Sezer]

Not worth a cheap one-year deal for depth? If not, I think Josh Kerr is available and a pretty good human being by the sounds of it. A subsidised Nathan Brown could do it too.

Tommy Talau might be the only outside back left on the shelf for next year.

Without buy-ins, we might have to upgrade Liyou, Francis and Iszac F into the 30 a year earlier.

Young Pahulu has had some year. Too early for a Dev contract for him?

Those development contracted players are NRL eligible after round 11. I think we're a fair way away from needing to upgrade them to the 30 and use them earlier. Keep in mind there's still plenty of time between now and when the top 30 needs to be finalised.

Pahulu is IMO good enough for a Dev Contract but we didn't have the room so he's still on a JTS contract and doing pre-season with the NRL along with a bunch of others for '23. I would assume he'll be on a Dev contract come 2024 (and has hopefully already signed one).

[toddythetitan]

Any word on who our train and trial players are this pre season?

[Titanic]

What's wrong with Taupau, Titanic?In my opinion he never quite met expectations and more recently has become largely an ineffective bench warmer. He would be a backward move I think.

[Upthetits]

No thanks to taupau. Watch Samoa's first game of the world cup

[MaroonTitan]

Thanks Titanic. I know you're keen on Nathan Brown but what about Josh Kerr?

To be fair Upthe, there were plenty in the Samoan side that played beneath themselves in that game. But I know Marty isn't what he used to be but I'm keen on a depth player with experience. He used to be one of the better middles in the game. I wouldn't be paying him that price, just the minimum to keep him in the NRL. Are there better options?

[The Birdman]

Three depth players really with two being liabilities and one who showed he's capable only when playing for a contract, so I'm hoping they just hold those few spots open until someone of value becomes available. Keep in mind that Clark is moving to the middle and there is 2x middles coming into the equation on development contracts too who may be in consideration toward the end of the season. Stimson can play middle as a depth option too. As can Klese.

I don't expect them to sign three middles to replace them. Maybe two, but they've gotta be the right fit.

100% agree. We won't miss these guys much at all. None moved the needle except Ese' Ese when he was playing to put food on the table.

Someone will want to unload a decent middle and pay some freight for the privilege between now and March next year.

- - - Updated - - -


Good move by the club. Lisone peaked the first year he was here and then probably realised your body doesn't like smacking the ball up that hard week after week.

Exactly, his runs off the back fence probably weren't sustainable and he was one of the worst lateral middle defenders in the NRL. He also could only play 20 or so minutes a game with any impact at most.

- - - Updated - - -



Anyone know how Jai Whitbread is going in England? Just out of curiosity.
He was awful for us. No thanks

[Titanic]

Thanks Titanic. I know you're keen on Nathan Brown but what about Josh Kerr?As a depth signing we could certainly do worse MT.

[hungryjacks]

Last year we didnt even fill the 30 spots did we?

- - - Updated - - -

Is the club still looking for anymore support staff. Someone like Cameron Smith who lives on the Coast to come in a few days a week would be a dream, or another assistant with alot of experience.

[Hail Sezer]

Last year we didnt even fill the 30 spots did we?

- - - Updated - - -

Is the club still looking for anymore support staff. Someone like Cameron Smith who lives on the Coast to come in a few days a week would be a dream, or another assistant with alot of experience.

We did fill it out but I think it was by just promoting Booth or something eventually, can't remember.

I agree we need more support stuff around the football department. It was apparently said we'd be beefing that area up but I'm yet to hear of any official appointments outside of White who replaced Dymock.

edit: and Ferguson who replaced Hoare

[NZTITAN]

List of players training & trialling with the Titans (per Titans):

- Ryan Foran
- Jaylen De Groot
- Ben Liyou
- Oskar Bryant
- Vaka Sikahele
- Kaleb Ngamanu
- Josiah Pahulu
- Seth Nikotemo
- Arama Hau
- Immanuel Kalekale
- Jayden Wright
- Max Liles
- Tanu Nona
- Emry Pere (Cowboys)
- Creedence Toia (Bulldogs)
- Ben Seufale (Mounties)

[Hail Sezer]

Thanks NZT!

Just to do my yearly note: Some of the above are traditional train and trialists, and some are already contracted for future years so the train and trial is really just some NRL pre season experience as preparation, e.g.:
-Ben Liyou is on a 2023 NRL development contract so he’s not really “trialling” for anything unless he’s being considered for top 30 (which I doubt)
-De Groot & Foran are both on NRL Development contracts for 2024.

I’m overdue to do a summary on a bunch of the above in the JTS thread which I’ll get to before pre season starts. Apologies for the delay on that guys.

Stoked to see so many JTS products getting their first experience with the NRL squad.

[mdrew]

Great to see Emery Pere on the list, the young man was a stand out at TSS and Titans junior development squads in earlier years.

[Bayside Titan]

Bulldogs sign giant Titans forward
The Bulldogs have signed a giant young forward from the Titans.
Isaac Matalavea-Booth, who stands at more than two metres tall and tips the scales at 120 kilograms, is a promising 20-year-old middle forward from New Zealand.
Matalavea-Booth attended prolific Gold Coast league nursery Keebra Park High School before being snapped up by the Titans.
But injuries and COVID-19 restrictions resulted in him playing little football over the last couple of years.
The young prop has still attracted the eye of keen league judges at the Bulldogs, however.
"Isaac is a young forward with great potential," Bulldogs supremo Phil Gould told Wide World of Sports.
"I liked him from the moment I met him. I'm looking forward to him coming to the Bulldogs to further his development."

https://twitter.com/9_moley/status/1585006322147553281?s=46&t=Y2H-Qo6LaqwN6v2MiAWvYA

[willhelm]

@mdrew @HS I thought IMB was supposed to be one of our most promising middles coming through the ranks. What happened here?

[hungryjacks]

So whats the deal with Isaac Matalavea-Booth going to the Bulldogs? The club saw him as too injury prone and demanded more than he was worth or something else?

[Hail Sezer]

@mdrew @HS I thought IMB was supposed to be one of our most promising middles coming through the ranks. What happened here?

As I understand, it seems a case of having too many promising middles coming through the ranks at the same age group/stage of development. Can't bring them all in full-time and there just isn't enough dev/30 spots to allocate (especially when they're still developing/potential players). Keep in mind they've also got to plan for Pahulu entering the NRL system along with Hau, and how they're retained.

Liyou and Fa'asuamaleaui were both ahead of him, and they got the Dev spots. That leaves IMB being offered a pre-season deal at best, with potentially a dev spot for 2024. Bulldogs could offer a lot more, obv. That deal was done months ago.

It's unfortunate to lose him and personally I was a fan but his 2022 season wasn't his best and the club had to make a decision based on what was in front of them. Could come back to bite them, we'll see.

FWIW - it's the painful reality of having a functional junior development system. You'll sometimes have too many in a position group to allocate the appropriate spots to once it gets to the top level.

[willhelm]

As I understand, it seems a case of having too many promising middles coming through the ranks at the same age group/stage of development. Can't bring them all in full-time and there just isn't enough dev/30 spots to allocate (especially when they're still developing/potential players). Keep in mind they've also got to plan for Pahulu entering the NRL system along with Hau, and how they're retained.

Liyou and Fa'asuamaleaui were both ahead of him, and they got the Dev spots. That leaves IMB being offered a pre-season deal at best, with potentially a dev spot for 2024. Bulldogs could offer a lot more, obv. That deal was done months ago.

It's unfortunate to lose him and personally I was a fan but his 2022 season wasn't his best and the club had to make a decision based on what was in front of them. Could come back to bite them, we'll see.

FWIW - it's the painful reality of having a functional junior development system. You'll sometimes have too many in a position group to allocate the appropriate spots to once it gets to the top level.

Thanks HS

[Hail Sezer]

Hey all, I've just posted in the JTS thread regarding all of the "train and trial" players who are the Titans juniors involved in the NRL pre-season. I've also included summaries on a few of the development players for 2023 (scroll back a few pages for the rest).

http://www.leagueoftitans.com.au/showthread.php?29354-JTS-to-NRL-the-Titans-juniors-transition-lounge&p=433334#post433334

- - - Updated - - -

Re the train and trial players, the Titans have done their own version...

https://www.titans.com.au/news/2022/10/25/the-players-wholl-train-and-trial-with-titans-this-pre-season/

...but I prefer mine :)

FYI @Titans media...Kaleb Ngamanu did not attend PBC. He went to TSS. He also did not feature for QLD in the U19's. He was 18th man. These kind of details matter if you're publishing it on your official website. He's been in your system since he was 15..

[Titslover]

Any ideas what the announcement for tomorrow that the Titans are hyping up on their instagram story is lads? With the caption “you’re gonna love this one legion” and a countdown, it better not be a letdown

[Bayside Titan]

Any ideas what the announcement for tomorrow that the Titans are hyping up on their instagram story is lads? With the caption “you’re gonna love this one legion” and a countdown, it better not be a letdown

Yeah saw that too and wondered what it is.

