Trial V Tigers

[ChookMaster]

With the first trial against the Tigers next week, who are we realistically expecting to be named?

Obviously it’ll lean heavily toward the juniors and fringe squad, but I’m keen to see which development guys the club gives proper minutes to.

Rodwell, Foley, Elliot, Savala?? Ioelu? Ramsey? Who else are we expecting?? Any SG ball?

[MKCS]

I feel like if you're correct about it being fringe squad players and juniors we'll have a pretty strong team to field given how elite our depth is this season. This team would be fun to see:

1. Ramsey 2. J. Tupou 3. Pauga 4. Talau 5. Rodwell 6. Rodwell 7. Savala 8. Makatoa 9. Ioelu 10. Foketi 11. McCathie 12. Barton 13. Steep

14. Losalu 15. Va'a 16. Warwick 17. Foley

---

Not up to date on our depth so forgive any injuries but jeez we've done well with our depth for 2026. 13/17 from this draft team have played first grade with Ramsey, Tupou, Talau, Pauga, Savala, Makatoa and Steep all having played 20+ games of first grade. This is how depth is done.

Last year in this same game a few of the first graders took part so this team obviously becomes infinitely stronger with any addition from our starting 17. Would be good to see Nat Butcher play if available

[SupermanSupportsEasts4Eva]

I like the Saturday arvo time slot. Leads nicely into the Valentine's night dinner with the wife. All parties kept happy.

[Mickie Lane]

Will it be on Foxtel?

[Bates]

I'm looking forward to watching the boys play and hopefully no injuries for what really is a nothing game. Ferrari's will most likely stay in the garage as will the vintage DCE imo.

I attempted to watch the 2 trail games yesterday and it was akin to having your eyes sandblasted Sandon the space cadet was in fine form!

Up The Chooks.

[Mickie Lane]

I'm looking forward to watching the boys play and hopefully no injuries for what really is a nothing game. Ferrari's will most likely stay in the garage as will the vintage DCE imo.

I attempted to watch the 2 trail games yesterday and it was akin to having your eyes sandblasted Sandon the space cadet was in fine form!

Up The Chooks.

Where are going to watch it & where is it being played, Leichhardt?

[ChookMaster]

I'm looking forward to watching the boys play and hopefully no injuries for what really is a nothing game. Ferrari's will most likely stay in the garage as will the vintage DCE imo.

I attempted to watch the 2 trail games yesterday and it was akin to having your eyes sandblasted Sandon the space cadet was in fine form!

Up The Chooks.

A nothing game? I would not say that - gives us a great chance and the club to evaluate juniors and fringe players in match conditions and will also allow us to see our systems. I want us to show good defensive grit and systems on the weekend.

[ChookMaster]

Where are going to watch it & where is it being played, Leichhardt?

Saturday the 14th - 15:50 @ McDonald Jones Stadium,Newy

The game will be broadcast live on Kayo & Foxtel.

[Bates]

A nothing game? I would not say that - gives us a great chance and the club to evaluate juniors and fringe players in match conditions and will also allow us to see our systems. I want us to show good defensive grit and systems on the weekend.

Yep.

It's a glorified NSW Cup game that has no positive bearing on a teams season.

My issue with it is the risk of injury to our players which could rule them out for the season.

[ChookMaster]

Yep.

It's a glorified NSW Cup game that has no positive bearing on a teams season.

My issue with it is the risk of injury to our players which could rule them out for the season.

There’s always risk of injury, but skipping trials would mean we are underdone. I believe this was an issue for us a few years back when Robbo didn’t take it too serious himself.

Im excited to watch our young guys and identify some kids who can step up.

[ChookMaster]

At the end of the day mate - it’s still worth watching. We get a new look at combos, see which young kids can handle the step up and also get a bit of footy back in the veins. I’d rather us sharp than rusty. Up the chooks.

[Bates]

There’s always risk of injury, but skipping trials would mean we are underdone. I believe this was an issue for us a few years back when Robbo didn’t take it too serious himself.

Im excited to watch our young guys and identify some kids who can step up.

We're underdone regardless as numerous key players watch from the stands. Combinations aren't formed in trails!

Scrap it and every team is on a level playing field going into round 1 with pretty much a full roster. The so called 'rust' is still visible in all teams for at least the opening 4 rounds of the season. It also takes around the same time to reach a good level of match fitness. Give coaches the option and I reckon they'd vote to scrap it.

[mattyh]

I'm looking forward to watching the boys play and hopefully no injuries for what really is a nothing game. Ferrari's will most likely stay in the garage as will the vintage DCE imo.

I attempted to watch the 2 trail games yesterday and it was akin to having your eyes sandblasted Sandon the space cadet was in fine form!

Up The Chooks.

Yea i tried to watch em , god it was tough ...terrible

[Chook2]

It will be nsw cup for the first game with maybe 1-2 bench options and then the main side will play the 2nd trial the following week after

[Chook2]

I feel like if you're correct about it being fringe squad players and juniors we'll have a pretty strong team to field given how elite our depth is this season. This team would be fun to see:

1. Ramsey 2. J. Tupou 3. Pauga 4. Talau 5. Rodwell 6. Rodwell 7. Savala 8. Makatoa 9. Ioelu 10. Foketi 11. McCathie 12. Barton 13. Steep

14. Losalu 15. Va'a 16. Warwick 17. Foley

---

Not up to date on our depth so forgive any injuries but jeez we've done well with our depth for 2026. 13/17 from this draft team have played first grade with Ramsey, Tupou, Talau, Pauga, Savala, Makatoa and Steep all having played 20+ games of first grade. This is how depth is done.

Last year in this same game a few of the first graders took part so this team obviously becomes infinitely stronger with any addition from our starting 17. Would be good to see Nat Butcher play if available

Yes it will be nsw cup next week followed by the main 17 the week later
will be interesting to see what happens in the halves as Elliot and foley are also there but may only be on the bench
is Makata still with us this year? If not Seve or magele may be a bench prop option
interesting to see how this side goes but does show some good depth of nrl games