Last pre-season, I had a go at picking five signings that while not being touted as the big off-season recruits were ones I saw as having potential to not only be cost effective, but also fill a hole in their team’s roster and have a positive impact.
I chose to avoid the big money recruits like David Fitita and Addin Fonua-Blake and instead opt for either lesser names or those looking for redemption. While I missed the big money-ball signing in Isaiah Papali’i, I can’t be blamed for leaving out the likes of Reece Walsh and Daine Laurie, who hadn’t moved clubs at the time of writing.
Check out my original article.
Now that the 2021 season is done and dusted, it is time to look back and give myself a mark on the five men I tipped to make an impact at their new clubs.
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
Tino was the highest profile recruit on my list. His selection came as I saw him as someone who could bring a winning culture to the club after his time at the Storm. He also had the spotlight off him due to Fifita’s big pay packet.
While the Titans only managed to win ten of their 24 regular season games, they returned to the finals, making 2021 a successful season in comparison to their last few years. Tino was a big part of this, averaging 136 metres in his 22 games and finishing the year with the Paul Broughton medal as the Titans’ best and fairest.
Verdict: Correct
James Tamou
Like Tino, I thought Tamou would be a good pick up as he had premiership winning experience. I also liked that he brought leadership to the club off the back of captaining Penrith to the minor premiership in 2020.
If success and leadership is why the Tigers recruited him, then he delivered very little. This was most telling in the Tales from Tiger Towndoco on Fox where Tamou was rarely heard on the field or in the change rooms, instead leaving it to the likes of relative rookies like Adam Doueihi to inspire the team.
If I had my time again, I would have chosen Stefano Utoikamanu as the front row recruit to have the biggest impact at the Tigers this year.
Verdict: Couldn’t have been more wrong
Jack Bird
The reason I liked this signing was mainly due to the fact that the Broncos were paying a good chunk of his salary.
Bird finished the year playing 22 games, which is more than his combined total at the Broncos over three seasons, so for Jack, 2021 would have been considered a success. His stats saw him record four tries, seven try assists, five line breaks and average 122 metres. His versatility also saw him fill a number of holes for the Dragons across the year.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Verdict: I like to think he was a good pick-up for the Dragons, although he was one of the BBQ 13 that derailed their campaign, so maybe half a mark?
Jason Saab
I was ridiculed widely in the comments for this choice, mainly from St George fans.
What I liked about Saab was he brought raw speed, something that Manly has lacked on the flanks since Scott Donald was bagging tries in the early-to-mid 2000s. He also provided an aerial threat that wasn’t really taken advantage of until later in the season.
The critics will say he only scored because Turbo put it on a plate for him, but that is exactly what he is there for, to turn line breaks into 4 points. Still has some work to do in defence and post-contact metres but his 2021 stats made for good reading.
Verdict: Correct
Luke Metcalf
This was definitely my wildest prediction but he was someone I thought deserved his chance last year in Manly’s injury-hit 2020 campaign. 2021 saw him return to the Sharks in pursuit of a first grade career. He finished the year with six appearances – interestingly, Cronulla won both games that he started at five-eighth.
Verdict: Seeing as he won the Sharks rookie of the year award, I am going to give myself this one.
So, overall, I am giving myself 3.5/5 (let’s just round it up to 4).
Is this a fair assessment? Or am I way off the mark?
Greg
Roar Pro
Dont disagree with most of your grading, though i think the Metcalf one is questionable. I would argue that Tino doesn't fit the description of "not being touted as the big off-season recruit". Just because Fifita was that doesn't mean Tino wasn't. Also whilst youve graded these reasonably fairly not sure any would make the actual top 5.
Rob
Guest
Cliffy running off Baa would have been interesting. One of the best ball playing TA player in Lyons passing to one of the best hole hitting support player in the game in Lamb. I see a lot of Lambs support play and defence in Dearden.
Rob
Guest
No opinion on Dragons signing McGuire ?
Tom
Guest
I think Manly need a top flight centre to contend. Harper really got shown up against the Storm and Rabbitohs. Parker is solid enough but will never win games. Perhaps Des could try starting Walker, although he is doing such a good job in the back end of the half in the middle.
Paul
Guest
Sorry. Should say ‘ any club ‘ .