[WolfBuddy4]

Any ideas what the announcement for tomorrow that the Titans are hyping up on their instagram story is lads? With the caption “you’re gonna love this one legion” and a countdown, it better not be a letdown

possibly jojo re-signing

[Titanic]

Dylan Napa … lol just kidding

[Hail Sezer]

Hallelujah

[The Birdman]

Looks like Jojo has resigned!

https://twitter.com/GCTitans/status/1585392122068434955?s=20&t=U-2U2ultySIFjo6TndAYKQ

[5 Year Contract]

Love it! Great work from the retention team!

[The Birdman]

https://www.titans.com.au/news/2022/10/27/fifita-locked-and-loaded-until-2025/
3 years seems like a good balance between certainty for the roster and keeping him hungry as a player to get better.

[lonegull]

good news on JoJo, I was getting nervous

[DIEHARD]

Delighted and relieved to see JoJo secured. He really got all eyes on him with his impressive rise in the end of this season, culminating with a PM13's jersey against PNG.

[gotitans101_]

great stuff on Jojo re-signing.

[Titanic]

Onya Jojo … the World returns to normal (for today at least).

[hungryjacks]

Need a couple more Juniors who play like JoJo did in the final rounds of the competition and we will have a young local side that everyone would be atleast proud about.

[Titslover]

@HailSezer and anyone else who has a bit of inside word around the club, have you guys heard anything about us retaining Fifita? Obviously it's a bit hard with him in England at the moment but would love to know if theres been any word on the likelihood of him staying. Holbrook said today that he's confident he'll stay, but then again of course he's going to say that to the media.

[DIEHARD]

Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui locked in long-term with Titans
https://www.titans.com.au/news/2022/11/03/faasuamaleaui-locked-in-long-term-with-titans/

The Fa’asuamaleaui family will call the Gold Coast home long-term, with Iszac joining older brother and Titans captain Tino in locking in his future at the club.

The younger of the Fa’asuamaleaui brothers will remain at the Titans as a development player in 2023, before moving into the club’s top 30 contracted list for 2024 and 2025.

Fa’asuamaleaui has been part of the Future Titans program, with his move through the club’s pathway system culminating in a Hostplus Cup debut for Burleigh in 2022.

After making the move from the Bears' Colts side in 2021 to their Cup side in 2022, the 20-year-old notched 14 appearances for the Titans affiliate this season.

Titans coach Justin Holbrook says he’s excited to see Iszac graduate to the NRL squad on a full-time basis.

“Iszac is a familiar face around Parkwood, having come through our junior system and having done some work with us on the training field last year,” Holbrook said.

“He’s also been involved in the admin side of the business as a trainee, so he’s got a real understanding of the club and what we are looking to build here on the Coast.

“He’s a middle forward like his brother and while he has a lot of the same traits that we see in Tino we’re also keen to see the evolution of Iszac as a player in his own right.

“In our first week back for pre-season, he is already setting the standard and is consistently at the top of our fitness testing which shows the type of athlete that he is.

“He’s a hard worker and someone who is keen to learn and I’ve no doubt that we’ll see him join his brother in a Titans jersey in the not too distant future.”

[Upthetits]

Good to hear, I like that the club are be locking up the promising young talent

[Bayside Titan]

Sadly Tristan Powell is on the Storms books now for two years. I wish him well. He was playing pretty well in the QCup before he was injured. Watch the Bellamy Magic get weaved on him. I said to him when he comes back in a few years to bring Bellamy with him ��.

[Hail Sezer]

Tristan's deal was done ages ago but he isn't the only one from a Titans feeder club that Melbourne have brought down for an opportunity. They've been busy

[DM13]

See Shallin Fuller has been given train and trial deal at Rabbitohs, shame he got such a serious injury right at start of the year I feel he could of had a great year in cup with burleigh this year.

[DarOv]

Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui locked in long-term with Titans
https://www.titans.com.au/news/2022/11/03/faasuamaleaui-locked-in-long-term-with-titans/here (https://betpokies.co.nz)

The Fa’asuamaleaui family will call the Gold Coast home long-term, with Iszac joining older brother and Titans captain Tino in locking in his future at the club.

The younger of the Fa’asuamaleaui brothers will remain at the Titans as a development player in 2023, before moving into the club’s top 30 contracted list for 2024 and 2025.

Fa’asuamaleaui has been part of the Future Titans program, with his move through the club’s pathway system culminating in a Hostplus Cup debut for Burleigh in 2022.

After making the move from the Bears' Colts side in 2021 to their Cup side in 2022, the 20-year-old notched 14 appearances for the Titans affiliate this season.

Titans coach Justin Holbrook says he’s excited to see Iszac graduate to the NRL squad on a full-time basis.

“Iszac is a familiar face around Parkwood, having come through our junior system and having done some work with us on the training field last year,” Holbrook said.

“He’s also been involved in the admin side of the business as a trainee, so he’s got a real understanding of the club and what we are looking to build here on the Coast.

“He’s a middle forward like his brother and while he has a lot of the same traits that we see in Tino we’re also keen to see the evolution of Iszac as a player in his own right.

“In our first week back for pre-season, he is already setting the standard and is consistently at the top of our fitness testing which shows the type of athlete that he is.

“He’s a hard worker and someone who is keen to learn and I’ve no doubt that we’ll see him join his brother in a Titans jersey in the not too distant future.”

The performance for Iszac was really impressive. It looks like they convince themselves to do it.
I have nothing against Iszac. I expect him to help the team a lot!

[Hail Sezer]

Boom, Pahulu onto Development contract and extended until 2025.

[Bayside Titan]

SIGNINGS
History-making captain graduates to Titans NRL squad
Author
Titans.com.au
Timestamp
Tue 8 Nov 2022, 08:01 AM
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The Gold Coast Titans have been bolstered by the signing of young powerhouse forward Josiah Pahulu, joining the club until the end of the 2025 season.

Making history captaining Ipswich State High School to their first Queensland and National Schoolboys titles, the 18-year-old is also a graduate of the Future Titans pathway system, joining the Coast's junior program in 2019.


Alongside his team accolades, Pahulu's 2022 campaign was by far his most successful individually, representing Queensland in both the Under 19 State of Origin clash and Australian School National Championships.

These honours culminated in an Australian Schoolboys call-up which saw the dynamic middle third join fellow Titans Keano Kini and Arama Hau in representing the green and gold in Fiji last month.

Josiah Pahulu in action for Queensland Under 19s. Photo: Gregg Porteous/NRL Images
Josiah Pahulu in action for Queensland Under 19s. Photo: Gregg Porteous/NRL Images
Titans coach Justin Holbrook is pleased to have Pahulu progress as a product of the Gold Coast's pathways system.

"Josiah is an impressive young player with a tremendous work ethic and it's great to see him graduate from the club's Future Titans program into our NRL top squad," Holbrook said.

“He’s a middle forward with the ability to play big minutes up front, which was seen this year with his time at Ipswich State High School and representing his state and country.

"Another impressive quality is his leadership capabilities, with him being a natural mentor for his peers around him.

"He has a bright future ahead here at the club and I look forward to seeing him develop through the grades before no doubt getting his opportunity to play in the NRL sometime soon."

Pahulu becomes the fourth and final development player to join the Titans roster for the 2023 season.

[JunctionBlock]

Nice signing.

[NZTITAN]

Pahulu is my one to watch of the young guns bar Keano Kini, hope to see him play some QCup this year.

[Upthetits]

Great news!!

[Upthetits]

Apparently Aaron schoupp from bulldogs has told team mates he's accepted an offer to go to titans for 2023 onwards

Don't know what to think...

Thought spry was going to get a run or Tony Francis?

[Hail Sezer]

Fun fact, Schoupp was actually a handy goal kicker coming through the grades

[Maynard]

Apparently Aaron schoupp from bulldogs has told team mates he's accepted an offer to go to titans for 2023 onwards

Don't know what to think...

Thought spry was going to get a run or Tony Francis?


I rate it. Others have mentioned previously about the issues within our backs in the lack of diversity in the body profiles. Schoupp is 102kg and 21 years of age.

Comparison for the other centre contenders:
Jojo 91kg
Kelly 94kg
Sami 96kg
Herbert 94kg
Francis 89kg

At the end of the day, if it improves competition for spots it is a win for me.

[Titslover]

From what I’ve seen of him and read I’m pretty pleased with this signing. Dogs fans are devastated to losing him, saying how he’s aggressive and “has the dogs DNA”. If he can kick goals like HS said than ever better. Jojo Schoupp centre pairing next year?

[Firetruck]

Good young centre. But I am still concerned at our lack of a goal kicker for next season.

[5 Year Contract]

Apparently Aaron schoupp from bulldogs has told team mates he's accepted an offer to go to titans for 2023 onwards

Don't know what to think...

Thought spry was going to get a run or Tony Francis?

That’s a great pickup. Good young centre with speed. Hopefully it means I never see Herbert in a titans jersey again

[Hail Sezer]

I rate it. Others have mentioned previously about the issues within our backs in the lack of diversity in the body profiles. Schoupp is 102kg and 21 years of age.

Comparison for the other centre contenders:
Jojo 91kg
Kelly 94kg
Sami 96kg
Herbert 94kg
Francis 89kg

At the end of the day, if it improves competition for spots it is a win for me.

100%. I didn't realise he was only 21 either.

Spry should be top 30 as well so it should create some real competition for spots from some emerging players.

Worth noting that BK and Herbert are both off contract end of 2023.

