ROBERT LUI RE-SIGNS FOR TWO MORE YEARS

By Wayne Cousins

5/03/2010 11:53:41 AM

The impressive retention drive of Wests Tigers has continued with the re-signing of half-back Robert Lui for the next two years.

Off contract this season, Lui has agreed to a new two-year deal that keeps him at Wests Tigers until the end of 2012.

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Following impressive performances for Wests Tigers in the U20s competition in 2009, Lui made his first grade debut against Cronulla Sharks in round 23. In his three first grade games, Lui showed enough ability to stamp himself as a player of the future.

He then played a major role in Wests Tigers qualifying for the Toyota Cup grand final. He was also named the Toyota Cup five-eighth of the year.

A full-time member of the Wests Tigers NRL squad this season, Lui is eligible to play in the Toyota Cup competition in 2010 after turning 20 on February 23.

The talented half/five-eighth is now focusing on establishing a solid halves partnership with Benji Marshall.

Wests Tigers Coach Tim Sheens was delighted the club has secured one of its most exciting young prospects.

“We see Robbie as an integral part of the team. He has a very bright future,’’ Sheens said.

“He still has plenty to learn but he is naturally gifted, is quick, has great ball skills, a good kicking game, and knows how to read the play.”

The re-signing of Lui comes on top of NRL superstar Benji Marshall becoming a ‘Tiger for Life’ last week. Meanwhile, new Wests Tigers signing Lote Tuiqiri will start training next week.

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Posted by: nath, March 9 2010 1:39 PM

this is great news for the future of the club. lets keep these signings coming. After the success of the toyota cup side last year we have to make sure we secure these young cubs to long term deals before we lose them.

Posted by: Beau, March 8 2010 9:14 PM

Lui has the makings of a very good player but watching him last year you would have to notice that he can be very lazy in defence his chip and chase against Parra still gives me nightmares The Tiges have had a problem in defence for many years around the ruck Need to be tough and mark up Lui is coming from the U/20s where defence is non existant you need to tackle to win matches GO TIGES

Posted by: keith, March 6 2010 10:46 AM

Lui needs more time to sharpen up his defense he is an easy target for other teams big men.I would like to see arana in the halves with benji. pls tim dont let this talent be bought by some other club we need a specalist halfback.

Posted by: tcogger, March 5 2010 5:06 PM

Magpie Pete.You got me with that one.I never saw that coming..lol. Cogs will always support Wests Tigers.Any chance i get im up at Wests Ashfield for games wearing the worn number 3 Goldstar jersey..Cogger

Posted by: Gladesville Tiger, March 5 2010 4:04 PM

This would be my 13 when everyones back and fit: 1.Tuqiri 2. Ryan 3.Ayshford4.Lawrence5.Tuiaki6.Marshall7.Moltzen 13.Payten12.Heighnington11.Ellis10.Cayless9.Farah(c)8.Galloway. That leaves Fitzhenry, Fulton, Gibbs, Taumata, Brown, Daniela, Lui, Flanaghan and Toupou. Plus 2 or 3 young guys from NYC last year. For the first time in ages we've got depth!!

Posted by: cal, March 5 2010 1:03 PM

Have I been black listed? What's doing. I've never used affensive language or been negative for negative's sake and i've been a supporter for over 20 years.

Posted by: tutty, March 5 2010 9:28 AM

If Lui goes well then this could be the first year since Scott Prince left that Benji has played with a half who is a half and nothing else. Perhaps this is why Benji has had to play, at times, a more dominant role in the halves, and he might have to for several games until Lui gains some more experience at this level. Interesting that the halves at other clubs playing with utility types as a 6 or 7 have a more dominant role whereas clubs with a 6 and 7 who are not utility types share responsibilities. Tigers!!!

