NRL NRL 2025 General Recruitment Thread

[Noitall]

Yeah didn't the NBA bring in a 5 year max or something to protect teams from their own idiocy?

10 year terms in a contact sport are insane

Hasn’t gone too bad for manly and DCE, though probably not the amount of premierships they’d hoped for in his contract. Probably can’t really blame him solely though, still representing at the highest level strongly in all those years and not many serious injuries. Backflipped on titans at one point. Certainly a crazy deal for a middle forward though

 

[CWC]

10 year for a player who might compassionate release you with an agent like that?

Though Hazelton was pretty quiet, maybe case by case for the agent

 

[Noitall]

10 year for a player who might compassionate release you with an agent like that?

Though Hazelton was pretty quiet, maybe case by case for the agent

NRL & NRLW - Pacific Sports Management

www.pacificsportsmanagement.com

Quite a stable he’s got. Barnett, Niukore and Tuaupiki among them from Warriors

 

[Noitall]

• Yesterday at 9:22 PM

• 
  
• #4,438

Posted this last year and it’s now doing the rounds again.
Knights are doing a mini clean out and trying to gag things started right away.

Hastings has trained most of the off season in reserve grade playing lock. Huge rift with the coaches and a few players. They want him gone but nobody is keen to take him.

Hetherington & Elliot have been told they’re not going to be re signed and can leave immediately if they can find a new club each.

And last one is Brailey. Been dropped from the leadership group and is on the outer. Was linked to the Eels last year and once again his name is being linked to them for 2025

 

[Makasene]

• Yesterday at 9:22 PM
• 
  
• #4,438

Posted this last year and it’s now doing the rounds again.
Knights are doing a mini clean out and trying to gag things started right away.

Hastings has trained most of the off season in reserve grade playing lock. Huge rift with the coaches and a few players. They want him gone but nobody is keen to take him.

Hetherington & Elliot have been told they’re not going to be re signed and can leave immediately if they can find a new club each.

And last one is Brailey. Been dropped from the leadership group and is on the outer. Was linked to the Eels last year and once again his name is being linked to them for 2025

Unsurprised by any of that and I wouldn't take any of them.

Hethrington was a bit of a cult figure hear during Covid but we were desperate!

 

[Noitall]

Unsurprised by any of that and I wouldn't take any of them.

Hethrington was a bit of a cult figure hear during Covid but we were desperate!

Brailey surprised me after they shopped him and then said he was important to the squad after, so retained him. Guess he frees up some coin and they carry on with Crossland at dummy half

 

[Jonesy69]

Just saw the dogs have a backs injury crisis of their own. Kiraz ruled out for round 1 and Tuala until atleast round 10. They would be sitting where we are right now if they didn’t sign Monty

 

[Noitall]

NRL 2025: David Klemmer may have played his last game for Wests Tigers after pre-season omission​

David Klemmer may have played his last game for the Wests Tigers and could be the next big name to depart the club after he was mysteriously left out of their final pre-season trial.

Brent Read, David Riccio and Michael Carayannis

2 min read
February 18, 2025 - 6:03PM
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...ory/140202da9a149e7a7c924cb44b01abb2#comments
Former State of Origin prop David Klemmer could be the next big name to depart the Wests Tigers after he was mysteriously left out of their final pre-season trial against Parramatta.

Klemmer is in the final year of his contract with the Tigers, although it is understood he has a clause in the deal that gives him a 12-month extension if he plays more than 14 games in 2025.

That clause may become irrelevant if Klemmer departs in coming weeks as speculation simmers over his future in the lead-up to the club’s round one game against Newcastle in just over a fortnight.

Whispers about his future emerged after the former NSW forward was a shock late withdrawal from their opening trial against the Bulldogs last weekend.

Klemmer ended up watching the game from the sidelines. He was then overlooked on Tuesday as Tigers coach Benji Marshall named his side for their final pre-season hitout against the Eels at Leichhardt Oval.

David Klemmer may have played his last game for the Wests Tigers. Picture: Getty Images

Terrell May and Fonua Pole were named to start in the front row against the Eels with Royce Hunt on the interchange bench.