[willhelm]

I rate it. Others have mentioned previously about the issues within our backs in the lack of diversity in the body profiles. Schoupp is 102kg and 21 years of age.

Comparison for the other centre contenders:
Jojo 91kg
Kelly 94kg
Sami 96kg
Herbert 94kg
Francis 89kg

At the end of the day, if it improves competition for spots it is a win for me.

No way is Schoupp that big. Wikipedia has him listed at 98 kg.

[NZFan]

Spry looks like he’s training with the squad at the moment judging by the latest clip from the performance team (unless I’m seeing things). You’d have to assume that he takes a spot. They also referenced Booth as well. Is there an ability with the cap to pay somebody outside the top 30?

[JunctionBlock]

No way is Schoupp that big. Wikipedia has him listed at 98 kg.

I could put 4 kgs on in a weekend. Just give me something to binge watch and uber eats and wiki can list me at 102 kg plus or minus 20 kegs

[indoallstars]

Bulldogs rising star Aaron Schoupp has reportedly informed his teammates he will be signing with the Titans for the 2023 season.

According to 9News’ Danny Weidler, the deal is set to be announced on Wednesday, ending Schoupp’s 32-game career at the Canterbury-Bankstown club — at least for now.

Schoupp had spoken to foxsports.com.au at the beginning of this year about wanting to win a title with the Bulldogs, declaring it “would be the best thing ever”.

“It’s my dream to win a premiership with the Bulldogs. It would be the best thing ever,” he said at the time.

“I’d love to be at the Bulldogs for the rest of my life... I want to be a Bulldog for life.”

The 21-year-old has been one of the Bulldogs’ best since making his debut in Round 11 of the 2021 season, scoring nine tries for the club.

Schoupp would become the second player to make the move from the Bulldogs to the Titans, joining utility Joe Stimson.

Justin Holbrook has also recruited veteran halfback Kieran Foran alongside gun hooker Sam Verrills after a turbulent 2022 campaign.

[Titanic]

Schoup at left center does it for me, he’s a player.

[Upthetits]

A schoupp and spry combo would be interesting, both big bodies

[Hail Sezer]

Latest on the Schoupp-situation

https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-market-watch-wests-tigers-sign-will-smith-to-oneyear-deal/news-story/163779ee1631f378e23dde43e82ca8d6

The Titans have moved to strengthen a problem position by signing rising Bulldogs centre Aaron Schoupp.

Schoupp is expected to be released from the remainder of his Canterbury contract to join Gold Coast immediately.

At 21, Schoupp is a long-term prospect for the Titans and has played 32 NRL games for the Bulldogs since debuting in 2021.

He made 19 appearances last season, scoring six tries, and will bolster a position the Titans have struggled with over recent years.

Titans coach Justin Holbrook has experimented with a number of centre options, with Brian Kelly and Patrick Herbert struggling to nail down the role in 2022.

Young gun Jojo Fifita is a long-term centre prospect along with Schoupp, who was signed at Canterbury until the end of 2024.

However the Bulldogs have salary cap and roster problems and need to shed players, with Schoupp the latest to exit Belmore.

The Titans and Bulldogs are expected to confirm the transfer on Wednesday.

[GCTTSD]

Finally an outside back with some aggression he's got potential has he kicked goals in the NRL before?

[Hail Sezer]

Finally an outside back with some aggression he's got potential has he kicked goals in the NRL before?

He's kicked a total of zero :)

I really don't know if he's a genuine option but he was pretty handy with the boot coming through junior ranks. Wouldn't bank on him being the goal kicking solution though

[The Birdman]

I haven't watched a lot of Bulldogs games recently but he sounds like a promising signing. He is at the perfect point in his experience and development to be a long term, immediate option in arguably our weakest position

[Bayside Titan]

Centre Aaron Schoupp has been granted a release from his contract with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs effective immediately. We wish him all the best for this next chapter in his career.

https://twitter.com/bulldogskennel/status/1590125047523733505?s=46&t=Sf84eDnCWYcfT4s_MLgdJA

Aaron Schoupp has been granted a release from his contract with the Bulldogs effective immediately.

https://twitter.com/nrl_bulldogs/status/1590117461046620160?s=46&t=Sf84eDnCWYcfT4s_MLgdJA

[Upthetits]

Alot of the doggies fans are upset at the fact they're losing him, although a couple have pointed out that whilst he's a dog in defence and deceptively quick in open space. His passing / setting up is winger is below standard, alot of left side plays he will hog the ball and go himself instead of looking to set up his winger.

Hopefully the club can develope that

[DIEHARD]

Alot of the doggies fans are upset at the fact they're losing him

Usually a good indication of a signing. Luckily Dolphins or Wests Tigers officials don't visit this place.

[Hail Sezer]

A bit off topic...but it's quite funny seeing that Bulldogs forum implode every time a player leaves. They go from worshipping any prospect as a future immortal, to personally insulting the departing player and making it sound like they never liked them anyway. Reminds me of primary school relationships.

[DIEHARD]

Titans backline boosted for 2023 season
https://www.titans.com.au/aaron-schoupp-joins-titans

The Gold Coast Titans have added centre Aaron Schoupp to the squad’s roster ahead of the 2023 season.

The Bulldogs have agreed to release Schoupp from his contract early to allow him to take up the opportunity on the Coast.

Schoupp joins the Titans on a three-year deal.

The 21-year-old has played 32 NRL games for Canterbury, debuting in the 2021 season.

Titans Coach Justin Holbrook says he’s looking forward to working with Schoupp, who will arrive on the Gold Coast in the coming weeks.

“Aaron joins us nice and early in the pre-season, allowing him to put in the hard work to be ready for round one.

“Since his debut, he’s given the competition a taste of what he can bring at the NRL level, but we’re confident he has more improvement left in his game.

“He’s a centre with good size, a good defensive game and he’s also a goal kicker. They are all things that will be valuable to the squad.”

[Maynard]

No way is Schoupp that big. Wikipedia has him listed at 98 kg.

Went off the Bulldogs player profile, wasn’t just a throw at the dartboard with the number I gave. I’ll admit I was surprised at 102kg

[Homer.J.]

A great buy. Just hope the rest of the decisions in the pre season are just as good.

[NZTITAN]

Verrills, Foran, now Schoupp, and to a lesser extent Stimson.. The biggest thing to take away from all these signings is that they seem very deliberate, previously the strategy seemed to be just load up on whoever was available for a quick stint on Surfer's, now the Titans have gone and got two guys in Verrills and Schoupp who were contracted and Foz who seemed to be a Sydney guy. Definitely brings me hope that the Titans are going to be more needle-like in their recruitment approach. Still missing a bigger body middle though, curious to see who we pull out of the bag.

If Schoupp ends up being a decent goal-kicker he's probably the most perfect signing we could've had out in the centres at the moment.

[Hail Sezer]

Uhh....player profiles have been updated and....

is this an error?

https://www.titans.com.au/teams/telstra-premiership/gold-coast-titans/apisalome-saukuru/

[mdrew]

Uhh....player profiles have been updated and....

is this an error?

https://www.titans.com.au/teams/telstra-premiership/gold-coast-titans/apisalome-saukuru/

Good pick-up mate, surely not an error?

[Hail Sezer]

Good pick-up mate, surely not an error?

Seems very odd but he does still appear on the Tigers website and was included in this recent article as a player upgraded to Top 30 from their Dev contracts
https://www.weststigers.com.au/news/2022/11/07/new-season-starts-now/

We'll know soon enough either way but I reckon there's a good chance someone at NRL.com may have pressed the wrong button when assigning his profile to the team starting with "Ti" :laugh:

[Cowabunga]

I'm so stoked to finally have a bit of a mongrel in the team in a player like Schoupp, we've been missing it massively as a team especially in the backs. We need a guy with that kind of attitude that will rub off on other guys and give them a bit more confidence and pride. BaeJ and Tino can't lead all by themselves on performance alone.

Having someone who gets under the other teams skin who's useful is going to be wonderful to watch after having J.Wallace be that guy...

Edit: Shout out to Mdrew, your threads incredible.

[Bayside Titan]

Gold Coast snaps up young gun
The Titans have signed a promising lock from the Knights on a train-and-trial contract.
Jaron Purcell, a 21-year-old local Knights junior from the NSW Central Coast, came to terms last week and is hoping to force his way into Justin Holbrook's top 30 during the trials.
Purcell looked good in the NSW and Flegg Cups for the Knights this year but decided he had a better chance of a full-time deal with a move up the coast

https://twitter.com/9_moley/status/1592610189701939200?s=46&t=ATJLND8KJuGl9YMN0hG_QA

- - - Updated - - -

Raiders set to make double play for Titans’ $1.25m man: NRL Transfer Whispers


Radley altercation under investigation | 02:10
Staff Writers from Fox Sports
November 15th, 2022 4:22 pm
The Canberra Raiders are set to make a play to lure Gold Coast Titans star David Fifita to the nation’s capital, with Ricky Stuart reportedly meeting with his management.

Read on for all the latest NRL Transfer Whispers.

RAIDERS IN TALKS WITH TITANS $1.25M STAR

The Canberra Raiders are set to make a play to lure Gold Coast Titans star David Fifita to the nation’s capital.


