Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Nov 07, 2012 8:23 pm  

Just been having a drink at the local, and heard a name i havent heard of before linked with wigan, the group next to us were speculating about player movements and 'Esi Tonga' was mentioned as coming to wigan, i havent heard anything of him myself, any relation to willie tonga?

Could anyone shed any light on this?

Also the name Mose Masoe was mentioned numerous times, ive heard of the player but nothing that seems to fit our requirements as nice as it would be to have him.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Nov 07, 2012 8:46 pm  

big boss man wrote:

any relation to willie tonga?

It's his younger brother

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Nov 07, 2012 8:47 pm  

big boss man wrote:

Just been having a drink at the local, and heard a name i havent heard of before linked with wigan, the group next to us were speculating about player movements and 'Esi Tonga' was mentioned as coming to wigan, i havent heard anything of him myself, any relation to willie tonga?

Could anyone shed any light on this?

Also the name Mose Masoe was mentioned numerous times, ive heard of the player but nothing that seems to fit our requirements as nice as it would be to have him.

esi tonga is willies younger brother
played 3 games for the eels in 2012
he is 24, 6 ft 2, nearly 15 stones and plays 2nd row or centre
sounds like a slightly older version of gelling

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Nov 07, 2012 8:57 pm  

Tonga is a big powerful centre tipped for Origin selection but let himself down on the discipline side of things at an Origin development camp.

He plays left centre and has decent skills including a deft kicking game.

Discipline issues may mean he has burnt his bridges in the NRL. Basically seems the kind of player looking to rebuild his career in Super League, there is the Para link as well obviously.

I would love to see Masoe at Wigan, whilst he has his flaws seeing him at full tilt scattering defenders would be a joy to watch.

Edit, just seen in the press Tonga was told he could negotiate with other clubs in September despite being under contract so it does look like he is available and also plays in the position soon to be filled with Falou. Could be another case though of 2 + 2 = 5.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Nov 07, 2012 10:14 pm  

Esi tonga sounds like a capable player from that, a little inexperienced for what we need but as has been mentioned, allowed to talk to other clubs, seeking to rebuild his career and the para link, it seems to add up, do you think he could be capable of filling our centre spot?

Masoe is an exciting payer to watch, very raw skill wise, but naturally strong and always provides impact, something our forwards lack, we have consistent, clever forwards (compared to others) would be a nice fresh addition if so.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Thu Nov 08, 2012 12:47 pm  

At the end of the day we need bodies for the backline positions.

IF this kid is available and IF he's interested I can't see anything wrong with having him come over.

I'd love an aggressive Samoan in the centres. So little bit of aggression is exactly what our talented but wet back line.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri Nov 09, 2012 1:44 pm  

jamie foster to bradford surprising - expected hull to want him and maybe even not to have been finished at saints yet?

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri Nov 09, 2012 2:12 pm  

A one year deal for Foster as well. I expect him to have a big season, score 20 trys and kick goals for fun and move over to Union in 12 months.

He'd be a superstar in that sport and could earn a fortune. It says a lot for Union that an average superleague player could do that simply because he kicks goals. Some cracking league players go over and struggle(Faz, Eastmond, Tomkins) a touch because they see no ball but that would be a positive for Foster.

He could concentrate on booting goals and styling his hair...they'd love him.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri Nov 09, 2012 11:21 pm  

This Esi Tonga sounds like the exact opposite of a centre which we need, we need someone with experience who can just slot in for a couple of years until Thornley/Gelling can take over. Our problem in that position isnt having back up, its experience. We have Goulding, Thornley, Gelling, Hughes, Farrell & Academy lads who can cover centre if needs be, but Goulding aside they have literally a hand full of experience at centre in super league put together. Signing another troubled ill disciplined risky signing isnt what we need. I'd give him my full backing if we do sign him but I think we should be looking at someone with experience coming towards the end of their career. We have a very young team and we have alreayd lost tons of experience this year.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri Nov 09, 2012 11:35 pm  

Finding a centre that fits that bill would be difficult though. His brother could possibly be an option but good quality, experienced centres are hard to come by.

As much as Gelling, Thornley and Hughes are all inexperienced I think the advantage is we have three of them fighting for one position and that could cancel out that factor. They will hopefully all drive each other on because i'd say at the moment there isn't a clear cert for the position.