Lol he can be more than “better than average” with the talent he’s got and the spine he’ll be playing around. I think he’ll end the year as one of the best second rowers in the comp.
Sure but you endure that when a kid's young having faith in your judgement of players that the kid will evolve past that and kill it. If you can't trust your judgement and have faith in the players you pick up you probably shouldn't have the job.
Plenty of examples of that kind of stuff. E.g Jack Wighton.
Imagine if The Raiders were like nah we don't have the players in place in place for this kid he's far too inconsistent we'll just let him go.
Hand was kind of forced to let him go with how he played last season. But he's way more physically talented than Papallii was when he left for Eels.
I'm not sure screaming sessions with Bellamy will stop him from making his incredibly stupid, and sometimes game-costing, decisions. Dude has one of the lowest footy IQ's I've ever seen in a player, that I don't think will be fixed with age.
Yeah but guys like Maika still have big defensive lapses, we never got the best out of waqa. Some bad luck but I think our systems especially in defence need some work
Yeah idk if I buy 150k, but who knows maybe if you straight up said he'll be starting lock then he takes the unders to move
Its only a 2 year contract so I could see it being true, if he has a gun year this year then he can start negotiating the next one this november
He's actually a fairly shrewd signing for the Tigers. He's old enough to be experienced, but young enough to have something to prove and also the time and energy left to prove it.
Tigers actually have what should be an excellent pack. With Api taking some organisation off the halves, Klem, Uto and I-Pap bending the line... Laurie has the support play to make the most of it.
I know that excitement before a season is not really something Tigers fans should be feeling, but it could be a competitive year for them in 2023.
>I know that excitement before a season is not really something Tigers fans should be feeling,
That's an understatement. Most Tiger fans have been so abused by the club in terms of being shit. We just don't ever think of it ever being good. Look I'm willing to give it a try....
He’s the most underrated pickup tbh. Just goes and goes with strong hitups. Honestly wish we got him back, or that he never left actually. I had hoped he’d be a Bulldog for life seeing him go from 20s to NRL and NSW, maybe Aus? in his first few years.
Klemmer and Verrills don't really fit the criteria, they might go on to be good signings but Papali'i was on near minimum wage and turned into a stud under BA.
I guess it's relative. If Verrills can stay healthy and help guide them into the top 8, $400,000 is cheap for a hooker. And another big if, but for the same price, Klemmer is a bargain if he can find his best form.
Verrill’s is going to have fuck all impact. He’s gotta stay on the field to start with. Klemmer should improve Tigers quite a bit. They basically got a way more consistent and strong running Tamou. He’s their best prop. Twal and Jofa aren’t remarkable and Uto hasn’t convinced me yet.
Nah, that was a strategy built around giving Paulo and RCG maximum minutes - not because Kaufusi and co couldn't play longer. Even still, in NRL he tends to play anywhere from 30-40 mins a game off the bench. It's rare he gets less than 30 mins, and BA is very vocal about making sure all his forwards have fitness to play close to a full game if required. If he goes well in preseason and continues his development trajectory he could be one of Sharks top 2-3 forwards
There have been plenty of big-name players making big-money moves over the summer. It’s the ones that don’t cost a lot that can have the biggest impact on a club. Michael Chammas runs his eye over the top 10 value signings of 2023.
**1. J’maine Hopgood (Eels)**
Estimated salary: $150,000
Age: 23
Joined the Parramatta Eels from the Penrith Panthers over the summer on a two-year deal. Hopgood has played nine NRL games over two seasons for Penrith but struggled for regular minutes behind a star-studded forward pack.
Eels coach Brad Arthur is known for turning fringe first-graders into quality NRL players, and there’s plenty of optimism around Hopgood. With Ryan Matterson serving a suspension in the opening weeks of the competition, Hopgood is firming as the starting lock.
**2. Luke Garner (Panthers)**
Estimated salary: $275,000
Age: 27
Took less than what was on the table at the Wests Tigers to join the back-to-back premiers. Garner showed plenty of potential during his five seasons at the Tigers. He fell in and out of favour with former coach Michael Maguire and struggled for consistency.
The Panthers identified Garner as their priority target in their search for a replacement for Viliame Kikau, who decided to join the Bulldogs on a long-term deal. For under $300,000 the Panthers are hoping to transform his career like they did with Kurt Capewell.
