2024 Squad - Speculation Thread

[shasta]

I'm surprised anyone watches NRL 360. More bullshit than a town hall Trump rally.

P.S. Though I admit watching the odd clip that turns up on my Youtube feed.

P.P.S. Anasta, apart from being the anchor on 360 is a successful player manager. Might explain this.

[Delsleyy]

Hey just another quick update
Been chatting with Simon cron on LinkedIn
Asked him about any news on future signings and this was his response

Hi Daniel, working on key ones for lock! Some good young ones playing for us now.

Didn't think lock would be a area of priority for us right now

[GIGS20]

Hey just another quick update
Been chatting with Simon cron on LinkedIn
Asked him about any news on future signings and this was his response

Hi Daniel, working on key ones for lock! Some good young ones playing for us now.

Didn't think lock would be a area of priority for us right now

If he's looking for locks, he's surely got the Front Row squared away and just waiting for the announcements.

[todd4]

Signed a young lock from the Reds

https://westernforce.rugby/news/youn...stocks-2023817

lock stocks
Sat, Aug 19, 2023, 10:00 AM
WM
by Western Force Media


The Western Force is delighted to confirm the signing of lock Lopeti Faifua.

Faifua, 21, joins the Force from the Queensland Reds and was previously named in the 2022 Junior Wallabies squad for the Oceania Rugby Under-20s Championship.

The second rower made his Super Rugby Pacific debut in 2022 against the Melbourne Rebels at AAMI Park in Round 9.

Melbourne-born and raised Faifua left Victoria to attend the renowned rugby-based Saint Kentigern College in Auckland and played for the Blues Under-18's side before moving across the Tasman in 2019.

Faifua has spent the past few weeks training with the squad in Perth and Force head coach Simon Cron was delighted to have him on board.

“We’re really excited to have Lopeti sign on,” Cron said. “He’s 6’6 with a big strong body. He’s explosive and powerful. He’s still only a young buck at 21-years-old.

“He’s a genuine lock with a willingness to learn. We’re really enjoying coaching him and are excited already with what he is bringing to training.”

Faifua said he was eager to take his rugby to the next level at the Force.

“Coming over to the West will be a different challenge, the change of location will allow me to focus and pour all my energy into my game,” Faifua said.

“I’ve spoken to Crono, he thinks the change will be good for me and will get me out of my comfort zone and test myself in areas I wouldn’t have otherwise.

“I want to play and do my best for the Force. I will put the effort in and give the Force all I can. The Force is heading in the right direction.”

Lopeti Faifua

Position: Lock

Height: 198cm

Weight: 115kg

Born: 22/01/2002

Place of birth: Myrtleford, Victoria

Senior Club: Wests

School: Saint Kentigern College, Auckland

Super Rugby debut: 15/03/2022 v Melbourne Rebels, AAMI Park

Super Rugby caps: 1

[Burgs]

Interesting that Marley is listed as an Academy player still in the Tour graphic.

[WFDom]

I watched Canterbury’s NPC game on Saturday

We REALLY need to hold on to Mataele

[brokendown gunfighter]

well,the womens coach has just resigned from that position,so,maybe the door is open for the couple to return?

[GIGS20]

well,the womens coach has just resigned from that position,so,maybe the door is open for the couple to return?

Pretty sure it wasn't the women's team side of the equation that was the problem.

[Burgs]

Pretty sure it wasn't the women's team side of the equation that was the problem.

No, but as I understand it, the same common denominator...

[Jules]

I saw on Facebook a new signing tmr of someone returning. Any ideas who it is?

[WFDom]

Think it’s a re-signing

[tjs10]

I saw on Facebook a new signing tmr of someone returning. Any ideas who it is?

Looking at the silhouette, it's big Santi!

[Jules]

Ah thanks good news

[GIGS20]

No, but as I understand it, the same common denominator...

Has the general manager changed as well then?

[WFDom]

Looking at the silhouette, it's big Santi!

Did he change his mind?