I can't wait for Gus to burn Parramatta twice in one year. Parramatta, as well 4 other clubs, are keen for Wests Tigers Hooker Tallyn Da Silva. I have mentioned in the past that Ryley Smith is good, but i never felt Ryles was overly sold on him as the future. Went for Jayden Brailey earlier on for some experience, then went for Tom Starling. Hooker is a position Ryles wants to tackle and Da Silva could be the player.
Da Silva is contracted to Wests until 2026, though with Api Koroisau about to extend until 2028 at least, Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson has conceded Da Silva could go elsewhere for game time.
If this link is true, i think it will be a nice signing. 21 NRL games, just turned 20 and seen as one of the brightest Hookers in the game today. Has creativity at the Hooker position if anything and is a natural leader. Da Silva is raw but talent is there. Other clubs that might be on look out for a Hooker are the North Queensland Cowboys, Manly Sea Eagles, Canterbury Bulldogs, Newcastle Knights and Penrith Panthers have recently been said to be looking at Hookers. Manly is intriguing as they have connections to his agent Mario Tartek. Canterbury will use Hayward but Da Silva's connection to Galvin is a key talking point for his connection to Belmore.
With Reed Mahoney's release from Canterbury being imminent, that could help us as the attention and desperation for Da Silva lessens with another option available for Hooker needy clubs.
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LB, this is not the first time where you mention that Ryles is not sold on Smith. I'm interested to know what makes you say that. For a rookie, Smith seems to be hitting some good numbers consistently.
Braith said in the podcast he's looking for a more attacking eyes up 9, Riley not yet at that level. Might want to run 2 9s
I think Smith is very eyes up. He was an opening batsman for the Australian u/19 cricket side, I would like to see any of these other blokes looking eyes up to an opening bowler at that level.
Fair point.
I think he's a bit hesitant to take chances cause he's so young and step out of the system. But for now he's doing a great job.
It can improve as he goes.
More so running two 9's is on the table. Smith can play that Walker type role too in the future. Smith was a back-rower in lower grades from time to time.
More so how we have gone for three Hookers (Brailey, Starling & Da Silva). Plus a few weeks ago in presser when asked about Smith as the future Ryles was very sheepish and just said we will see.
I would not be against just keeping the Hooker stock as is. Smith has been really good as a rookie, just taking what has been referenced so far as an indication we are looking for a Hooker. That Hooker i believe will be the starter.
It may be that Ryles wants a more attacking threat at 9. Ryley Smith is solid - there's no doubt about that, but he doesn't really pose a threat from dummy half.
That said, he can develop more of a running game and I would think another hooker is a fair way down on the priority list. We've got some cash to spend - let's spend it in the right area rather than letting it burn a hole in our pockets.
Well running was his strong suit in lower grades. I could be wrong but the footage i saw of him at Penrith and lower grades, more of a runner and a creator. I was expecting a little more in his running game this year but also Ryles might say keep it simple for now. Just waiting for that one break where confidence is filled and he is off.
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