The Sydney Morning Herald reported the Raiders have started negotiations with Fifita’s management in a bid to sign the former Queensland Origin star for 2024 and beyond.

The 22-year-old is entering the final year of his record $1.25 million a season three-year deal with the Titans in 2023, but has been free to negotiate with rivals since November 1.

According to the Herald, Raiders coach Ricky Stuart met with Fifita’s management last week and while an offer is yet to be finalised, Canberra view the back-rower as a player to build their pack around.

The Titans are keen to keep Fifita on a reduced contract, but are not willing to pay anywhere near the money they lured him from the Broncos on.

Last season Fifita failed to reach the heights of his first year on the Gold Coast when he scored 17 tries as the Titans went within a pass of the semi-finals.

He scored just seven tries last season and struggled for involvement as he was shuffled to the bench at times and lost his Queensland Origin jersey.

David Fifita could be headed for Canberra in 2024.
David Fifita could be headed for Canberra in 2024.
Source: Getty Images
The Raiders are also targeting Fifita’s partner, Shaylee Bent for their NRLW side, which would emulate couple Millie Boyle and Adam Elliott signing for the Knights.

Adding Fifita to a pack already containing Joseph Tapine, Josh Papali’i, Hudson Young, Elliott Whitehead, Corey Harawira-Naera and Corey Horsburgh would make the Raiders’ one of the most formidable packs in the game.

Fifita has scored 37 tries in 84 NRL games for the Titans and Broncos since his debut in 2018 and has played five Origins for Queensland and four Tests for Tonga.

Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!

David Fifita and his partner are being courted by the Raiders.
David Fifita and his partner are being courted by the Raiders.
Source: Getty Images
Speaking on the Six Tackles with Gus Podcast in September, Phil Gould said Fifita’s ridiculous price for his Gold Coast contract had harmed the game.

“If you go back in time to when they signed him, I said it was an irresponsible signing,” Gould said.

“$1.25 million for a 20-year-old back-rower is reckless spending. It actually caused problems with the whole player market and the values in the market.

“When you get an outlier purchase like that where someone goes and pays a ridiculous amount of money for a young back-rower, then the other back-rowers, forwards, halves, five-eighths and fullbacks in the competition say, ‘Well if he’s worth that, what am I worth?’

“It created a whole false economy … It’s not his fault he’s on that money. But it was harmful to the game.”

https://twitter.com/foxnrl/status/1592390384331939840?s=46&t=ATJLND8KJuGl9YMN0hG_QA

[Hail Sezer]

Gold Coast snaps up young gun
The Titans have signed a promising lock from the Knights on a train-and-trial contract.
Jaron Purcell, a 21-year-old local Knights junior from the NSW Central Coast, came to terms last week and is hoping to force his way into Justin Holbrook's top 30 during the trials.
Purcell looked good in the NSW and Flegg Cups for the Knights this year but decided he had a better chance of a full-time deal with a move up the coast

https://twitter.com/9_moley/status/1592610189701939200?s=46&t=ATJLND8KJuGl9YMN0hG_QA

To clarify....he's signed with Tweed on a deal that included a Titans train and trial.

[jacksonm]

To clarify....he's signed with Tweed on a deal that included a Titans train and trial.

I think you will find he shares the same manager as Schoupp, make of it what you will.

[Titanic]

If Fifita does go to the Raiders because of his squeeze then that is reminiscent of Arrow … star struck isn’t exactly my meaning.

[Hail Sezer]

Oh boy...the latest recruitment/swap suggestion being floated in the Courier Mail is going to set off some Titans fans in a big way

Reportedly we're looking to bring Chris Randall up as hooker cover. And in turn are considering swapping.....Greg Marzhew.

Discuss :?)

[ozynorts]

Oh boy...the latest recruitment/swap suggestion being floated in the Courier Mail is going to set off some Titans fans in a big way

Reportedly we're looking to bring Chris Randall up as hooker cover. And in turn are considering swapping.....Greg Marzhew.

Discuss :?)

I am ok with it if it means that Clarke is no longer the backup option at hooker. GM has had more than enough time to sort out his deficiencies.

[indoallstars]

Oh boy...the latest recruitment/swap suggestion being floated in the Courier Mail is going to set off some Titans fans in a big way

Reportedly we're looking to bring Chris Randall up as hooker cover. And in turn are considering swapping.....Greg Marzhew.

Discuss :?)

Hell no!

[5 Year Contract]

Oh boy...the latest recruitment/swap suggestion being floated in the Courier Mail is going to set off some Titans fans in a big way

Reportedly we're looking to bring Chris Randall up as hooker cover. And in turn are considering swapping.....Greg Marzhew.

Discuss :?)

I know we need hooker cover but this would be up there with an all time bonehead move. Marzhew could be anything if he puts it all together consitently. Even with his limited game time last year he was still top 5 in tackle breaks. Give them Herbert and 2 packets of minties

[Hail Sezer]

Controversial but for me, it's a no brainer.

This pains me to say but I'm just gonna rip the bandaid off and say it - Marzhew is extremely overrated by the Titans fanbase. There is a reason Parra never debuted him, no club picked him up, and why he's still not a first choice winger here. His carries are great. His defensive decision making, positioning, execution, effort areas and communication are all issues and haven't improved after a long time. Errors under fatigue is an ongoing issue as well. Marzhew has been in NRL systems for 5 seasons - what suggests that he's ever going to get it together?

Now look, this is really a depth a winger for a depth hooker. So in terms of salary cap and overall impact it's not moving the needle too much. But, let's consider some of what this team lacked in 2022...defensive effort, work-rate under fatigue, conditioning. Chris Randall is the guy who made 71 tackles in his debut and has been descirbed by Hayden Knowles as the fittest player he's ever trained in 20 years. High work rate, consistent, tackle-bot. And we need a depth hooker who's NRL proven.

edit - I'm well aware this take is not going to be well received haha

[willhelm]

Don't know much about Randall but not fussed about losing Marzhew and agree with pretty much everything HS said above.

I think Herbert was extremely hard done by this year by having to defend between Sexton and Marzhew. Sexton is one of the slowest lateral movers in the NRL and this was no doubt playing on Herbert's mind and affecting his decision making with when/how much to slide. Then as HS said, Marzhew's defensive decision making and positioning are horrific, which I suspect is the reason Herbert was so frequently shooting out of the line to try to shut down plays.

Rewind to 2021 and I don't think anyone here would've listed Herbert as one of our main issues. In fact, I recall us praising his defense and hard carries. I think some of us even had him as one of the buys of the year. Most won't agree with me and that's fine but I'd like to see Herbert get another chance defending between Tanah (or Foran if he plays 7) and JoJo. If he can't put it together in the first few months this year then cut him.

[Cowabunga]

100% agree, I really like this deal as a back up. Lofi, Spry and Francis fighting for the wing spot unless it's for Jojo?? Would way rather him fight for Kellys spot.

I'm going to have nightmares about last years edge defence for years to come.

[The Birdman]

Don't know much about Randall but not fussed about losing Marzhew and agree with pretty much everything HS said above.

I think Herbert was extremely hard done by this year by having to defend between Sexton and Marzhew. Sexton is one of the slowest lateral movers in the NRL and this was no doubt playing on Herbert's mind and affecting his decision making with when/how much to slide. Then as HS said, Marzhew's defensive decision making and positioning are horrific, which I suspect is the reason Herbert was so frequently shooting out of the line to try to shut down plays.

Rewind to 2021 and I don't think anyone here would've listed Herbert as one of our main issues. In fact, I recall us praising his defense and hard carries. I think some of us even had him as one of the buys of the year. Most won't agree with me and that's fine but I'd like to see Herbert get another chance defending between Tanah (or Foran if he plays 7) and JoJo. If he can't put it together in the first few months this year then cut him.
Lol sorry Herbert is not getting off this easy. He played more often without Marzhew than with him in 2022 if I recall correctly and the guy is just awful defensively. He comes up with huge brain explosions regularly too. Usain Bolt wouldn't be quick enough to cover his defensive spacing decisions.

I also think his 2021 season was massively overrated on here and there were very similar issues then as there was in 2022.

The guy is not NRL standard.

[willhelm]

Lol sorry Herbert is not getting off this easy. He played more often without Marzhew than with him in 2022 if I recall correctly and the guy is just awful defensively. He comes up with huge brain explosions regularly too. Usain Bolt wouldn't be quick enough to cover his defensive spacing decisions.

I also think his 2021 season was massively overrated on here and there were very similar issues then as there was in 2022.

The guy is not NRL standard.

I just went back through each of the 25 rounds and have listed our right centre/wing pairing below. I've primarily gone off the jersey numbers but I think some of the numbers got a bit messed up with all the swapping around after the round 17 bye, so there could be some errors in rounds 18-25 if anyone wants to correct me. Rounds 1-16 I think are accurate though.

Of the 14 games that Herbert played at right centre, the right winger was Marzhew 7 times. Of the remaining 7, it was Thompson 2 times, Isaako 2 times, J. Fifita 2 times, and Marsters 1 time.