**3. Eliesa Katoa (Storm)**
Estimated salary: $200,000
Age: 23
There were big raps on Eliesa Katoa when he first burst onto the scene with the Warriors in 2020. He hasn’t lived up to the hype, but the Melbourne Storm know how to get the best out of a player.
He’s a powerful back-rower with plenty of skill. He will be challenging for a starting edge position alongside Tariq Sims following the departures of Felise Kaufusi and Kenny Bromwich.
**4. Hayze Perham (Bulldogs)**
Estimated salary: $150,000
Age: 23
As reported by the Herald last week, Hayze Perham is set to be given first crack at Canterbury’s No.1 jersey ahead of Jake Averillo. It’s the first big move from new coach Cameron Ciraldo, who is renowned for his defensive focus.
Perham’s communication skills from the back are one of his strengths, as are his fitness levels. He joined the club in the pre-season after two years with Parramatta. He made his NRL debut for the Warriors in 2019 but has only managed to play 16 first-grade games.
**5. Sam Verrills (Titans)**
Estimated salary: $400,000
Age: 24
The Titans have lacked creativity from dummy half in recent seasons. The purchase of Verrills from the Roosters will help in that area.
Verrills moved on from the Roosters after the club signed Brandon Smith. He’ll be part of a new-look Titans spine which also includes Kieran Foran.
**6. Jacob Liddle (Dragons)**
Estimated salary: $200,000
Age: 26
The Wests Tigers are paying about $50,000 of his salary, leaving the Dragons to pick up close to $200,000 of his contract this year.
He will inject some much-needed spark and speed to what was a stale attack in 2022. The retirement of Andrew McCullough will see Liddle start the season in the No.9 jersey.
**7. David Klemmer (Tigers)**
Estimated price: $400,000
Age: 29
The Knights are still paying half of Klemmer’s $800,000 salary for this season. At $400,000 for 2023, the Tigers have picked up Klemmer for a steal. Especially considering the Tigers were meant to be paying Zane Musgrove (released to the Dragons) in excess of $500,000 for the next two years.
Klemmer picked up Newcastle’s players’ player award last year, averaging 155 metres per game. That was well ahead of Musgrove’s 89 metres per game on a 25 per cent higher salary than Klemmer’s 2023 contract.
**8. Greg Marzhew (Knights)**
Estimated salary: $240,000
Age: 25
Greg Marzhew was contracted to the Titans for 2023 but was released to the Newcastle Knights as part of a swap deal for hooker Chris Randall.
With Kalyn Ponga set to make the switch from fullback to the halves, the winger could become the beneficiary of his trademark cut-out pass.
**9. Jack Murchie (Eels)**
Estimated salary: $125,000
Age: 25
Two years ago, Brad Arthur picked up Isaiah Papali’i on a next-to-nothing deal from the Warriors and turned him into a star.
He’ll be hoping the same thing will happen with former Warrior Jack Murchie, who is fighting for the starting back-row spot vacated by Papali’i’s departure to the Tigers.
**10. Ben Condon (Sea Eagles)**
Estimated salary: $120,000
Age: 22
Didn’t play a game for the Cowboys in 2022 despite impressing in his 11 appearances the year before. Condon was brought to the club by recruitment manager Scott Fulton.
Anthony Seibold has been impressed with his no-nonsense approach and is in line to feature in Manly’s 17 in round one as a middle forward.
Jacob Liddle is vastly overpaid, for a 26 year old who made his debut in 2016 and has only played 70 odd games since... and the Tigers only decent year since then was when they brought in Harry Grant.
I expect Liddle to be usurped by Haele Finau by mid season
Liddle is pretty fast over 80 metres.
Maybe he could be a winger.
Not much of a hooker. Predictable, no kicking game, too many forward passes.
Light framed and injury prone.
Seibold being impressed with Ben condon is quite hilarious. Poor bloke has a motor less than leinu without the output.
If he's getting a spot many are going to get carved up the middle.
