Welcome DCE - Done deal according to Phil Rothfield.

[milanja]

Walker was superb, Hugo was solid as always, good defence throughout and serviceable kicks, couple of errors but not ready to say he's better than DCE just yet.

If Walker plays like he is, Hugo only has to do what he is doing now to keep his spot, his long kicking is as good as chez, and his defence will keep us in games more than DCEs does.

Walker now has more try assists this season than DCE does.

gonna be an interesting decision coming up next year.

[gragra]

Walker was superb, Hugo was solid as always, good defence throughout and serviceable kicks, couple of errors but not ready to say he's better than DCE just yet.

You must just about be the last man standing who still thinks we need DCE. When circumstances change one changes their opinion. To not is to ignore reality. But you are entitled to your opinion...mmm

[Rooster90]

Forget DCE, how is Toby Rodwell meant to force his way into this team when Hugo is this good....

[Thirteen]

Forget DCE, how is Toby Rodwell meant to force his way into this team when Hugo is this good....

He will need to change positions. Bulk up and play lock.

[Bates]

If Walker plays like he is, Hugo only has to do what he is doing now to keep his spot, his long kicking is as good as chez, and his defence will keep us in games more than DCEs does.

Walker now has more try assists this season than DCE does.

gonna be an interesting decision coming up next year.

They are so well balanced and collectively tick every box. If I was Sammy I'd want to play alongside someone that's of my age and has similar interests. They're a cool pairing!

[Lydon]

Forget DCE, how is Toby Rodwell meant to force his way into this team when Hugo is this good....

No way Hugo will keep Rodwell out of the 6 jersey once he’s ready!

[Mickie Lane]

How could Robbo leave Hugo out of the starting side in 2026?
I dont know what the Chooks are going to do?
I dont want to see Hugo playing 14 or NSW Cup he is too classy for that.
I dont think Robbo & Nick will pull out of the deal but I think they should say to DCE that you're not a guaranteed starter hoping he may not take up the offer.

[HunchoRooster]

He will need to change positions. Bulk up and play lock.

Convinced you are related to Toby at this point.

[HunchoRooster]

I still think we are slightly better with DCE there not overplaying his hand and letting Sam do his thing than we are with Hugo for 2026. That being said, the difference is marginal and probably not worth the investment and potential gamble of losing young halves for a slight improvement.

[Bates]

No way Hugo will keep Rodwell out of the 6 jersey once he’s ready!

That's an interesting one as Hugo is definitely worth his salt and potentially compliments Sammy's skill in a way that could be more beneficial to the team. E.g Long kicking game, Solid defender, Cool temperament, keeps it simple and within Robbo's playing system

With that said you could still potentially win a comp with the following combos

Hugo and Sammy
Toby and Sammy
Hugo and Toby

[ccfc bondi]

Forget DCE, how is Toby Rodwell meant to force his way into this team when Hugo is this good....

And how will DCE force his way into the NSW Cup team?

[ccfc bondi]

How could Robbo leave Hugo out of the starting side in 2026?
I dont know what the Chooks are going to do?
I dont want to see Hugo playing 14 or NSW Cup he is too classy for that.
I dont think Robbo & Nick will pull out of the deal but I think they should say to DCE that you're not a guaranteed starter hoping he may not take up the offer.

Seriously, they just need someone to tell DCE to ‘Go somewhere where you’re needed, ‘cause we don’t need you here…you’ll be a waste of salary cap space. and get in the way of our players’ development! We can’t even guarantee you a starting spot in the NSW Cup team!’ I’ll do it! Give me his number, I’ll do it now!

[Lydon]

That's an interesting one as Hugo is definitely worth his salt and potentially compliments Sammy's skill in a way that could be more beneficial to the team. E.g Long kicking game, Solid defender, Cool temperament, keeps it simple and within Robbo's playing system

With that said you could still potentially win a comp with the following combos

Hugo and Sammy
Toby and Sammy
Hugo and Toby

Yes good point Bates

[SamKerrSimp]

Don't need him don't want him. Hugo Savala might not turn in to the next immortal but he is the perfect foil for Walker's creativity and with the season he has had so far he deserves to keep his place in the team and prove himself next year. I don't care if Savala is not "better" than DCE the thing I care about is that Hugo is OURS and as much as I am a fan of Trent Robinson bordering on being a fanboy I firmly believe it's Trent's job as the coach to get the best out of Savala and make it work instead of going to market and getting an international half.

Kicking Savala out of the lineup to fit in DCE for 1 season will stink in a major way for me I hated we did that to Pearcey but this will be significantly worse in my eyes.

BUT in saying all that if they want to bring DCE in as a coach then I'm all for it no problem with that.

[Sentimentinel]

I don't get the halves coach benefit. These guys have been playing footy since they were kids, against opposition halves.

Watching games since they were kids. Surrounded by numerous coaching staff and modern sports science/data.

They have an attacking coach in Justin Holbrook who was a half himself? Who would have all the experience and knowledge for a man his age.

Why would they do better under an out of date dude from manly?

Cronks leadership on field was priceless but what has he even done as halves coach? Again it wasn't till Holbrook came that our attack started to get really potent.