Round 1 vs Eels: Herbert/Marzhew (32-28 loss)
Round 2 vs Warriors: Herbert/Marzhew (20-18 win)
Round 3 vs Raiders: Herbert/Marzhew (24-22 loss)
Round 4 vs Tigers: Herbert/Marzhew (8-6 win)
Round 5 vs Eels: Herbert/Marzhew (26-20 loss)
Round 6 vs Sea Eagles: Herbert/Marzhew (26-18 loss)
Round 7 vs Cowboys: D. Fifita/Marzhew (30-4 loss)
Round 8 vs Panthers: Herbert/Thompson (18-4 loss)
Round 9 vs Roosters: Herbert/Thompson (44-16 loss)
Round 10 vs Dragons: Marsters/Thompson (20-16 win)
Round 11 vs Sharks: Marsters/Isaako (25-18 loss)
Round 12 vs Broncos: Marsters/Isaako (35-24 loss)
Round 13 vs Cowboys: Marsters/Isaako (32-6 loss)
Round 14 vs Rabbitohs: Herbert/Marsters (30-16 loss)
Round 15 vs Sharks: Herbert/Isaako (18-10 loss)
Round 16 vs Knights: Herbert/Isaako (38-12 loss)
Round 17 bye
Round 18 vs Broncos: Herbert/J. Fifita (16-12 loss)
Round 19 vs Bulldogs: Herbert/J. Fifita (36-26 loss)
Round 20 vs Raiders: Sami/J. Fifita (36-24 loss)
Round 21 vs Storm: Sami/J. Fifita (32-14 loss)
Round 22 vs Sea Eagles: Sami/J. Fifita (44-24 win)
Round 23 vs Dragons: Herbert/Marzhew (46-26 loss)
Round 24 vs Knights: J. Fifita/Thompson (36-26 win)
Round 25 vs Warriors: J. Fifita/Thompson (27-26 win)

[WolfBuddy4]

The fact that Herbert could only score one try also was a bit of a concern - and it was out-leaping new recruit Aaron Schoupp. Still think Aaron has a lot to offer our team though.

I really want to see AJ keep the five-eighth role and Jojo keep the centre role. I have rewatched a couple of games from this year and Jojo has really came up with some massive defensive plays and does not look at of place at all at centre. He needs his ball in his hands as much as possible in my opinion. He really does have a good game awareness too that our other centres kelly, schoupp & herbert may lack as everyone here remembers Kelly and Herbert not passing against the storm and chooks, respectively with the game on the line. Not holding one bad decision against either of them but with Jojo, he already has great awareness of line runs he needs to make to open up channels for his winger and can draw and pass very well after a nice display of footwork and change of angle he has in his game.

In my opinion, Sami is our best winger option and Marzhew, Khan Pereira, Francis and Spry would be fighting for the other wing jersey prior to Herbert returning from ACL and Kelly from Suspension.

I don't know how well Khan-Pereira's defence stacks up to Marzhew's. Obviously Marzhew's tackle busts are a massive factor on the attacking front but if he is a weakness aerially and can't take the next step defensively, this isn't a colossal loss as H.S. said.
Randall's main asset is his tremendous workrate and stamina and would be our best option at 9 if Verrills were to go down.

I don't mind if this deal goes through to be fair. It would make the competition spot for that wing and utility very interesting

[Hail Sezer]

I don't think Herbert is a starting NRL centre, but I do think he is NRL standard as a depth option, and that's where he kind of fits into a top 30. His salary probably reflects that. Having an entire top 30 of week to week NRL starter quality just isn't possible but IMO the Titans got it wrong banking on just BK and Herbert as the only actual centres in the top 30 for so long.

As to why I think his 2021 season was looked at fondly....he always played tough, with some passion, and was high effort. I do think a lot of the criticism he cops is a bit unfair and misguided and he was certainly the victim of poor edge D execution on his inside and outside on occasion, as centre's often are. But in any case, I doubt he is retained beyond 2023 with the emergence of Jojo, Francis coming through, and Schoupp coming on board.

- - - Updated - - -



I don't know how well Khan-Pereira's defence stacks up to Marzhew's. Obviously Marzhew's tackle busts are a massive factor on the attacking front but if he is a weakness aerially and can't take the next step defensively, this isn't a colossal loss as H.S. said.
Randall's main asset is his tremendous workrate and stamina and would be our best option at 9 if Verrills were to go down.

I don't mind if this deal goes through to be fair. It would make the competition spot for that wing and utility very interesting

To be brutally honest - Lofi KP's defence is worse than Marzhews, at least going by his 2022 season in Cup. Although, it was his first season at that level and he's only 21, so I'm wiling to believe there's still time to improve.

[WolfBuddy4]

Who do we think Khan-Pereira playstyle is similar to in the NRL? Blessed with speed and footwork,
how does he stack up to Ronaldo Mulitalo who had a brilliant World Cup.

- - - Updated - - -


I don't think Herbert is a starting NRL centre, but I do think he is NRL standard as a depth option, and that's where he kind of fits into a top 30. His salary probably reflects that. Having an entire top 30 of week to week NRL starter quality just isn't possible but IMO the Titans got it wrong banking on just BK and Herbert as the only actual centres in the top 30 for so long.

As to why I think his 2021 season was looked at fondly....he always played tough, with some passion, and was high effort. I do think a lot of the criticism he cops is a bit unfair and misguided and he was certainly the victim of poor edge D execution on his inside and outside on occasion, as centre's often are. But in any case, I doubt he is retained beyond 2023 with the emergence of Jojo, Francis coming through, and Schoupp coming on board.

- - - Updated - - -



To be brutally honest - Lofi KP's defence is worse than Marzhews, at least going by his 2022 season in Cup. Although, it was his first season at that level and he's only 21, so I'm wiling to believe there's still time to improve.

That's fair.

[Hail Sezer]

Who do we think Khan-Pereira playstyle is similar to in the NRL? Blessed with speed and footwork,
how does he stack up to Ronaldo Mulitalo who had a brilliant World Cup.

Smaller in stature but faster. I reckon Lofi is that type of quick that is top-tier...Savage, Addo-Carr type of areas. He'd be smaller than both of them, though.

His strengths and playing style IMO has similarties to Bevan French back when he was at Parra, although Lofi is more physical.

[WolfBuddy4]

Thanks HS. It's nice to have this ability to discuss on the forums.
Hopefully, Lofi can have a great off-season and develop into a top winger for us in the future.

[5 Year Contract]

Don't know much about Randall but not fussed about losing Marzhew and agree with pretty much everything HS said above.

I think Herbert was extremely hard done by this year by having to defend between Sexton and Marzhew. Sexton is one of the slowest lateral movers in the NRL and this was no doubt playing on Herbert's mind and affecting his decision making with when/how much to slide. Then as HS said, Marzhew's defensive decision making and positioning are horrific, which I suspect is the reason Herbert was so frequently shooting out of the line to try to shut down plays.

Rewind to 2021 and I don't think anyone here would've listed Herbert as one of our main issues. In fact, I recall us praising his defense and hard carries. I think some of us even had him as one of the buys of the year. Most won't agree with me and that's fine but I'd like to see Herbert get another chance defending between Tanah (or Foran if he plays 7) and JoJo. If he can't put it together in the first few months this year then cut him.

Herbert also only scored one try and had little to no attacking input and was selfish with every run with nothing to show for it. You are only as good as your last season and statistically Herbert was one of the worst centres in the comp (and yes Marzhew was poor defensively but gave us hard carries out of our end and busted tackles like no ones business).

I think in a team with Kelly, Jojo, Schoup that he is the odd man out (although Kelly will be out the first few rounds). Herbert was given the entire season to get it together and didnt and I would like to see Marzhew given the same chance before he is written off. I also dont think you can blame Marzhew for Herbert rushing out of the line every set they were both poor and should not of been placed together. I like the Randall move and we do need a hooker but not at the expense of Marzhew at this stage. To me we still havent nailed down our backline and I would want to at least know what we are looking at before we got rid of Marzhew. We have Marzhew, Sami, Spry, Kahn Pererira (and yes jojo but I still think hes a centre) and a number of others fighting for the 2 wing spots. I would like to see what the pecking order is before we ship marzhew out. I dont see a league leader in tackle breaks playing minimal games as"overrated" but I also understand the need for balance in the team and Marzhew is reaching d-day to either put up or shut up but I think he is worth perserving with.

TLDR: I think Marzhew deserves a red hot crack with a compentent backline before he is shipped off but I think if we are going to trade for a hooker we are over extended in backs at the moment

[Firetruck]

As someone stated earlier, it should not be forgotten that Marzhew had a few years to impress at Eels but he couldn’t crack first grade despite having the best attacking stats. ever for NSW Cup while he was playing for Wentworthville. Unfortunately, some people are blessed with the ability to develop good football nouse and some just cannot understand their role or learn to execute the very basics of their role. JoJo is an example of the former and GM is an example of the latter.

[Hail Sezer]

Fair enough 5YC, I can see the argument that losing a winger when we've got a pretty green and unproven group remaining isn't ideal.

If Marz came right with his defensive issues and got himself conditioned well enough then he's a lock in for sure. I'm just a bit skeptical that it's ever gonna happen given there's a plethora of issues there, some of which are fundamentals, and he's had the same issues since NSW cup at Wenty in 2018 - where he also lead the league for tackle breaks and other attacking stats.

