If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.
No Jake Elliot listed? he is contracted until end of 2027
Seems to have fallen down the halves pecking order however
I had heard he'd been given permission to find himself a better deal, may well still be here next year but like you said he struggled to get back into the starting halves after returning from injury, got some minutes at dummy half and lock which might be his role next year unless there's injuries.
Interesting to note he did captain the NSW Cup side on quite a few occasions so not like the club don't rate him I just think he's behind Savala & Rodwell at NSW Cup level and there are plenty of clubs out there where he would have greater opportunity IMO.
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Billy Smith
4. Rob Toia
5. Mark Nawaqanitawase
6. DCE
7. Sam Walker
8. Nafahu Whyte
9. Reece Robson
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Angus Crichton
12. Siua Wong
13. Victor Radley
Edge forward depth (5/10) - Max McCathie, Darcy Smith, James Finegan & Lachlan Dooner (exceptional young talent but maybe still 12-18 months off)
I think we were very lucky not to get any injuries to our outside backs this year, think it'd probably be a good idea to get an experienced fullback in who can maybe cover another spot (someone like a Daine Laurie who still doesn't have a contract for next year).
And I still see our edges as a bit of a concern, we did not get enough in attack out of either edge this year and if we don't get more out of them next year then I worry the next group coming through are still a season or two away from being ready.
The depth helped out this year
See Egan butch form now that he has steep and Foketi screeming down his neck
potentially only 1-2 bench spots for the butch bros and Foketi and steep but great depth - if we get another big middle for the bench only Nat may be in the best 17 (if Vaa steps up)
on the edge backrowers egan, Nat, steep and Foketi can also play there so we do have coverage in a way
Agree on the 2nd fullback someone who is solid and who can fill in if Teddy goes down
is Makata still signed next year? There is also uini and toia coming up as middles as well
will be interesting to see out of these younger guys like Vaa and Seve etc who actually makes it as an nrl forward and kicks on
we did loose Lavakeiaho but have plenty of guys there
last time you mentioned younger Seve looked to have the highest ceiling? Is this still the case?
If DCE does come, I just do not have a place for Savala as simple as that. He doesn't fit anywhere else, and is a a much weaker option off the bench compared to Watson. A shame, as I like him. I'd prefer DCE not be signed tbh.
If he is here, i prefer DCE as the controlling half in 7, with Walker to 6.
I have N Butcher back in to strengthen the second row. He is better suited to start imo, not on the bench.
I have Wong & E Butcher just ahead of Steep on the bench, but barely. I'd want to see E Butcher fully transform into a middle forward and build on his 2025 form - but if the E Butcher of the past turns up, I'd want Steep & Foketi getting the opportunities instead.
All up, I don't think wholesale changes are needed. Looking forward to seeing the squad build on what has been achieved this year.
Hugo over DCE for me. Invest in the youth. DCE has been very predictable in attack this season. I don't see him getting better. $500k to play reserves isn't bad. I dare say he will get a run at some point due to injury/potentially SOO.
So we overachieved against expectations this year and could have gone a bit further had we played well last night. That’s done, so what about next year with some big signings in key positions; what is the first choice team that can deliver a premiership?
Both Robson and DCE will be in the starting side, so what does that mean for Watson and Savala? Do either of them get the 14 jumper, or does Benny get it with a full off-season under his belt? Could Savala play centre, either replacing Billy or pushing Billy to the wing and replacing Toups? Lot’s of possibilities.
Based on recent form, my best 17 would look something like -
14. Savala
15. Leniu
16. E Butcher
17. Steep or Foketi (50/50)
Robson is an 80 minute player, so carrying a specialist dummy half on the bench would be a waste of a spot. If Savala is going to be 6 after DCE, I think he needs to be in the side gaining as much FG experience as he can, so I’d have him at 14 playing much like the Tyran Wishart role at the Storm. I think Savala could fill in pretty much anywhere given his size, his strong defence and his ball playing ability.
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Egan Butcher has been playing great and must be in the side, and it’s a struck match between Steep and Foketi for the last spot on the bench.
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Billy Smith
4. Rob Toia
5. Mark Nawaqanitawase
6. Hugo Savala
7. Sam Walker
8. Nafahu Whyte
9. Reece Robson
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Angus Crichton
12. Siua Wong
13. Connor Watson
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Billy Smith
4. Rob Toia
5. Mark Nawaqanitawase
6. Hugo Savala
7. Sam Walker
8. Nafahu Whyte
9. Reece Robson
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Angus Crichton
12. Siua Wong
13. Connor Watson
I think Watson is better coming off the bench. We need size and defensive strength in the middle during the early exchanges.
Foketi could become our long term no.13. Steep has claims also.
Agree keep Watson as the utility coming off the bench against tired bodies
with 2 x butch, Foketi and steep all able to play 13 use these guys as the starting 13
we certainly don’t need to go searching for back row replacements
Comment