Posted by: rappo57, March 4 2010 9:28 PM

Hey come on guys,,stop bagging benji..remember 05!!!just watch the clip on youtube..you see why we got there,,,Hey Magpie Pete..im with u cogger what a gem..im an old maggie like you!!!Go the the Weststigers..Be positive Good Year i Feel!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: tutty, March 4 2010 8:41 PM

Willey I think you'll find that Benji can only step up to the plate when those around him do so as well, when they don't he will try too hard and thus push passes etc. Fans look to him for the 'magic' but it won't always be there and that's to be expected. But he's now 25, has played more than a year without injury and is maturing as a player which will probably result in more patience during tough times. The squad this year could also be the best he's played with so far at the club. Tigers!!!

Posted by: TigerBob, March 4 2010 8:36 PM

Great signing - the kid could be a better 5/8 than Benji - but can he play half-back?

Posted by: Willey, March 4 2010 1:16 PM

I think this is a great signing. I feel that Benji has been a negative factor in whether or not we win those tight games each season and he fails to step up to the plate on most occasions. He's an electric player with the ball but lacks a defensive game at times. Lui on the other hand has proven he is versatile in U20's and will be a great substitute if we lose Benji to injury again, or working in with Benji. Tigers can win this year if we find that consistency in the halves and keep up the go forward our pack has proven they can produce. Alot of class in this side on paper but that has been the case for the past four years. I live in QLD and can't get to every game but I won't miss one on the telly! Go you good thing! Tigers to win in 2010!

Posted by: woodmeister, March 4 2010 12:57 PM

It wouldn't have cost us a lot to re-sign Lui for 2 years as he hasn't proved he's up to speed in firsts yet.He's a work in progress so for 2 years will will see if hes worth a longterm contract or not.Well done recruitment.Woodmeister

Posted by: Louis, March 4 2010 12:47 PM

We have been lucky that the players who left us in Halatau, Payne and Tagive are all out for most of the season.

Posted by: Brad R, March 4 2010 11:47 AM

The Tigers have been pro-active in signing a number of last year's U20's squad which bodes well for the future. The ball is now in Lui's court to perform and given time I believe he will live up to all the hype. Obviously the wounds surrounding losing Lamb and Pittard over 30 years ago still run deep with some Western Suburbs supporters but just be proud of the vast number of players that both Balmain and Wests produced over the years that went on to play for other clubs and hopefully now losing quality players is a thing of the past.

Posted by: Magpie Pete, March 4 2010 10:22 AM

Pratten Park, you are showing your age there. What about Bruce Beer to Norths, Alan Neil to Easts and Tommy to Newtown? At least Cogger stayed. Seriously though, I wish this young fella all the best, brought along steadily should reap benefits for the club.

Posted by: Carol, March 4 2010 10:12 AM

I wish you all the best on your season with the Tigers and congratulations on staying a TIGER for 2 more years.BRING ON 2010.

Posted by: tcogger, March 4 2010 9:23 AM

There must be something special about this kid.He's the flavour of the month.Cogger

Posted by: Pratten Park, March 4 2010 9:04 AM

That is great news and I have no doubts that Robert Lui will be a fantastic player at the Tigers for many years to come. I am still annoyed at losing Terry Lamb to Canterbury and Dennis Pittard to Souths, so anything that we can do to lock in a young classy half back is great news for the whole club. Best wishes Robert for a great 2010 - go Lui the fly!

Posted by: Shane2801, March 3 2010 6:10 PM

I hope we haven't jumped the gun with Lui. Personally I think we have taken a huge risk signing Marshall and I hope Lui performs.

Posted by: Damo, March 3 2010 5:10 PM

Great news for Robert and all Tigers fans. Building a very solid base for the future. Well done to all involved.

Posted by: tutty, March 3 2010 4:55 PM

Building for the future which is great as the likes of Todd Payten and Chris Heighington, 2 great clubmen, are nearing the end of their careers, and Gareth Ellis and Lote Tuqiri are also near 30 years of age. But these guys have vital roles to play at the club right now because they're the ones who the younger fellas can learn so much from. Tigers!!!

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