Guy is an offensive powerhouse no question. He's prob the kinda guy that Bellamy or Robinson would pick up and somehow solve everything. Bellamy even turned Brenko Lee into a competent defensive centre

[hungryjacks]

Big fan of the swap. Having a back up hooker where the position is his strongest should be a priority. Seem Randall play a few times and he defends fine and his service is fine too. The perfect back up hooker in my opinion.

[Hail Sezer]

Anyone read the Keenan Palasia article before it was taken down?

[hungryjacks]

If Keenan Palasia is linked to the Titans, that would be fantastic for us, i really rate him and Broncos have a glut of middles and even edges.

[WolfBuddy4]

https://twitter.com/badel_cmail/status/1596062242071461889?s=20&t=feuGzxmUSksUPbQjRHP4Bw

Apparently Keenan intended destination is here or Illawarra, but broncs knocked back his request.

Could definitely break into our 17. Averaged over 100m a game last season with stints over 30m

[Hail Sezer]

Just read it (it’s been reposted online on CM) and it seems he’s asked for an immediate release to come to the Titans. We’re looking to sign him for 24/25 regardless.

Note that the request was declined by Bris

[MaroonTitan]

If we can get him cheap, Palasia could be an excellent signing.

I'm in two minds about the swap. I can see all the points everyone is making and we definitely need a depth hooker and can afford to shed a winger. I just haven't seen enough of Randall. How's his service?

Hats off to everyone on here - the way that we talk about a player's footy and don't get personal says plenty about who we are.

[T0ken]

Just read it (it’s been reposted online on CM) and it seems he’s asked for an immediate release to come to the Titans. We’re looking to sign him for 24/25 regardless.

Note that the request was declined by Bris

Titans or dragons according to badel

[Hail Sezer]

Titans or dragons according to badel

Yeah I kind of read between the lines in the article -

End of the article has a quote from his manager saying titans are the preference

Quote from Keenan himself saying he wants to “head home” (he’s a GC/PBC boy)

[RavShamrock]

Oh boy...the latest recruitment/swap suggestion being floated in the Courier Mail is going to set off some Titans fans in a big way

Reportedly we're looking to bring Chris Randall up as hooker cover. And in turn are considering swapping.....Greg Marzhew.

Discuss :?)

It's a must

[coreythompson]

Corey Thompson has come out of retirement to play for the bronco tigers

[Titanic]

I’m not in favor of the swap … fark Sticky. Jag Randall and keep GL.

[Cowabunga]

Everyone seems to keep giving Marzhew a shot, He's been in NRL systems for 6 years now and hasn't got a clue about defending... It's what will keep us at the bottom... The decision has come after Brett White has come in.

It's obvious he's not up to standards compared to the other young guys coming through.

Marzhew gets 3 tackle breaks then lets in a try...

Let's move on... Especially when we have guys like Spry, Lofi, Francis.... We're doing well for wingers.

Spry showed way more in his games on the wing.

[5 Year Contract]

Fair enough 5YC, I can see the argument that losing a winger when we've got a pretty green and unproven group remaining isn't ideal.

If Marz came right with his defensive issues and got himself conditioned well enough then he's a lock in for sure. I'm just a bit skeptical that it's ever gonna happen given there's a plethora of issues there, some of which are fundamentals, and he's had the same issues since NSW cup at Wenty in 2018 - where he also lead the league for tackle breaks and other attacking stats.

Guy is an offensive powerhouse no question. He's prob the kinda guy that Bellamy or Robinson would pick up and somehow solve everything. Bellamy even turned Brenko Lee into a competent defensive centre

HS I reckon you have absolutely hit the nail on the head! Our club has a huge problem developing players (1st grade, our junior pipeline seems great currently) and it’s hard to name players who have came here and thrived (Arrow, Tino come to mind immediately) but they have gotten better in spite of the club not because of it realistically. I agree Marzhew has plethora of issues and given how bad we leaked points last year we can’t afford to have poor edges again but hopefully with a new defensive coach and some experience running the attack he finally puts it together but with so many players waiting in the wings I think it should go on who performs in the pre season/lead ups.

[Hail Sezer]

HS I reckon you have absolutely hit the nail on the head! Our club has a huge problem developing players (1st grade, our junior pipeline seems great currently) and it’s hard to name players who have came here and thrived (Arrow, Tino come to mind immediately) but they have gotten better in spite of the club not because of it realistically. I agree Marzhew has plethora of issues and given how bad we leaked points last year we can’t afford to have poor edges again but hopefully with a new defensive coach and some experience running the attack he finally puts it together but with so many players waiting in the wings I think it should go on who performs in the pre season/lead ups.

I prob don't agree there's a problem at all developing players (at least in recent times), I was moreso saying that those clubs I mentioned (particularly Melb) are just extremely good at getting the most out of guys.

Off top of my head...Joliffe, Erin Clark, Greg Marzhew (he's only playing NRL because of the titans), Jamal Fogarty (Holbrook gave him the chance and he's now making a career of it), Herbert, Fermor are all guys that I reckon have come here recently and thrived in terms of improving. We all saw Tanah Boyd's development. We've developed AJ to become an origin player, as with Sami (I know lol), and Mo. Then you've just gotta look at a guy like Jojo who didn't even play RL before coming to the Titans. Even our most expensive guy David Fifita had his best year of his career his first year here.

What you're saying about development issues at NRL level and not improving guys is something I definitely think existed historically, but in recent times I don't think so.

Hopefully White can be that influence you mention though. The early focus at pre-season and the way they're recruiting suggests it's a priority they're not just speaking about which is positive

[Titanic]

My interest in the swap is not to particularly defend GL but to browneye Stuart. I am a Marzhew fan but not at the expense of the team … I hope White can do what ole Dozie Dymock couldn’t.

[Hail Sezer]

My interest in the swap is not to particularly defend GL but to browneye Stuart. I am a Marzhew fan but not at the expense of the team … I hope White can do what ole Dozie Dymock couldn’t.

Randall is at the Knights mate

[Dobes]

Saw an article somewhere that apparently we are looking at Nanai if Fifita decides to leave

[Titslover]

Saw an article somewhere that apparently we are looking at Nanai if Fifita decides to leave

Haven’t been able to read that but seems to me like the definition of making up an article out of nothing. Oh the well-paid backrower from the Titans is off-contract and there is another high value backrower also off-contract, lets make an article about Titans looking at him as a replacement. Sports journalism 101. Would be so stupid of this club to spend 800+ on a backrower again.

[NZTITAN]

Everyone seems to keep giving Marzhew a shot, He's been in NRL systems for 6 years now and hasn't got a clue about defending... It's what will keep us at the bottom... The decision has come after Brett White has come in.

It's obvious he's not up to standards compared to the other young guys coming through.

Marzhew gets 3 tackle breaks then lets in a try...

Let's move on... Especially when we have guys like Spry, Lofi, Francis.... We're doing well for wingers.

Spry showed way more in his games on the wing.

Agree with all of this, except i'm kinda low on AKP.

Palasia and Randall swap for Marzhew are awesome moves, Nanai on the other hand is fine, not quite what i'd like to see us do with Fifita money (Josh Curran would still be my pick), but I wouldn't be sad about it.

[Hail Sezer]

Haven’t been able to read that but seems to me like the definition of making up an article out of nothing. Oh the well-paid backrower from the Titans is off-contract and there is another high value backrower also off-contract, lets make an article about Titans looking at him as a replacement. Sports journalism 101. Would be so stupid of this club to spend 800+ on a backrower again.

I’ve read the article and that’s exactly what it is haha

[Dobes]

Haven’t been able to read that but seems to me like the definition of making up an article out of nothing. Oh the well-paid backrower from the Titans is off-contract and there is another high value backrower also off-contract, lets make an article about Titans looking at him as a replacement. Sports journalism 101. Would be so stupid of this club to spend 800+ on a backrower again.


TITANS EYE COWBOYS GUN AS FIFITA PLAN B

The Titans are eyeing Cowboys young gun Jeremiah Nanai as a contingency plan should David Fifita move on to kickstart his career at another club.

The Daily Telegraph reported the Titans are considering making a play for Nanai should $1.25 million star David Fifita find another club.

The Titans want to keep Fifita, but on a reduced deal after he struggled for form in 2022 and found himself benched.

Fifita enters the final year of his three-year mega deal at the Titans in 2023 and is free to negotiate with NRL rivals for 2024 and beyond.

He has already been linked with the Raiders, while a reunion with Wayne Bennett at the Dolphins could also be on the cards.

Nanai only signed a one-year extension with the Cowboys for 2023 and his price has since skyrocketed given he played for the Maroons in Origin and the Kangaroos at the World Cup.

Nanai reportedly attracted a five-year $4.2 million deal from a Sydney club, so the Titans would have to fork out substantial money to pry him away from the Cowboys.

Cowboys football boss Micheal Luck said the Cowboys will look to begin extension negotiations with Nanai when he returns from his break after the World Cup.

“We know there will be interest and we would like to think as soon as he comes back home we can begin discussions again about securing him long term,” Luck told The Daily Telegraph.

“We understand other clubs will come in with big offers, but we would love him to see out his career here.

“We’ll put forward a package that makes Jeremiah and his family comfortable with his future here.

“We’re confident our offer will be competitive regardless of what other clubs are offering and we’d like to think at this stage of Jeremiah’s career he is confident in our club and the direction we’re heading in.”