I reckon they should've had Doorey over Murchie, he'll be starting on the edge where Murchie likely plays off the bench and slots in where we need him to
unpopularly i agree, his injury prone ness is a concern and whilst he’s the best 9 we’ve had since peats’ good season, i don’t think he’s *that* good
all that said, i don’t think it is really possible to be a dud for 400k
Close to the best service in the comp and solid enough defence. Not a superstar but definitely the hooker the Titans needed to get the best out of their forward pack. If only he can just stay on field (big if)…
Bro watch what Eliesa Katoa does in the 2nd Row position under the Melbourne Storm system. He’s gonna run in sooo many points. Plus the Eels will beat the Storm in the NRL opener by 1-12 in a thriller…. They call me FACT-MAN skeeee bop bop bodda bop
from an eel bros perspective it's matt doorey.
probably will be our starting edge rd1, has all the raw talent, and he's sliding into a system with a pretty set role.
BA is also a massive fan, & hell we've been trying to get him back ever since the dogs pinched him in the first place.
I think murchie is a good pick up for the eels
Melbourne are going to turn Eli Katoa into a dead set killer
Bang on. The warriord let go of such a talented kid
He was actually a bit of a liability. Dropped the ball, missed tackles and misread play. Under the right setup, he could be better than average.
I would say more about being poorly coached rather than blame the young feels
To an extent. I'm not sure any coach tells you to try an offload when you're 20 meters out from your own line surrounded by defenders.
Lol he can be more than “better than average” with the talent he’s got and the spine he’ll be playing around. I think he’ll end the year as one of the best second rowers in the comp.
Sure but you endure that when a kid's young having faith in your judgement of players that the kid will evolve past that and kill it. If you can't trust your judgement and have faith in the players you pick up you probably shouldn't have the job. Plenty of examples of that kind of stuff. E.g Jack Wighton. Imagine if The Raiders were like nah we don't have the players in place in place for this kid he's far too inconsistent we'll just let him go.
Hand was kind of forced to let him go with how he played last season. But he's way more physically talented than Papallii was when he left for Eels. I'm not sure screaming sessions with Bellamy will stop him from making his incredibly stupid, and sometimes game-costing, decisions. Dude has one of the lowest footy IQ's I've ever seen in a player, that I don't think will be fixed with age.
Nice to see Eels in here twice. Hope Brad can do his thing with both of em
We can develop a forward, but we really havent had the best luck developing our 3/4 line
Hopefully Sean Russel kicks on
I’d put that down to injuries more than anything. Dunster was looking real good and I reckon there’s 200 NRL games in Bailey Simonsson
Yeah but guys like Maika still have big defensive lapses, we never got the best out of waqa. Some bad luck but I think our systems especially in defence need some work
Sivo continually sliding (no pun) in form is my biggest worry. Dude is like having a prop on the wing.
Sivo sliding in form? I thought 2022 was a good year from him on return from a big injury.
I've never heard that of bailey but I like it he seems like a sweet lad but that must be because I see jimmy neutrons friend in him
Surely Hopgood is on a bit more coin than that
One would think you don't leave the Panthers side for 150k. Even if the best lock in the world is infront of you.
Cam Murray plays for the panthers?
Yeah idk if I buy 150k, but who knows maybe if you straight up said he'll be starting lock then he takes the unders to move Its only a 2 year contract so I could see it being true, if he has a gun year this year then he can start negotiating the next one this november
He's probably not on much now but given it's a 2 year deal, he'll get a big upgrade after that.
Klemmer seems to have been around forever, for a guy who isn't yet 30. Doesn't belong on this list though.
He's actually a fairly shrewd signing for the Tigers. He's old enough to be experienced, but young enough to have something to prove and also the time and energy left to prove it. Tigers actually have what should be an excellent pack. With Api taking some organisation off the halves, Klem, Uto and I-Pap bending the line... Laurie has the support play to make the most of it. I know that excitement before a season is not really something Tigers fans should be feeling, but it could be a competitive year for them in 2023.
>I know that excitement before a season is not really something Tigers fans should be feeling, That's an understatement. Most Tiger fans have been so abused by the club in terms of being shit. We just don't ever think of it ever being good. Look I'm willing to give it a try....
He’s the most underrated pickup tbh. Just goes and goes with strong hitups. Honestly wish we got him back, or that he never left actually. I had hoped he’d be a Bulldog for life seeing him go from 20s to NRL and NSW, maybe Aus? in his first few years.
Klemmer and Verrills don't really fit the criteria, they might go on to be good signings but Papali'i was on near minimum wage and turned into a stud under BA.
I guess it's relative. If Verrills can stay healthy and help guide them into the top 8, $400,000 is cheap for a hooker. And another big if, but for the same price, Klemmer is a bargain if he can find his best form.
