Ah I see, I suppose there will still be options though at least in the 25+ age bracket. There’s always going players who can’t get in or fall out of favour. There’s the NSW Cup too.

It is odd as the quota rules are pretty tight these days and there are virtually no way round them. That said my mail tells me that Tangata wasn't really wanted by our coach this year but a clause in his contract was activated and (i quote) 'we are stuck with him'. I can see a Horo/Tanginoa situation coming up but for that Tangata would have to agree to leave and he will likely only do that if he has a club to go to and we make up any monetary difference. Horo was ready to retire so that was easier, Adam isn't and he wants to put himself in a position to play for the Cook Islands at the world cup so needs to be playing somewhere. Chuck in an immediate change of coach for Cronulla and a suspention that means AF wouldn't be available til mid-May anyway means there are probably a few hurdles to cross yet, hence the silence.

Recent international appearances also have a bearing and he's represented Samoa in enough games within the desired timescale.

Or 80% of Nrl players that’s come over

games in NSW cup dont count

Do not know if he is coming or not ,but I did watch A F in the all stars game .The game was low scoring but played at a fast pace.A F did not looked out of place at all .Know the commentator said he was getting match fit . So to me there are a lot of pluses if he comes.When you reached the high standed that A F did ,a A F playing at 60% that standed will still be better than we got now ,plus he is very good at getting the ball away i when tackled

It’s more his attitude I’m worried about than his ability. I think the Locke signing still harbours a few nightmares and I just fear these type of signings don’t work out for us. Especially when we are in a battle. If he comes though I hope he has a stormer on debut and casts those fears aside. It just all sounds a bit too good to be true.

I actually think the Anthony Tupou comparison is a perfect example. A guy with multiple rep appearances, including Australia, NSW & Tonga, played in NRL grand finals and in his heyday one of the best in the world in his position, but by the time he got here he was past his best and had a chronic injury which meant he could only perform to a limited capacity. In the end he missed as many as he played and left early. The situation could be similar unless due diligence is done. AF would improve us and should generate interest. But even with a subsidy he ain’t going to be cheap. We need to be sure he is up for the fight and has a damn thorough medical before any contract is signed. We need to be much more savvy than we was with Tupou.

Tangata signed for Halifax! Am I living in some sort of alternative universe here or what!

Ink must be dry

From twitter....

Ian Laybourn @ILaybourn @WTrinityRL have confirmed they have made an offer for Tonga international Andrew Fifita that could reunite him with twin brother David at Belle Vue.
6:25 PM · Apr 13, 2021