22-year-old Fifita has scored 37 tries in 84 games for the Broncos and Titans since his debut in 2022, while he has also played five Origins for Queensland and four Tests for Tonga.

Nanai, 19, has scored 18 tries in 27 games for the Cowboys and already has three Origins for Queensland and two Tests for the Kangaroos to his name.


Found it on Fox League

[Titslover]

Lol as expected, not a single quote from anyone within the club indicating that we're actually interested in him. Must be nice to get paid to make things up :laugh:

[Upthetits]

I really like the Curran call

[WolfBuddy4]

There is a good interview with Chris Randall at the start of last year (https://www.newcastleknights.com.au/news/2022/02/17/randall-stepping-into-no.9-role-and-trial-preparations/).

Key takeaways:
Feels he is ready to be a full time NRL Player
Very Determined to get better
Does a little bit of extras

Obviously, he has also worked with Buderus and Joey too who were two top players of their generation so will bring some of that wisdom across to our club.

With 95% tackle efficiency and pretty clean service from dummy half, I am actually hopeful and optimistic that this player swap deal goes through.

[5 Year Contract]

I really like the Curran call

I’m a massive fan but didn’t he get into trouble in the off-season for punching some 16 year old teenager after trying to score coke?

- - - Updated - - -


Lol as expected, not a single quote from anyone within the club indicating that we're actually interested in him. Must be nice to get paid to make things up :laugh:

Dolphins publicly rule out signing Fifita. That article “a Bennett reunion at the dolphins may be on the cards….deadset journalism is dead”

[Titanic]

Randall is at the Knights mate
Lol my fixation with all things Green shows through. Happy to send him to Newcastle where he can only go backwards.

[Bayside Titan]

TITANS EYE COWBOYS GUN AS FIFITA PLAN B

The Titans are eyeing Cowboys young gun Jeremiah Nanai as a contingency plan should David Fifita move on to kickstart his career at another club.

The Daily Telegraph reported the Titans are considering making a play for Nanai should $1.25 million star David Fifita find another club.

The Titans want to keep Fifita, but on a reduced deal after he struggled for form in 2022 and found himself benched.

Fifita enters the final year of his three-year mega deal at the Titans in 2023 and is free to negotiate with NRL rivals for 2024 and beyond.

He has already been linked with the Raiders, while a reunion with Wayne Bennett at the Dolphins could also be on the cards.

Nanai only signed a one-year extension with the Cowboys for 2023 and his price has since skyrocketed given he played for the Maroons in Origin and the Kangaroos at the World Cup.

Nanai reportedly attracted a five-year $4.2 million deal from a Sydney club, so the Titans would have to fork out substantial money to pry him away from the Cowboys.

Cowboys football boss Micheal Luck said the Cowboys will look to begin extension negotiations with Nanai when he returns from his break after the World Cup.

“We know there will be interest and we would like to think as soon as he comes back home we can begin discussions again about securing him long term,” Luck told The Daily Telegraph.

“We understand other clubs will come in with big offers, but we would love him to see out his career here.

“We’ll put forward a package that makes Jeremiah and his family comfortable with his future here.

“We’re confident our offer will be competitive regardless of what other clubs are offering and we’d like to think at this stage of Jeremiah’s career he is confident in our club and the direction we’re heading in.”

22-year-old Fifita has scored 37 tries in 84 games for the Broncos and Titans since his debut in 2022, while he has also played five Origins for Queensland and four Tests for Tonga.

Nanai, 19, has scored 18 tries in 27 games for the Cowboys and already has three Origins for Queensland and two Tests for the Kangaroos to his name.


Found it on Fox League

Why not offer $1mil to Fifita ? Nannai won’t leave Cows.

I’m not really happy with the thought that Fifita will go else where and feel it’s a huge loss to us.

[Titanic]

Why not offer $1mil to Fifita ? Nannai won’t leave Cows.

I’m not really happy with the thought that Fifita will go else where and feel it’s a huge loss to us.Totally agree … I also feel he’s a big part of our dna.

[Bayside Titan]

Totally agree … I also feel he’s a big part of our dna.

Agree mate.

I don’t subscribe to the thought that he’s not worth the $1mil or close to I would put his value at $900k+. He had a poor season on the back of an inexperienced and ineffective set of halves. IMO the retention of Fifita is vitally important not only for now but the future of the club. Also I feel I’d rather have Fifita play with us rather than against us as he can be devastating with a fair set of halves. I feel let him and Boyd continue to build their NRL level combination and watch both flourish.

[Titansborn'n'bred]

Totally agree … I also feel he’s a big part of our dna.
I’ll have to completely disagree on this one! If you look for Fifitas efforts in those 1%s when we’re struggling for yardage coming off our own line or need that big hit in defence he just goes missing. For mine, he’s hearts not in it compared to the majority of others. If he’s not prepared to take the $700+k on offer, see ya! There’s little to no interest at his asking price for a reason and he defo owes our club after his last few years of performance on the big $s

[RavShamrock]

Everyone seems to keep giving Marzhew a shot, He's been in NRL systems for 6 years now and hasn't got a clue about defending... It's what will keep us at the bottom... The decision has come after Brett White has come in.

It's obvious he's not up to standards compared to the other young guys coming through.

Marzhew gets 3 tackle breaks then lets in a try...

Let's move on... Especially when we have guys like Spry, Lofi, Francis.... We're doing well for wingers.

Spry showed way more in his games on the wing.

Yep this is good stuff but I have a feeling and going by one of the new Jernsy promo shots of Kelly & Schoupp as a double act that we should add JoJo to this winger depth list.

[MaroonTitan]

I thought the same RavS, when I saw that and I seriously hope we're both wrong.

[willhelm]

Agree with all of this, except i'm kinda low on AKP.

Palasia and Randall swap for Marzhew are awesome moves, Nanai on the other hand is fine, not quite what i'd like to see us do with Fifita money (Josh Curran would still be my pick), but I wouldn't be sad about it.

Curran is a great pick but he’s contracted until end of 2024

[Titslover]

Curran is a great pick but he’s contracted until end of 2024

And as someone said punched a minor in the face, probably not the sort of bloke we want to sign.

[NZFan]

The Marzhew trade is an odd one for me. He’s surely in our round 1 team with Sami on the other wing. Jojo will play centre with Kelly and Herbert out. There’s no other real options for wing with him gone. Perhaps Spry? But we still don’t know his contract situation.

Why not make the trade if/when we lose Verrills to injury. Look he’s never going to be a great defensive winger, it just doesn’t come naturally to him, but he has some massive upsides on attack and he really helps our pack out by making so many metres on kick returns/tough carries. To me Herbert is the odd man out, it’s just a shame that he’s injured and nobody would take him broken.

[Hail Sezer]

The Marzhew trade is an odd one for me. He’s surely in our round 1 team with Sami on the other wing. Jojo will play centre with Kelly and Herbert out. There’s no other real options for wing with him gone. Perhaps Spry? But we still don’t know his contract situation.

Why not make the trade if/when we lose Verrills to injury. Look he’s never going to be a great defensive winger, it just doesn’t come naturally to him, but he has some massive upsides on attack and he really helps our pack out by making so many metres on kick returns/tough carries. To me Herbert is the odd man out, it’s just a shame that he’s injured and nobody would take him broken.

Tough part about that is if you're trying to trade out of necessity you've lost all leverage. Then you've also got deadlines with squad numbers and player transfers to consider, and all the other variables that exist between the present and whenever that need arises. You really want a player to be familiar with the team, coaches, processes, systems etc too.

Spry is training full-time and he's not on a T&T - expect him to be top 30 when he gets through a full pre-season. If they plan on eventually bumping Jojo to wing to accommodate BK returning I'll be annoyed but honestly not surprised

[Cowabunga]

I don't even hate McIntyre playing 9 for spurts, I honestly think he was our best 9 last year which means nothing but still.

[willhelm]

And as someone said punched a minor in the face, probably not the sort of bloke we want to sign.

I’m not aware of the details of the case. Has there been a conviction?

[DIEHARD]

I'd prefer to see Marzhew stay. But I can equally see the other side of the equation.

[gotitans101_]

Chris Randall. Are we f'n serious?

[Hail Sezer]

Chris Randall. Are we f'n serious?

That’s 2023 Dally M bench hooker of the year Chris “Christopher” Randall you’re talking about GT

[Hail Sezer]

Hearing the Randall for Marzhew trade is all but done

Strap in, folks....the reactionary facebook and instagram comment sections will be ugly but our 2023 edge defence + hooker depth will look much better

[NZFan]

Not surprised after hearing Boyd is only training at 7 this season. No Boyd, no Clarke, no hooker depth. I hope that they have a plan for out wide as the juniors will take a while to get up to NRL standard.

[Hail Sezer]

For mine, the benefits for us are really:
-We needed a genuine backup hooker and the market for such with NRL reps is pretty dry. Randall played nearly an entire season as their starting 9 while Brailey was injured
-Another squad member that frontloads their defensive effort
-He's apparently an extremely fit guy and that + defensive effort fits the identity they're trying to build in 2023
-Clark stays at lock fulltime
-Boyd stays as a genuine 7 option, or the immediate backup for Foran

The negs for us:
-Winger depth is already a bit skinny
-Greg's carries are elite, and we'll miss them

- - - Updated - - -


Not surprised after hearing Boyd is only training at 7 this season. No Boyd, no Clarke, no hooker depth. I hope that they have a plan for out wide as the juniors will take a while to get up to NRL standard.

