How Wayne Bennett stole young gun Tevita Pangai from under Ricky Stuart’s nose

[Big Pete]

Baptiste was a free agent. The Broncos didn't want him and the Raiders offered him an opportunity, I wouldn't begrudge that signing more than I would the Logan Spaander (former Broncos NYC half) signing from earlier this year. The interesting thing about mitch222's list is that Blake Austin, Milford's replacement, was also granted an early release from his deal. The Raiders expressed interest in him, offering him a three year deal which is why the Tigers released him, it wasn't as if he was knocking on doors looking for opportunities. And you know what? Good for them, it was a great signing and it was nice to see them land on their feet just as they did with Tapine.

b4l - I tend to agree with you. talanoa could be right but it's really negative and judgemental comment with little to no basis. As I pointed out earlier, the Raiders showed little interest in developing him as a player. Here was a guy who was playing NSW Cup as a 19 year old who wasn't getting a look in at NRL level and in fact was being relegated back to the NYC. Considering the signings and the players that were being picked ahead of him, the writing was on the wall, just like it was for Jayden Nikorima and he did something about it. Is Jayden Nikorima a gun for hire? Is he going to get his own ESPN 30 for 30 Special? Will Skip and Steven A debate his credentials on First Take? Please.

lionred - I tend to agree, his conditioning is a concern at the moment which is why I think it will take him at least 2017 to really showcase his skills. I do think we're going to get a nice preview this year, in fact we already and as I said earlier the best thing is he isn't the only one.

 

[talanoa]

Baptiste was a free agent. The Broncos didn't want him and the Raiders offered him an opportunity, I wouldn't begrudge that signing more than I would the Logan Spaander (former Broncos NYC half) signing from earlier this year. The interesting thing about mitch222's list is that Blake Austin, Milford's replacement, was also granted an early release from his deal. The Raiders expressed interest in him, offering him a three year deal which is why the Tigers released him, it wasn't as if he was knocking on doors looking for opportunities. And you know what? Good for them, it was a great signing and it was nice to see them land on their feet just as they did with Tapine.

b4l - I tend to agree with you. talanoa could be right but it's really negative and judgemental comment with little to no basis. As I pointed out earlier, the Raiders showed little interest in developing him as a player. Here was a guy who was playing NSW Cup as a 19 year old who wasn't getting a look in at NRL level and in fact was being relegated back to the NYC. Considering the signings and the players that were being picked ahead of him, the writing was on the wall, just like it was for Jayden Nikorima and he did something about it. Is Jayden Nikorima a gun for hire? Is he going to get his own ESPN 30 for 30 Special? Will Skip and Steven A debate his credentials on First Take? Please.

lionred - I tend to agree, his conditioning is a concern at the moment which is why I think it will take him at least 2017 to really showcase his skills. I do think we're going to get a nice preview this year, in fact we already and as I said earlier the best thing is he isn't the only one.

bp: am i not allowed an opinion on an open forum these days? as for tpj last year his from was scratchy at best and didnt warrant a call up to the nrl hence the reason he was back and forward between cup and nyc. lets also remember he was only 19 last year. you also made reference yourself to his conditioning, was it worst last year and therefore didnt warrant nrl selectio??. plz.
jayden is a different kettle of fish, he was off contract and didnt seek an early release or sign a year in advance.
as to my reference of espn, no 30 for 30 special. simple fact that european rugby is shown at that channel.

 

[talanoa]

to add to this thread as well, we werent the only club offered his services. 2 big sydney clubs declined.

 

[Big Pete]

Sure you can have an opinion but you've got to be prepared to discuss it. If somebody thought Travis Waddell was the best hooker since sliced bread, what sort of response do you think that would get? Better example, if somebody thought Parker was a selfish player who was putting his media career ahead of his club commitments do you think that would go to the keeper? Of course not so to draw that conclusion on Pangai Jr is just negative for the sake of being negative. What is the basis for it? Seeking an early release? How many players have done that this year? Are you casting the same judgements on those players?

 

[talanoa]

Sure you can have an opinion but you've got to be prepared to discuss it. If somebody thought Travis Waddell was the best hooker since sliced bread, what sort of response do you think that would get? Better example, if somebody thought Parker was a selfish player who was putting his media career ahead of his club commitments do you think that would go to the keeper? Of course not so to draw that conclusion on Pangai Jr is just negative for the sake of being negative. What is the basis for it? Seeking an early release? How many players have done that this year? Are you casting the same judgements on those players?

i wasnt being negative or critical of him, in fact i think todays players should get paid as much as they can in the short space of time. look at guy llike brett kenny for instance. dead broke, no career and he was living with his elderly parents. i have no doubt he could have got double or triple the money elsewhere instead of staying at parra.

waynes comment was what triggered my opinion

 

[Sproj]

The big loser here is Newcastle as mentioned earlier. They could have TPJ and Tapine running around for them. Whoever is responsible for that stuff up should be sacked.