May and Hunt will make their first appearances in Tigers colours against the Eels after their off-season moves from the Sydney Roosters and Cronulla respectively.

The club’s other big name signing – Jarome Luai – will be wrapped in cotton wool in preparation for their season opener against the Knights at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.

There is every chance Klemmer will have moved by then. Tigers officials have been tight-lipped over plans for Klemmer but it is understood the decision was made to leave him out of the pre-season while his future remained in doubt.

Klemmer was a mainstay in the Tigers’ pack last season, playing 20 games as the club won a third consecutive wooden spoon.

The signing of Terrell May means the Tigers are well stocked on middle forwards, which may see Klemmer forced out of the club. Picture: NRL Imagery

It is understood there are no concerns within the club with his form or attitude. If anything, Klemmer has been one of the Tigers’ most consistent players since his move from Newcastle.

However, the arrival of May and Hunt and the retention of Pole mean the Tigers are well stocked for middle forwards.

This masthead understands that the Tigers made overtures in the off-season to remove the option from his contract but were unable to get a deal done.

However, it is believed they are now open to allowing Klemmer to depart should he land a deal at a rival for this season.

At least one Sydney club is believed to be keeping an eye on the situation as they mull over making a move for Klemmer.

Klemmer won’t be the only big name to sit out the club’s final trial against Parramatta. Centre Justin Olam is also poised to miss the game as he battles ongoing knee issues that have put his place in jeopardy for the start of the season.

Olam struggled with knee problems last season but managed to finish the year

 

[Worried2Death]

NRL 2025: David Klemmer may have played his last game for Wests Tigers after pre-season omission​

David Klemmer may have played his last game for the Wests Tigers and could be the next big name to depart the club after he was mysteriously left out of their final pre-season trial.

Brent Read, David Riccio and Michael Carayannis

2 min read
February 18, 2025 - 6:03PM
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...ory/140202da9a149e7a7c924cb44b01abb2#comments
Former State of Origin prop David Klemmer could be the next big name to depart the Wests Tigers after he was mysteriously left out of their final pre-season trial against Parramatta.

Klemmer is in the final year of his contract with the Tigers, although it is understood he has a clause in the deal that gives him a 12-month extension if he plays more than 14 games in 2025.

That clause may become irrelevant if Klemmer departs in coming weeks as speculation simmers over his future in the lead-up to the club’s round one game against Newcastle in just over a fortnight.

Whispers about his future emerged after the former NSW forward was a shock late withdrawal from their opening trial against the Bulldogs last weekend.

Klemmer ended up watching the game from the sidelines. He was then overlooked on Tuesday as Tigers coach Benji Marshall named his side for their final pre-season hitout against the Eels at Leichhardt Oval.

David Klemmer may have played his last game for the Wests Tigers. Picture: Getty Images

Terrell May and Fonua Pole were named to start in the front row against the Eels with Royce Hunt on the interchange bench.

May and Hunt will make their first appearances in Tigers colours against the Eels after their off-season moves from the Sydney Roosters and Cronulla respectively.

The club’s other big name signing – Jarome Luai – will be wrapped in cotton wool in preparation for their season opener against the Knights at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.

There is every chance Klemmer will have moved by then. Tigers officials have been tight-lipped over plans for Klemmer but it is understood the decision was made to leave him out of the pre-season while his future remained in doubt.

Klemmer was a mainstay in the Tigers’ pack last season, playing 20 games as the club won a third consecutive wooden spoon.

The signing of Terrell May means the Tigers are well stocked on middle forwards, which may see Klemmer forced out of the club. Picture: NRL Imagery

It is understood there are no concerns within the club with his form or attitude. If anything, Klemmer has been one of the Tigers’ most consistent players since his move from Newcastle.

However, the arrival of May and Hunt and the retention of Pole mean the Tigers are well stocked for middle forwards.

This masthead understands that the Tigers made overtures in the off-season to remove the option from his contract but were unable to get a deal done.

However, it is believed they are now open to allowing Klemmer to depart should he land a deal at a rival for this season.

At least one Sydney club is believed to be keeping an eye on the situation as they mull over making a move for Klemmer.