Yeah, they're either gonna have to bank on Spry being ready to go R1, BK playing on the wing (when he returns), Jojo playing on the wing, or Lofi proving he's up to it. Even Francis isn't available until after R11 (Dev contract) so isn't an immeidate option unless promoted to Top 30

Or, they go to market for a guy that fits the mould they're after

[MaroonTitan]

I'm leaning in favour of the swap. We just can't have any passengers this year, no matter how good they are in attack. It's something the successful clubs have ingrained. In saying that, full respect and appreciation to GM for giving us his best. I hope he goes well at Newcastle, just not against us.

If Boyd trains the house down during the preseason, he might get the other halves spot with Foran, pushing Brimo into the centres. That would solve our winger depth problem and might give us the best quality 17. In saying that, I like Brimo with his hands on the ball so would prefer him to play 6.

A buy-in option could be Rapana or Hiku but they'd want a three year deal and do they have another three years in their legs? They're not showing any signs of aging yet. Hiku has been outstanding.

Is it just an early season issue? Spry might be unstoppable when he's back or Francis might be the answer from Rnd 11. If so, a couple of early games at centre for Brimo might not hurt us too much.

[Bayside Titan]

It was mostly fitness that I saw yesterday , however Boyd in set plays was the half...which may or may not mean anything..

[The Birdman]

Foran is still away so I wouldn't read too much into it.

[gotitans101_]

That’s 2023 Dally M bench hooker of the year Chris “Christopher” Randall you’re talking about GT

Lol HS. Like I get we signed him for hooker depth but for Marzhew, ugh. Crap on Marzhew's D all we want but he hasn't exactly had much help from his inside men all year.

[WolfBuddy4]

Marzhew - Randall trade is a done deal apparently
https://twitter.com/mitchmoore1013/status/1597343194039349249?s=20&t=KcPYdxbdlWQKGgVoECCONA

[NZTITAN]

I like the trade a lot but I'll just say this...

Chris Randall is probably going to receive a lot of unwarranted and very unfair negativity towards him on social media due to a large number of fans that like Greg, however, Randall is a very quality player in his own right and I think that many Titans fans will be pleasantly surprised by his production in multiple aspects on the park. With that being said I hope no one here on this forum contributes to the sort of negativity directly towards Randall or in general on social media primarily Instagram even before he steps foot at Coolangatta airport. He's a good footy player and I hope he gets the chance early to show a lot of fans what he can do for the team.

[WolfBuddy4]

I like the trade a lot but I'll just say this...

Chris Randall is probably going to receive a lot of unwarranted and very unfair negativity towards him on social media due to a large number of fans that like Greg, however, Randall is a very quality player in his own right and I think that many Titans fans will be pleasantly surprised by his production in multiple aspects on the park. With that being said I hope no one here on this forum contributes to the sort of negativity directly towards Randall or in general on social media primarily Instagram even before he steps foot at Coolangatta airport. He's a good footy player and I hope he gets the chance early to show a lot of fans what he can do for the team.

Agreed. Good post.

[Hail Sezer]

Lol HS. Like I get we signed him for hooker depth but for Marzhew, ugh. Crap on Marzhew's D all we want but he hasn't exactly had much help from his inside men all year.

I hear you GT, but let me just TRY and bring you around..

The guy is 25 years old, been in NRL systems for the better part of 6 years, wasn't debuted by Parra for his defensive shortcomings despite carving up NSW cup making 3 squillion tackle breaks, ended up with us on a train and trial, still displayed the same defensive issues at Burleigh so struggled for a debut, eventually debuted with us, and despite being a literal small utility vehicle of a human on attack, couldn't execute the same defensive fundamentals he's always had issues with that got compounded under fatigue at NRL level. There's a lot he's doing wrong besides following his inside system (which admittedly, sucked).

My closing statement is that these guys are put through drills and simulations to test their defensive principles, detail, effort and communication at training, and made to do it under fatigue. After a month of this being the focus of pre-season under a new defensive coach, Marzhew is being shipped off.

I do really feel bad hanging Marzhew out with the above but I think some perspective on his career helps a bit. FWIW, I've been the guys biggest fan since U18's...many here will remember me pumping him up playing MM Cup back in the day and I'm actually the one who started the nickname GL (yes I'm a big deal). Will enjoy watching him hopefully continue to be in the NRL and I really hope he proves me wrong and tidies up his defensive issues and becomes that elite guy because even though it'd make me look like an idiot, I really hope he has a solid career

[Cowabunga]

Few Notes:
Do people think Randall will even be in the team unless Verrills is injured? With Verrills, I reckon we'll be going with him as a an eighty minute player with maybe McIntyre/Clark going there for 10 mins if absolutely needed.
The one massive peeve I have with Holbrooks coaching and I think it really effected Clark and Boyd playing 9 last year (besides the fact they aren't 9's) was he seemed to always play Clark till the 60th min or so then just put Boyd on for the last 20 every single game and never has changed it up.
Clark would be absolutely cooked by that point and it gave no chance for Boyd to get into the game earlier so we were always usually on the backfoot for him at that point.

I am very interested in seeing how BaeJ and Foz are used together, I think Foz will come on as the 14 but I would actually like to see BaeJ switch to the 13. Having BaeJ and JC sitting around the ruck waiting on either side would have teams very anxious and the more BaeJ touches the ball the better an it would probably suit his natural game a bit more. I also think Clark could handle playing a bit of prop as well which would increase our passing game even more.

We've always looked better as a quick team using the ball and for some reason last year we went full plodder. In 20, 21 and our best parts of 22 we always had a smaller 13 either ball playing or running. The fact we went away from that might have even been dumber than handing the keys to Sexton. We should've taken it further.

I'm pretty 50/50 on D.Fifi staying if we're paying more then 600k, I think he gets way to much hate for actually being solid without being great but that comes with the pay. I really like the look of Klese and think he could be a superstar so I think losing Fifi would hurt less than it would have a year ago. Kelly is another guy I'd be Ok with letting walk if he doesn't pick it up big time this year.

[Titslover]

Absolutely agree with your point about the hooker rotation Cowabunga, my way of thinking is that you want your best players (which should be your starters) on the field during the most important final minutes of the game. So to play your hooker for 60 straight and then bring on the backup option for the final 20 is just silly, if the starting 9 can't play 80 then take him off around the 30th minute mark and bring him back on for the final 20-25 of the game. Same logic applies to the middle rotation, the amount of times we'd play Tino for 60+ straight and close out the game with guys like Lisone and Wallace on the field did my head in.

I'm quite confident that Verrills is capable of playing 80, and for that sake I think it would make sense to have Tanah as our bench utility. If Verrills does need a break then he is quite capable of playing 9 for a short stint, and he is also able to slot into the halves if there is an injury, compared to Randall who can only play hooker as far as I'm aware.

[Cowabunga]

I actually think I'd rather McIntyre play that 10/15 at 9 if absolutely needed haha, I think he looked pretty decent at it for a makeshift and he can slip into the forwards anywhere. I think Tannah will be the 7 and Foz will be the 14, Could easily be the other way though.

Randall is legit the opposite of a player you bring on for 20 mins haha, He's so clearly going to be a squad player.

[Hail Sezer]

Trade confirmed

https://www.titans.com.au/news/2022/11/30/randall-headed-to-the-coast-for-23/

[The Birdman]

We've gone from having 0 competent hookers in 2022 to possibly 2 in 2023. Hooker is the most important position on the field and gets more touches in attack and defense than any other position.

I love GM but he is a very flawed player despite his strengths carrying the ball and wingers are easier to replace. This is a good trade for us.

The fact Clark will likely play 0 minutes at hooker this season is very exciting.

Our hooker depth is now Verrills/Randall/Boyd/Sam Mc/Clark

Boyd will probably play hooker off the bench if Verrills ever needs a spell. Randall comes into the 17 as the starting 9 if Verrills is injured or suspended.

Verrills historically misses a lot of games so we desperately needed competent cover for him in the top 30.

[Hail Sezer]

We've gone from having 0 competent hookers in 2022 to possibly 2 in 2023. Hooker is the most important position on the field and gets more touches in attack and defense than any other position.

I love GM but he is a very flawed player despite his strengths carrying the ball and wingers are easier to replace. This is a good trade for us.

The fact Clark will likely play 0 minutes at hooker this season is very exciting.

Our hooker depth is now Verrills/Randall/Boyd/Sam Mc/Clark

Boyd will probably play hooker off the bench if Verrills ever needs a spell. Randall comes into the 17 as the starting 9 if Verrills is injured or suspended.

Verrills historically misses a lot of games so we desperately needed competent cover for him in the top 30.

Nailed it

[The Birdman]

Nailed it
That being said the Knights fans are not at all unhappy Randall is leaving. Key words I've seen used to describe him by them are "bog average" and "extremely slow".

I know fans can be fickle but it's never a good sign when a player is not rated by their own fans. I haven't seen enough of him to say how good Randall is but that is not encouraging.

EDIT: And yes I know you generally can't afford two superstar hookers in one squad under the salary cap haha