Look at this list of backs for Brisbane heading into 2023; Walsh, Cobbo, Farnworth, Staggs, Oates, Mariner, Arthars, Niu and Hoeter. All these players could play for many teams in the NRL.
We should take advantage and grab one of them, Farnworth and Niu being the main two. Farnworth was contemplating leaving Brisbane for 2023 to go to Redcliffe, he wanted to play Fullback, Brisbane promised it also wanted to see how the club would be heading, Parramatta also expressed interest late. Farnworth re-signed for one more year, Brisbane are heading into an odd year as talk around Walters is growing. Seems there is unrest at Brisbane and Walters looks to be a coach not handling pressure well and will do dumb things to win games. Signing Walsh quashed any of those players wanting to play fullback in the future. Cobbo and Oates are the two starting wingers, there leaves the centres. Staggs and Farnworth should be the main two, though Niu will be looking for a spot too as he off contract in 2023 also. Cobbo re-signed til 2025, he would be expected to try and move into the Centres to get hands on the ball more to get fullback money later on. Plus Arthars and Hoeter, who talk was we were looking at the latter, may be squad players not guarenteed starters, they would also be wanting to be in Centre running. Staggs is signed til 2026 and is on 700k a year so he aint losing that spot, meaning last spot is between Farnworth, Niu, Hoeter and Arthars. Deane Mariner is also a talent that Brisbane like and might make them more obligated to let others go with him coming through.
If i was Parramatta i would be looking at Farnworth or Niu for 2023, not 2024. Either would walk straight into our left centre spot. Personally i would prefer Farnworth as he is more the ready product having already played Centre for most of his NRL career. Niu has played there spraringly, mainly play Fullback in lower grades. Niu would make a great Centre, making tons of tackle breaks as a Fullback alone. Defence is his one issue. Farnworth though under BA would be a massive coup as he is ready to go that next level and working on the same side as Lane, Brown and Sivo, plus Gutho prefers that side with ball playing he will be having a ball. At Brisbane he is on the side of Mam or whoever is playing 6 for Brisbane, Oates and Capewell. Not that bad but not as attack orientated as our left side is.
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I'd love Farnworth. I rate him highly...
Yep, his defense and attack are quality. He's super aggressive and rips in, we're sorely missing that mongrel at the moment. Would love to see him in Parra colours.
He also is very cool with the ball, has a pass on him and is light on his feet. He moves like a footballer.
Yeah farnworth would be ideal niu is probably the one they would let go of
I agree they would rather let Niu go, but Farnworth is uncertain for 2024, Niu would stay in 2024. If they let Niu go they will lose Farnworth also possibly in 2024.
After the World Cup Farnworth could try and get out of his deal or just sign elsewhere for 2024, don't be shocked if that is us to replace Waqa.
Both Farnworth and Niu would be bloody good signings but not what we would go for.
Curtis Rona is 30 and looking to return to League after playing Union for 4 years. He is more like what we would target.
We targeted Farnworth last year BEM, BA has wanted a young star Centre for a while. Started with Staggs then Farnworth.
I am aware we chased them last year but both are contracted for next year so it's a moot point.
But we could for 2024 at least anyway.
I'm more concerned about next year than 2024 LB.
It will be 37 years next year, why worry about the year after.
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