Klemmer won’t be the only big name to sit out the club’s final trial against Parramatta. Centre Justin Olam is also poised to miss the game as he battles ongoing knee issues that have put his place in jeopardy for the start of the season.

Olam struggled with knee problems last season but managed to finish the year

They get better with every player Benji sacks

 

[Noitall]

They get better with every player Benji sacks

I reckon storm could be interested in Klemmer to replace Welch? Maybe the interest in Hazelton changed when Klemmer became available at storm with his experience? Dragons perhaps the Sydney club mentioned keeping an eye on on the situation?

 

[Noitall]

Seen a couple of places now saying Dylan Brown might be headed to knights. Would make sense with Peter O Sullivan such a fan here and throwing an offer early in Brown’s career and now at knights. Depending on what his salary is if it happens, would be a huge chunk of salary cap tied up to Dylan Brown and Kalyn Ponga

 

[wizard of Tauranga]

I reckon storm could be interested in Klemmer to replace Welch? Maybe the interest in Hazelton changed when Klemmer became available at storm with his experience? Dragons perhaps the Sydney club mentioned keeping an eye on on the situation?

Our forum was eyeing up Klemmer a while ago as a potential recruit.

If the cellar dweller Tigers don’t want someone then all other teams should be very wary.

 

[Teets]

Our forum was eyeing up Klemmer a while ago as a potential recruit.

If the cellar dweller Tigers don’t want someone then all other teams should be very wary.

No more pension deals.

 

[Noitall]

Our forum was eyeing up Klemmer a while ago as a potential recruit.

If the cellar dweller Tigers don’t want someone then all other teams should be very wary.

Don’t think it’s anything more than them wanting to try and find a way out of his $700k option for 2026 and happy with their front row in Hunt, May, Pole and Seyfarth. Think Klemmer has the type of shape that you could get him reasonably well suited to the speed of the game for a front rower, though age could be a setback too. Hasn’t had a lot of injuries to speak of across his career though

 

[Jonesy69]

I reckon storm could be interested in Klemmer to replace Welch? Maybe the interest in Hazelton changed when Klemmer became available at storm with his experience? Dragons perhaps the Sydney club mentioned keeping an eye on on the situation?

Will go to the dragons I reckon once we sign Hazleton

 

[Noitall]

No more pension deals.

Very similar stats to Hazelton based on the previous season, both tackle at 96% and Klemmer’s metres 101m per game to Hazelton’s 92m per game. Obvious difference is one is 26 and the other is 31 and one’s stats are heading upwards in terms of output and one heading downward with age presumably. Perhaps the club he’s at and the poor setup there has had a bearing on some of his metrics too? A couple of seasons ago, I’d have gone with Klemmer, but I don’t think he’d let you down in driving standards and work ethic either

 

[Blain]

Klemmer has been plodding his way into the Superleague the last 4 years. He's lucky the Tigers were desperate.

 

[Tookey 2.0]

Klemmer has been plodding his way into the Superleague the last 4 years. He's lucky the Tigers were desperate.

You reckon? Pretty unreasonable imo.

Last 4 years he's averaged 165m, 155m, 140m and 100m, with decent defence across all of those years.

Outside of AFB do we have any forwards who have put those numbers up in the last few years?

I think it's just because he's been in a shitty team he's been tarred as a plodder.

 

[Noitall]

You reckon? Pretty unreasonable imo.

Last 4 years he's averaged 165m, 155m, 140m and 100m, with decent defence across all of those years.

Outside of AFB do we have any forwards who have put those numbers up in the last few years?

I think it's just because he's been in a shitty team he's been tarred as a plodder.

Not convinced Utoikamanu is capable of getting to the next level either. Early days and only a trial, but thought his output was poor in trying to prove to his new club that he’s a worthy starter. So in that sense Klemmer has had a lot of carrying at tigers over the past couple of seasons with Utoikamanu not very consistent there either. Papali’i went from top second rower in the comp at eels to being viewed as a plodder at tigers too. Will be interesting to see if there’s a change at panthers?

 

[Noitall]

Hazelton spotted having lunch with Fitzgibbon yesterday in Sydney. Wonder if he’s succeeded in getting his value driven up or he actually leaves?