Paul
Guest
What about Scott Sorenson? He was not really wanted by ant club & is 28 years old. Surely the bargain buy of the year. Put in big efforts in every game he played. Played in a GF. Ran down Jahrome Hughes in the semifinal, to stop his long run & possible try.
mushi
Roar Guru
I assumed that was an end of year prank forcing Brooks to accept that . team mates: “winner is Luke Brooks” Brooks: “f you guys, it’s not funny” Team mates: “Nah we’re serious Luke, you were *hmpf hmpf* Awesome. Robbed of the dally M mate” Brooks: “I hate you all” Team mates: “Just having some fun. Seriously we think when you finally develop at age 42 you’ll be a cracking first grade half”
mushi
Roar Guru
It's also easier to be good with better team mates. It's part of the pitch from the better teams I imagine - hey take 10-15% less to play here and you'll make that up in origin and sponsorship money.. oh and you'll get to be the guys jumping around celebrating the win. Bargain
The Barry
Roar Guru
I don’t know about that. Lamb and Lyons still had a pretty big overlap in their careers Lamb played 80-96, Lyons played 85-99. So for 12 of Lamb’s 17 year career Lyons was active and for 12 of Lyons’ 15 year career, Lamb was active. Lamb won premierships in 84, 88 and 95. Lyons in 87 and 96 For Lyons’ clear run in the 90s he was Dally M 5/8 of the year in 90 and 94. Lamb was 5/8 of the year in 91, 92 and 93 and players’ player in 95 Not using this to suggest Lamb was better than Lyons, just that at Cliffy’s peak, Baa was still playing great footy and show they’re very much of the same era Seriously, if someone said Cliffy was a better player I’d disagree but wouldn’t try too hard to change their mind. They were both unlucky not to run into guys like Lewis, Kenny, Daley and Fittler and not play more rep footy…
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Braydon Trindall, played 5 games during debut last year, didn’t get to run on level this year till Round 16..not completely clear on illegibility, but he’s a fantastic little runner and kicker of the football. Bigger surprise was Luke Brooks and Dane Laurie sharing the Tigers POY.. Huge kick in teeth for services beyond for Douhei.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
You know what positions they played so I won't bother answering that. You either agree with me and the rep selectors who claim he was a great player with or without help from Cliff Lyons or you side with the plodders who claim he was only any good because he ran off Lyons. Menzies played 5/8 and Lyons played plenty of games at lock. Lyons didn't mature as a player until he was in his late 20's . Menzies played with maturity from the word go.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Yes Paul, I am a tough marker. And I prefer the footy field to the pool ! But I just hate to see players who don't give 100% on the park or who continually do dumb things. Some players get by on natural talent, some get by on supreme effort. The real good ones combine both virtues. Not sure I have seen that yet in any of the 5 listed above, but time will tell.
Paul
Roar Guru
You're a tough judge Albo. What are you like on the diving or synchronised swimming? :happy: Agree about Saab though. I was thinking he could be a useful NFL wide receiver, but those blokes still have to make yards after being hit and that's not Saab's strength
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
I think I once saw that as a quote on Darius Boyd's kit bag.
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
Menzies did end up playing a bit of five eighth. Lyons in the second row would've been good for a laugh.
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
Daley and Fittler were his main rivals, but they could cover centre and lock.
matth
Roar Guru
Lamb came through in the Lewis era. Cliffy had a clear run in the 1990's and still missed out.
Nat
Roar Guru
Not bad Louis, I'll give you the 4/5. The best thing about the signing of Tino was the timing. The common thought at the time was paying for potential but by the time he arrived it was already a good deal. If the Titans had a quality hooker, it would have been better again. Te same with Saab, reading the Sainst fans reaction in the original aticle is funny with hindsight. With regard to Bird, a decent return for a $500k player, what do they do now he will be paid in the top echelon?
Rob
Guest
Saab had a good first season but still has work to be done in defense in and with metres coming out of his own end. Des needs to get him watching the way Tupou goes about his work with the Roosters. Very rarely makes mistakes in defense and is probably the best metre eating winger after To'o in the NRL.
Albo
Roar Rookie
My assessment of your 5 : 1. Tino - definitely a good buy for the Titans - gives 100%. Full tick ! 2. Tamou - terrible buy - rarely delivered positive performances. No tick ! 3. Bird - mixed bag - some good and bad performance - Still needs to adopt a position (backrow) and stop pretending to be a halback. Half a tick ! 4. Jason Saab - great attacking wing play mostly assisted by Turbo - terrible defence and metres out of defence. Half a tick ! 5. Luke Metcalf - showed some real promise in the couple of games he was afforded . Half a tick ! I reckon you got one tick and 3 x half ticks - 2 1/2 out of 5.