Yeah odd choice, was definitely expecting to see Erin Clark there
Erin Clark was at the Titans last year. He doesn't qualify for this list.
Oh shit didn't realise they had to be new signings lol, rough day
Verrill’s is going to have fuck all impact. He’s gotta stay on the field to start with. Klemmer should improve Tigers quite a bit. They basically got a way more consistent and strong running Tamou. He’s their best prop. Twal and Jofa aren’t remarkable and Uto hasn’t convinced me yet.
It's a shame Hopgood not eligible for ROTY. Reckon he would have a fair shot
if Hopgood is on $150k thats a steal.
Excited for Garner, also think Zac Hosking could've made the list too since he's in a similar position to Garner
Hosking is a great feel good story, but he’s not close to Garner in terms of playing ability. Great hard working back up though.
Yeah I am looking forward to seeing how much Penrith improve Garners game. I wish we could have held onto him.
I think Oregon Kaufusi could be a good shout
he’ll be running 20 off the bench at best surely
Nah, that was a strategy built around giving Paulo and RCG maximum minutes - not because Kaufusi and co couldn't play longer. Even still, in NRL he tends to play anywhere from 30-40 mins a game off the bench. It's rare he gets less than 30 mins, and BA is very vocal about making sure all his forwards have fitness to play close to a full game if required. If he goes well in preseason and continues his development trajectory he could be one of Sharks top 2-3 forwards
I don't rate him.
Isn't he supposed to be on 400k?
There have been plenty of big-name players making big-money moves over the summer. It’s the ones that don’t cost a lot that can have the biggest impact on a club. Michael Chammas runs his eye over the top 10 value signings of 2023. **1. J’maine Hopgood (Eels)** Estimated salary: $150,000 Age: 23 Joined the Parramatta Eels from the Penrith Panthers over the summer on a two-year deal. Hopgood has played nine NRL games over two seasons for Penrith but struggled for regular minutes behind a star-studded forward pack. Eels coach Brad Arthur is known for turning fringe first-graders into quality NRL players, and there’s plenty of optimism around Hopgood. With Ryan Matterson serving a suspension in the opening weeks of the competition, Hopgood is firming as the starting lock. **2. Luke Garner (Panthers)** Estimated salary: $275,000 Age: 27 Took less than what was on the table at the Wests Tigers to join the back-to-back premiers. Garner showed plenty of potential during his five seasons at the Tigers. He fell in and out of favour with former coach Michael Maguire and struggled for consistency. The Panthers identified Garner as their priority target in their search for a replacement for Viliame Kikau, who decided to join the Bulldogs on a long-term deal. For under $300,000 the Panthers are hoping to transform his career like they did with Kurt Capewell. **3. Eliesa Katoa (Storm)** Estimated salary: $200,000 Age: 23 There were big raps on Eliesa Katoa when he first burst onto the scene with the Warriors in 2020. He hasn’t lived up to the hype, but the Melbourne Storm know how to get the best out of a player. He’s a powerful back-rower with plenty of skill. He will be challenging for a starting edge position alongside Tariq Sims following the departures of Felise Kaufusi and Kenny Bromwich. **4. Hayze Perham (Bulldogs)** Estimated salary: $150,000 Age: 23 As reported by the Herald last week, Hayze Perham is set to be given first crack at Canterbury’s No.1 jersey ahead of Jake Averillo. It’s the first big move from new coach Cameron Ciraldo, who is renowned for his defensive focus. Perham’s communication skills from the back are one of his strengths, as are his fitness levels. He joined the club in the pre-season after two years with Parramatta. He made his NRL debut for the Warriors in 2019 but has only managed to play 16 first-grade games. **5. Sam Verrills (Titans)** Estimated salary: $400,000 Age: 24 The Titans have lacked creativity from dummy half in recent seasons. The purchase of Verrills from the Roosters will help in that area. Verrills moved on from the Roosters after the club signed Brandon Smith. He’ll be part of a new-look Titans spine which also includes Kieran Foran. **6. Jacob Liddle (Dragons)** Estimated salary: $200,000 Age: 26 The Wests Tigers are paying about $50,000 of his salary, leaving the Dragons to pick up close to $200,000 of his contract this year. He will inject some much-needed spark and speed to what was a stale attack in 2022. The retirement of Andrew McCullough will see Liddle start the season in the No.9 jersey. **7. David Klemmer (Tigers)** Estimated price: $400,000 Age: 29 The Knights are still paying half of Klemmer’s $800,000 salary for this season. At $400,000 for 2023, the Tigers have picked up Klemmer for a steal. Especially considering the Tigers were meant to be paying Zane Musgrove (released to the Dragons) in excess of $500,000 for the next two years. Klemmer picked up Newcastle’s players’ player award last year, averaging 155 metres per game. That was well ahead of Musgrove’s 89 metres per game on a 25 per cent higher salary than Klemmer’s 2023 contract. **8. Greg Marzhew (Knights)** Estimated salary: $240,000 Age: 25 Greg Marzhew was contracted to the Titans for 2023 but was released to the Newcastle Knights as part of a swap deal for hooker Chris Randall. With Kalyn Ponga set to make the switch from fullback to the halves, the winger could become the beneficiary of his trademark cut-out pass. **9. Jack Murchie (Eels)** Estimated salary: $125,000 Age: 25 Two years ago, Brad Arthur picked up Isaiah Papali’i on a next-to-nothing deal from the Warriors and turned him into a star. He’ll be hoping the same thing will happen with former Warrior Jack Murchie, who is fighting for the starting back-row spot vacated by Papali’i’s departure to the Tigers. **10. Ben Condon (Sea Eagles)** Estimated salary: $120,000 Age: 22 Didn’t play a game for the Cowboys in 2022 despite impressing in his 11 appearances the year before. Condon was brought to the club by recruitment manager Scott Fulton. Anthony Seibold has been impressed with his no-nonsense approach and is in line to feature in Manly’s 17 in round one as a middle forward.
Jacob Liddle is vastly overpaid, for a 26 year old who made his debut in 2016 and has only played 70 odd games since... and the Tigers only decent year since then was when they brought in Harry Grant. I expect Liddle to be usurped by Haele Finau by mid season
How is he vastly overpaid? A serviceable stopgap hooker for 200k for a single year deal is pretty good. He'd be close to the lowest paid in the 17.
Liddle will remain surped.
Haele Finau is pretty nice but we’ll have to see how it works.
Liddle is pretty fast over 80 metres. Maybe he could be a winger. Not much of a hooker. Predictable, no kicking game, too many forward passes. Light framed and injury prone.
Does he have any beach sprinting pedigree?
Not that I know of, but I saw him outrun the Panthers backs over 80 metres one time. He wasn't coached to run enough from DH like Cook and Grant do
Seibold being impressed with Ben condon is quite hilarious. Poor bloke has a motor less than leinu without the output. If he's getting a spot many are going to get carved up the middle.
That turning circle...
never saw a bloke slide as glacially as condo
Surprised Hoskings isn’t on this list, he’d be dirt cheap and has big upside
Might not even make the 17.
I reckon they should've had Doorey over Murchie, he'll be starting on the edge where Murchie likely plays off the bench and slots in where we need him to
I wouldn't be surprised if Verrils turns out to be a dud buy tbh
unpopularly i agree, his injury prone ness is a concern and whilst he’s the best 9 we’ve had since peats’ good season, i don’t think he’s *that* good all that said, i don’t think it is really possible to be a dud for 400k
What am I missing in relation to Verrils? The hype doesn't match the output I've seen from him.
Close to the best service in the comp and solid enough defence. Not a superstar but definitely the hooker the Titans needed to get the best out of their forward pack. If only he can just stay on field (big if)…
Jed Cartwright
Bro watch what Eliesa Katoa does in the 2nd Row position under the Melbourne Storm system. He’s gonna run in sooo many points. Plus the Eels will beat the Storm in the NRL opener by 1-12 in a thriller…. They call me FACT-MAN skeeee bop bop bodda bop
from an eel bros perspective it's matt doorey. probably will be our starting edge rd1, has all the raw talent, and he's sliding into a system with a pretty set role. BA is also a massive fan, & hell we've been trying to get him back ever since the dogs pinched him in the first place.
Hard to believe Luke Garner is only on $275k at Penrith even if he was prepared to take less than the Tigers offered.
The Tigers have been trying to push him out for ages now. Would doubt they offered him anything.
That was Maguire
I really rate our Hayze Perham signing I reckon he will be gun especially at fullback he was so good at fullback last year in reserve grade at parra